Camino from Porto with a child in April

[YanaCamino]

Hi everyone!

I am planning my first Camino Portuguese, starting in Porto in early April. It just so happens we arrive in Santiago on Easter weekend. I'm very much looking forward to seeing Santiago on Easter, quick Google showed it's quite beautiful

After reading enormous amount of info online there are still a few questions I can't find answer to:
1. What is the weather like along the coast in Portugal in April? (We will probably combine coastal and central) Is it raining frequently? Do I need a lot of layers and a sleeping bag? Or will it be warm enough? Also boots/shoes for this time in Portugal?

2. Are there still cheap albergues in Santiago? Hotels look quite expensive, I guess Easter weekend doesn't help.

3. I travel with a 12 year old son, and we plan to stay in albergues. Is there anything I need to be aware of? Any specific safety or other advice? If anyone traveled with a child, how did you get them to eat new foods?

4. Is there anything special along the route during Holy Week that we absolutely must stop and see?

5. How busy is it during Easter holidays on Camino Portuguese and which route is busier? Giving that I am "solo female with a child" we would probably chose the busier route.

6. Random one, but any recommendations for hiking trousers please? I don't like how "exposed" the leggings look, but still want to hike comfortably.

Thanks for reading, and buen Camino!

 

[Kiwi-family]

Hi Yanacamino
I've walked with all eight of my kids (both caminos and hiking at home) so I'll weigh in on those questions.
At 12, I found my kids were no less able than adults - I realised I was not really thinking of them as "kids" but as fellow pilgrims. They liked this. Yours might too.



I was blessed to have adventurous kids, but I wonder if some of that is because we presented them with a wide range of foods, and expected them to at least try them (and thank the cook even if something wasn't their favourite). The wriggling bugs in Laos were optional! We were able to travel easily with kids because they were not fussy and travelling with them helped them become accustomed to eating all sorts of things - circular logic! After crickets, frogs, durian, buffalo, garlic milk in Mongolia.....Spain was a doddle!
If your 12yo is fussy at home when it comes to eating, they will still be fussy on the camino. Or maybe they won't because they will be hungry. Either way, in preparation, you could try cooking some Spanish recipes before you go - even better, have your child cook them. My kids ate eels they had barbecued for over half an hour (yes, they were as tough as old boots) - simply because they had caught, killed and cooked them themselves. In fact, there's a life hack right there - kids rock in the kitchen. Mine became "famous" on the camino - people would come up to us and ask them "Are you the kids that cook dinners? I've heard about you"
This can certainly be a great opportunity for growth - enjoy the process.

 

[trecile]

I have a friend who walked from Porto this year in April who experienced great weather - only two days of light rain towards the end.

 

[YanaCamino]

Hi Yanacamino
I've walked with all eight of my kids (both caminos and hiking at home) so I'll weigh in on those questions.
At 12, I found my kids were no less able than adults - I realised I was not really thinking of them as "kids" but as fellow pilgrims. They liked this. Yours might too.

View attachment 179725

I was blessed to have adventurous kids, but I wonder if some of that is because we presented them with a wide range of foods, and expected them to at least try them (and thank the cook even if something wasn't their favourite). The wriggling bugs in Laos were optional! We were able to travel easily with kids because they were not fussy and travelling with them helped them become accustomed to eating all sorts of things - circular logic! After crickets, frogs, durian, buffalo, garlic milk in Mongolia.....Spain was a doddle!
If your 12yo is fussy at home when it comes to eating, they will still be fussy on the camino. Or maybe they won't because they will be hungry. Either way, in preparation, you could try cooking some Spanish recipes before you go - even better, have your child cook them. My kids ate eels they had barbecued for over half an hour (yes, they were as tough as old boots) - simply because they had caught, killed and cooked them themselves. In fact, there's a life hack right there - kids rock in the kitchen. Mine became "famous" on the camino - people would come up to us and ask them "Are you the kids that cook dinners? I've heard about you"
This can certainly going to be a great opportunity for growth - enjoy the process.

