Debating which route to take – Camino de Frances (Leon to Santiago) or Camino de Portugeus (Porto to Santiago)

[yb2971]

Hello!

I am looking to do the camino beginning on March 20, 2018. I am unsure which route to take – Leon to Santiago or Porto to Santiago. I am pretty new at this and just starting my research.

Are both routes pretty comparable in terms of their difficulty? Are both routes readily equipped (with hostel availability, etc) during this time of year? Any other tips or information would be very appreciated. Thank you all in advance!!

 

[Camino Addict]

Howdy Pilgrim,

The Frances will be more rural but you will most likely run into snow storms as you cross mountains in March. You should have better weather on the Portuguese but your trek will be through more urban centers, flatter terrain, and more distance needing to be covered per day.

The Frances has more albergues on it than the Portuguese, but you should not have trouble finding a bed on either route during the time of year you're travelling.

The Frances always has more people on it, which means you'll meet more people, but then chances are higher of running into drama. With less pilgrims on the Portuguese, there's more solitude and time to reflect, but then again, how many hours/days can you handle walking by yourself?

 

[Mark McCarthy]

There is more road walking on the Portuguese and its harder on your feet.

 

[lt56ny]

I agree more road walking probably better weather but you may want to look at the Coastal route. I did interior from Lisbon. The toughest walk is from
Puenta de Lima is not as tough as O Cebreiro stage on Frances. Be prepared for everything in Galicia.

 

[Jo Jo]

I've walked both and I like them both. I suspect either would be fine. I think I would go on the CP that time of year. Mostly for the weather. If it turns bad, the CP does not cross mountains anything like those coming into Galicia from the East. Much less chance of getting snow. Otherwise I found the routes fairly comparable, although the CP definitely has more cobblestones. CF has more facilities, but there are more than enough along the CP. CF has more pilgrims too, but I doubt you'll be walking alone-we had lots of company end of last Oct., which is pretty much shoulder season.

Buen Camino,
Jo Jo

 

[scruffy1]

Porto the Coastal route. End of March can still be blustery, but if you get bored by the sea there are plenty of places to hook into the Rural Portuguese Camino. Porto is a wonderful little place, you are focused on Santiago but there are many little side trips to consider, Bom Jesus in Braga, a morning side trip, on the Rural Porto Camino Ponte de Lima and Pontevedra are lovely. The Portuguese are a warm welcoming people, good food, good wine, and there always seems to be a market going somewhere. Do remember though, it's Bom Caminho!

 

[Liana]

Hello!

I am looking to do the camino beginning on March 20, 2018. I am unsure which route to take – Leon to Santiago or Porto to Santiago. I am pretty new at this and just starting my research.

Are both routes pretty comparable in terms of their difficulty? Are both routes readily equipped (with hostel availability, etc) during this time of year? Any other tips or information would be very appreciated. Thank you all in advance!!

I am now debating the same choice, curious what you did and how it turned out!?