15 days, 26-year-old solo pilgrim: which camino?

[jimmy_88]

Hi everybody,

I'm planning to go on my first Camino this summer for 15-16 days. I am 26 years old, fairly fit, I speak Spanish fluently and I'll be going alone. I am not looking for a spiritual experience, but only a nice alternative holiday.

I've been reading a lot of material, but I am still quite undecided about which Camino to take (Frances/del Norte/Primitivo). What I expect from this vacation is to:

• meet other travelers, possibly around my age. I might like to walk alone from time to time, but it would be nice to spend time with others, and have company in the afternoon and evening.
• walk more on trails than paved roads, let alone next to the traffic
• have pleasant temperatures, not so hot that it won't prevent me from enjoying the walk.
• not be obsessed by bed bugs
• not be obsessed by having to wake up before sunrise and rush to the next destination to find an available bed
• sleep on beds (no mats, sleeping bags, etc)
• go through enough villages to be able to eat or drink before reaching the destination

I will be landing in Madrid and from there I thought I would start my camino in Léon (Frances), Gijon (Norte) or Oviedo (Primitivo).

My main concern is that in the Frances I would be overwhelmed by people, while in the other two it would end up being a solitary holiday. And, in the Primitivo, also difficult to find accommodation.

Any suggestions?
Thanks a lot!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I suggest the Camino Frances from Leon. Most of the younger walkers choose the Camino Frances. It typically takes about 14 days. You could walk further, but remember that if your pace is faster than the people you meet, you will be leaving them behind each day. For a sociable camino, you generally need to cover the same distance as those around you. Take preventive measures for bed bugs. They are everywhere, so you cannot avoid them. All you can do is prepare to keep them away.

 

[jimmy_88]

Thanks for your reply. Is it difficult to meet people? I was told it was extremely easy, in such a way (I thought) that I could easily meet new people pretty often and, if I wanted, go at my own pace.

 

[Bradypus]

It is very easy to meet people on the Caminos. On the Frances in summer you may meet far too many for your comfort! If you plan to walk this summer you will have very little chance to be alone for long. How easy you find making friends with strangers is something only you will know. Having a shared physical experience of walking the Camino and probably sharing your motivations and pleasures with those you meet goes a very long way in breaking the ice.

 

[Anamya]

Along the Frances it is also easy to book cheap inns and sleep comfortably, with privacy, if that's something you'd like.