Hello - My First Camino - Porto - Santiago - starting 26th October 2023

[Delmeza]

I'm excited but also nervous! Planning on doing Litoral and then change over to Central and via the Spiritual Variant

 

[SueFalls]

I'm excited but also nervous! Planning on doing Litoral and then change over to Central and via the Spiritual Variant

How exciting for you! I just finished Porto to Santiago along the Senda Litoral, Coastal Route, and Spiritual Variant. Here’s what I can share with you that might help.
It’s HOT here! Not sure what the weather will be when you start, but the sun beating down on you all day is exhausting and miserable.
I didn’t realize the Coastal Route doesn’t stay along the coast, and the Senda Litoral is not well marked in some areas.
After 2-3 months of training and hiking with a full backpack, I ended up a few blisters on my left foot and shin splints or tendinitis on my left leg/ankle. It was the last thing I expected. Be sure to bring anti-inflammatory pills, painkillers, bandages, compeed, and/or moleskin for the blisters.
I brought a raincoat that weighed almost 1 lb and decided to send it to Santiago for pickup when I finished and instead bought a 2.00 euro poncho. #teamponcho
I also packed a sleeping bag liner and bath towel to use in municipal albergues, and then only stayed in private hostels where they provide beds with sheets and bath towels.
Finally, I stayed west of Combarro, which is west of Pontevedra, so started the Spiritual Variant from there. There were signs posted that indicated hiking trails along the stream and passed the old mill buildings. The signs are not part of the official Camiño trails, and I ended up lost for about two hours. No gps, was low on water, never saw another hiker, and was generally a nightmare. I don’t recommend it.
Good luck to you on your journey!

 

[Catherine Kolkoski]

I'm excited but also nervous! Planning on doing Litoral and then change over to Central and via the Spiritual Variant

That’s exactly what we just finished. Get a reservation for the boat before you leave. They’ll contact you if the time changes.

 

[Delmeza]

How exciting for you! I just finished Porto to Santiago along the Senda Litoral, Coastal Route, and Spiritual Variant. Here’s what I can share with you that might help.
It’s HOT here! Not sure what the weather will be when you start, but the sun beating down on you all day is exhausting and miserable.
I didn’t realize the Coastal Route doesn’t stay along the coast, and the Senda Litoral is not well marked in some areas.
After 2-3 months of training and hiking with a full backpack, I ended up a few blisters on my left foot and shin splints or tendinitis on my left leg/ankle. It was the last thing I expected. Be sure to bring anti-inflammatory pills, painkillers, bandages, compeed, and/or moleskin for the blisters.
I brought a raincoat that weighed almost 1 lb and decided to send it to Santiago for pickup when I finished and instead bought a 2.00 euro poncho. #teamponcho
I also packed a sleeping bag liner and bath towel to use in municipal albergues, and then only stayed in private hostels where they provide beds with sheets and bath towels.
Finally, I stayed west of Combarro, which is west of Pontevedra, so started the Spiritual Variant from there. There were signs posted that indicated hiking trails along the stream and passed the old mill buildings. The signs are not part of the official Camiño trails, and I ended up lost for about two hours. No gps, was low on water, never saw another hiker, and was generally a nightmare. I don’t recommend it.
Good luck to you on your journey!

Thank you very much for taking the time to reply and all your tips and info. Much appreciated Especially the part about the hiking trails you got lost on. That must have a been a nightmare as you said.

 

[Delmeza]

That’s exactly what we just finished. Get a reservation for the boat before you leave. They’ll contact you if the time changes.

Thank you! I will book the boat. What is the easiest way to do so? Via phone or website? How long in advance would you recommend to book?

 

[Cinderflippinrella62]

How exciting for you! I just finished Porto to Santiago along the Senda Litoral, Coastal Route, and Spiritual Variant. Here’s what I can share with you that might help.
It’s HOT here! Not sure what the weather will be when you start, but the sun beating down on you all day is exhausting and miserable.
I didn’t realize the Coastal Route doesn’t stay along the coast, and the Senda Litoral is not well marked in some areas.
After 2-3 months of training and hiking with a full backpack, I ended up a few blisters on my left foot and shin splints or tendinitis on my left leg/ankle. It was the last thing I expected. Be sure to bring anti-inflammatory pills, painkillers, bandages, compeed, and/or moleskin for the blisters.
I brought a raincoat that weighed almost 1 lb and decided to send it to Santiago for pickup when I finished and instead bought a 2.00 euro poncho. #teamponcho
I also packed a sleeping bag liner and bath towel to use in municipal albergues, and then only stayed in private hostels where they provide beds with sheets and bath towels.
Finally, I stayed west of Combarro, which is west of Pontevedra, so started the Spiritual Variant from there. There were signs posted that indicated hiking trails along the stream and passed the old mill buildings. The signs are not part of the official Camiño trails, and I ended up lost for about two hours. No gps, was low on water, never saw another hiker, and was generally a nightmare. I don’t recommend it.
Good luck to you on your journey!

SueFalls, I am getting ready to put together an itinerary following exactly what you just completed. Would you be so kind as to share your itinerary of all the villages, towns, etc...thank you. Or anyone else that has done the same.