Extra Day Toward the End

[Scott Peters]

I'm planning about two weeks doing the last several sections starting in Luarca (because the bus from Santiago seems to end there). As of right now I've got two extra days built in between when I'm curently slated to arrive into Santiago (5/31 or 6/1) and when my flight leaves (6/3). I guess I have three options:

1. Start farther back (Cadavedo?) - but this would involve finding how to get there as I fly into and out of Santiago
2. Just stay the extra days in Santiago at the end
3. Stay an extra day along the way somewhere. But where?

Many thanks to any and all!

Scott

 

[Kanga]

Welcome @Scott Peters to the forum. We stayed an extra day in Ribadeo. Although that is pretty close to your beginning. If it were me I would start walking and take my time making sure I looked at all the fabulous things along the way. From Ribadeo on to Arzua I absolutely loved and one of the reasons is the beautiful churches in Lourenzá and Mondoñedo - really worth the time to explore them, as well as the monastery at Sobrado dos Monxes.
BTW we stayed in a simply great place in Lourenzá - Casa Gloria - the owner has a pastry shop/kitchen in the front building and makes everything herself and for breakfast she leaves the kitchen stocked with the most delicious and sinful assortment of pastries and cakes. Her specialty was "cabello de ángel" (hair of the angel). A highlight.

 

[Seano]

I'm planning about two weeks doing the last several sections starting in Luarca (because the bus from Santiago seems to end there). As of right now I've got two extra days built in between when I'm curently slated to arrive into Santiago (5/31 or 6/1) and when my flight leaves (6/3). I guess I have three options:

1. Start farther back (Cadavedo?) - but this would involve finding how to get there as I fly into and out of Santiago
2. Just stay the extra days in Santiago at the end
3. Stay an extra day along the way somewhere. But where?

Many thanks to any and all!


Scott

In my opinion an extra day in Santiago is a must. For starters you will probaly arrive in late afternoon. Get your Compostela stamped find accommodation have a Tinto. Next Day Tour Cathedrial Pilgrim Mass is the highlight of the experience.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I'm thinking that if you don't need a rest day along the way and if you don't see a place on the camino that you want to tour for a day then keep walking. Then, if you get injured, you can take a recovery day and take two days to walk a normal one day walk. If you do end up getting to Santiago too early a day there is nice and you could take a bus for a day trip to Finisterre or Muxia to see what's there.

 

[natefaith]

Welcome to the Forum, Scott! It's nice that you've built in some margin into your walk. Having some extra time in Santiago at the end will be a treat. You can relax and close out your Camino experience without having to rush onto a plane or immediately get your mind thinking about home again. And as @Rick of Rick and Peg mentioned above, there are some really nice day trips you can do to see the ocean or other beautiful spots from here (Muxia, Finisterre, La Coruña, Pontevedra, etc.). The roof tour of the Cathedral is also highly recommended.

Enjoy all the planning and Buen Camino!

 

[SYates]

Welcome to the forum @Scott Peters ;-) Personally I would use them as buffer days in case of injuries/fatigue to have a rest day or two and/or to explore Santiago, especially if you have never been there before. Buen Camino, SY

 

[fenix]

BTW we stayed in a simply great place in Lourenzá - Casa Gloria - the owner has a pastry shop/kitchen in the front building and makes everything herself and for breakfast she leaves the kitchen stocked with the most delicious and sinful assortment of pastries and cakes. Her specialty was "cabello de ángel" (hair of the angel). A highlight.

Not to hijack the thread, but I adored Casa Gloria! Insane pastries, and the owners were so helpful with suggestions for alternative arrangements in the days ahead, which have some potentially long/awkward stretches.

When the proprietor showed us to our room, I squealed at the adorable bunnies running around the yard. He looked very seriously at my boyfriend and said, "We count them in the morning."

 

[naplesdon]

I spent a final night at O Muino de Pena. They will pick you up at the O Pedrouzo tourist office and bring you back to the Camino the next morning. Great hospitality and first class food.