Silly way to spend the day?

[Cristinabina]

We have one extra day after we finish the Camino in Santiago that we are debating how to use: would it be crazy for us to take a train to and from Porto (our start)?

 

[Tincatinker]

We have one extra day after we finish the Camino in Santiago that we are debating how to use: would it be crazy for us to take a train to and from Porto (our start)?

Yes. Spend the day in Santiago. So much to see and experience. You could just spend the day in the Obradoiro sharing the joys of all your fellow pilgrims as they arrive. You could explore the city beyond its "classic" sights. You could spend the day in the Mercado de Abastos and the surrounding restaurants and bars.

If you are really fond of train travel catch a train to Ourense, wallow in a hot spring and contemplate your next camino...

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

We have one extra day after we finish the Camino in Santiago that we are debating how to use: would it be crazy for us to take a train to and from Porto (our start)?

Frankly, yes. I believe it takes 3 hours (each way). I think the bus is quicker, and even that takes something like 2.5 hours each way
Why not just take a train to A Coruna? Short trip, pleasant seaside town

 

[Bradypus]

Or a bus to Lugo. Walk around the Roman walls then relax with some tapas.

 

[trecile]

Frankly, yes. It believe it takes over 5 hours (each way). I think the bus is quicker, and even that takes something like 2.5 hours each way

The train takes longer because you need to change trains in Vigo. The bus takes about 3.5 hours depending on where you get off in Porto.

Why not just take a train to A Coruna? Short trip, pleasant seaside town

A Coruña is fantastic and only takes a half hour to get there by train. You can walk the Paseo Maritimo, visit the Tower of Hercules lighthouse, and other attractions. You can take a bus from the train station to the center of town. I did it last month by consulting Google Maps for the bus directions.

Tourism in A Coruna. What to see. Tourist information | spain.info

Find information on everything to see and do on a trip to A Coruna. The best tour plans, what to visit, activities in La Coruña etc | spain.info

www.spain.info

 

[Cristinabina]

Frankly, yes. I believe it takes 3 hours (each way). I think the bus is quicker, and even that takes something like 2.5 hours each way
Why not just take a train to A Coruna? Short trip, pleasant seaside town

Yes it would be a whole day on a train. I’m sure some fool has done it on this forum A Coruña was an option we were considering too.

 

[Grousedoctor]

Porto is a long round trip in one day. Three wonderful suggestions made above of Lugo, Ourense, and A Coruna would all make wonderful day trips. And, a trip to Finisterre is often on many people’s list if you haven’t already been to the End of the World. You don’t go wrong with any of these choices.

 

[alexwalker]

Don't waste time on train/bus. Enjoy Santiago. Well deserved. Eat and drink well here:

A Taberna do Bispo, sabores auténticos en el centro de Santiago de Compostela

Restaurante con atmósfera cercana y hogareña para degustar nuestras elaboraciones realizadas con variedad de tapas gallegas, mariscos y vinos regionales.

atabernadobispo.es

 

[Caomhin O Fearghaill]

.....or for good value silliness you could take one of the many coach tours from Santiago and explore the local countryside...including the Cabo at Finisterra and then on to Muxia....and other places.....

 

[henrythedog]

As above, you’ve just spent x days walking to Santiago.

Pretend you're from somewhere else and slow down and smell the roses.

A Spaniard in your position would probably just have lunch.

 

[Kiwi-family]

What is the attraction for you in returning to the beginning?

 

[Tincatinker]

A Spaniard in your position would probably just have lunch.

As in a proper lunch. Maybe five or six courses, three wines, a digestivo and a prolonged conversation about nothing consequential. The importance of obtaining the correct lentils for the perfect Lentejas or the difference between Morcilla de Burgos and Morcilla Gallegos. And then a four hour nap before the serious business of tapa consumption begins.

I haven’t mentioned Orujo because other ways of rounding off a perfect lunch may be available

 

[lt56ny]

Yes. Spend the day in Santiago. So much to see and experience. You could just spend the day in the Obradoiro sharing the joys of all your fellow pilgrims as they arrive. You could explore the city beyond its "classic" sights. You could spend the day in the Mercado de Abastos and the surrounding restaurants and bars.

