Irun or San Sebastian?

[slarti]

Hello everyone!

I'm leaving for camino del norte at the end of April and trying to decide if I should start in Irun or San Sebastian.
I'm going to try to complete the camino in about 4 weeks but if necessary I have 5 weeks to do it in (so i have some wiggle room to "wing it").
So basically I'm wondering if it's worth that extra day of walking to start in Irun?

/Linus

 

[slarti]

Well, after a bit of contemplating i decided to start in Irun.
I realized that if I were to start in San Sebastian I would be quite annoyed with myself

 

[evanlow]

Good choice!

I asked the same question last year before my del Norte and someone showed me a video of their Day 1 from Irun. I am sold!

The view, the boat crossing was one of the best experience in this camino, on Day 1 itself.

Buen Camino!

 

[slarti]

Good choice!

I asked the same question last year before my del Norte and someone showed me a video of their Day 1 from Irun. I am sold!

The view, the boat crossing was one of the best experience in this camino, on Day 1 itself.

Buen Camino!

Thank you for the answer, it's good to hear that I made the right choice.

The thing was that when I started planing my trip i didn't know that you could take the train to Irun and when i realized that you could i was a little startled but the decision to start there wasn't that hard.

Buen Camino!

 

[AubreyL]

I started in Irun yesterday and I think you made the right choice. The walk was spectacular!!! Be sure to take the high route!

 

[John Hussey]

AubryL:
Suggestion taken but please explain why?

 

[evanlow]

This is why...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZYpZSkTotk

That video made my decision to start from Irun instead of San Sebastian.

The view breathtaking, the boat crossing right before a cruise ship (yes, it somehow fit that narrow waterway) is reason enough not to miss.

 

[slarti]

I started in Irun yesterday and I think you made the right choice. The walk was spectacular!!! Be sure to take the high route!

Thanks for the tip! Ok, I'm not there yet but for me, the low route wouldn't be an option. I like a good challenge.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Well, then this is the right choice for you! You not only will have the challenge you seek but the beautiful scenery of the first day after you go up is spectacular! This is one of many views:

Will you be reporting your Camino as you go? It would be great if you posted here how you find the trek, if there are any suggestions or warnings you can give to those of us who will be close behind you !

Ultreia!

Mary

 

[Kiwi-family]

This is why...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZYpZSkTotk

That video made my decision to start from Irun instead of San Sebastian.

And now I swing back to thinking of doing the Norte instead of the Frances!
Fantastic pics....I wanted the camera to swing up and pan OVER the crest of the hill....just like in the movies!

 

[Duntrune]

Irun. The walk to Pasajes San Juan is delightful and the albergue is very good.

 

[Dawntreader]

Has anyone walked the Camino Frances and then walked the Camino Norte in reverse?

 

[slarti]

Well, then this is the right choice for you! You not only will have the challenge you seek but the beautiful scenery of the first day after you go up is spectacular! This is one of many views:

Will you be reporting your Camino as you go? It would be great if you posted here how you find the trek, if there are any suggestions or warnings you can give to those of us who will be close behind you !

Ultreia!

Mary

It looks fantastic! I hope the weather will be as good as in the picture.

I'm not sure if I'll report anything as I'm not sure how "online" I will be. But if something disturbing comes along I'll try to remember to post it.

Ultreia!

 

[slarti]

Irun. The walk to Pasajes San Juan is delightful and the albergue is very good.

I decided on Irun a long time ago, I don't even know why I was thinking of starting in San sebastian as when i first decided on walkin del Norte my mind was set on startin in Irun.

I don't think I'm going to stay in Pasajes San Juan as 19km in a day is well, not the pace I am accustomed to on the camino. But, as it my first day on this camino I can't say that for sure so thank you for the tip about the albergue

 

[poogeyejr]

I started in Irun, the views from Irun to San Sebastian are some of the best on the Norte, and that is saying alot!

 

[Nann]

Thank you for this thread. It has helped decide on Irun.
Suggestions for where to stay that first night.