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Search 69,459 Camino Questions

Allow for extra day in Santiago?

John Fraser

Member
Time of past OR future Camino
April 2017
Hello all and thank you for your help.

I am arriving in Madrid at 6:30AM on Wednesday the 26th of September and heading to Ponferrada. I am trying to get to Villafranca or close that day. According to Brierly's book, which I have roughly followed in the past, I will arrive in Santiago on October 4th. My return flight is out of Madrid on October 5th at 16:10.

As I now look at it, I wonder if it is worth hustling (for lack of a better term) to get to Santiago late on October 3rd and spend the whole day of October 4th in Santiago.

Does anyone feel that is worth it or should I just enjoy the journey to Santiago arrive mid to late afternoon on October 4th and basically spend a few hours and sleep there?

Thank you all for input!!!
 
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The first edition came out in 2003 and has become the go-to-guide for many pilgrims over the years. It is shipping with a Pilgrim Passport (Credential) from the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
It depends on you and what you are looking for. Santiago de Compostela is a wonderful city and there are many tourist pleasures to enjoy. However, for other pilgrims, an intermediate step of a quiet place to reflect, contemplate, and plan for the next step before returning to real life is appreciated. You can do this in Santiago or elsewhere. Do what feels good to you.
 
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It depends on you and what you are looking for. Santiago de Compostela is a wonderful city and there are many tourist pleasures to enjoy. However, for other pilgrims, an intermediate step of a quiet place to reflect, contemplate, and plan for the next step before returning to real life is appreciated. You can do this in Santiago or elsewhere. Do what feels good to you.

Very true. thanks
 
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For those doing a longer pilgrimage I would recommend staying an extra day if just to meet with friends arriving a little later than you. In your case John I say to decide early on your camino after discussing the idea with some veteran walkers you meet on the way. They can ask you questions about your interests and inclinations and steer you better. And asking the question of others along the way can be a great way of meeting others.

Of course you should disregard this response if you are asking on the forum so you can firm up transportation reservations ahead of time.
 
For those doing a longer pilgrimage I would recommend staying an extra day if just to meet with friends arriving a little later than you. In your case John I say to decide early on your camino after discussing the idea with some veteran walkers you meet on the way. They can ask you questions about your interests and inclinations and steer you better. And asking the question of others along the way can be a great way of meeting others.

Of course you should disregard this response if you are asking on the forum so you can firm up transportation reservations ahead of time.


I already booked the return flight for 10/5. I just wasnt sure whether to try to get to Santiago earlier to have a full day there.
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
For those doing a longer pilgrimage I would recommend staying an extra day if just to meet with friends arriving a little later than you. In your case John I say to decide early on your camino after discussing the idea with some veteran walkers you meet on the way. They can ask you questions about your interests and inclinations and steer you better. And asking the question of others along the way can be a great way of meeting others.

Of course you should disregard this response if you are asking on the forum so you can firm up transportation reservations ahead of time.
That is interesting. I hadnt thought about meeting the people from my travels. I am only there for 9 days walking but expect to meet people. thanks
 
I alrready booked the retirn flight for 10/5. I just wasnt sure whethe to try to get to Santiago ealier to have a full day tehre.
For those doing a longer pilgrimage I would recommend staying an extra day if just to meet with friends arriving a little later than you. In your case John I say to decide early on your camino after discussing the idea with some veteran walkers you meet on the way. They can ask you questions about your interests and inclinations and steer you better. And asking the question of others along the way can be a great way of meeting others.

Of course you should disregard this response if you are asking on the forum so you can firm up transportation reservations ahead of time.


Thank you. a good idea to ask others on the camino.
 
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Sorry John; my brain is not as fast as it used to be. There is a recent thread about things to see in Santiago here: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/recommended-highlights-in-santiago.57757/

There are two museums mentioned, the pilgrimage museum and a museum of Galician culture. This led me to think that you might start your camino with a day in Santiago first. Not only could you postpone lots of walking after a period of possible jetlag but a visit to the museums first might make the later walk more significant. Visit the cathedral upon finishing the pilgrimage.

If you do start walking as soon as possible then be sure to interrogate your fellow walkers quickly so you have the chance to pick up the pace and more easily cut a day off the journey.
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
I would always book more time for my Caminos than I think it could possibly take. Then if something goes wrong you have that cushion of time and you are not racing towards an airplane. At the end, I'd you want to spend an extra day in Santiago, it is there. If not, there is plenty else to see in Spain (or, in the case of my upcoming Camino, in Portugal).
 