Thanks for such a detailed answer!
My kid is definitely more adventurous than me. In fact, I was planning to do Camino by myself, and he convinced me to take him
We'll certainly try cooking Spanish food at home, thanks for the suggestion! I'm currently trying a "no thank you" bite, and it doesn't go well so far, but there a hope
I think this hike will help us both grow. I'm hoping once he's tired and hungry he'll have no choice, but ultimately I don't want to ruin the experience for him either.
I sometimes think my son is more capable than me he is sharp in situations requiring quick thinking, he's not afraid of heights like I am etc.
I'm so looking forward to spending Camino together, I think I've got a lot to learn from him

 

[YanaCamino]

I have a friend who walked from Porto this year in April who experienced great weather - only two days of light rain towards the end.

Thanks!
Was it coastal or central route? I wonder if the weather along the coast is different in any way

 

[JCLima]

The weather in April can be anything.
Super rainy one day, sunny the next.

You should know that we have a saying in Portugal: Abril, águas mil (April, a thousand waters.).

Be prepared for anything, because you will probably get a little bit of everything in terms of weather during your walk.

 

[Walkingat70]

Hi everyone!

I am planning my first Camino Portuguese, starting in Porto in early April. It just so happens we arrive in Santiago on Easter weekend. I'm very much looking forward to seeing Santiago on Easter, quick Google showed it's quite beautiful

After reading enormous amount of info online there are still a few questions I can't find answer to:
1. What is the weather like along the coast in Portugal in April? (We will probably combine coastal and central) Is it raining frequently? Do I need a lot of layers and a sleeping bag? Or will it be warm enough? Also boots/shoes for this time in Portugal?

2. Are there still cheap albergues in Santiago? Hotels look quite expensive, I guess Easter weekend doesn't help.

3. I travel with a 12 year old son, and we plan to stay in albergues. Is there anything I need to be aware of? Any specific safety or other advice? If anyone traveled with a child, how did you get them to eat new foods?

4. Is there anything special along the route during Holy Week that we absolutely must stop and see?

5. How busy is it during Easter holidays on Camino Portuguese and which route is busier? Giving that I am "solo female with a child" we would probably chose the busier route.

6. Random one, but any recommendations for hiking trousers please? I don't like how "exposed" the leggings look, but still want to hike comfortably.

Thanks for reading, and buen Camino!

Yana
I walked the Portuguese Route from Porto to Santiago in April 2024. I walked to coast till Vila da Conde then switched to the central route at Rates.

As someone has commented - be prepared. We had lovely days and some very wet days.

I believe that staying in albergues is the gold standard in terms of the communal experience and community. The community comes at a cost , hence, I personally prefer private rooms in albergues or hostels. As you need two beds it would not be much more expensive to use private rooms.

Some days on the central route are hard so consider shorter stages. April 2025 close to Easter will be busy so book ahead. 12 year olds are resilient but may not have built endurance.

I am walking from Porto starting on 03 April 2025, with a friend and have booked accommodation all along the route .

Have a great Camino and hope we meet up.

 

[Scott Fraser]

Climatic data for northern Portugal and Galacia for April indicates the temperatures you’ll be walking in will probably be comfortable - some would say ideal. But the data also suggest you should be prepared for rain, perhaps one day in three. Spring weather for this area is driven by fronts coming off the Atlantic, so the rain often comes with a lot of wind.

In late Sept/early Oct this year I walked the Camino from Porto and we experienced rain often for 3-4 days in a row. One day, we walked all day in pouring rain and towards the end we had winds blowing off the ocean at near gale force. It wasn’t fun. Another day it was so miserable we skipped the walk and took the regional train to our next stop. (This was my sixth Camino and the worst weather I’ve experienced so far — but fortunately not all bad as we also had several gorgeous days of mild temps and clear skies).

I mention all this because walking in wet weather isn’t much fun. And having walked with kids I’ve learned that they sometimes don’t have the same tolerance for physical discomfort that a motivated adult might have.

I’m not saying don’t do it — walking a Camino with kids can be a truly wonderful unforgettable experience for everyone — but I would strongly recommend you be prepared for wet weather with good rain gear, water-resistant footwear and perhaps even an umbrella for each of you of a type that attaches to your pack straps and leaves your hands free. I would also recommend you get a weather app for your phone that lets you see the weather radar forecast for the areas your walking through.

And make sure your child (and you as well) is prepared for a real adventure. It’s not a long “walk in the park”. The Boy Scout motto applies: Be Prepared.

