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@george.g I'm a big fan of Maggie's blogs and have poured over both... spotted you a couple of times too
@Raggy many thanks for the info... I agree that I do think we are leaning towards Malaga - transport is a good reason too. I guess I'm a little worried because I see so many folks start from Almeria and I'm thinking are we missing something by choosing Malaga? Is there are reason why one seems more popular?
I've become something an evangelist for the Almeria route because of the kindness and hospitality of the Almeria association. Pretty much everyone who walks from Almeria is wowed by it.Is there are reason why one seems more popular?
I agree with your points completely. And Alboloduy is quite fantastic at nighttime, viewed from above. Only a tiny village, but completely lit up. A gem.I've become something an evangelist for the Almeria route because of the kindness and hospitality of the Almeria association. Pretty much everyone who walks from Almeria is wowed by it.
But I didn't know about the Almeria angels when I chose my camino. I liked the idea of a long camino that went through Granada and Cordoba - two cities that I already knew and loved. The routes from Malaga and Jaén miss Granada.
In addition to the kind-hearted Camino angels and the world-renowned city of Granada, you have Almeria and Guadix - both great little cities with interesting history. The Sierra Nevada mountains provide some beautiful backdrops to the way from Almeria.
On the downside, those dry riverbeds are tough, and there's a steep scramble up a rocky, slope at Alboloduy. But those challenges are surmountable, and the sense of achievement is great.
Of course it does! It is your mission to find them.Does the route from Malaga also have hidden gems
Of course it does! It is your mission to find them.
Antequera is certainly a gem of a town on the Málaga route, with an impressive castle and old section. And Lucena is probably worth exploring, but I was too tired when we arrived to bother.
I’d say the first few days from Málaga are a bit of a challenge with lots of elevation. Whereas the challenge from Almería is the interminable river bed walking which is very wearing. Give me mountains any day!
There were no angels as such on the route from Málaga back in 2015, but we were met with kindness at every stage end.
I think you will have to walk both routes Colleen, so that you will be able to advise future enquirers!
@peregrina2000, What do you mean by “they will take care of you all the way to Granada?” I’m new to the forum. I walked the Caminho Português in September, but I didn’t know about / engage with any associations. As I’m considering the route from Almería for December, I’d welcome education on how these associations work. Thanks so much.I can think of two reasons: It's longer.And the Almeria Association is a pilgrim magnet. They are amazing and wonderful people. They will take care of you all the way to Granada.
I would love to go back and start in Malaga someday, it looks very nice too.
Ha. Hope so.See my reply to your post on one of the other threads here.
Although it is best to respond to existing threads with specific relevant questions, it is getting difficult to provide a good overall "package" of advice in all these different threads. Perhaps start a new thread with all your questions and considerations, and we'll be all over it!
I suggest that you do contact the association if you are planning on sleeping in the association run albergues. When I contacted them in June all the albergues but one or two were still closed so I decided to walk another route. There are other private accommodations available (hostales and such) and per the associations Facebook pages there were every few days one or two pilgrims leaving from Almería but I had heard so much about their albergue infrastructure and service that I decided to postpone until they were open. I haven't looked at the recent status.@peregrina2000, Wow. That’s some terrific support.
Thanks for pointing out that I got way ahead of myself. My comments referred to pre-Covid life. LT is absolutely right that you should contact the association before heading to Almeria. The guide shows what is closed as of October.I suggest that you do contact the association if you are planning on sleeping in the association run albergues. When I contacted them in June all the albergues but one or two were still closed
I notice no one mentions the genuine old fashioned sherry bars tucked away in Malaga! Remember, sherry and sea food were designed for each other and I know a place where the sea food is brought in fresh in large panniers . Nope, I aint gonna tell you. You'll just have to explore! EnjoyThanks for pointing out that I got way ahead of myself. My comments referred to pre-Covid life. LT is absolutely right that you should contact the association before heading to Almeria. The guide shows what is closed as of October.
What???!!!!but the olive trees on that route made me crazy!
I must agree as this pertains to the Mozárabe from Granada. If I recall correctly the first three days were only through olive groves!I loved MMMmmmmmmmalaga... but the olive trees on that route made me crazy!
Yes. The first several days were fabulous... then came olive trees... and more olive trees...I must agree as this pertains to the Mozárabe from Granada. If I recall correctly the first three days were only through olive groves!
And it wouldn't have been so bad if the yellow arrow in the middle of one of those groves had actually pointed in the right direction. I walked around forever trying to find the next arrow until at one point I called the Amigos Association in Granada (I had bought their guide before setting out). According to them it was all my fault and that I had followed an old route (!). I ended up having to retrace my steps and continued on the road until I by chance found another arrow. I was not a happy camper!Yes. The first several days were fabulous... then came olive trees... and more olive trees...
Yes, and there was that!And it wouldn't have been so bad if the yellow arrow in the middle of one of those groves had actually pointed in the right direction. I walked around forever trying to find the next arrow until at one point I called the Amigos Association in Granada (I had bought their guide before setting out). According to them it was all my fault and that I had followed an old route (!). I ended up having to retrace my steps and continued on the road until I by chance found another arrow. I was not a happy camper!
I actually got lost several times, but I hear that signage has improved since I walked in 2014. Also didn't see another pilgrim until Mérida!
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