Margin is always good. In your case, depending on the transportation options to Madrid, you may even need to get the train or bus to Madrid on October 4 to make sure you make your October 5 flight (there are only a few bus/ train options each day and during busy periods they can be full). So you may want to look at those now and see what you can find from Santiago to Madrid, and then decide from there how much time you'd like in Santiago. Buen Camino!
 
It depends on you and what you are looking for. Santiago de Compostela is a wonderful city and there are many tourist pleasures to enjoy. However, for other pilgrims, an intermediate step of a quiet place to reflect, contemplate, and plan for the next step before returning to real life is appreciated. You can do this in Santiago or elsewhere. Do what feels good to you.
Thank you for your thoughts
 
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Margin is always good. In your case, depending on the transportation options to Madrid, you may even need to get the train or bus to Madrid on October 4 to make sure you make your October 5 flight (there are only a few bus/ train options each day and during busy periods they can be full). So you may want to look at those now and see what you can find from Santiago to Madrid, and then decide from there how much time you'd like in Santiago. Buen Camino!
I was able to book a return flight from Santiago to Madrid so I’m all set with that. Thanks for suggestion
 
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I would always book more time for my Caminos than I think it could possibly take. Then if something goes wrong you have that cushion of time and you are not racing towards an airplane. At the end, I'd you want to spend an extra day in Santiago, it is there. If not, there is plenty else to see in Spain (or, in the case of my upcoming Camino, in Portugal).
Unfortunately I did not book cushion but it does make sense
 
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Does anyone feel that is worth it or should I just enjoy the journey to Santiago arrive mid to late afternoon on October 4th and basically spend a few hours and sleep there?
Yes. Completely worth it.
I always add a few days in Santiago at the end of a walk, even a short one.
There are masses to attend, churches to sit in, people to connect with (and to farewell if it has been a longer walk), pimentos de padron to eat, atmosphere to soak up - and generally the time there allows me to change gears gently.
The crowds don't bother me the way they do some people. It's part of the buzz.

You've already made your bookings, John...I'd say see how you go and see how you feel.
And...Buen camino!
 
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Over the years, I have developed a network of friends who are all similarly afflicted with Caminoitis. The more fortunate ones live at Santiago. They are part of an expanding ex-pat community that lives IN the Camino. They learn, share, research, support, help others, volunteer, and generally contribute in many, countless ways to making the Camino experience better for all who follow.

Because of this, when injury, weather, or depression successfully overcome my motivation to finish a Camino I started, I no longer feel badly if I have to leapfrog into Santiago. Some years, this has me arriving as much as a week earlier than planned.

Finding lodging in the off-season is inexpensive and easy. My network of acquaintances and friends is there. Catching up and pitching-in keeps me busy until it is time to fly home.
 
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I like the time I spend in Santiago catching up with other pilgrims that I met along the way. I'd hate to fly home the next day.
I like the time I spend in Santiago catching up with other pilgrims that I met along the way. I'd hate to fly home the next day.

Do you need to decide now? I would play it by ear...as Santiago is large enough that you should be able to find a place to stay at a later date. A lot depends, IMO, on how you are feeling then.
Thank you. i can play it by ear
 
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Over the years, I have developed a network of friends who are all similar afflicted with Caminoitis. The more fortunate ones live at Santiago. They are part of an expanding ex-pat community that lives IN the Camino. They learn, share, research, support, help others, volunteer, and generally contribute in many, countless ways to making the Camino experience better for all who follow.

Because of this, when injury, weather, or depression successfully overcome my motivation to finish a Camino I started, I no longer feel badly if I have to leapfrog into Santiago. Some years, this has me arriving as much as a week earlier than planned.

Finding lodging in the off-season is inexpensive and easy. My network of acquaintances and friends is there. Catching up and pitching-in keeps me busy until it is time to fly home.
Very good. Thank you for the info
 
Hello all and thank you for your help.

I am arriving in Madrid at 6:30AM on Wednesday the 26th of September and heading to Ponferrada. I am trying to get to Villafranca or close that day. According to Brierly's book, which I have roughly followed in the past, I will arrive in Santiago on October 4th. My return flight is out of Madrid on October 5th at 16:10.

As I now look at it, I wonder if it is worth hustling (for lack of a better term) to get to Santiago late on October 3rd and spend the whole day of October 4th in Santiago.

Does anyone feel that is worth it or should I just enjoy the journey to Santiago arrive mid to late afternoon on October 4th and basically spend a few hours and sleep there?