 

[Scott Fraser]

Thanks!
Was it coastal or central route? I wonder if the weather along the coast is different in any way

The two routes are close enough to each other that the weather systems affect them both in similar ways. Only difference may be coastal route will have more wind - hopefully at your back.

 

[bullingtonce]

Hi everyone!

I am planning my first Camino Portuguese, starting in Porto in early April. It just so happens we arrive in Santiago on Easter weekend. I'm very much looking forward to seeing Santiago on Easter, quick Google showed it's quite beautiful

After reading enormous amount of info online there are still a few questions I can't find answer to:
1. What is the weather like along the coast in Portugal in April? (We will probably combine coastal and central) Is it raining frequently? Do I need a lot of layers and a sleeping bag? Or will it be warm enough? Also boots/shoes for this time in Portugal?

2. Are there still cheap albergues in Santiago? Hotels look quite expensive, I guess Easter weekend doesn't help.

3. I travel with a 12 year old son, and we plan to stay in albergues. Is there anything I need to be aware of? Any specific safety or other advice? If anyone traveled with a child, how did you get them to eat new foods?

4. Is there anything special along the route during Holy Week that we absolutely must stop and see?

5. How busy is it during Easter holidays on Camino Portuguese and which route is busier? Giving that I am "solo female with a child" we would probably chose the busier route.

6. Random one, but any recommendations for hiking trousers please? I don't like how "exposed" the leggings look, but still want to hike comfortably.

Thanks for reading, and buen Camino!

I am not prejudging . . . make sure the 12-year-old wants to do the Camino and it is not a case of you wanting him to do the Camino. Again, I am not saying this is the case; am just saying make sure you 'read' your son correctly as I believe you probably have. Chuck

 

[trecile]

I am not prejudging . . . make sure the 12-year-old wants to do the Camino and it is not a case of you wanting him to do the Camino

@YanaCamino already answered that:

My kid is definitely more adventurous than me. In fact, I was planning to do Camino by myself, and he convinced me to take him

 

[Raulvamir]

Hi everyone!

I am planning my first Camino Portuguese, starting in Porto in early April. It just so happens we arrive in Santiago on Easter weekend. I'm very much looking forward to seeing Santiago on Easter, quick Google showed it's quite beautiful

After reading enormous amount of info online there are still a few questions I can't find answer to:
1. What is the weather like along the coast in Portugal in April? (We will probably combine coastal and central) Is it raining frequently? Do I need a lot of layers and a sleeping bag? Or will it be warm enough? Also boots/shoes for this time in Portugal?

2. Are there still cheap albergues in Santiago? Hotels look quite expensive, I guess Easter weekend doesn't help.

3. I travel with a 12 year old son, and we plan to stay in albergues. Is there anything I need to be aware of? Any specific safety or other advice? If anyone traveled with a child, how did you get them to eat new foods?

4. Is there anything special along the route during Holy Week that we absolutely must stop and see?

5. How busy is it during Easter holidays on Camino Portuguese and which route is busier? Giving that I am "solo female with a child" we would probably chose the busier route.

6. Random one, but any recommendations for hiking trousers please? I don't like how "exposed" the leggings look, but still want to hike comfortably.

Thanks for reading, and buen Camino!

Hi YanaCamino. I am a very non experienced pilgrim trying to schedule a second one this April. I did the Portuguese Coastal from Baiona last April and had a couple of rainy days. I loved them too. It was part of the experience. The smell of the forest and the protection my poncho provided made it feel like comfort somehow. I would repeat the experience any time I could. I saw families with small children, even toddlers on big wheel strollers on rough terrains. They all were enjoying it very much. I believe you both will love the experience too. Just be sure to have extra socks and a water proof poncho that covers the backpack as well. That worked very well for me. Buen Camino.

 

[YanaCamino]

Yana
I walked the Portuguese Route from Porto to Santiago in April 2024. I walked to coast till Vila da Conde then switched to the central route at Rates.

As someone has commented - be prepared. We had lovely days and some very wet days.

I believe that staying in albergues is the gold standard in terms of the communal experience and community. The community comes at a cost , hence, I personally prefer private rooms in albergues or hostels. As you need two beds it would not be much more expensive to use private rooms.

Some days on the central route are hard so consider shorter stages. April 2025 close to Easter will be busy so book ahead. 12 year olds are resilient but may not have built endurance.

