Anyone walking Porto-Santiago July onwards? Any advice?

[Aphra]

Dear fellow pilgrims,

I'm planning to walk Porto-Santiago the coastal then central route July 8th onwards....anyone walking?

(Amended to avoid confusion) My concerns are that the camino will be too crowded at this time? I do wish to meet spirited people but also enjoy solitude and see this as a meditative opportunity. I get overwhelmed in crowds, but July is my only time off to create this experience....

Any advice those who have walked in recent times in July? I would be very grateful! Thank you and peace,

Aphra

 

[Canucks]

vWhile we haven’t done the Portuguese camino yet (doing it in September), we have done the Frances and Le Puy caminos and have not had a situation whew anyone forced themselves socially on others. If you like solitude, just don’t engage with others......pretty simple.

 

[Miki Goldie]

Just completed the Portuguese from Porto in May. It was wonderful and I chose to go the central route. Two things to consider are: did I really need that day off in Tui? All my firm friends/ Camino family kept going and I had to start again with people who thought I had just started. Never saw 10 of them again to celebrate the completion in Santiago. And I was a little bored lying around resting.
Also chose not to do the spiritual variant by turning left on the road,( well marked) Some said staying at the monastery was the best experience ever!
Oh well looks like I will have to do the Portuguese Camino again and go the coastal & do the spiritual variant & not take a day off.
Take care coming out of Porto cathedral area, but Brierly knows the way. Locals will always help if asked.
Loved this Camino which took 12 days...
Love

 

[Aphra]

vWhile we haven’t done the Portuguese camino yet (doing it in September), we have done the Frances and Le Puy caminos and have not had a situation whew anyone forced themselves socially on others. If you like solitude, just don’t engage with others......pretty simple.

Oh gosh.... Unexpected reply...didn't mean I don't want to socialise, I love human beings! just that I was trying to understand the business of the Camino by people's late experience of it in July.

 

[Aphra]

Just completed the Portuguese from Porto in May. It was wonderful and I chose to go the central route. Two things to consider are: did I really need that day off in Tui? All my firm friends/ Camino family kept going and I had to start again with people who thought I had just started. Never saw 10 of them again to celebrate the completion in Santiago. And I was a little bored lying around resting.
Also chose not to do the spiritual variant by turning left on the road,( well marked) Some said staying at the monastery was the best experience ever!
Oh well looks like I will have to do the Portuguese Camino again and go the coastal & do the spiritual variant & not take a day off.
Take care coming out of Porto cathedral area, but Brierly knows the way. Locals will always help if asked.
Loved this Camino which took 12 days...
Love

Thank you for taking the time to share, all very helpful, and the monastery sounds interesting. I'm glad you enjoyed your experience despite friends moving on and you wish to return, it must be good! warm wishes

 

[twh]

My concerns are the business of the Way

It's probably just me but I don't understand what you mean by this. Could you give some examples of your perceived concerns re: the business of the Way. It may help me and others to respond appropriately.

I do wish to meet spirited people but enjoy solitude

I have not walked the Porto - Santiago Camino so I may not be qualified to answer this part of your question but I did walk the Frances last year at a time that was statistically considered busy. When it comes to proximity between you and other walkers, think of each pilgrim as a rubber duck placed in a moving river. If 20 rubber ducks are placed into the river at the same time, they will mostly stick together traveling in close proximity. A few will move ahead and a few will fall back, but the majority will be together as they go down the river. In this example the speed of the river is equivalent to the average walking speed of a Pilgrim . There is a "rush hour" for Pilgrims, roughly 6:30 am - 7:30 am. Each morning most pilgrims in town "jump into the river" at about the same time yielding the expected results. By speeding up a little or slowing down a little or even stopping for a few minutes to enjoy a view, you can regulate the density of pilgrims around you when you want solitude.

I felt like I was successful finding solitude at the start of each day by leaving late...8am to 8:30am...and then, later in the day when I did find myself in a pack of people that I did not want to be in, speeding up for 5 minutes of walking fast or slowing down for 5 minutes got me the solitude I desired. It's easy to do and it even worked well on the last 100 km from Sarria to Santiago. Feeling crowded on the trail may happen occasionally but it is not the norm, even on the busiest route. If you have a need for solitude defined as seeing (not interacting) less than 50 pilgrims per day (not including those you see in villages, towns and cities, breakfast, lunch and dinner) than you might be better off doing a less popular route. I don't know this for a fact but I think Sarria - Santiago is the busiest section of all caminos followed by Porto - Santiago.