WHy would you want to rush around going/coming to the trains, sitting for hours on a train when you are in the destination you struggled to arrive in is so wonderful and beautiful? This is the home of our pilgrimage, why would you want to be anywhere else? @Tincatinker has pointed out you can spend the day with your fellow pilgrims who you will almost certainly never see again. Your memories of spending the day in Santiago may be as vivid as any you experience on the camino. There are so many places to see. I always spend time alone in the cathedral to reflect and give thanks for allowing the camino to walk on its hallowed path.

 

[simoncooper99]

We have one extra day after we finish the Camino in Santiago that we are debating how to use: would it be crazy for us to take a train to and from Porto (our start)?

Ciudad de cultural makes a nice day out. Impressive modern architecture + views of the city. I went there on a Saturday afternoon and it was almost deserted.

Cidade da Cultura

www.cidadedacultura.gal

 

[Peter J Martin]

Book a roof top guided tour of the Cathedral and learn it's history

 

[sternenstrasse]

After arrival in SdC I was happy to stay three more days and wait and see if fellow pilgrims I met during the walk have arrived as well. On the last evening we organised a great dinner party in a restaurant near the cathedral and shared stores and wine before we separated.

 

[BetteHarris]

We have one extra day after we finish the Camino in Santiago that we are debating how to use: would it be crazy for us to take a train to and from Porto (our start)?

I enjoyed exploring Santiago, and then spent a day on a bus tour to Finisterre and Muxia, which was great. Have fun!

 

[Cristinabina]

Book a roof top guided tour of the Cathedral and learn it's history

Yes that is scheduled for the day we arrive! Only 20 euro as well.

 

[OLDBIKERIDER]

Frankly, yes. I believe it takes 3 hours (each way). I think the bus is quicker, and even that takes something like 2.5 hours each way
Why not just take a train to A Coruna? Short trip, pleasant seaside town

And a wonderful labyrinth to walk and watch others as they experience it. Lots of good, and somewhat different foods to enjoy as well.

 

[VNwalking]

I second the opinion of others who suggest just soaking up the ambience in Santiago. A Coruña is also a wonderful suggestion, but in your shoes - with that amount of time - it would be way too much action for me.

 

[hikentravel1234]

We have one extra day after we finish the Camino in Santiago that we are debating how to use: would it be crazy for us to take a train to and from Porto (our start)?

Porto is wonderful. If you want to spend more time there, simply start your walk a day later. My favorites:
Bolsa Palace
Lello bookstore (make reservation on line)
Cathedral and adjacent Bishop's palace
Just strolling through the streets of the central/historic area
Historic area on the water too busy for me but probably worth a visit (best to get there from the Bolsa palace--less steps)

OR
Take a bus to Finisterre, watch the sun set at the light house and walk the streets of the city and the port area (this would likely require an overnight stay).

 

[alexwalker]

You have spent many days walking to your destination.
Stay there, and enjoy it.

 

[pashami]

After arrival in SdC I was happy to stay three more days and wait and see if fellow pilgrims I met during the walk have arrived as well. On the last evening we organised a great dinner party in a restaurant near the cathedral and shared stores and wine before we separated.

What an amazing way to celebrate connections and the pilgrimage!

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Porto is wonderful. If you want to spend more time there, simply start your walk a day later. My favorites:
Bolsa Palace
Lello bookstore (make reservation on line)
Cathedral and adjacent Bishop's palace
Just strolling through the streets of the central/historic area
Historic area on the water too busy for me but probably worth a visit (best to get there from the Bolsa palace--less steps)

OR
Take a bus to Finisterre, watch the sun set at the light house and walk the streets of the city and the port area (this would likely require an overnight stay).

You're absolutely right, Porto is wonderful, and I like your suggestions. You're missing one: the Caves. When I first visited Porto about 30 years ago I toured the Caves ( on my own, not as part of some organised tour), an absolutely fantastic experience. Tasted White Port for the first time, loved it. Unfortunately unlike a good Tawney, it does not travel well...
Really must go back again to see if it's as good as I remember!

So yes, staying on an extra day before departing on Camino sounds like a great idea!

 

[WGroleau]

The importance of obtaining the correct lentils for the perfect Lentejas or the difference between Morcilla de Burgos and Morcilla Gallegos

Or to make it really interesting, suggest that morcilla and black pudding are the same.