Thank you all for input!!!
I am biased as I adore Santiago and spent 4 days soaking up the place...stay as long as you can.
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-
When you tag the top of a mountain, you get to relish the moment for only a brief time before heading down. When I tagged the cathedral door in Santiago, the city became my reward after 800 km. I lingered for five days—reflected, wrote, ate, and drank. I ran into folks I met in the early days of the journey—we congratulated each other, laughed, and drank some more. What a precious time it was in Santiago to celebrate an accomplishment and bask in the warmth, camaraderie, and deliciousness of this ancient city.
 
We spent a little time in Santiago too and loved it.

And even with only 9 days, you'll meet plenty of people. Our first Camino, we started in Leon and within a couple hours of arriving in Leon, we made friends - we were having a beer and there were pilgrims sitting at a table next to ours - we introduced ourselves, had a chat and a beer, ended up with an invitation to dinner. Consequently, I count 2 of those people among the most important friendships that I have ever made.
 
I would like to thank all of the lovely camino family for sharing their thoughts with me. I am going to try to get that extra day in Santiago but I dont want to lose sight of the "journey either. Thanks again!!!
 
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Hello John,

When in this position, and maybe it is just me, I do not book my flight home until after I arrive at my final destination, which is Santiago, for most here. Those on a schedule, I understand. Time is an unmovable object.

But if it were me, and Santiago was my destination, I could spend an extra week, or a year there. Some have done it, and are still doing it. Ask Ivar.
 
Hello all and thank you for your help.

I am arriving in Madrid at 6:30AM on Wednesday the 26th of September and heading to Ponferrada. I am trying to get to Villafranca or close that day. According to Brierly's book, which I have roughly followed in the past, I will arrive in Santiago on October 4th. My return flight is out of Madrid on October 5th at 16:10.

As I now look at it, I wonder if it is worth hustling (for lack of a better term) to get to Santiago late on October 3rd and spend the whole day of October 4th in Santiago.

Does anyone feel that is worth it or should I just enjoy the journey to Santiago arrive mid to late afternoon on October 4th and basically spend a few hours and sleep there?

Thank you all for input!!!
Absolutely. It's a wonderful city. spend as much time as you can there. I loved it and am going bka
 
Hello John,

When in this position, and maybe it is just me, I do not book my flight home until after I arrive at my final destination, which is Santiago, for most here. Those on a schedule, I understand. Time is an unmovable object.

But if it were me, and Santiago was my destination, I could spend an extra week, or a year there. Some have done it, and are still doing it. Ask Ivar.
Thank you
Absolutely. It's a wonderful city. spend as much time as you can there. I loved it and am going bka
thanks!
 
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Hello all and thank you for your help.

I am arriving in Madrid at 6:30AM on Wednesday the 26th of September and heading to Ponferrada. I am trying to get to Villafranca or close that day. According to Brierly's book, which I have roughly followed in the past, I will arrive in Santiago on October 4th. My return flight is out of Madrid on October 5th at 16:10.

As I now look at it, I wonder if it is worth hustling (for lack of a better term) to get to Santiago late on October 3rd and spend the whole day of October 4th in Santiago.

Does anyone feel that is worth it or should I just enjoy the journey to Santiago arrive mid to late afternoon on October 4th and basically spend a few hours and sleep there?

Thank you all for input!!!

I have been to Santiago three times and always find ways to fill in my days whenever I am there. I would strongly recommend two full days, if you have the time. The pilgrim mass (even for non-catholics) is an experience that is part of the pilgrimage. If the botofumero swings so much the better. Cheers
 
I have been to Santiago three times and always find ways to fill in my days whenever I am there. I would strongly recommend two full days, if you have the time. The pilgrim mass (even for non-catholics) is an experience that is part of the pilgrimage. If the botofumero swings so much the better. Cheers
Thanks for the suggestion.
 
Pursuant to my earlier post (above), we never know when or whether we will pass this way again. Sometimes life conspires to preclude the realization of best laid plans; circumstances change and evolve. We move on. I've lived long enough to appreciate the caprice that can lurk just around the bend. Therefore, I've learned to savor the moment I am in, let it wash over me, and absorb its essence. Santiago is like that.
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-
Pursuant to my earlier post (above), we never know when or whether we will pass this way again. Sometimes life conspires to preclude the realization of best laid plans; circumstances change and evolve. We move on. I've lived long enough to appreciate the caprice that can lurk just around the bend. Therefore, I've learned to savor the moment I am in, let it wash over me, and absorb its essence. Santiago is like that.
Thank you!
 

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