Starting Lisbon in June, in a bit of a loss.

[moranz]

Hi everyone,
On June 23rd I am starting to walk from Lisbon. This is my second Camino, as I've done the Frances in 2014. I find myself in a completely different state of mind this time around. In 2014 I loved reading about the route, looking at recommended albergues and writing notes for beautiful things to note on the way. Now, I am exhausted and pulled in so many directions I can't seem to accomplish anything. I bought the Briely guide, and read so many great posts here and in FB groups, but nothing seems to stick. I can't plan my way. In 2014 I started in March so the way was mostly people free and I could improvise. Now, starting in late June, I need to plan a bit more and perhaps book ahead because it is busy season.

I want to walk the central way with the spiritual variant, and perhaps walk a couple of days right on the sea (I think that is the coastal way). I also have no time limit, so I want to break up the stages a bit and avoid walking 30km in the first week or two weeks. I don't mind doing this later, but not so early on.

I would appreciate it if anyone is willing to share their itinerary and recommend albergues according to my route.

Thank you!
Moran

 

[Bristle Boy]

Hi everyone,
On June 23rd I am starting to walk from Lisbon. This is my second Camino, as I've done the Frances in 2014. I find myself in a completely different state of mind this time around. In 2014 I loved reading about the route, looking at recommended albergues and writing notes for beautiful things to note on the way. Now, I am exhausted and pulled in so many directions I can't seem to accomplish anything. I bought the Briely guide, and read so many great posts here and in FB groups, but nothing seems to stick. I can't plan my way. In 2014 I started in March so the way was mostly people free and I could improvise. Now, starting in late June, I need to plan a bit more and perhaps book ahead because it is busy season.

I want to walk the central way with the spiritual variant, and perhaps walk a couple of days right on the sea (I think that is the coastal way). I also have no time limit, so I want to break up the stages a bit and avoid walking 30km in the first week or two weeks. I don't mind doing this later, but not so early on.

I would appreciate it if anyone is willing to share their itinerary and recommend albergues according to my route.

Thank you!
Moran

Just thought I’d say that your post sparked a bit of clarity (for a moment or two at least).
I am thinking of doing my Camino next year late September and August and joinedthis forum recently to glean the experiences and thoughts of others.
I am torn between doing the Camino Frances from St.j or the Camino del Norte. This will be my first attempt at the Camino.
I am considering, strongly, the latter because of my interest in the Basque culture, of which Guernica plays such a central and historical role. Both routes have pros and cons and I am weighing them both up! (Should I have a break half way through the Frances and visit Guernica and return and resume where I left off)????
I am afraid I am thinking out loud as (from what I have read) the northern route is not so equipped with the infrastructure as the more popular Frances!
I will watch the replies to your post with interest in the hope it can help to make my mind up!
Sorry this reply isn’t answering your questions but we may be on the same page!

Salud y Bon Suerte

 

[peregrino_tom]

Moran
No recommendations for your itinerary here, but a few general thoughts, as I think setting out with the right frame of mind is more important than having a detailed itinerary to follow.
1 It's natural to get the heebie jeebies as a new challenge like this approaches. Just be aware of this and anyway, you have all the experience from 2014 as a camino veteran to bring to bear. If you feel confused by the options, just pull back and concentrate on the basics - getting there and starting and sketching an outline plan for your stages, which may develop as you proceed.
2 There are sufficient accommodation options and infrastructure along the way from Lisbon to walk fewer than 30km a day in the first weeks, provided you have two things: sufficient funds and sufficient time (and these sufficiencies generally solve nearly every problem!). I walked this back in 2012 and accommodation was sparse but I've just had a look at Gronze and it's looking pretty good now - plenty of opportunities to choose stages of a length that suit you provided you can pay a bit more than municipal albergue rates.
3 For the way after Porto, it may well be busy, but you'll be well into your camino rhythm by then and able to take what happens in your stride. Also it's worth remembering how open and helpful the Portuguese people are and how they will almost certainly look out for you and assist, should difficulties arise.
It's going to be amazing.

 

[corda977]

I start from lisboa on 23 may 2018!