I am walking from Porto starting on 03 April 2025, with a friend and have booked accommodation all along the route .

Have a great Camino and hope we meet up.

Hi, thanks for your reply! I am not confident about booking just yet as I'm not sure how far we'll be able to walk each day we are allowing a couple of extra days along the way. I'm still 50/50 whether to plan any accommodation in advance or take each day at a time and book private room if no beds are available (my understanding is you can't book a bed in a municipal albergue).

But if we do, how did you book so far in advance? Was it something like booking or any specific Camino websites? Any advice on booking an albergues is also appreciated.

 

[YanaCamino]

Climatic data for northern Portugal and Galacia for April indicates the temperatures you’ll be walking in will probably be comfortable - some would say ideal. But the data also suggest you should be prepared for rain, perhaps one day in three. Spring weather for this area is driven by fronts coming off the Atlantic, so the rain often comes with a lot of wind.

In late Sept/early Oct this year I walked the Camino from Porto and we experienced rain often for 3-4 days in a row. One day, we walked all day in pouring rain and towards the end we had winds blowing off the ocean at near gale force. It wasn’t fun. Another day it was so miserable we skipped the walk and took the regional train to our next stop. (This was my sixth Camino and the worst weather I’ve experienced so far — but fortunately not all bad as we also had several gorgeous days of mild temps and clear skies).

I mention all this because walking in wet weather isn’t much fun. And having walked with kids I’ve learned that they sometimes don’t have the same tolerance for physical discomfort that a motivated adult might have.

I’m not saying don’t do it — walking a Camino with kids can be a truly wonderful unforgettable experience for everyone — but I would strongly recommend you be prepared for wet weather with good rain gear, water-resistant footwear and perhaps even an umbrella for each of you of a type that attaches to your pack straps and leaves your hands free. I would also recommend you get a weather app for your phone that lets you see the weather radar forecast for the areas your walking through.

And make sure your child (and you as well) is prepared for a real adventure. It’s not a long “walk in the park”. The Boy Scout motto applies: Be Prepared.

Thank you!

We are currently choosing backpacks to buy, and I now understand we absolutely must have enough space for warm and rain protective clothes and sleeping bags. There goes another £50 towards bigger cabin baggage on the plane

I think rather than umbrellas we'll bring a couple of ponchos. Living in England we are not afraid of rain, but I agree it can get pretty miserable if you have to walk in it for hours. I think if it gets really bad we would also get a transport to the next stop, I'll make sure to research some options in advance.

 

[YanaCamino]

I am not prejudging . . . make sure the 12-year-old wants to do the Camino and it is not a case of you wanting him to do the Camino. Again, I am not saying this is the case; am just saying make sure you 'read' your son correctly as I believe you probably have. Chuck

Completely understand your concern, thank you. But I asked him many times and apparently he is absolutely sure that's what he wants
He is probably not as "obsessed" as I am with all research, bingewatching videos or reading all the forums etc, but is still very excited for an adventure!

 

[Steven Dwyer]

I think it is great you are planning a walk with your son. I think you will find that kids seem to adapt quickly to life on the way.

Since you are planning to be on the last 100km during Easter week, I would suggest that you consider booking ahead that week, the last 100km crowds can be intense and the last thing you want to be doing is looking for a scarce room. The week prior won’t be as much of an issue with regards to crowds.

And don’t forget to get him his own credential. At 12 I think he will receive the regular Compostela if you choose to get one. Was walking this year and met a 7 year old who was excited that he would be getting a special one because of his young age.

 

[YanaCamino]

I think it is great you are planning a walk with your son. I think you will find that kids seem to adapt quickly to life on the way.

Since you are planning to be on the last 100km during Easter week, I would suggest that you consider booking ahead that week, the last 100km crowds can be intense and the last thing you want to be doing is looking for a scarce room. The week prior won’t be as much of an issue with regards to crowds.

And don’t forget to get him his own credential. At 12 I think he will receive the regular Compostela if you choose to get one. Was walking this year and met a 7 year old who was excited that he would be getting a special one because of his young age.

