Camino del Norte vs Camino Frances?

[Molly1234]

Hello all!

I am going to be walking my first camino this September. I have yet to decide between the Camino Frances and the Camino del Norte. Can any of you that have walked both advise me on which was the most enjoyable? I am attracted to the Camino del Norte for it's coastal views but I like the sounds of the comradery on the Camino Frances. Does the Camino del Norte have the same social aspect ? Looking forward to hearing all of your responses!

Mary.

 

[SYates]

It really comes down, imo, on how well you like crowds. For history and fellowship the Camino Frances is hard to beat, but it will still be busy in September. Another idea would be the Camino Portugues (just to add to your confusion ;-) Buen Camino, SY

 

[Kanga]

Hi @maryrosekirwan and welcome to the forum. I have walked both and always recommend the Camino Frances as a first camino.

There are similar threads on this theme that may help you. Here is one.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...east-not-until-you-have-read-this-post.37007/

 

[jayree]

I posted my personal impressions when this topic was discussed earlier. I walked both in September-October in consecutive years. I enjoyed both.

Why Norte over traditional France

 

[Pierre Julian]

I have only walked the Northern Camino from Bilbao to Santander, it is amazing, beautiful scenery and Laredo is incredible. However I'm glad I walked the Frances first, it's a good training Camino with plenty of support and friendship. The Northern bit I did would have been a tough starter as less people, confusing signs, less albergues and more expensive. You may find my account of my five days helpful: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...s-on-camino-del-norte-bilbao-santander.34753/
That said, I'm wondering about continuing from Santander in August and onto the Primitivo.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I started my reply by saying "Once upon a time..." is because back in the good old days, 2007 to 2012 when I walked the Frances you could get the best of both worlds, because the Frances has gorgeous scenary, even if not seaside, bit then THE movie happened and .... the rest is history. Pigs will fly before you find me on the Frances between May and November.

But if you get your energy from meeting people, getting energy from them, enjoying catching up with them at the next cafe con leche, then maybe the Frances is it. But then again, its a matter of degrees. I meed that motivation, but not as much as I get annoyed by the noise.

Both will deliver beautiful landscapes.

 

[Kanga]

A reminder to members that Rule 5 forbids "trolling". I have edited one of the posts.

 

[Kanga]

I have removed a post. Members you are quite entitled to your views about which Camino you recommend, but no-one is entitled to troll or insult someone for their choice of Camino.

 

[Thornley]

First time Frances
However I think the first week of Norte is twice as hard and more beautiful than Frances
There is a bit of road walking middle stages but some of the views are remarkable.
The Primitivo , especially to Lugo is also more difficult than any part of Frances and absolutely stunning
Primitivo for peace and scenery
Norte for stunning coastal vistas
Frances should be first however for the many reason stated.