Women's swimsuit

[joelwpancoast]

My daughter is coming with me and wondering if a 2-piece swimsuit is appropriate, or if she needs a 1-piece. Suggestions?

 

[truenorthpilgrm]

I'm sorry, for....the camino?

 

[joelwpancoast]

I'm sorry, for....the camino?

Yes, sorry, I thought this forum was for the Camino. Aren't there places along the way for swimming? I've seen a number of packing lists that suggest a swimsuit

 

[truenorthpilgrm]

I don't know of many albergues on the Frances that have pools (I'm making an assumption that's what you meant). Hotels, yes, but not really albergues (though there may be exceptions). Perhaps in bigger cities such as Leon or Burgos. You'll be walking through many small towns and villages, many of which are quiet and empty, some deserted, with the camino the only thing keeping them alive.

There are some rivers where you can take a dip or refresh your sore feet, such as Villafranca del Bierzo...or Trabadelo.

 

[C clearly]

Some people do bring swimsuits. There is absolutely nothing inappropriate about a two-piece swimsuit or bikini. Many women would use a sports bra and shorts or panties so they don't need to carry a swimsuit. Alternatively, she can take a bikini to use as spare underwear if needed.

 

[trecile]

There are several albergues with pools on the Francés, and I've never seen a woman in a one piece bathing suit. Only bikinis or sports bras and shorts.

 

[Molly Cassidy]

Any swimwear is fine.

 

[Robo]

I'm sorry, for....the camino?

I took the lighest pair of swimmng trunks I could find, for the VdlP, as I wanted to try the Roman Baths in Aljucen.

They provided swim wear and towels.......

 

[CWBuff]

I stayed in 4 Albergues with the pool on Frances. There are plenty more. Tell your daughter to bring her swimwear and enjoy the dips. Totally refreshing and vigorating after a hot day's walk.
Buen Camino

 

[joelwpancoast]

Thank you all!

 

[dreaming]

I went swimming in an albergue, round above ground pool and a glorious, indoor spa pool the size of a small swimming pool on CF last October. I remember two other pools on previous caminos. I wore old bikini bottoms which were also used as underwear plus a sports bra. I even take my goggles.

 

[MarieJ2024]

I am also a swimmer and I will be bringing a swimmsuit and goggles. I do believe that being a pilgrim does not exclude enjoying doing laps or having a beach break at the end of a long day. I will be bringing a two pieces suit that looks like a one piece suit. I prefer a modest style as I find it more versatile. I will probably use the top as an additional base layer if it gets cold. Buen Camino to you and your daughter

 

[witsendwv]

I am also a swimmer and I will be bringing a swimmsuit and goggles. I do believe that being a pilgrim does not exclude enjoying doing laps or having a beach break at the end of a long day. I will be bringing a two pieces suit that looks like a one piece suit. I prefer a modest style as I find it more versatile. I will probably use the top as an additional base layer if it gets cold. Buen Camino to you and your daughter

I do the same-my top is actually short sleeved (made out of swimsuit fabric) that can double as a t-shirt.

 

[OK20090]

My daughter is coming with me and wondering if a 2-piece swimsuit is appropriate, or if she needs a 1-piece. Suggestions?

Yes there are a few with swimming available on the Frances plus a few swimming spots along the way. Bikinis are appropriate if she wishes.

 

[oursonpolaire]

The only Francese swim spot I liked was the riparian pool in Molinaseca. I went in for a dip in my trusty lap-swimming speedo and earned shrieks from observers who told me that it was mucho frio and I responded from the depths that it was No hace frío para mí. Soy canadiense.

I ran into one pilgrim who swam in the canal near Fromista, and a German schoolteacher who enjoyed the Rio Esla in Mansilla, which she found very chilly but refreshing.

 

[gailsweb]

I think either is fine. Plenty of opportunities if you are eager to swim. A few albergues with pools if you look for them and great public pools near some albergues - Najera is wonderful. Also some albergues not too far from rivers where you can swim subect to weather conditions being right - including Molinaseca and the river in Carrion. And, at the right time of year, if you get to Finisterre a dip in the ocean is a real treat. I don’t leave home without a one piece swimsuit to lap a pool when I feel inclined. As an aside I know some people are happy to rely on underwear and I would sometimes see people dipping in clothes at rivers and at albergues however I don’t think underwear/sports bras would suffice in the public pools but I guess some may look like swimsuits. Male options are different - they can usually get away with shorts so probably don’t need to ponder this dilemma as much.

 

[CWBuff]

...I responded from the depths that it was No hace frío para mí. Soy canadiense.

Blame Canada!