Brand new

[ChefJen]

Hello, I am brand new...just found out about the Camino a week ago, and I am obsessed! I am thinking of starting in mid June 2015. Can not decide which route.... Frances or El Norte...any suggestions for my first? Thanks!

 

[Dave2525]

I've only done the Frances so I can't comment on any other. It is one of the more popular ones and as such may be better marked than some of the others

 

[ChefJen]

I've only done the Frances so I can't comment on any other. It is one of the more popular ones and as such may be better marked than some of the others

Thanks Dave...el norte looks great, but thinking Frances may be better for the first!

 

[Mike Savage]

Welcome ChefJen and good luck with your decision!

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Hi , you have to make the decision, we can't do it for you. Good luck with the decision maken .Buen Camino.

 

[wayfarer]

Welcome to the forum ChefJen, mid June is normaly hot and busy on the Frances, you could go earlier or later for a bit more comfort.
Happy planning and Buen Camino.

 

[Al the optimist]

Yes the Frances would be easier walking. It will be more crowded than the Norte but has more towns to stop and often more options as to where to stop at them. If you do shorter stages and stop early accommodation should be easier to get. Both can suffer from people booking ahead though. Buen Camino

 

[pilgrim b]

Welcome Chef Jen. Depends on how much time you have to walk too, as to which route or part of route you are thinking of doing lots to choose from!
Once you decide you will find advice abundant on you route choice in the main menu good luck. Buen camino

 

[mikevasey]

The Norte is just as good an option for a first Camino than the Frances. Very different in terms of scenery, walking surfaces and amount of Alburgues, but can be just as transformational for you as the Frances will be. You will not be missing anything which ever one you walk, they both can have different but special experiences in walking them.

 

[MKalcolm M]

If you are not going till next spring/summer then there is no hurry to make decisions, look through some of the photo journeys and blogs on this forum and youtube to see what you like. I faced the same decision for my first camino and opted for the Norte, for several reasons. I like the sea, don't like crowds, and read that while there were fewer pilgrims the bond between them seemed stronger on the Norte. I had a great walk and have been an advocate of the Norte ever since.