Wondering whether the Via de la Plata is our next camino ....?

[KerryW]

Hi everyone

We are pondering which camino to do next and are wondering whether it should be the Via de la Plata and would love your advice We have walked the Frances, Via Podiensis, del Norte/Primitivo and Francigena. (We're actually pondering the Via de la Plata or the Via Francesco) We've loved every camino so far ... For those who have walked the VdlP, did you love it? Would you urge us to walk it? We're sitting on the fence and are looking for some 'yes! it is just amazing!!' Thank you!!

 

[Antonius Vaessen]

I have walked the VdlP for the first time in 2015, two years ago I walked from Zamora this year I walked from Sevilla until I had to quit because of injuries. It will be clear I like the VdlP. Distances are sometimes far apart, places to stop for a coffebreak are sometimes sparce. It is not so crowded as the frances has less asphalt than the Norte. You pass through very good cities like Sevilla, Merida, Caceres, Salamanca, Zamora and Ourense. This year I walked in april and the wild flowers were abundant ( more than I remembered from the same period in 2015, perhaps because it rained so much in the weeks before)

 

[KerryW]

Thank you so much, Antonius! We were wondering how early we should start in April. Would you suggest mid April from Cadiz would be good timing?

 

[WalkingInGers]

I am leaving from Algeciras and walking the ESTRECHO to Cadiz, then the AUGUSTA to Sevilla, and then the Via de la Plata from Sevilla leaving on March 7, 2025. Will fly into Malaga, then take the bus to Algeciras, I understand the views are absolutely amazing from up there on the ESTRECHO.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I recently found this Via de la Plata vlog on a rainy day and was impressed. I have seen a few of Rolf's other Caminos and I like his style. They are high quality with wonderful soft music, no unnecessary talking, but just some basic facts. He captured the stunning scenery, cities and villages. I was quite surprised at how beautiful southern Spain is and I appreciated all of the whitewashed architecture, which was a pleasant surprise for a change, rather than the usual stone I normally see on my Caminos farther north.
The negative is that he does not talk very much about cathedrals, historical castles, and museums, but I felt he did a great job of an overview of the Via.
I rarely watch Camino vlogs, and Efren is my only "go to guy", but have recently subscribed to Rolf.

 

[Kev&Kath]

Absolutely loved and thoroughly enjoyed the VdlP. My wife and I (both in our mid 60s) walked from Cadiz to Seville (Via Augusta), then started out...just after Easter last year (in fact we walked out of Cadiz on Good Friday). Semana Santa festivities...a clear highlight.
I can only recall one really hard day (Canaveral to Galisteo), but overall - definitely planning to do this one again.
There are some really informative YouTube videos on this route...and will give you a reasonable 'feel' for the VdlP.
I think its a Camino...not to be missed! Buen Camino.

 

[duncanwhyte]

I walked in Feb 21 arriving at SDC on march 29. Taking 5 weeks. I expect conditions to be ok from april, but my time was unusually inclement weather. Making it more of an obstacle course.

It was cold and rainy and flooded, so I walked the roads mainly. But did pass through areas that are a delight. There are long stretches between stages. But a lot of alternatives if you plan accordingly.

The small towns are sparsely populated and with only one shop or restaurant. You will need to plan or prepare to carry some food. The albergues are somewhat averse to cooking. A microwave or kitchen facilities that are very limited.

There were 5 occasions when the hosts put on a meal. And these were part of the highlights. The main cities good for tourism. I did the Verin option and that allowed for solitude but a limited infrastructure.

Getting in the albergues, often meant opening an unlocked door and waiting for the hospitalero some hours later. So it's quite a cool camino.

 

[Robo]

I loved the VdlP. But it depends on what you seek. My perspective.........

I was going to write a long list of positives and negatives.........

But for me it comes down to this. You will love the VdlP if:

1. You seek solitude.
2. You don't mind not seeing another Pilgrim for a few days.
3. You want to experience the local culture, rather than one provided just for Pilgrims.
4. You don't mind a bit of additional planning / logistics in relation to stages / accommodation.
5. You don't need luggage transfer.
6. You want to lose yourself to the journey.
7. You have zero expectations in terms of accomodation / food. They are good. But often simple.
8. You want to relax, and maybe heal..........
9. You want to get closer to nature, yourself, to your God. Because there are few distractions!

