Best Camino to do in July?

[Peregrino44]

Hi Everyone,

Sorry if this has been posted before.

I will be doing my second camino this July. I walked from SJPP to Finisterre a couple years ago and would like to experience a different camino. My two options (currently) are:

a) Camino del Norte
b) Camino Levante (Starting in Toledo) to Camino Teresiano (Avila to Salamanca) to VdlP (Salamanca to SdC)

I was really excited about doing the VdlP, but after researching the weather I am leaning towards the Camino del Norte due to the extreme heat on the VdlP in July. But I also have some concerns about the Norte.

Norte Concerns:

1) Large amounts of road walking
2) Touristy towns lacking a Camino feel
3) Scenery does not change like it does on the Camino Frances

If anyone has done both of these routes, and/or can offer any advice on what would be a better choice in July I would greatly appreciate it!

Buen Camino!

 

[Castilian]

Option B will likely be warmer than option A.

The Camino del Norte passes through tons of coastal towns and coastal towns get busy in summer.

An alternative to the Camino del Norte would be Camino Olvidado plus Camino de Invierno plus the last part of the Sanabrés.

 

[Isca-camigo]

In reply to your Norte concerns

1) Yes, but some areas have less, ( Basque country to Markina)and some areas have more asphalt( Santander to Santillana del Mar) so with a bit of investigation you can either jump the sections or find other ways that are maybe longer but cut out some of it.
2) The towns have a historical connection to the Camino through churches, monuments but you have to look harder than the Frances. My experience of the Camino feel is that Albergues play a big factor in this, people meeting up at the end of the day, shared experiences, friendships, The Norte has had many new Albergues open in the last 2-3 years, a few are donativo so the Camino spirit is being promoted.

3) The scenery does change quite dramatically, but differently from the Frances. There is some things that you cannot expect to replicate on the Norte.

The Frances has a lot going for it, but if you walk the Norte without comparing it, then you could have a different but special time.