Choosing a route for my first Camino

[Maria Jo]

I’m so glad to have found this forum and such helpful and kind input from so many members! My name is Maria and after several years of anticipation, I’m planning to walk my first Camino in April. First up: I need to decide my route. Right now I’m up between Frances or Portuguese Coastal (although I’m not really ruling out anything) and I’m hoping for some info/advice. I’ve got about 10-12 days to walk and want to finish in SdC.

Experiencing the social aspect of the Camino is really important to me. Perhaps what I am most looking forward to is meeting pilgrims from around the world and sharing stories, cultures, experiences, making friends. That said, I’m concerned that the Frances may be TOO social for me! Although I certainly do NOT want a solitary adventure, I also don’t want to feel like I’m on a touristy, commercialized, crowded vacation.

On the other hand, I love the idea of walking the coastline with its peaceful scenery and the villages of the Portuguese Coastal. At this point my plan is to have no plan. Ideally, I’d like to not have to worry about finding a bed until I get tired. Will I find ample lodging along this route in late April? Or will I need to book ahead because beds may be scarce? Will I be able to interact with fellow pilgrims or is this route much more quiet? Thanks in advance for any insights....

 

[Mark Di Marzio]

The Camino frances is probably the best route , (other people will no doubt make other suggestions ) but I think particularly for the first Camino -due to the excellent infrastructure , camaraderie , variety of lodgings and scenery . I have walked the Frances and the Portuguese route , and also Santiago to Finesterre and worked as a hospitelero and I wish you well . I am going again in about 3 weeks time and I wish you well . I will probably start in Sahugun this time as I only have 4 weeks and wish to walk for about 3 weeks and maybe sight see afterwards . I completed Portuguese caminho from Porto to Santiago in 10 days at an average pace . For the Camino frances you could either commence from somewhere like Astorga if you want to reach Santiago and receive your compostella . Or possibly start from St Jean Pied de Port and walk for 10 to 12 days and then come back another time and recommence from wherever you ended . There are lots of options though and others will make their suggestions .Do what feels right for you . We all walk our own Camino and it's all ok either way . I wish you well . Buen Camino

 

[John Sikora]

I’d have to agree. There are many more people on the Frances than the Portuguese. Walking the Portuguese right now (south of Porto) and have pretty much seen no one.

 

[Ed Aster]

I did their Coastal route on the Portuguese and it will answer all your needs, not crowded, plenty of accommodation good food, less expensive than the Frances and very much doable in 10-12 days. I did it in May and great weather. No problem being alone or in a crowd.
Buon Caminho

 

[Boblow]

I’m so glad to have found this forum and such helpful and kind input from so many members! My name is Maria and after several years of anticipation, I’m planning to walk my first Camino in April. First up: I need to decide my route. Right now I’m up between Frances or Portuguese Coastal (although I’m not really ruling out anything) and I’m hoping for some info/advice. I’ve got about 10-12 days to walk and want to finish in SdC.

Experiencing the social aspect of the Camino is really important to me. Perhaps what I am most looking forward to is meeting pilgrims from around the world and sharing stories, cultures, experiences, making friends. That said, I’m concerned that the Frances may be TOO social for me! Although I certainly do NOT want a solitary adventure, I also don’t want to feel like I’m on a touristy, commercialized, crowded vacation.

On the other hand, I love the idea of walking the coastline with its peaceful scenery and the villages of the Portuguese Coastal. At this point my plan is to have no plan. Ideally, I’d like to not have to worry about finding a bed until I get tired. Will I find ample lodging along this route in late April? Or will I need to book ahead because beds may be scarce? Will I be able to interact with fellow pilgrims or is this route much more quiet? Thanks in advance for any insights....

Look at the via de plata. Not over busy but still you will meet other pilgrims. Walking it now as my first Camino and really enjoying it. There are some longer stretches between accommodation but that helps focus the mind on just walking and forget whatever we’re the issues at home.

 

[Maria Jo]

Thank you for your input....tough decision!