 

[Aphra]

It's probably just me but I don't understand what you mean by this. Could you give some examples of your perceived concerns re: the business of the Way. It may help me and others to respond appropriately.



I have not walked the Porto - Santiago Camino so I may not be qualified to answer this part of your question but I did walk the Frances last year at a time that was statistically considered busy. When it comes to proximity between you and other walkers, think of each pilgrim as a rubber duck placed in a moving river. If 20 rubber ducks are placed into the river at the same time, they will mostly stick together traveling in close proximity. A few will move ahead and a few will fall back, but the majority will be together as they go down the river. In this example the speed of the river is equivalent to the average walking speed of a Pilgrim . There is a "rush hour" for Pilgrims, roughly 6:30 am - 7:30 am. Each morning most pilgrims in town "jump into the river" at about the same time yielding the expected results. By speeding up a little or slowing down a little or even stopping for a few minutes to enjoy a view, you can regulate the density of pilgrims around you when you want solitude.

I felt like I was successful finding solitude at the start of each day by leaving late...8am to 8:30am...and then, later in the day when I did find myself in a pack of people that I did not want to be in, speeding up for 5 minutes of walking fast or slowing down for 5 minutes got me the solitude I desired. It's easy to do and it even worked well on the last 100 km from Sarria to Santiago. Feeling crowded on the trail may happen occasionally but it is not the norm, even on the busiest route. If you have a need for solitude defined as seeing (not interacting) less than 50 pilgrims per day (not including those you see in villages, towns and cities, breakfast, lunch and dinner) than you might be better off doing a less popular route. I don't know this for a fact but I think Sarria - Santiago is the busiest section of all caminos followed by Porto - Santiago.

Thank you for taking the time to answer with your experience, the example you give is very helpful. That is indeed what I meant...

Best wishes

 

[twh]

I think I understand now. You meant busyness as in activity level and not business as in enterprise or commerce.

 

[Aphra]

I think I understand now. You meant busyness as in activity level and not business as in enterprise or commerce.

So sorry! Writing on a phone

 

[Aphra]

So sorry! Writing on a phone

And thanks for pointing it out

 

[lt56ny]

Everyone, especially new pilgrims overthink way to much. I start Camino 5 this November and i am stressing about boots. My advice to you is just say f*%k it and walk. Talk when you want to talk and walk when and with whomever you want to walk with. Once you start walking all that s#%t will slip away.

 

[Aphra]

Everyone, especially new pilgrims overthink way to much. I start Camino 5 this November and i am stressing about boots. My advice to you is just say f*%k it and walk. Talk when you want to talk and walk when and with whomever you want to walk with. Once you start walking all that s#%t will slip away.

Thank you, I really needed to hear that. Also stressing about boots hah! Blessings for your fifth Camino

 

[valeria bastos]

Dear fellow pilgrims,

I'm planning to walk Porto-Santiago the coastal then central route July 8th onwards....anyone walking?

(Amended to avoid confusion) My concerns are that the camino will be too crowded at this time? I do wish to meet spirited people but also enjoy solitude and see this as a meditative opportunity. I get overwhelmed in crowds, but July is my only time off to create this experience....

Any advice those who have walked in recent times in July? I would be very grateful! Thank you and peace,

Aphra

Will start at tui July 6th with my daughter

 

[Blumental]

Dear fellow pilgrims,

I'm planning to walk Porto-Santiago the coastal then central route July 8th onwards....anyone walking?

(Amended to avoid confusion) My concerns are that the camino will be too crowded at this time? I do wish to meet spirited people but also enjoy solitude and see this as a meditative opportunity. I get overwhelmed in crowds, but July is my only time off to create this experience....

Any advice those who have walked in recent times in July? I would be very grateful! Thank you and peace,

Aphra

Hi

I starting my way at the 7. July in Porto

Buen Camino

 

[Cmeckley]

Everyone, especially new pilgrims overthink way to much. I start Camino 5 this November and i am stressing about boots. My advice to you is just say f*%k it and walk. Talk when you want to talk and walk when and with whomever you want to walk with. Once you start walking all that s#%t will slip away.

So true!! I start Camino #5 in a few weeks, and I'm over thinking everything as well! Best camino was the one I planned with 3-4 days notice. No time to think!