Since I've got a few suggestions about it now, I think you're right, I might need to book something for the last 100km. Any suggestions on where/what to book? What is the best way to book albergues?
Also, is it absolutely necessary? I was hoping to experience the Camino in shared albergues, even if it means we have to arrive early

 

[trecile]

You can use the Gronze website or apps like Wise Pilgrim and Buen Camino to find albergues.
In general municipal and parochial albergues cannot be booked in advance, but most private albergues can.

Many private albergues are on booking.com or have their own site to book on. I like to use WhatsApp to send a message to reserve. The Wise Pilgrim app has a feature to send a WhatsApp message in Portuguese or Spanish.

Camino Portugués Central | Gronze.com

www.gronze.com

A Complete Guide to the Caminos to Santiago de Compostela

A complete guide to the Camino de Santiago, including accommodation on the Camino Francés, Camino del Norte, Camino Portugués, Camino Primtivo, Vía de la Plata, Camino de Invierno, Finisterre & Muxía, San Salvador, Camino Olvidado, Caminho Nascente, Camino da Geira, Camino Inglés, Vía Podiensis...

wisepilgrim.com

APP del Camino de Santiago Buen Camino 2014 - 2024

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www.editorialbuencamino.com

 

[YanaCamino]

You can use the Gronze website or apps like Wise Pilgrim and Buen Camino to find albergues.
In general municipal and parochial albergues cannot be booked in advance, but most private albergues can.

Many private albergues are on booking.com or have their own site to book on. I like to use WhatsApp to send a message to reserve. The Wise Pilgrim app has a feature to send a WhatsApp message in Portuguese or Spanish.

Camino Portugués Central | Gronze.com

www.gronze.com

A Complete Guide to the Caminos to Santiago de Compostela

A complete guide to the Camino de Santiago, including accommodation on the Camino Francés, Camino del Norte, Camino Portugués, Camino Primtivo, Vía de la Plata, Camino de Invierno, Finisterre & Muxía, San Salvador, Camino Olvidado, Caminho Nascente, Camino da Geira, Camino Inglés, Vía Podiensis...

wisepilgrim.com

APP del Camino de Santiago Buen Camino 2014 - 2024

Aplicación del Camino de Santiago profesional, con mapas, perfiles, alojamientos, planificador de etapas, a pie o en bici (Btt), en idiomas y actualizada.

www.editorialbuencamino.com

Thank you, I know all of this is available online, I just panicked a bit

 

[Steven Dwyer]

Since I've got a few suggestions about it now, I think you're right, I might need to book something for the last 100km. Any suggestions on where/what to book? What is the best way to book albergues?
Also, is it absolutely necessary? I was hoping to experience the Camino in shared albergues, even if it means we have to arrive early

Having talked to a number of albergues, the best way to book is a message via WhatsApp. That allows them to deal with your message on their schedule (plus, they may not answer the phone if they are busy.) many of the shared albergues are privately owned, and do take reservations, both for dorms and private rooms.

The various pilgrim apps all list various options. The one place I would absolutely, positively make sure you have a booking for is Santiago. A friend looked there for a private room a couple of weeks ago and prices were above €300 a night for many for last minute bookings.

 

[YanaCamino]

Having talked to a number of albergues, the best way to book is a message via WhatsApp. That allows them to deal with your message on their schedule (plus, they may not answer the phone if they are busy.) many of the shared albergues are privately owned, and do take reservations, both for dorms and private rooms.

The various pilgrim apps all list various options. The one place I would absolutely, positively make sure you have a booking for is Santiago. A friend looked there for a private room a couple of weeks ago and prices were above €300 a night for many for last minute bookings.

Thank you Steven, I did just that a few days ago I booked an accommodation for us in Santiago, for whooping £80 for 2 nights! I thought at first it was pricey, but now understand I got lucky.

 

[John Cook]

I envy you to be walking a Camino with your son. When any of my kids were that age they used to moan about having to walk the half mile to the shops in the village.
There's a YouTube channel run by an American lady who walked her first Camino with her eleven year old daughter and she obviously enjoyed it so much that they did the CF from St Jean the following year and have done a few more long distance paths since then. The channel is The Pilgrims in Progress.

 

[UtahHikingGal]

The weather in April can be anything.
Super rainy one day, sunny the next.

You should know that we have a saying in Portugal: Abril, águas mil (April, a thousand waters.).

Be prepared for anything, because you will probably get a little bit of everything in terms of weather during your walk.