Hope that makes sense!

I made a daily blog/video that might help you.
https://robscamino.com/day-1-seville-to-santiponce-videos/

 

[John Sikora]

If you want to see what each (or any) of the stages are like, take a look at the appropriate section of this playlist. I captured the walk. Few comments, no editorials, just the walk with info.

Camino Via de la Plata Seville to Santiago

****Updated 10/19/2020 - Replaced videos Stage 01-11 - others coming in a bit) with new versions. 5x instead of 10x (better viewing) with additional info and...

www.youtube.com

 

[Antonius Vaessen]

Thank you so much, Antonius! We were wondering how early we should start in April. Would you suggest mid April from Cadiz would be good timing?

I think it is best to leave even earlier, Both times I started in Sevilla I started the end of march and it was quite hot allready most days

 

[Jan Runkel]

You can never outguess the weather! Starting mid-March to mid-April is good. If you've done those other Caminos you'll be fine. Just be prepared for long stretches between stops, food or water.

 

[Portach]

Hi everyone

We are pondering which camino to do next and are wondering whether it should be the Via de la Plata and would love your advice We have walked the Frances, Via Podiensis, del Norte/Primitivo and Francigena. (We're actually pondering the Via de la Plata or the Via Francesco) We've loved every camino so far ... For those who have walked the VdlP, did you love it? Would you urge us to walk it? We're sitting on the fence and are looking for some 'yes! it is just amazing!!' Thank you!!

Walked Seville to Salamanca in October 2017, Salamanca to Santiago in April 2018. Loved it.

 

[RussB]

Hi,

VdlP is a great route , hard but very enriching.

I walked Mozarabe—> VdlP in May/June 2022 , very hot and sone long days , but I found the solitude I was searching for

 

[lt56ny]

I loved the VdlP. But it depends on what you seek. My perspective.........

I was going to write a long list of positives and negatives.........

But for me it comes down to this. You will love the VdlP if:

1. You seek solitude.
2. You don't mind not seeing another Pilgrim for a few days.
3. You want to experience the local culture, rather than one provided just for Pilgrims.
4. You don't mind a bit of additional planning / logistics in relation to stages / accommodation.
5. You don't need luggage transfer.
6. You want to lose yourself to the journey.
7. You have zero expectations in terms of accomodation / food. They are good. But often simple.
8. You want to relax, and maybe heal..........
9. You want to get closer to nature, yourself, to your God. Because there are few distractions!

Hope that makes sense!

I made a daily blog/video that might help you.
https://robscamino.com/day-1-seville-to-santiponce-videos/

Couldn’t agree with you more in your assessment. I did have enough time to walk and take my time.
I was able to walk and don’t remember ever having to walk more then about 27k. But that did involve some really short days but I have the time and i was fine with this compromise.
I also started the third week of October and it was still blistering hot (for me at least, over 90F and 95F) out of Sevilla. There are some beautiful cities along the way.
Sometimes it is a shock to the senses going from total quiet and solitude for many days to the hustle and bustle of city life. But if you like history and classically beautiful Spanish cities you can’t beat it.
I am sure next year I will do the Mozárabe.

 

[MajorBozo]

I just got home from my Via de La Plata Camino. Started in Sevilla April 6 finished May 21. It was my first. It really depends on the type of peregrino you are. Robo gives great bullet points for filtering this out. However, don’t let the mention of solitude mislead you. There will be bed races especially around popular choke points like the bigger cities. Many participants will drop in and do a few stages then leave. This can overwhelm accommodations. There is solitude and beauty while you walk which is priceless. In Andulucia and Extremadura stages are long and sparse. You can’t suddenly get hungry or thirsty and expect to walk 3-5 km and find a café or market. Once you get into Leon-Castilla and Galicia it gets better.

I did mine for totally religious and spiritual reasons. I had been wanting/planning this for over 40 years. Even named my younger son Santiago. He just finished this week. It was everything I hoped for and needed. I already miss it. Looking forward to doing a second. Completely rewarding.

