December/January Camino

[Daleen]

Good afternoon from Knysna in South Africa
I have a few weeks vacation over December and January. What route is recommended during that time? I realise that it is winter then in the northern hemisphere. I am particularly keen on the Portuguese Route. Is that a good option?

 

[Tincatinker]

Hey @Daleen I was about to type "Welcome to the Forum" but I see you have been around since 2014

Winter in these parts is winter. As long as you are prepared for cold and wet - so layers of clothing and good waterproofs - you'll be fine on any of the Portugues routes. If you'd like a bit of warmth look at the southern routes

 

[Daleen]

Hey @Daleen I was about to type "Welcome to the Forum" but I see you have been around since 2014

Winter in these parts is winter. As long as you are prepared for cold and wet - so layers of clothing and good waterproofs - you'll be fine on any of the Portugues routes. If you'd like a bit of warmth look at the southern routes

Thank you so much for your reply. Had the Camino on my books for 2015, but life happened! But my heart is calling strongly again.

 

[roving_rufus]

I have done the section from Porto to SdeC in January. It can get cold, it can be stormy and wet. There are a few threads in the Camino Portugues in relation to winter. This year definitely have a little extra in budget in case you need to stay in a pension/Hotel etc. There were very few on the coastal route after Vila do Conde but met a few more pilgrims on Central from Tui (I did an alternative connector up the river to Valenca). Just have a plan for accommodation for 25th December new Year and the 6th January as some places may be closed, so worth ringing ahead to check or email in advance

 

[jsalt]

Good afternoon from Knysna in South Africa
I have a few weeks vacation over December and January. What route is recommended during that time? I realise that it is winter then in the northern hemisphere. I am particularly keen on the Portuguese Route. Is that a good option?

Hi Daleen, both the Portuguese and the Frances are good options in December / January.

The Portuguese was my first camino (but not in winter), and I enjoyed it very much, but I would recommend the Frances for a first camino, as it has more of a camino “vibe”.

Lots of others walking the Frances in winter, whereas there won’t be half so many on the Portuguese, so it may be a little bit lonely.

Have you booked your flights already? I ask because December flights are really expensive from South Africa, being the main school summer holidays here (I live in Sabie). I guess that’s when you’ve got leave, so you have no choice?

I’m leaving 19 January when flights get cheaper; have paid R6500 for return flights from Jo’burg to Spain on Lufthansa.

Buen camino! Jill