 

[Cmeckley]

I will be heading out of Porto on the 11th of July. This will be my second time from Porto-Santiago. The busy times are May and September, when people try to avoid the heat and the crowds. My first day out of Porto, (July 2016) we only saw 2 other peregrinos. You definitely start meeting more people once you hook inland after Vila do Conde. I will not be doing the Variante Espiritual this time because it adds a couple of extra days that we don't have, but it was the highlight of my last Camino Portugues and I highly recommend it. I can tell you, the Portugues is not nearly as crowded as the Frances, which I last did Summer 2017. No comparison, really. You will definitely get the solitude you crave, but there are enough people that you won't be alone if you so choose.

 

[WanderingBrian]

I walked the CP central in October. Amazing experience. Don’t stress. Don’t overthink. Just do. All works out just fine! Buen Camino!

 

[FallingUpward]

I will be heading out of Porto on the 11th of July. This will be my second time from Porto-Santiago. The busy times are May and September, when people try to avoid the heat and the crowds. My first day out of Porto, (July 2016) we only saw 2 other peregrinos. You definitely start meeting more people once you hook inland after Vila do Conde. I will not be doing the Variante Espiritual this time because it adds a couple of extra days that we don't have, but it was the highlight of my last Camino Portugues and I highly recommend it. I can tell you, the Portugues is not nearly as crowded as the Frances, which I last did Summer 2017. No comparison, really. You will definitely get the solitude you crave, but there are enough people that you won't be alone if you so choose.

Hi everyone, I was planning to do the CF in Sept/Oct but an opportunity has presented at home. I don't lose it if I go with my original plan but it's not ideal. Looking at earlier options to return sooner but concerned about the business of July/August. It just occurred to me that perhaps I could switch to the PC. How do the two compare as an overall experience? I love historic towns, open countryside and I would be all over that Variante Espiritual

 

[Stellaluna]

Will start at tui July 6th with my daughter

I start July 6 as well. Counting sleeps!

 

[Aphra]

Hi

I starting my way at the 7. July in Porto

Buen Camino

Hello! me too on the 8th, see you along the way perhaps ^_^

Will start at tui July 6th with my daughter

Blessed Camino to you all, I hope to see you along the way! I leave Porto on the 8th x

 

[Aphra]

I start July 6 as well. Counting sleeps!

Me too! best wishes for your start and perhaps I'll catch you along the way! ^_^

 

[Aphra]

I will be heading out of Porto on the 11th of July. This will be my second time from Porto-Santiago. The busy times are May and September, when people try to avoid the heat and the crowds. My first day out of Porto, (July 2016) we only saw 2 other peregrinos. You definitely start meeting more people once you hook inland after Vila do Conde. I will not be doing the Variante Espiritual this time because it adds a couple of extra days that we don't have, but it was the highlight of my last Camino Portugues and I highly recommend it. I can tell you, the Portugues is not nearly as crowded as the Frances, which I last did Summer 2017. No comparison, really. You will definitely get the solitude you crave, but there are enough people that you won't be alone if you so choose.

Belatedly thank you for your lovely response, I begin on the 8th (no time either for the variant unfortunately...but I take your advice for future)

Blessed Camino to you! I am excited now !

 

[Aphra]

Hi everyone, I was planning to do the CF in Sept/Oct but an opportunity has presented at home. I don't lose it if I go with my original plan but it's not ideal. Looking at earlier options to return sooner but concerned about the business of July/August. It just occurred to me that perhaps I could switch to the PC. How do the two compare as an overall experience? I love historic towns, open countryside and I would be all over that Variante Espiritual

I can't compare, but it sounds like the CP will be perfect for you! Also I found helpful the abundance of Youtube videos to get a real sense of the journey. Blessings for whichever way you go

 

[Owensr23]

2018 Camino Portuguese from Porto

2018jaxcamino.blogspot.com

My wife and I went last year. Here is a link to our blog. Starting coastal and heading inland.

 

[Owensr23]

Hi everyone, I was planning to do the CF in Sept/Oct but an opportunity has presented at home. I don't lose it if I go with my original plan but it's not ideal. Looking at earlier options to return sooner but concerned about the business of July/August. It just occurred to me that perhaps I could switch to the PC. How do the two compare as an overall experience? I love historic towns, open countryside and I would be all over that Variante Espiritual

I’ve done both with my wife. CF is more ‘traditional’ for most, but loves the PC and would do again tomorrow if I had a plane ticket.

Here’s both in a blog format....

2018 Camino Portuguese from Porto

2018jaxcamino.blogspot.com

2016 Camino de Santiago from Leon

2016jaxcamino.blogspot.com

 

[EdelK]

Dear fellow pilgrims,

I'm planning to walk Porto-Santiago the coastal then central route July 8th onwards....anyone walking?