I have a straight forward blog of my daily experiences if you are interested. It will flesh out some of my comments.
Buen Camino

 

[MajorBozo]

I think it is best to leave even earlier, Both times I started in Sevilla I started the end of march and it was quite hot allready most days

Be prepared for the full spectrum of weather. Warm in Andalusia, rain hail sleet near Salamanca. 0 degrees C in Salamanca. I was chastised for taking so much stuff. Instead of enjoying Salamanca most peregrinos were at Decathlon buying gear. Rained every day but 2 in Galicia. Walked slept in long underwear for a week. If you leave in April as I did.

 

[Robo]

Like many routes, I think the weather on the VdlP can be a bit of a lottery.
I had great weather last year. 4-5 hours of rain in 60 days I think!
(that was in Galicia on the Invierno)

But the same time this year it seemed there was lots of rain.

I do study weather sites endlessly, looking at different times of year, year on year patterns etc etc.
But it can still be a bit of a lottery.

I left Sevilla 25 March 2023. And had glorious weather all the way.
Got up to about 25-28C at the hottest part of the day.
I started leaving an hour before dawn and that was about 8-9C.
I used my rain jacket for a bit of added warmth in the mornings.
Otherwise just walked in a shirt.

The sun umbrella got lots of use!

Shade and Water - on the VdlP you bring your own...

• Robo
• Jun 12, 2023
• 6

 

[David37]

Hi everyone

We are pondering which camino to do next and are wondering whether it should be the Via de la Plata and would love your advice We have walked the Frances, Via Podiensis, del Norte/Primitivo and Francigena. (We're actually pondering the Via de la Plata or the Via Francesco) We've loved every camino so far ... For those who have walked the VdlP, did you love it? Would you urge us to walk it? We're sitting on the fence and are looking for some 'yes! it is just amazing!!' Thank you!!

I walked the Via de la Plata last year and really enjoyed it. I started from Sevilla on Easter Sunday, 9th April 2023. The weather was good in 2023, although this year there was heavy rain and floods. I did a Spanish language course in Sevilla (at Clic International) the 2 weeks before and really enjoyed Semana Santa.

 

[markie6]

I recently found this Via de la Plata vlog on a rainy day and was impressed. I have seen a few of Rolf's other Caminos and I like his style. They are high quality with wonderful soft music, no unnecessary talking, but just some basic facts. He captured the stunning scenery, cities and villages. I was quite surprised at how beautiful southern Spain is and I appreciated all of the whitewashed architecture, which was a pleasant surprise for a change, rather than the usual stone I normally see on my Caminos farther north.
The negative is that he does not talk very much about cathedrals, historical castles, and museums, but I felt he did a great job of an overview of the Via.
I rarely watch Camino vlogs, and Efren is my only "go to guy", but have recently subscribed to Rolf.

thanks for this... watched and enjoyed

 

[camino07]

I have walked the Via 4 times always starting the week after Easter. usually very hot and busier at the beginning. This year was the most difficult for me, probably shouldn't have done it a fourth time I loved it on the previous occasions.. Camino burnout as has been talked about previously on the forum. Also very wet and cold this year which I had not experienced before. Who knows what next year will be like but I'm sure you will enjoy it.

 

[RodlaRob]

Hi Kerry
Obviously you have enjoyed many Caminos, so with vdlp, depends on what gives you enjoyment. Wish I had walked the ones you have!
I have walked only Camino Torres & Vdlp & would do both again tomorrow but that doesn't mean that I should recommend them to you without knowing your Camino expectations.
Also, re Weather, Vdlp can be unpredictable?...I started from Sevilla 1st March this year. Didn't get muddy boots for 3 weeks (in places I should've maybe), then got some later when the weather north should have been fine. Storm Norman I think was the culprit.
Robo makes good points but Solitude wasn't what I remember. Sure, I walked at times on my own but at Albergues there were always fellow peregrinos. Slept top bunk 5 out of my first 7 nights! Not ideal for a 68 yo.
Happy to pm with you or chat.
Rodney (Adelaide)

 

[lt56ny]

I think it is best to leave even earlier, Both times I started in Sevilla I started the end of march and it was quite hot allready most days

I agree completely about leaving as early as possible. As I stated in another post i left in the 3rd week of October and temps wre 90F+ every day until almost November 1. If those who have walked in April say your proposed date is too late follow the advice. Remember for most days you will have no shade at all. It will be difficult to find shade to even take a break from the heat. Olive trees don't afford much sun protection.

