First Camino Frances and some Portugal?

[Magbyahe]

Hi, I am planning on walking the Camino Frances in mid June to July 2019 starting at SJPDP. I can take 35 days to Santiago and also thinking of taking the bus/train to Porto, Portugal (I've never been to Portugal) for 4 days since I'm already nearby (Budget traveler) . Please advice about the following:

1. Flight from LAX to Biarritz, or fly to Madrid and take the bus to SJPDP? Returning from Porto, Portugal or Lisbon (too ambitious?) or Madrid
2. Where can I find the list of albergues to choose from, how do I know which one is good/safe? Are there albergues in Porto or Lisbon Portugal or in Madrid?
3. Will I have a problem if I'm only going to use the wifi from the albergues?
4. Is my plan too ambitious?

Thank you in advance!

 

[jungleboy]

In general it's not too ambitious at all, although I'd recommend just staying in and around Porto (Douro Valley? Braga?) with your four days at the end, as trying to see Porto and Lisbon plus travel in four days is a bit too rushed, IMO. There will be albergues in Porto and hostels in Lisbon and Madrid.

I also wouldn't book anything re: your Portugal side trip in case the Francés takes longer than you had planned (which can happen due to injury, or maybe you'll find that you prefer a slightly slower pace etc). My wife developed plantar fasciitis on the first day of the Francés and we took 39 days SJPdP-Santiago.

Regarding wifi, it depends on what you want/need to do. Some albergues don't offer it and at others, it doesn't really work. So if you're fine with being offline for a couple of days here and there, then it will be OK. But if you really need to do certain things on a daily basis, then get a Spanish SIM and buy some data for it.

Good luck with your planning and your camino!

 

[Thornley]

39 days SJPdP-Santiago.

You hurried , well done
Our second after rushing the first time was 44 days .......bliss

 

[Stacyv]

30 days is absolutely possible. I walked the CF in 30 days in 2017. Its fast, but all depends on your own walking style.
Porto is a great place to spend a few days. I recommend one of the auto rickshaw tours.
Buen Camino

 

[Magbyahe]

Thank you guys for all the ideas.