Camino del norte or frances as a solo female traveler

[pribhatt]

Hi! I am thinking of doing a camino route for the first time this June. As a solo female traveler, I have been advised to do the frances but I am also considering del Norte. My main goal is to speak as much Spanish as possible and make new friends with whom I can continue to chat after my camino. I also like the idea of being near the coast... But first and foremost safety must come first! Will I be able to find others with whom to walk on del Norte?

 

[Ali@59]

I think in June the north route will be quite busy so you'll definitely have company. I walked solo in April/May a few years ago and met many, not so many Spaniards if I recall, but, you can use your Spanish with the locals and others on route who might be learning or South Americans

 

[C clearly]

As a solo female traveler, I have been advised to do the frances

Therr are good reasons to walk the Frances as a first Camino, but the Frances, Norte, and other routes are equally safe. On either route in June you will make friends, although you might not speak as much Spanish as you expected.

 

[wells.kim.p]

We walked Del Norte this fall. I felt very safe. We met many people. And there were far fewer english speakers among the locals than on the Francaise.

The walking is harder but the scenery is stunning! Well worth it!

 

[lt56ny]

Make sure you know have the emergency number of 112 to contact the police if needed. There is also a great app called AlertCop that you can download. Both can put you in touch with an English speaking officer. The AlertCop app also has a tracking device. The CF will have more people. The Norte in my opinion although more demanding is also more beautiful. In June you will meet lots of people. Being the father of two fantastic and beautiful young women I would send them off gladly on either camino. I would of course follow behind as I am a Jewish mother at heart haha. Seriously they are both safe routes. When in doubt and you are alone, walk with others if you can or make a whole lot of noise. On the CF especially there will most likely be someone behind or in front of you within shouting distance.

 

[annmte]

Pribhatt - I walked the Norte as a solo female last year from Irun (late April through first week of June) - and had similar goals to yours. I was a little nervous beforehand, but I never ever felt like I was not safe. There were enough other pilgrims where I didn't feel isolated (unless I wanted to be), but not so many that I felt like it was crowded (until towards the end). I also wanted beautiful coastal views (take the coastal alternatives when you can!) and to speak Spanish as much as possible. I did meet some Spaniards walking (locals as well as some pilgrims). There were other Europeans and Australians - very few Americans, which for me was great! I met several people with whom I am still in touch, including an Aussie with whom I will be walking another Camino this year! Highly recommend.

 

[trecile]

If you decide on the Norte and you are on Facebook join the Camino del Norte Group for Women.

Camino del Norte Group for Women | Facebook

This group is a space for women who have walked, want to walk or are walking the Camino Norte in Spain. The intention is to offer a forum for questions, advice, friendship, and recommendation...

www.facebook.com

 

[David with new Kit!]

We have done both recently. The Frances is definitely busier, but we saw quite a lot of solo female walkers on the Norte and didn't see or hear of any issues either.

There are also a LOT of Spanish holidaymakers walking short stretches too, as the north coast is a very popular holiday destination for Spaniards.

Lots of opportunities to practice Spanish for sure.

Whatever your choice - Enjoy.

 

[Mycroft]

Pribhatt - I walked the Norte as a solo female last year from Irun (late April through first week of June) - and had similar goals to yours. I was a little nervous beforehand, but I never ever felt like I was not safe. There were enough other pilgrims where I didn't feel isolated (unless I wanted to be), but not so many that I felt like it was crowded (until towards the end). I also wanted beautiful coastal views (take the coastal alternatives when you can!) and to speak Spanish as much as possible. I did meet some Spaniards walking (locals as well as some pilgrims). There were other Europeans and Australians - very few Americans, which for me was great! I met several people with whom I am still in touch, including an Aussie with whom I will be walking another Camino this year! Highly recommend.

"- very few Americans, which for me was great!" I hear ya!