 

[WalkingInGers]

Like many routes, I think the weather on the VdlP can be a bit of a lottery.
I had great weather last year. 4-5 hours of rain in 60 days I think!
(that was in Galicia on the Invierno)

But the same time this year it seemed there was lots of rain.

I do study weather sites endlessly, looking at different times of year, year on year patterns etc etc.
But it can still be a bit of a lottery.

I left Sevilla 25 March 2023. And had glorious weather all the way.
Got up to about 25-28C at the hottest part of the day.
I started leaving an hour before dawn and that was about 8-9C.
I used my rain jacket for a bit of added warmth in the mornings.
Otherwise just walked in a shirt.

The sun umbrella got lots of use!

Shade and Water - on the VdlP you bring your own...

• Robo
• Jun 12, 2023
• 6

I finished looking at your YouTube video. Nice work. The heat is an aspect that worries me.

 

[lt56ny]

I finished looking at your YouTube video. Nice work. The heat is an aspect that worries me.

I think if you leave early enough say end of February. When it starts to get hot you should be pretty close to Galicia and the weather will probably be more temperate. After those first 9 or 8 days I was never hot or cold again although when I was in Galicia there were some really chilly mornings and nights. But some extra clothes at night cures that and walking 10 or 15 minutes in the morning takes the chill right out and you have great walking temps. But what is great for me.... And who knows what the weather will be.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I agree completely about leaving as early as possible. As I stated in another post i left in the 3rd week of October and temps wre 90F+ every day until almost November 1. If those who have walked in April say your proposed date is too late follow the advice. Remember for most days you will have no shade at all. It will be difficult to find shade to even take a break from the heat. Olive trees don't afford much sun protection.

I was going to suggest leaving in early March because I've read about the heat many times on the forum if you start out too late, but since I have not walked it, I felt I didn't have a voice. I'm glad you have chimed in with great advice.

 

[Sunrayrob]

Like many routes, I think the weather on the VdlP can be a bit of a lottery.
I had great weather last year. 4-5 hours of rain in 60 days I think!
(that was in Galicia on the Invierno)

But the same time this year it seemed there was lots of rain.

I do study weather sites endlessly, looking at different times of year, year on year patterns etc etc.
But it can still be a bit of a lottery.

I left Sevilla 25 March 2023. And had glorious weather all the way.
Got up to about 25-28C at the hottest part of the day.
I started leaving an hour before dawn and that was about 8-9C.
I used my rain jacket for a bit of added warmth in the mornings.
Otherwise just walked in a shirt.

The sun umbrella got lots of use!

Shade and Water - on the VdlP you bring your own...

• Robo
• Jun 12, 2023
• 6

Good advice Rob and we enjoyed your VLOG very much. Its inspired us to do the VDLP in the future.

 

[Sunrayrob]

I recently found this Via de la Plata vlog on a rainy day and was impressed. I have seen a few of Rolf's other Caminos and I like his style. They are high quality with wonderful soft music, no unnecessary talking, but just some basic facts. He captured the stunning scenery, cities and villages. I was quite surprised at how beautiful southern Spain is and I appreciated all of the whitewashed architecture, which was a pleasant surprise for a change, rather than the usual stone I normally see on my Caminos farther north.
The negative is that he does not talk very much about cathedrals, historical castles, and museums, but I felt he did a great job of an overview of the Via.
I rarely watch Camino vlogs, and Efren is my only "go to guy", but have recently subscribed to Rolf.

We have watched Rolf, Rob's and Efren's VLOGs on the VDLP over the last few weeks and have found each useful in their differing perspectives. This Camino is definitely on our bucket list.

 

[ConnachtRambler]

" /

Hi everyone

We are pondering which camino to do next and are wondering whether it should be the Via de la Plata and would love your advice We have walked the Frances, Via Podiensis, del Norte/Primitivo and Francigena. (We're actually pondering the Via de la Plata or the Via Francesco) We've loved every camino so far ... For those who have walked the VdlP, did you love it? Would you urge us to walk it? We're sitting on the fence and are looking for some 'yes! it is just amazing!!' Thank you!!

With my wife, I have walked all or part of seven Caminos. VdlP was my favourite.