 

[Rosemaryk1]

Moranz,
I start from Lisbon August 2nd!! Your post echoes my thoughts exactly. I did the CF in 2014 and like Peregrino Tom said, we actually are experienced Camino trekkers and it will come back to us! Let’s not get caught up so much now that it takes away from the Camino itself. Have a “big” plan then we can work on it as we go!!
Bom Caminho!!
Rosemary

 

[moranz]

Just thought I’d say that your post sparked a bit of clarity (for a moment or two at least).
I am thinking of doing my Camino next year late September and August and joinedthis forum recently to glean the experiences and thoughts of others.
I am torn between doing the Camino Frances from St.j or the Camino del Norte. This will be my first attempt at the Camino.
I am considering, strongly, the latter because of my interest in the Basque culture, of which Guernica plays such a central and historical role. Both routes have pros and cons and I am weighing them both up! (Should I have a break half way through the Frances and visit Guernica and return and resume where I left off)????
I am afraid I am thinking out loud as (from what I have read) the northern route is not so equipped with the infrastructure as the more popular Frances!
I will watch the replies to your post with interest in the hope it can help to make my mind up!
Sorry this reply isn’t answering your questions but we may be on the same page!

Salud y Bon Suerte

I can say that I absolutely loved the Frances. I did do it in March April and not in high season, I do not like crowds so much. From others I know that the Norte is not as well equipped, but if you have your heart set on it, I am sure with the help of those who did the Norte you can see how it can be done. I suggest maybe searching for posts and blogs of people who have done the Norte.
Good luck

 

[moranz]

Moran
No recommendations for your itinerary here, but a few general thoughts, as I think setting out with the right frame of mind is more important than having a detailed itinerary to follow.
1 It's natural to get the heebie jeebies as a new challenge like this approaches. Just be aware of this and anyway, you have all the experience from 2014 as a camino veteran to bring to bear. If you feel confused by the options, just pull back and concentrate on the basics - getting there and starting and sketching an outline plan for your stages, which may develop as you proceed.
2 There are sufficient accommodation options and infrastructure along the way from Lisbon to walk fewer than 30km a day in the first weeks, provided you have two things: sufficient funds and sufficient time (and these sufficiencies generally solve nearly every problem!). I walked this back in 2012 and accommodation was sparse but I've just had a look at Gronze and it's looking pretty good now - plenty of opportunities to choose stages of a length that suit you provided you can pay a bit more than municipal albergue rates.
3 For the way after Porto, it may well be busy, but you'll be well into your camino rhythm by then and able to take what happens in your stride. Also it's worth remembering how open and helpful the Portuguese people are and how they will almost certainly look out for you and assist, should difficulties arise.
It's going to be amazing.

Thank you, peregrino_tom!
I have more than enough time, but less funds I prefer to spend as little as I can on the way, but if I find that I have to pay 45 euro for a B&B because there's no other option, then of course I will do it. Maybe I will just make sure to only go to municipal albergues the rest of the time.
I appreciate your reminder of having faith in the Camino, you are right. I need to remember that everything works out and everything happens for a reason, and I can always decide it's a good one.

 

[moranz]

I start from lisboa on 23 may 2018!

Amazing! enjoy

 

[moranz]

Moranz,
I start from Lisbon August 2nd!! Your post echoes my thoughts exactly. I did the CF in 2014 and like Peregrino Tom said, we actually are experienced Camino trekkers and it will come back to us! Let’s not get caught up so much now that it takes away from the Camino itself. Have a “big” plan then we can work on it as we go!!
Bom Caminho!!
Rosemary

We are, aren't we?
Are you as concerned about the heat and the crowds as I am? I did the CF in March April, so it will be very different for me this time around.
Bom Caminho!

 

[Bristle Boy]

I can say that I absolutely loved the Frances. I did do it in March April and not in high season, I do not like crowds so much. From others I know that the Norte is not as well equipped, but if you have your heart set on it, I am sure with the help of those who did the Norte you can see how it can be done. I suggest maybe searching for posts and blogs of people who have done the Norte.
Good luck

Thank you for your brilliant reply! I am opting for late August start as it is nearing the end of the spanish holiday season to finish at the end of September. One minute I am erring to the CF...the next the Norte (I have even considered the Portuguese). I am viewing as many posts as I can but clarity is not coming too well (one minute I think it is).
I have a long time to decide but one thing is for certain...it is going to happen!
Thanks again!
Good advice is always welcome!

