Are there bedbugs on the Camino de Santiago?

Project Manager

Ricardo González Raposo

7 Jul, 2025 · 5 min

If you're preparing for your Camino de Santiago and have heard about bedbugs in some hostels, it's normal to feel concerned. Especially if it’s your first time doing the Camino or if you want everything to be well-organized and without unpleasant surprises.

The good news is that this issue has an easy solution. Here you’ll find practical tips and clear answers so you can travel with peace of mind and enjoy the experience from day one.

Are there bedbugs on the Camino de Santiago?

It can happen in some accommodations, just like in any place that hosts a large number of travelers throughout the year. But the most important thing you should know is that it's not common. The hostels and accommodations where pilgrims stay usually pay great attention to cleanliness. They follow protocols to prevent this kind of issue and regularly inspect rooms and mattresses thoroughly.

When a hostel detects a case, the usual response is to act immediately: they close the affected room, disinfect it, and take the necessary measures to prevent it from happening again. They do this because they know a pilgrim’s rest is the top priority, and their reputation depends on it.

Where bedbugs might appear on the Camino de Santiago

Routes with more pilgrims and higher risk

The stages with more pilgrims, such as the French Way from Sarria or the Portuguese Way from Tui, may carry a slightly higher risk. It’s easy to understand: the more people, backpacks, and sleeping bags coming in and out each day, the higher the chance that someone might unknowingly bring an insect in their gear.

Even so, there’s no need to panic. It’s common for hostels along the Camino de Santiago to carry out deep cleanings, and in the busiest stretches they usually reinforce these controls, especially during peak season.

What type of accommodation to choose to avoid bedbugs

Small hostels or accommodations selected by agencies specialized in the Camino de Santiago are often a very good choice.

At Tubuencamino, for example, we choose accommodations for our clients that we personally know and have inspected, where cleanliness and care are top priorities. This makes the chance of encountering a problem very low.

How to prevent bedbugs during the Camino de Santiago

Avoiding bedbugs on the Camino is simple if you follow a few habits. Here’s an easy-to-follow summary:

1. Check recent reviews before booking. If there’s a problem at a hostel, pilgrims usually mention it online.
2. When you arrive, take a minute to inspect the mattress. Look at the seams, corners, and bed base.
3. Don’t place your backpack on the bed. Leave it on the floor, hanging, or on a bench. Keep it closed whenever possible.
4. Store clothes and your sleeping bag inside a tightly closed bag, especially when not in use.
5. If you notice something unusual (tiny stains or an insect), notify the staff. Usually, they’ll solve it quickly.

If you'd rather not worry about any of this and just focus on walking, remember that Tubuencamino takes care of everything for you: inspected accommodations, secure bookings, and the peace of mind that everything is well prepared.

What to do if you get bedbug bites on the Camino de Santiago

If it happens, there's no need to panic. Bedbug bites don’t transmit diseases. The most common reaction is itchiness, redness, or mild swelling. Here’s what you can do:

• Wash the affected area well with soap and water.
• Apply a soothing cream or a bit of cold to relieve the itching.
• The marks usually disappear within a few days.

If you notice an unusually strong reaction or significant swelling, it’s best to consult a pharmacy or medical center. Along the Camino de Santiago, there are pharmacies and healthcare points on most stages, especially on the main routes.

When is there a higher risk of bedbugs on the Camino de Santiago?

During the spring and summer months, when more pilgrims are on the Camino, the possibility may slightly increase. This is because of the higher movement of people and luggage. But don’t worry: hostels are aware of this and usually step up cleaning and inspections during these months to keep everything in good condition.

If you're looking for the highest level of safety, the best option is to choose selected and trusted accommodations.

Traveling safely on the Camino de Santiago: accommodations and organization

Many pilgrims, especially first-timers or those who value more comfort, prefer to leave the organization in the hands of an agency.

At Tubuencamino, we make sure everything is in order: from bookings to backpack transport and carefully selected accommodations. This way, you won’t have to worry about searching, comparing, or checking anything. We take care of it all for you.

This allows you to enjoy the Camino with the peace of mind that everything is well prepared, and focus only on living the experience and each stage of the journey.