Camino bug is nibbling

G_the_D · Mar 19, 2024

Hi all,

I find the Camino bug is nibbling again, and I feel like the VdlP is the route that is calling.

Like many I don't have the time off to complete the entire route from Sevilla to SdC. I should be able to pull off 21 days on the ground with time either side for travel.

So, the perennial question that I have for the Forum is, which sections of the route would you recommend that a VdlP newbie cover? My thoughts are either:
1. from Sevilla to Salamanca (19 days with a day each in Salamance and Sevilla).
2. Salamanca to SdC via Astorga (19 days with a day each in Salamance and in SdC)
3. Salamaca to SdC via Sanabria, Verin, Ourense and Cea to SdC) (19 Days with tourism either end)
4. Merida to Astorga (18 days tourism and a rest day)
5. Merida to a Gudina (20 days, extra day in Salamaca)

Of course I am open to suggestions.

The other option would be Madrid - Sahagun - Astorga.

So, for those of you who have walked these routes, any input (and critiques) would be appreciated.

Regards,
Gord

J Willhaus · Mar 19, 2024

You may want an extra day in Merida to see the Roman works.

alexwalker · Mar 19, 2024

G_the_D said:
Hi all,

I find the Camino bug is nibbling again, and I feel like the VdlP is the route that is calling.

Like many I don't have the time off to complete the entire route from Sevilla to SdC. I should be able to pull off 21 days on the ground with time either side for travel.

So, the perennial question that I have for the Forum is, which sections of the route would you recommend that a VdlP newbie cover? My thoughts are either:
1. from Sevilla to Salamanca (19 days with a day each in Salamance and Sevilla).
2. Salamanca to SdC via Astorga (19 days with a day each in Salamance and in SdC)
3. Salamaca to SdC via Sanabria, Verin, Ourense and Cea to SdC) (19 Days with tourism either end)
4. Merida to Astorga (18 days tourism and a rest day)
5. Merida to a Gudina (20 days, extra day in Salamaca)

Of course I am open to suggestions.

The other option would be Madrid - Sahagun - Astorga.

So, for those of you who have walked these routes, any input (and critiques) would be appreciated.

Regards,
Gord

If I were you, I would choose Sevilla-Salamanca, with a rest day in Merida bc what @J Willhaus said.

That way you can return one day to Salamanca and continue...

Connections Salamanca-Madrid are good (train).

Roman Theatre (Mérida) - Wikipedia

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Camino Chrissy · Mar 19, 2024

I agree. If the OP's purpose is to eventually walk the whole VdlP, I would start in Seville and work my way north, and return as time permits where I left off to eventually complete the whole thing.

Antonius Vaessen · Mar 19, 2024

I have walked the VdlP in 2015/16. I will go back in two weeks, won't walk to Santiago. But have chosen to repeat the stretch Sevilla Salamanca, because I liked that the most. Very nice cities like Sevilla, Merida, Caceres and Salamanca ( which I liked best)

MesaWalker · Mar 19, 2024

Definintely walk the route from Sevilla to Salamanca if you think you might want to come back and finish the rest at a later time.

If you were pretty certain you will never go back, I would try to come up with a route that incorporates Mérida, Cáceres, Salamanca and Zamora - our favorite cities along the VdlP. You could do Mérida to Puebla de Sanabria in maybe 18 stages of walking (taking the Camino Sanabrés for the last four days) or Mérida to Astorga in about the same time (bypassing the Camino Sanabrés). Either way you would be able to include several rest days in those fascinating cities.

lt56ny · Mar 20, 2024

My I second, third and forth the Sevilla-Salamanca route.

geraldkelly · Mar 20, 2024

When are you planning to walk? The best route to walk relies heavily on this.

G_the_D · Mar 20, 2024

Well it seems the absolute majority is backing my initial instinct.

When I get to booking, I'll be booking for Sevilla with a destination of Salamanca.

Thanks all!

Gord

alexwalker · Mar 20, 2024

G_the_D said:
When I get to booking, I'll be booking for Sevilla with a destination of Salamanca.

You have chosen wisely. It is a wonderful Camino.
Buen Camino!

Rita Flower · Mar 22, 2024

I agree - start in Sevilla.
When are you walking - weather in the form of heat is a critical element on the VDLP during July and August - and even earlier or later. I started 22 Sept and had some 36 C days where I had to start in the early dark and finish by midday to miss the worst of it. It's a great Camino and the cities mentioned are fabulous.

Giorgio99 · Mar 23, 2024

G_the_D said:
Hi all,

I find the Camino bug is nibbling again, and I feel like the VdlP is the route that is calling.

Like many I don't have the time off to complete the entire route from Sevilla to SdC. I should be able to pull off 21 days on the ground with time either side for travel.

So, the perennial question that I have for the Forum is, which sections of the route would you recommend that a VdlP newbie cover? My thoughts are either:
1. from Sevilla to Salamanca (19 days with a day each in Salamance and Sevilla).
2. Salamanca to SdC via Astorga (19 days with a day each in Salamance and in SdC)
3. Salamaca to SdC via Sanabria, Verin, Ourense and Cea to SdC) (19 Days with tourism either end)
4. Merida to Astorga (18 days tourism and a rest day)
5. Merida to a Gudina (20 days, extra day in Salamaca)

Of course I am open to suggestions.

The other option would be Madrid - Sahagun - Astorga.

So, for those of you who have walked these routes, any input (and critiques) would be appreciated.

Regards,
Gord

I’m currently on the via de la plata and can confirm your first option would be amazing. Consider a stop in Merida which is a gem. I’m in Lubian at present so can’t comment on other options

Camino bug is nibbling

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