(Amended to avoid confusion) My concerns are that the camino will be too crowded at this time? I do wish to meet spirited people but also enjoy solitude and see this as a meditative opportunity. I get overwhelmed in crowds, but July is my only time off to create this experience....

Any advice those who have walked in recent times in July? I would be very grateful! Thank you and peace,

Aphra

Hi!
I'm doing the Portuguese route starting the 7th! But going coastal route-why don't you do the coastal way apparently its a lot quieter!

 

[Aphra]

2018 Camino Portuguese from Porto

2018jaxcamino.blogspot.com

My wife and I went last year. Here is a link to our blog. Starting coastal and heading inland.

Thank you for sharing, look forward to reading your experience

 

[Aphra]

Hi!
I'm doing the Portuguese route starting the 7th! But going coastal route-why don't you do the coastal way apparently its a lot quieter!

Hello! That's very exciting, good luck for your start and if you feel like it keep us posted! I am leaving Porto on the 8th now so will be a step behind you. I will do the coastal until VDC or bit further even, but think I'd find all the way a bit monotonous, as I love green pastures, paths and historic buildings on the central. Having spent a few weeks gearing up since first posting......maybe it's time I became less of a hermit anyway

Put another way:

"But in moments of silence, of meditation, of enlightenment and peace, one learns to live in the atmosphere of solitude even in the midst of crowds. …One opens the inner door of his heart to the infinite silences of the Spirit, out of whose abysses love wells up without fail and gives itself to all. In His silence, the meaning of every sound is finally clear. "
⁣
—Thomas Merton⁣

 

[linkster]

I just walked from Porto to Muxia ending the first week of June. I started on the Senda Litoral out of Porto. The wind was nasty. It was mostly heads down walking, so I switched to the central at Vila do Conde. I live in Southwest Florida and can be at the beach anytime.

1) I would think that it maybe summer hot in July along the coast with little to no shade.
2) The Camino from Porto to SdC is short enough that a zero day may not be necessary, but listen to your body. Tui and Ponte de Lima seemed like good candidates for a zero or nero day.
3) Casa Fernanda is highly recommended, but we we not able to stay because of the size of our group. They do take reservations.
4) I am intentional in the morning and had no problem finding some space on the trail. Then later when I was ready there were people to walk and talk with.

¡Buena suerte!

 

[Aphra]

I just walked from Porto to Muxia ending the first week of June. I started on the Senda Litoral out of Porto. The wind was nasty. It was mostly heads down walking, so I switched to the central at Vila do Conde. I live in Southwest Florida and can be at the beach anytime.

1) I would think that it maybe summer hot in July along the coast with little to no shade.
2) The Camino from Porto to SdC is short enough that a zero day may not be necessary, but listen to your body. Tui and Ponte de Lima seemed like good candidates for a zero or nero day.
3) Casa Fernanda is highly recommended, but we we not able to stay because of the size of our group. They do take reservations.
4) I am intentional in the morning and had no problem finding some space on the trail. Then later when I was ready there were people to walk and talk with.

¡Buena suerte!

Ciao hearty thanks for your recommendations. I am with similar thoughts. I'll look at your rest stop suggestions (recovering from a herniated disc they may be needed)

Congratulations on completing your Camino, I hope you had a wonderful time

 

[linkster]

Ciao hearty thanks for your recommendations. I am with similar thoughts. I'll look at your rest stop suggestions (recovering from a herniated disc they may be needed)

Congratulations on completing your Camino, I hope you had a wonderful time

Herniated disk ... they do have bag transport along the CP. One of the girls used it several times. I am also a believer in trekking poles. They help to take some weight off your feet, but also provide some stability.

 

[JillGat]

I just came back from the Camino Portugues at the end of June. I saw practically nobody, walking the Senda Litoral from Porto. I moved inland at Vila do Conde and still it was lightly populated, though I started running into the same cohort at each stop, which was fun. I agree with the earlier poster who said the TIME you start in the morning influences how much quiet solo time you get, walking. I, too, start a little later than most around 8:30am. I loved the Portugues and I know you will, too.

 

[Aphra]

I just came back from the Camino Portugues at the end of June. I saw practically nobody, walking the Senda Litoral from Porto. I moved inland at Vila do Conde and still it was lightly populated, though I started running into the same cohort at each stop, which was fun. I agree with the earlier poster who said the TIME you start in the morning influences how much quiet solo time you get, walking. I, too, start a little later than most around 8:30am. I loved the Portugues and I know you will, too.

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed your time
About to walk!