 

[peregrino_tom]

I am torn between doing the Camino Frances from St.j or the Camino del Norte. This will be my first attempt at the Camino.
I am considering, strongly, the latter because of my interest in the Basque culture, of which Guernica plays such a central and historical role.

Re: Bristle boy's side topic: The Tunnel route starts in Irun and goes across the hinterland of the Basque country to join the CF at either Sto Domingo or Burgos. When I walked the Sto Domingo variant it was very Basque in places, with much evidence of the traditional habitations, food and language plus political/liberation/rights murals, nationalist flags etc. and plenty of pintxos.. The first few days are busy in built up areas. Thereafter it's more rural. This forum has plenty of info about it.
Moran - apologies for the hijack, hopefully your topic can carry on as normal around this post!

 

[VMalone]

Hi, I start Camino Portuguese from Lisbon on Monday May 21. My 'well considered' plan is to head for Fatima then to Tomar, to Porto and to Santiago. That's as extensive as it gets
Relying totally on my experience of CF last year, SJPDP to Finisterre. This time round I do intend to give more time to the journey, the small towns and generally 'smelling the roses'. I've booked my first night and will maybe book second night but after that I'll take my chances both on route and albergues/hostels. Best keep it flexible. Have a good one.

 

[Bristle Boy]

We are, aren't we?
Are you as concerned about the heat and the crowds as I am? I did the CF in March April, so it will be very different for me this time around.
Bom Caminho!

Thank you for your reply! More about the crowds than heat! This is the prime reason behind picking my dates!
I am very much in the planning stage at the moment and very new to this site and even manage to put my posts in the wrong place but I can always put it down to stubby fingers and a small keyboard!
At the moment it is all about routes (and as a newbie will probably stick to the CF) and not be too daring!
Thank you again!

 

[Bristle Boy]

Hi, I start Camino Portuguese from Lisbon on Monday May 21. My 'well considered' plan is to head for Fatima then to Tomar, to Porto and to Santiago. That's as extensive as it gets
Relying totally on my experience of CF last year, SJPDP to Finisterre. This time round I do intend to give more time to the journey, the small towns and generally 'smelling the roses'. I've booked my first night and will maybe book second night but after that I'll take my chances both on route and albergues/hostels. Best keep it flexible. Have a good one.

Thank you for your reply and I am sorry if I posted this in the middle of a different (or similar posts). I am still toying with routes at the moment and it would seem,for a first timer like myself, that the CF is the better one for a starter! I will be trying to minimise the spanish holiday season with an achievable Camino which, hopefully maximises the beautiful surroundings and culture!
Thank you again!

 

[Bristle Boy]

Hi everyone,
On June 23rd I am starting to walk from Lisbon. This is my second Camino, as I've done the Frances in 2014. I find myself in a completely different state of mind this time around. In 2014 I loved reading about the route, looking at recommended albergues and writing notes for beautiful things to note on the way. Now, I am exhausted and pulled in so many directions I can't seem to accomplish anything. I bought the Briely guide, and read so many great posts here and in FB groups, but nothing seems to stick. I can't plan my way. In 2014 I started in March so the way was mostly people free and I could improvise. Now, starting in late June, I need to plan a bit more and perhaps book ahead because it is busy season.

I want to walk the central way with the spiritual variant, and perhaps walk a couple of days right on the sea (I think that is the coastal way). I also have no time limit, so I want to break up the stages a bit and avoid walking 30km in the first week or two weeks. I don't mind doing this later, but not so early on.

I would appreciate it if anyone is willing to share their itinerary and recommend albergues according to my route.

Thank you!
Moran

You are not alone btw! I have considered the Portuguese as an option...the problem is sometimes too many options!
Have fun and good luck!