Thank you, super helpful on deciding on rain jacket/gear!

 

[UtahHikingGal]

Hi JCLima,
As you're Portuguese... may I please have your thoughts on walking the Porto - Santiago route? I speak no Portuguese, the bare minimum of Spanish so rely on my American English. Should I be aware of any challenges to being illiterate in your beautiful language? Thank you!

 

[UtahHikingGal]

Yana
I walked the Portuguese Route from Porto to Santiago in April 2024. I walked to coast till Vila da Conde then switched to the central route at Rates.

As someone has commented - be prepared. We had lovely days and some very wet days.

I believe that staying in albergues is the gold standard in terms of the communal experience and community. The community comes at a cost , hence, I personally prefer private rooms in albergues or hostels. As you need two beds it would not be much more expensive to use private rooms.

Some days on the central route are hard so consider shorter stages. April 2025 close to Easter will be busy so book ahead. 12 year olds are resilient but may not have built endurance.

I am walking from Porto starting on 03 April 2025, with a friend and have booked accommodation all along the route .

Have a great Camino and hope we meet up.

Good morning, Walkingat70, I'm walking Porto route, also, April 2025... and am starting making reservations. your comment re: "private rooms in aubergues or hostels" caught my eye. You're experienced, this is my first Camino (will be 63), could you please share how your found your accommodations? Is one website better an another? Certainly not asking you to do my work for me, but I'd be deeply grateful for recommendations. We could start a separate thread... I just didn't know how! Thanks so much!

 

[henrythedog]

Hi everyone!

I am planning my first Camino Portuguese, starting in Porto in early April. It just so happens we arrive in Santiago on Easter weekend. I'm very much looking forward to seeing Santiago on Easter, quick Google showed it's quite beautiful

After reading enormous amount of info online there are still a few questions I can't find answer to:
1. What is the weather like along the coast in Portugal in April? (We will probably combine coastal and central) Is it raining frequently? Do I need a lot of layers and a sleeping bag? Or will it be warm enough? Also boots/shoes for this time in Portugal?

2. Are there still cheap albergues in Santiago? Hotels look quite expensive, I guess Easter weekend doesn't help.

3. I travel with a 12 year old son, and we plan to stay in albergues. Is there anything I need to be aware of? Any specific safety or other advice? If anyone traveled with a child, how did you get them to eat new foods?

4. Is there anything special along the route during Holy Week that we absolutely must stop and see?

5. How busy is it during Easter holidays on Camino Portuguese and which route is busier? Giving that I am "solo female with a child" we would probably chose the busier route.

6. Random one, but any recommendations for hiking trousers please? I don't like how "exposed" the leggings look, but still want to hike comfortably.

Thanks for reading, and buen Camino!

Are you totally committed to that time of year? Easter in Santiago will be great; but you’re picking one of the busiest and - for most accommodation - the most expensive time of year.

Walking with your child will be excellent; but you’re adding a degree of complexity and cost which you could avoid.

 

[henrythedog]

Good morning, Walkingat70, I'm walking Porto route, also, April 2025... and am starting making reservations. your comment re: "private rooms in aubergues or hostels" caught my eye. You're experienced, this is my first Camino (will be 63), could you please share how your found your accommodations? Is one website better an another? Certainly not asking you to do my work for me, but I'd be deeply grateful for recommendations. We could start a separate thread... I just didn't know how! Thanks so much!

I’ve sent you a PM - look for a red envelope at the top of the screen.

Start with gronze.com and use a browser which allows translation if you don’t speak Spanish.

 

[YanaCamino]

Are you totally committed to that time of year? Easter in Santiago will be great; but you’re picking one of the busiest and - for most accommodation - the most expensive time of year.

Walking with your child will be excellent; but you’re adding a degree of complexity and cost which you could avoid.

With my son being at school it's either April or August school holidays, and being from UK we don't do too well with summer heat. I even think it can get dangerous walking in a summer heat every day.

I am starting booking things now and I know exactly what you mean, things and places are more expensive than what I've read about. Flight alone cost us around £300 to/from UK for both (plus luggage size, seats etc). But that's the sacrifice I signed up for when decided to start a family hahaha

It probably could be about £700 cheaper if I went by myself but I fear he'll never want to do anything like this together again, being teenager and everything, so it's totally worth it