We started in Almaden de la Plata to avoid the long third stage in 40C heat of late August, 2014. Family commitments decided the start date. We arrived in Seville two days early to see the city. We then walked for 51 days and had three rest days to allow us to see Merida, Salamanca and Ourense. Planned short walking days allowed us to enjoy Caceres, Zamora and Puebla de Sanabria. We also had time to take in the sights in other historic towns and villages. It was the most amazing adventure. We had both passed our 70th birthdays when we set out.

Liam

 

[WalkingInGers]

" /


With my wife, I have walked all or part of seven Caminos. VdlP was my favourite.

We started in Almaden de la Plata to avoid the long third stage in 40C heat of late August, 2014. Family commitments decided the start date. We arrived in Seville two days early to see the city. We then walked for 51 days and had three rest days to allow us to see Merida, Salamanca and Ourense. Planned short walking days allowed us to enjoy Caceres, Zamora and Puebla de Sanabria. We also had time to take in the sights in other historic towns and villages. It was the most amazing adventure. We had both passed our 70th birthdays when we set out.

Liam

That is my idea...but to start further south of Seville....and NOT entering Gibraltar. How did you handle the heat?

 

[ConnachtRambler]

The heat was a problem but we minimised it by starting very early so that we could, if possible, reach our planned destination by midday. Peak temperatures usually came later in the afternoon.

 

[JacquelineA]

We walked de VdlP this year, starting on Friday March 22. Didn’t plan to walk to Santiago but about a week of 3. Rain was relentless unfortunately. Really started raining ususally around 3 every day, when we already arrived, but we walked in some heavy rain sometimes and it got cold. And the road got flooded more and more. Because of this cold my husband got an injury, the muscle of his neck/back got hurt, so we stopped a day before reaching Caceres. Still ,we enjoyed beautiful days on the vdlp and sun too. Walking through nature parks from Castilblanco to Almaden and on to real de la jara, between aljucen and Alcuescar. So wonderfull. We sometimes didn’t see any other pilgrim all day, but met a lot (around 25) at night. Spring was around us, flowers everywhere. And passing through very nice villages with Roman history, (we stayed an extra night in Santiponce, zafra, Merida and caceres) was interesting , especially Merida.
There’s little opportunity to sit and rest along the via, but we yearn to go back and finish it.
We had a lot of help from the info on the Facebookpagina of Gerald Kelly and his recently updated guidebook.

Just go. And enjoy

 

[Raindrop]

I loved the VdlP. But it depends on what you seek. My perspective.........

I was going to write a long list of positives and negatives.........

But for me it comes down to this. You will love the VdlP if:

1. You seek solitude.
2. You don't mind not seeing another Pilgrim for a few days.
3. You want to experience the local culture, rather than one provided just for Pilgrims.
4. You don't mind a bit of additional planning / logistics in relation to stages / accommodation.
5. You don't need luggage transfer.
6. You want to lose yourself to the journey.
7. You have zero expectations in terms of accomodation / food. They are good. But often simple.
8. You want to relax, and maybe heal..........
9. You want to get closer to nature, yourself, to your God. Because there are few distractions!

Hope that makes sense!

I made a daily blog/video that might help you.
https://robscamino.com/day-1-seville-to-santiponce-videos/

I loved the VdlP. But it depends on what you seek. My perspective.........

I was going to write a long list of positives and negatives.........

But for me it comes down to this. You will love the VdlP if:

1. You seek solitude.
2. You don't mind not seeing another Pilgrim for a few days.
3. You want to experience the local culture, rather than one provided just for Pilgrims.
4. You don't mind a bit of additional planning / logistics in relation to stages / accommodation.
5. You don't need luggage transfer.
6. You want to lose yourself to the journey.
7. You have zero expectations in terms of accomodation / food. They are good. But often simple.
8. You want to relax, and maybe heal..........
9. You want to get closer to nature, yourself, to your God. Because there are few distractions!

Hope that makes sense!

I made a daily blog/video that might help you.
https://robscamino.com/day-1-seville-to-santiponce-videos/

This is so helpful! Thank you!!!!

 

[Raindrop]

If you want to see what each (or any) of the stages are like, take a look at the appropriate section of this playlist. I captured the walk. Few comments, no editorials, just the walk with info.

