Camino in April?

[Julieontheroad]

Hi Camino walkers!
Julie, 29 here!
I did the Camino del Norte last Summer and enjoyed for the astonishing landscape (hills and ocean views), the social scene and the inexpensive accommodation options. I am an experienced hiker and prefer to walk alone during most of the days but also needs company sometimes.

I am looking to do a 1-month camino ASAP as I am starting a new job in the end of April.

If you have any ideas for a good camino at this time of year I would be very thankful for your feedback!

I am interested in El camino Portugues (coast or inland) or Vía de la Plata from Sevilla.

Which should I choose if I hope for nice hiking weather, some people on the way/at the albergues and not too expensive accommodation?

My concerns are:

Will I have to pay hotel prices on the Portuguese way? Which way is better for this time of year?

Is the VdlP too deserted in April? Are accommodation open in April 8goes for both caminos)?

Any advice would be very appreciated!

 

[Jan_D]

I think the Camino Frances is great in April - the spring weather can be a hit or a miss, but you will probably have a better chance of albergues being open than on other caminos, and enough pilgrims to keep you company (but not too many!) Easter is also a big event in Spain, and the Camino will probably be busy over this period (mid April), which coincides with the Spanish school holidays. If I were you, I would make sure I was somewhere that holds festivals and processions over the Easter weekend. Sounds like an amazing opportunity - feeling very jealous

 

[Deleted member 56069]

Julie, I am starting the Portuguese route on April 7th from Porto and will include Finisterre and Muxia as well. This will be our forth year in a row, all in early April. Our experience with April weather has been very good. Some rain, but not extreme. I personally prefer hiking in cooler weather, so many days start off (depending on altitude) 2 to 3 C, but mid teens most days and a few days over 20C. April 2014 felt like summer, 2015 and 2016 were more seasonal, but certainly not what I would call cold...but then again I am from northern Alberta!
You will never see me walking the Camino during the summer as I have no interest dealing with 35C days.
A pilgrim pass port entitles you to stay at albergues (hostels) which are quite inexpensive. Most offer a choice between bunk rooms and private rooms, with private rooms costing more. My wife and I do stay at the occasional hotel and most we found offer a pilgrim discount.

 

[gerardcarey]

A major reason as to my selecting the Camino Portuguese from Lisbon for an early April start was because it is closer to the equator.
I figure it will be warmer that nearly all other Camino starting points.
Let's hope I'm right.
It should take about a month.
Regards
Gerard

 

[cher99840]

I'm on the de la Plata now. Day 1. I've seen 3 others.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I walked the Portuguese las May, from Porto, and would not do it again. I walked the Central after a day on the Coastal. Pontevedra is a beautiful city, the variante Espiritual has a lovely stretch one day, bit that's about it. (Plus, when I walked, 90% of others were German retirees which made for a scocial life that left to be desired as I don't undertand a word of it, and I was often the only non German in the albergues).

Next Wedensday I am heading off to Sevilla, and there are apparently quite a number of people out there at the moment. After all, it's not a Camino to be walked much later in the year due to the hot weather.

 

[xin loi]

Will be starting Portuguese April 12. Will watch for your carcass.
Talked to a guy who did it last year and he thought it was great hike.

Was in Portugal for a few weeks ago and on weekend went looking for the Camino south of Porto. Not only could not find any markers, we could not find a local who knew where exactly the Camino went through their city.

 

[evanlow]

Camino del Madrid to Sahagun April 3rd.