Have to rebook October camino. How would mid April be different?

[Seger]

I was supposed to leave for my Camino in 2 days. I had a terrible fall yesterday (3 broken ribs) and have to reschedule my flight so that I can recoup some of my air fare. I was planning on the Coastal route leaving from Porto. Has anyone started early to mid April? I'm wondering how busy it's been in the past. Easter looks like it falls later.

 

[Vacajoe]

It’ll be colder, but not to the point that you couldn’t do it. Some albergues may not be open, but you can work that out later. I usually walk in April and love it because the locals aren’t worn down by the previous months of overwhelming tourist and pilgrim numbers.

 

[henrythedog]

It’ll be lighter in the morning.

Camino beats no-camino. Go for it.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

I was supposed to leave for my Camino in 2 days. I had a terrible fall yesterday (3 broken ribs) and have to reschedule my flight so that I can recoup some of my air fare. I was planning on the Coastal route leaving from Porto. Has anyone started early to mid April? I'm wondering how busy it's been in the past. Easter looks like it falls later.

You have my very sincere sympathies, and I wish you a speedy recovery.

Sorry, I have yet to walk the Portuguese so can't comment on numbers.

Yes Easter is late next year, starting on the 18th of April. Generally most things start to open just before Easter.
That doesn't however mean that if you start at the beginning of April nothing will be open, it's just that your options may be more limited.
Many Spaniards walk the last 100 km (or so) during the Semana Santa period, typically this means that all of the more popular routes are busy that week.

As to weather: it's spring and you're on the coast, walking into Galacia. Expect rain and hope for sun.

I walked a different route ( the Inglès) at the beginning of April last year, (which coincidentally was Semana Santa) and the camino was packed. Despite not being what I wanted or had anticipated it was thoroughly enjoyable. Walking into Santiago on Easter Friday was an incredible experience, as were the parades.
On the Inglés I had Frost two mornings, one of which turned into a 22 degree day. So as always: layers are your friend, and you might wish to consider a lightweight pair of gloves and a beanie

It’ll bit lighter in the morning.

Camino beats no-camino. Go for it.

Exactly!!

 

[K_Lynn]

Oh no! I'm not sure whether I should feel sorrier for you having to postpone Camino or for your broken ribs. Both are extremely painful.

Having broken a few ribs, let me warn you: almost everything will be funnier than you ever imagined and you will want to laugh heartily at everything and then you will cry from the pain. Carry a small pillow with you to clutch to your chest when you need to laugh or cough. Learn to slide out of bed because rolling and standing up is almost impossible.

Wishing you a speedy recovery! And joy in replanning your Camino.

 

[Jodean]

I started this year on 3 April and found the weather to be great. Had some rain on a couple of days, but nothing like what they have had this past Sept. and Oct.! The flowers were gorgeous and the many waterfalls on the central route were beautiful. Started on the coast until Vila do Conde.
It was never really cold and I hardly ever wore my fleece jacket.

Hope you heal quickly!

 

[HJPZ]

I walked the Coastal route this past April and it was fabulous. Weather was coolish, but great for walking, and lots of sun! There didn’t seem to be anything that wasn’t open.

 

[Seger]

I walked in terrible weather last October on the Frances and still had the best time of my life. I'm trying to keep still and hopefully heal quickly. Thanks to everyone for your advice

 

[Raindrop]

I was supposed to leave for my Camino in 2 days. I had a terrible fall yesterday (3 broken ribs) and have to reschedule my flight so that I can recoup some of my air fare. I was planning on the Coastal route leaving from Porto. Has anyone started early to mid April? I'm wondering how busy it's been in the past. Easter looks like it falls later.

I know someone who started in April and had a great time! I would worry about all the direct sun though I guess a good sunscreen

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Oh no! I'm not sure whether I should feel sorrier for you having to postpone Camino or for your broken ribs. Both are extremely painful.

Having broken a few ribs, let me warn you: almost everything will be funnier than you ever imagined and you will want to laugh heartily at everything and then you will cry from the pain. Carry a small pillow with you to clutch to your chest when you need to laugh or cough. Learn to slide out of bed because rolling and standing up is almost impossible.

Wishing you a speedy recovery! And joy in replanning your Camino.

Great advise on dealing with broken ribs. I broke two of mine on one if my caminos by tripping over an embedded rock and did a sprawling "chest plant".

 

[Terry&Dianna]

I was supposed to leave for my Camino in 2 days. I had a terrible fall yesterday (3 broken ribs) and have to reschedule my flight so that I can recoup some of my air fare. I was planning on the Coastal route leaving from Porto. Has anyone started early to mid April? I'm wondering how busy it's been in the past. Easter looks like it falls later.

I walked from Lisboa last April 1st to Santiago...very little rain, glorious temps, and lots of available infrastructure plus a beautiful array of Spring flowers. Go for it!

 

[trecile]

I haven't walked the Portuguese Coastal or in April, but if it's really rainy on the coast you might want to switch to the Central route.