Camino Via de la Plata Seville to Santiago

****Updated 10/19/2020 - Replaced videos Stage 01-11 - others coming in a bit) with new versions. 5x instead of 10x (better viewing) with additional info and...

www.youtube.com

I will be looking forward to watching these

 

[Raindrop]

I walked in Feb 21 arriving at SDC on march 29. Taking 5 weeks. I expect conditions to be ok from april, but my time was unusually inclement weather. Making it more of an obstacle course.

It was cold and rainy and flooded, so I walked the roads mainly. But did pass through areas that are a delight. There are long stretches between stages. But a lot of alternatives if you plan accordingly.

The small towns are sparsely populated and with only one shop or restaurant. You will need to plan or prepare to carry some food. The albergues are somewhat averse to cooking. A microwave or kitchen facilities that are very limited.

There were 5 occasions when the hosts put on a meal. And these were part of the highlights. The main cities good for tourism. I did the Verin option and that allowed for solitude but a limited infrastructure.

Getting in the albergues, often meant opening an unlocked door and waiting for the hospitalero some hours later. So it's quite a cool camino.

I take it only the private albergues have meals? But, people often put their food together to create a meal? I wouldn’t like feeling I’d have to wait around to be checked in but that obviously happens

 

[Raindrop]

I walked in Feb 21 arriving at SDC on march 29. Taking 5 weeks. I expect conditions to be ok from april, but my time was unusually inclement weather. Making it more of an obstacle course.

It was cold and rainy and flooded, so I walked the roads mainly. But did pass through areas that are a delight. There are long stretches between stages. But a lot of alternatives if you plan accordingly.

The small towns are sparsely populated and with only one shop or restaurant. You will need to plan or prepare to carry some food. The albergues are somewhat averse to cooking. A microwave or kitchen facilities that are very limited.

There were 5 occasions when the hosts put on a meal. And these were part of the highlights. The main cities good for tourism. I did the Verin option and that allowed for solitude but a limited infrastructure.

Getting in the albergues, often meant opening an unlocked door and waiting for the hospitalero some hours later. So it's quite a cool camino.

I see you actually finished on March 29? My friend was telling me her friend Al or maybe he goes by Allen? He also finished the VDLP on March 29th? I wonder if you met him?

 

[Raindrop]

I walked in Feb 21 arriving at SDC on march 29. Taking 5 weeks. I expect conditions to be ok from april, but my time was unusually inclement weather. Making it more of an obstacle course.

It was cold and rainy and flooded, so I walked the roads mainly. But did pass through areas that are a delight. There are long stretches between stages. But a lot of alternatives if you plan accordingly.

The small towns are sparsely populated and with only one shop or restaurant. You will need to plan or prepare to carry some food. The albergues are somewhat averse to cooking. A microwave or kitchen facilities that are very limited.

There were 5 occasions when the hosts put on a meal. And these were part of the highlights. The main cities good for tourism. I did the Verin option and that allowed for solitude but a limited infrastructure.

Getting in the albergues, often meant opening an unlocked door and waiting for the hospitalero some hours later. So it's quite a cool camino.

I asked her to ask him but they are on holidays now and haven’t answered me yet if so small world!

 

[alexwalker]

I walked the VdlP in 2012 (Sevilla-Salamanca) and 2013 (Salamanca-SdC). It is a fantastic Camino; the king of them all. Merida was fantastic with its Roman buildings/remains, Salamanca with the largest Plaza Mayor in Spain, and lots and lots of other landmakrs.

It was mostly easy walking. Some long distances in the beginning, but nothing crucial.

My next Camino will be from Merida to SdC: I don't want the hysteria of the CF anymore. The VdlP is a peaceful walk, with enough infrastrucute to support you well. I had no problems finding albergues or food.

The Roman history of this land can be seen all over. Fantastic places. Merida was a retirement place for Roman legionaires:

Why the Roman City of Emerita Augusta Could Not Avoid Having a Theatre

Behind the stage stood the scenae frons, lined with marble columns and topped with statues of deified emperors and gods, primarily the seated statue of Ceres or Livia, Augustus' wife. Within this backdrop were entrances for actors and behind lay tranquil gardens.

www.historyhit.com