Which extension: Aragonés or Finisterre?

[SteveWalch]

I am planning my third Camino for next spring (I walked St Jean to Santiago previously) and I will be able to add about 5 additional days this time. So I figure I can either start earlier (Oloron Ste Marie to Santiago) or add to the end (St Jean to Finisterre), but not both. Does anyone have any advice as to which extension would be preferable? Thanks!

 

[KatWanderlust]

I am planning my third Camino for next spring (I walked St Jean to Santiago previously) and I will be able to add about 5 additional days this time. So I figure I can either start earlier (Oloron Ste Marie to Santiago) or add to the end (St Jean to Finisterre), but not both. Does anyone have any advice as to which extension would be preferable? Thanks!

Hi Steve,

This is a tough one! They're both great options and I think it's about what you want to get out of your Camino that will help you choose...

The Aragones is pretty quiet compared to The Frances, however the other trails are growing in popularity so you should always have comrades around and especially at night. (I walked this 6 years ago so it might have changed a bit! But we had about 15 people gathering each night). Starting in Oleron is really nice, the trail is quite hilly - but has some incredible scenery and great Albergues that are well spaced. I think having a bit of Spanish is a really good idea, you'll get by with just the basics but it's nice to be able to chat with the locals as not many people spoke English. Overall I loved this trail, it was a peaceful way to start the Camino but it is a bit strange joining up to the Frances as the numbers increase greatly!

As for Finisterre this is a lovely way to finish (in my opinion). This way is getting busier so it's not as quiet as the Aragones, a great advantage is if your Camino friends are continuing on you can keep walking together to the Ocean. Finishing at Finisterre is pretty great when you realise you can't walk anymore, and seeing the 0km marker next to the Lighthouse is really special. The scenery on the way is also spectacular and this part has some of my favourite Albergues. If you have time I highly recommend going to Muxia as well - it's a beautiful town and while the Church has recently been damaged, the view from the rocks where it's built is really amazing at sunset.

I hope this helps you, if you have any questions please just ask!

Buen Camino,
Kat

 

[AJ]

I walked to Finisterre in 2008 and the Aragones in 2012. I agree with Kat that both are worth doing.

From what I hear, the route to Finisterre is much more popular now than when I walked it. Great views when you first see the sea. An opportunity to walk on the beach. You can burn your boots at the lighthouse.

The Aragones was quiet in late June 2012, but there was company every night. Oloron has one of my favourite Romanesque churches. Part of the route up the valley to Somport is on a narrow trail above the river which can be dodgy I am told. Because of the wet weather and warnings about the waymarked route I took the road part of the way. The road can be busy, but I had no problems. I am told that one of the guidebooks recommends taking a bus part of the way, but the tourist officers told me this was unnecessary.

Unless you plan to do the Arles route in the future, I would say go for the Aragones.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

A planning tool for the Camino Aragones has been added here:

http://www.godesalco.com/plan/aragones

 

[Pilar]

I have done both routes. I started in Toulouse one year and walked the Argones to Puente la Reina. I have walked to Finisterre as well. I would lean toward doing the Argones. It is more scenic and less travelled in my opinion. There is some road through the pass to Somport but not a long ways. Nice places to stay along the way. Lacks the big finish of the lighthouse but I really enjoyed the views.

 

[camino07]

I walked from Somport in 2013 and really enjoyed it. Scenery amazing and excellent Albergues along the way. We would meet up with around 20 pilgrims from various countries each night. Don't know why but it sticks out as one of my favourite caminos !

 

[karenhypes]

I agree with Kat and others, both are great options. Oloron Ste Marie would be a great place to start. We walked from Montpellier to Puente la Reina and thoroughly enjoyed the Aragones section. A little road walking from Oloron to Somport, but it's ok.

The walk to Finisterre is also nice and I would recommend to go to Muxia as well, either straight to Muxia and down to Finisterre or vice versa. Very peaceful after the Francés and a nice way to finish your Camino.

We walked to a Finisterre in 2009 and to Muxia in 2013. Really enjoyed Muxia.
Either one will be a good choice. Enjoy. Dayton

 

[SteveWalch]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I really wish I had time to do both, in fact I want to allow for that possibility. My latest plan is to start with the Aragones route and see how fast I go. If I end up with a slower pace and only make it to Santiago in 35 days, fine. If I end up walking faster, I may make it to Finisterre. (I was averaging 30-35 km per day towards the end of my last Camino, but sometimes it felt like it was going by too fast.)