 

[Bristle Boy]

Re: Bristle boy's side topic: The Tunnel route starts in Irun and goes across the hinterland of the Basque country to join the CF at either Sto Domingo or Burgos. When I walked the Sto Domingo variant it was very Basque in places, with much evidence of the traditional habitations, food and language plus political/liberation/rights murals, nationalist flags etc. and plenty of pintxos.. The first few days are busy in built up areas. Thereafter it's more rural. This forum has plenty of info about it.
Moran - apologies for the hijack, hopefully your topic can carry on as normal around this post!

Han you for your informative reply! I am sorry I didn’t mean to hijack a different topic forum...I am ending up reading so many postings and then posting my individual thoughts! It is great to hear from those with much more experience! I will just put my thoughts down to stubby fingers and a small keyboard! Ha!

 

[Rosemaryk1]

Hi, I start Camino Portuguese from Lisbon on Monday May 21. My 'well considered' plan is to head for Fatima then to Tomar, to Porto and to Santiago. That's as extensive as it gets
Relying totally on my experience of CF last year, SJPDP to Finisterre. This time round I do intend to give more time to the journey, the small towns and generally 'smelling the roses'. I've booked my first night and will maybe book second night but after that I'll take my chances both on route and albergues/hostels. Best keep it flexible. Have a good one.

I like this!!!

 

[Leigh Macklin]

Just walk whatever route feels right when it is time to decide. Tomar/Fatima? Inland/coast/combo? Variente? You shouldn't NEED to book anything til Tui (or past)...but if having something booked makes you more relaxed...well. Personally I liked mixing it between the 2, specifically using bookings.com app.

 

[Bristle Boy]

Just walk whatever route feels right when it is time to decide. Tomar/Fatima? Inland/coast/combo? Variente? You shouldn't NEED to book anything til Tui (or past)...but if having something booked makes you more relaxed...well. Personally I liked mixing it between the 2, specifically using bookings.com app.

Brilliant....thanks! I’m guilty of overthinking and getting confused! Must stop!
Go with the flow/decide/go!

 

[moranz]

Just walk whatever route feels right when it is time to decide. Tomar/Fatima? Inland/coast/combo? Variente? You shouldn't NEED to book anything til Tui (or past)...but if having something booked makes you more relaxed...well. Personally I liked mixing it between the 2, specifically using bookings.com app.

Thank you, Leigh
When I walked the Frances, I was very spontaneous. I read so much in advance I knew my options at all time and just decided as I walked. I thought that in the Portuguese it is not possible because it seems that there are 2 main routes with 2 variants (?), and because this time I am not walking in March, but June (!) when I will have to book ahead otherwise I won't find a bed. I am glad to hear it is not the case

 

[moranz]

Hi, I start Camino Portuguese from Lisbon on Monday May 21. My 'well considered' plan is to head for Fatima then to Tomar, to Porto and to Santiago. That's as extensive as it gets
Relying totally on my experience of CF last year, SJPDP to Finisterre. This time round I do intend to give more time to the journey, the small towns and generally 'smelling the roses'. I've booked my first night and will maybe book second night but after that I'll take my chances both on route and albergues/hostels. Best keep it flexible. Have a good one.

Thank you! I like your 'well considered' plan

 

[jungleboy]

@corda977 and @VMalone, are you enjoying the Caminho Português so far? I'm especially interested in hearing what you thought about the Lisbon-Porto stretch. Bom Caminho!

 

[Leigh Macklin]

I found Lisbon to Tomar to be a lot of road walking with little to appreciate nature wise. I also met few pilgrims. However it made me really appreciate Tomar onward. If I had limited time I'd rather start in Tomar and continue to Muxia.

 

[gerardcarey]

(Should I have a break half way through the Frances and visit Guernica and return and resume where I left off)????.
Salud y Bon Suerte

As I walked the CF I was dismayed to realise I'd miss the Guggenheim in Bilbao.
I took morning train from Burgos arrived Bilbao midday. Saw the Guggy that afternoon, stayed the night, train back to Burgos next morning.
It's no big deal having a break.
Regards
Gerard

 

[moranz]

Starting from Lisbon on June 23rd!
Anyine else starting at the same time?