Advice on Route from Llanes

[TexasIndia]

In October 2023, I'm starting in Llanes where I left off last year. I'm planning to finish in Santiago around Oct 22. My question is which route to take. I've heard that it's easier to find accommodations if I go from Llanes to Villaviciosa/Oviedo/Lugo/Santiago (Camino Primitivo) than following the traditional Camino del Norte from Llanes to Villaviciosa/Ribadeo/Santiago. I've already tried making a hotel reservation where I stayed in Llanes last year, but they aren't responding and Booking.com says there are no rooms. So I'm already a little concerned. Last year I used a booking service. This year I plan to do it myself.

Besides accommodations, a few other questions to help me decide:

Which is more beautiful?​

Which is more difficult?​

Is luggage transfer equally available?​

Any advice would be most appreciated.

 

[Antonius Vaessen]

I have walked both routes. I think the Norte has more accomodations if you include all hotels, in all pricecategories. I don't think there's much difference as fas as pilgrim-orientated acvomodations are concerned. On neither route I had difficulties finding a place to stay.
The primitivo is more difficult, but also more beautifull I think and surely worth the extra effort. You had many days with the ocean in view, so the primitivo wll be a nice addition. By chosing the Primitivo you wll miss the Playa des catedrales 10 km from Ribadeo though.
One of my favourite albergues about 22 km after Llanes is El Reposo de Andayon in Cuerres

 

[trecile]

I've heard that it's easier to find accommodations if I go from Llanes to Villaviciosa/Oviedo/Lugo/Santiago (Camino Primitivo) than following the traditional Camino del Norte from Llanes to Villaviciosa/Ribadeo/Santiago.

I found the opposite to be true. I'm just finishing the Norte/Primitivo and I've previously done all of the Norte. After the split with the Primitivo it was easier finding accommodation.

 

[JerryStroebele]

I walked the Primitivo in September and the weather was great. I walked the del Norte twice starting in September but then I was in the western end in late October. Both times in October it RAINED A LOT. I would prefer to walk the del Norte in the rain than the Primitivo in the rain. Both Caminos are wonderful -- if you are prepared for rain. Buen Camino

 

[lt56ny]

In October 2023, I'm starting in Llanes where I left off last year. I'm planning to finish in Santiago around Oct 22. My question is which route to take. I've heard that it's easier to find accommodations if I go from Llanes to Villaviciosa/Oviedo/Lugo/Santiago (Camino Primitivo) than following the traditional Camino del Norte from Llanes to Villaviciosa/Ribadeo/Santiago. I've already tried making a hotel reservation where I stayed in Llanes last year, but they aren't responding and Booking.com says there are no rooms. So I'm already a little concerned. Last year I used a booking service. This year I plan to do it myself.

Besides accommodations, a few other questions to help me decide:

Which is more beautiful?​

Which is more difficult?​

Is luggage transfer equally available?​

Any advice would be most appreciated.

I have not walked the Primitivo but I have heard from many it is more beautiful and difficult for sure. I walked the whole Norte in 2018 and arrived in Santiago in late November. I never had a problem finding a place to sleep. I was alone many nights until Baamonde but that I had no problem with that.

 

[poogeyejr]

I found accommodation easier in Galicia, the end of the Norte than in the beginning.

 

[FSP]

I had no problem finding very nice albergue accommodation on what you refer to as the traditional Norte. I tend to lean towards there being just the Norte and the other being partial a partial Norte and the Primitivo. The later in my biased opinion missing out on some of the best parts of the Norte. I promise you won't regret finishing the Norte. Which ever route you take, enjoy the journey!
Frank