Snakebit12
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- March/April 2021
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I agree. None of those towns warrant spending an extra day in. I would save my extra days for Santiago or a bus tour to Finisterre and Muxía.Sarria and Santiago are worth extra time. portomarin, has a pretty view and in good weather resting outside with a good view of the river is satisfying. Personally, I did not find any of those three towns you suggested somewhere I wanted to spend an extra day in. In fact, though, on various caminos I have spent an extra day in all of them ( on different Caminos), for various reasons including an injury, torrential rains, and one time a snow storm! But I would, as someone else suggested, prefer to break up a longer section and do two shorter days than spend an extra day in one of those villages.
I second this suggestion. Samos is a lovely town!If you have extra day, another option would be to start from Samos ( a short bus or taxi from Sarria). There is an interesting monastery there, and it’s a lovely, uncrowded route, approx 13 k to get back to Sarria
I would vote for this as well. I love Samos - the monastery is quite magnificent. It will also give you the chance to experience the Camino before the crowds that start at Sarria.If you have extra day, another option would be to start from Samos ( a short bus or taxi from Sarria). There is an interesting monastery there, and it’s a lovely, uncrowded route, approx 13 k to get back to Sarria
I appreciate any and all thoughts
Since they are planning on doing Sarria to Santiago in 8 days, they are already planning on shorter stages, so they will probably have time to visit some of the places that you mention.However, another option is to walk shorter stages and explore some of the historical sites that are just off the Camino.
Another vote for Lugo, especially if @Snakebit12 and company have not yet explored many Roman sites or cathedrals - it's difficult to judge someone's interests on the basis of a short forum messageAnother option is to take a taxi to Lugo (not far by car from Sarria) and walk around the walls of the old city. It is not on the Frances route, but close enough for a side trip from Sarria.
1st Time Poster.
My wife and I (both retired) are planning to do a "gentle pilgrimage" from Sarria on the French Way next spring - 8 hiking days. We are in no hurry and would want an "off-day" in the middle. The true "midpoint" after 4 days is Melide but with the bus system, we could spend our free day in either:
The question is...which of the three towns is the most interesting?
- Melide
- Palas De Rei
- Azuna
I appreciate any and all thoughts.
John
I remember "getting caught" on a small town on market day, deciding to roam about as long as I was there, and thoroughly enjoying the crowd, stands and stalls, music, and movement. I like to travel and experience other ways of being and living; following the Camino too single-mindedly could detract from that pleasure for me.Personally I’d have the extra day (more specifically the evening) in Santiago. It’s where you’re walking to, it would be a shame not to enjoy it when you arrive.
I tend to walk ‘out of season’ and when I last passed through Melide on market day I found the sudden experience of hundreds of people quite a shock and walked straight through.
I've read the posts and kept thinking about posting something about Lugo (I like lots of @trecile posts). I have not been there but if you are busing from Santiago to Sarria you will have to connect in Lugo. You can get a credential by walking from there (it is on the Camino Primitivo and connects to the Francés at Melida. I think you need a stamp at Lugo's cathedral ???). In Covid times I'm not sure about accommodation. Pre-Covid it had a plus of lesser numbers walking until Melide but now that may not be a plus.I haven't done the Primitivo yet, but Lugo sounds fantastic! I think that I'd be tempted to start walking from there, rather than from Sarria.
Here's a 7 day walking plan from Lugo
If the first day is too long perhaps walk as far as you can on the first day and taxi back to Lugo for the night.
View attachment 78514
1st Time Poster.
My wife and I (both retired) are planning to do a "gentle pilgrimage" from Sarria on the French Way next spring - 8 hiking days. We are in no hurry and would want an "off-day" in the middle. The true "midpoint" after 4 days is Melide but with the bus system, we could spend our free day in either:
The question is...which of the three towns is the most interesting?
- Melide
- Palas De Rei
- Azuna
I appreciate any and all thoughts.
John
Should never say a disparaging word againt the Camino but if I had to pick the most uninteresting, boring, unattractive towns on the Camino from SJPP until SdC they would be Melide, Palas de Rei, and Azuna. My choice would be Ribadiso the junta alberge is good enough try and get a bed away from the doors leading to the 00 just down the road is/was a private albergue (who knows these days!) and spend the day with your feet in the river and a picnic!1st Time Poster.
My wife and I (both retired) are planning to do a "gentle pilgrimage" from Sarria on the French Way next spring - 8 hiking days. We are in no hurry and would want an "off-day" in the middle. The true "midpoint" after 4 days is Melide but with the bus system, we could spend our free day in either:
The question is...which of the three towns is the most interesting?
- Melide
- Palas De Rei
- Azuna
I appreciate any and all thoughts.
John
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