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Copo is a flake; copa is a glass. I don't think that was the source of any confusion or resistance, but couldn't hurt to ask for what you are trying to get! ;)
Not sure what setts are to you. Google says they are badger dens, and that is not an issue on the Camino! Cobblestones, on the other hand... even with thick soled good quality hiking boots (a brand I have used for years and years with 0 issues), my feet were screaming in pain after a few days...
One of the things I enjoyed about the Camino was letting go - taking the pilgrim meal that was offered, and ordering "un vino tinto" without asking what varieties were available. Never disappointed with what I was offered (and I am normally a pescetarian).
I crossed at Vila do Conde 7 years ago, So keeping in mind that it's been a minute, I don't remember bad road crossings at that point. Having said that, I found I enjoyed the Central route more. So if there's the way to get there earlier, I would say follow the tourist office's advice.
I have heard of people grabbing a taxi to the next town, then in the morning, another taxi back to where they left off, to resume. That's one way to do longer stages.
I'd substitute long walks or hikes for strength workouts - they're different sorts of fitness, and you'll need the endurance more than the muscle strength on the Camino. My mistake on my first long hike was being a "weekend warrior" - one long hike a week, and then shorter things weekdays...
Parts of the central have cobblestones - as tough on feet as they are picturesque. I only recall pavement and boardwalk on the portion of the coastal that I hiked.
Ribadumia had an empty building built as a hotel, but under a previous president, and the new one hadn't given it approval to open. Perhaps they have sorted it out by now. A local in 2016 told me there was nowhere. Chances are it's changed ny now.
The stages were pretty set in the Variante Espiritual when I did it in 2016. I actually got almost stuck because the tourism office in Pontevedra, Google maps, and one other place all said there was lodging in Ribadumia, a point between the Armenteira and Vilanova. But there wasn't. Maybe...
I 100% agree with those who said it's a personal preference. From my perspective, being a desert dweller, I expected to really like the coastal route and started out there from Matosinhos. Some French women I was hiking with were going to the central route, and I decided to follow them. Best...
I don't know about any sleeping bag requirement, but when I hiked the the Caminho Português 6 years ago in the fall, I needed no more than a liner. Right now it's a heat wave. Can't imagine needing even that and I would leave the fleece clothing behind!
I did it alone starting mid September several years ago. "Alone," in the loose sense of the word because I immediately made friends and and often, but not always, walked with someone else. During the times I was alone, and in towns in the evenings, I never felt the least bit unsafe. Bom caminho!
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