Camino Portuguese from Porto via Spiritual Variant route

[bordatoue]

Hello,
I will start my Camino from Porto on 26 December, considering doing the spiritual variant route. Is it possible to determine if the route is open during this time of the year? Are there any better routes available? I prefer walking in woods, forests, mountains, and hills, not a big fan of beaches or coastal walks.

I was thinking of Porto to Vila do Conde then follow the Central route .. is there a better route considering the time of the year for accommodation?

 

[dougfitz]

The route itself doesn't close, but albergues and other accommodation might, as might some cafes, etc. Especially around Xmas and New Year. I would check Gronze or Wise Pilgrim, and sketch out an outline plan, and see if the places that will be open can be linked up into manageable walking days.

 

[lt56ny]

The route itself doesn't close, but albergues and other accommodation might, as might some cafes, etc. Especially around Xmas and New Year. I would check Gronze or Wise Pilgrim, and sketch out an outline plan, and see if the places that will be open can be linked up into manageable walking days.

I have looked but I did not see any planning for the Espiritual Variente in Gronze. I was looking in the forum but didn't see anything. But I got sidetracked reading about the Mozarabe. I think that the Gronze forum has tons of really good information. You can't beat local knowledge in golf or the Camino.

 

[dougfitz]

I have looked but I did not see any planning for the Espiritual Variente in Gronze. I was looking in the forum but didn't see anything. But I got sidetracked reading about the Mozarabe. I think that the Gronze forum has tons of really good information. You can't beat local knowledge in golf or the Camino.

@lt56ny, you are right, Gronze doesn't cover the couple of days where one might be on the Variante Espiritual, but it is a great resource for the remainder of the camino the OP is planning. Wise Pilgrim does cover the VE.

 

[woody66]

Wise Pilgrim has the Variant on his app!
There is also Stingy Nomads pdf
Hope this helps has some links in both!
Not sure about the boat in January!
Accomodation Pontevedra, Combarro and Padron still have lots of options!
Combarro to Vila Nova de Arousa and from there on to Padron is very limited!

The Camino Portugués - The Variante Espiritual | Camino de Santiago Apps and Maps

www.wisepilgrim.com

The Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago

The Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago - a 2023 guide and walking stages. Distances, route maps, GPX files of the route.

stingynomads.com

 

[wisepilgrim]

The planner in the forums has the Variante built into it.