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I started my Madrid Camino downtown at the Plazuela de Santiago at one of the oldest churches in Madrid where, facing the buiding (it's pink and impossible to miss in the little square!) if you look on the right hand side, you'll find your first yellow arrow. I found the route out of the city to...
Light weight metal water bottle is my preference. Handy, cheap, replaceable, easy to clean, seconds to fill and virtually indestructible. Also works well filled with either hot or cold water to roll over sore muscles. I have had one that has kept me good company on thousands and thousands of...
I stay at the Hostal (Hotel) Barrera a short couple of blocks from the Atocha station. Small, clean, quiet and family-run. The area surrounding is fine, as safe as anywhere and close to a subway stop as well.
When I forgot my micro fibre towel at an albergue early on in my Camino, a kind hospitalier at the next albergue gave me a clean, but worn thin cotton towel from a pile that had been left behind. I used it for the remainder of my walk, then left it in Finisterre. (I think I may have left the...
I'm with Camino Chrissy - the big Valor bar with nuts. Saved my butt once after an overnight stay in Ane along the Madrid Camino. Nothing was open. That night I went hungry, saving a big chunk of my Valor bar to sustain me on the 12 km walk the next morning to the nearest breakfast. Every time I...
Peanut butter is often tough to find and costly in Spain as it is not a part of the Spanish diet. Nutella is the European spread of choice. Your friend should try hummus instead. It is widely available. I ate it every day on my Madrid Camino four years ago.
Frankie - Do spend as much time as you can researching lots of Camino Routes. I did that, and I was so happy to have discovered the 'route for me' and I am sure you will find the same. Don't get stuck on the idea that you have to walk the most popular route. Find the one that suits you best...
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