Localmanruinseverything
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- ??? (2019)
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The Camino Frances offers the most options. However, remember that someone has to pay for the upkeep of every roof and building, and the facilities for the hikers/pilgrims. What one person takes as free has to be paid by someone else.which paths/parts are typically the most affordable or even free in terms of accommodation??
Hello!
I have been traveling for years pretty minimally in terms of finances and have become very fascinated with the prospect of going on one of the many trails associated with El Camino. I have no problem camping in a tent but as I’ve had less energy this year from burning out from a ton of work, the prospect of sleeping under a roof in a building actually dedicated to hikers/pilgrims is insanely appealing to me on this adventure.
What I want to know is— which paths/parts are typically the most affordable or even free in terms of accommodation??
I haven't done the Portuguese, but I've read that food and albergues are cheaper.
Which Camino are you thinking about walking?
Finisterre would be a heavenly conclusion for a lack of better words.
And in regards to the third questions since it seems like inquiring about the possibility of something free once is making me look a bit shitty and since you bring it up twice in your answer — ABSOLUTELY.
I have no source of income working full time with asylum seekers while doing my last year of university simultaneously and my visa does not permit me to work for pay legally in Denmark, nor would I even have the time. Hence, why I am burnt out just trying to survive here. I also am asking this for anyone else who would also be passionate about this journey but do not have the same amount of funds that, for example, the two German girls who introduced me to this journey had. So yes I want to know if things are cheap so I know if this is even possible for me to dream of doing
It is a great pity that that the definition of "Pilgrim/Pilgrimage" seems to be all-encompassing these days - to the point where "cheap backing holiday" isn't far off the mark........
Sad really.
On the Frances, minimal cost for a bed varies from donativos scattered along the route, to albergues charging €6-15 in most areas, and €5 or 6 in the Xunta Albergues of Galicia. Some routes (not so much the Frances) have polideportivo sport facilities where there is sometimes a free bed in the changing rooms, but as @Kiwi-family pointed out, you might need to spend €28 the next night.
My guess is that you can do the Camino Frances fairly easily (but with care) on €30/day, or with even more care on €20/day. Less would require penny-counting and virtually no restaurant meals or breaks.
I concur on Portugal. We lived there for 3 years and hated to leave. I walked the Portugues in 2017 and loved it. It was high summer, but even on the inland route the temperatures were moderated by the Atlantic. Bonus: the food and lodgings were reasonable. I’d call the Portugues a great alternative to the Frances; not nearly as crowded and delightful people.As has been pointed out by Senors Bugg and TincaTInker (gotta love those tags) Defining what you mean and pointing out Xuntas and Donativos will save you lots of moneys I would also bring up one other idea. If you think the Portuguese is going to be hot try walking the Via de la Plata that time of the year. All Caminos that are inland will be hot that time of the year. Thats why you may want to try the Portuguese starting in Lisbon. There are pretty good services all the way. I would leave super early the first day to get to the first albergue as it is small. When you get to Porto try doing the coastal route. It is always cooler there. Find Albergues you can cook in. Buy your food for the day the night before. If you can't cook in an albergue find some fellows pilgrims to go out at night for dinner. I have been in Brasil many times and many restaurants there served such big portions that one plate can be shared by two people. I walked the Portuguese with a friend of mine. We are both 6' 2" and about 215 pounds. If you walk off the main camino routes and go into restaurants that are really for locals you can find lots of them that serve these big portions just like in Brasil. There were many nights my friend and I spent about $5.00US for a great meal and we were full. There were a few nights where we just ordered soup that would was loaded with protein and vegetables and nothing else because they would bring us or offer us as much as we wanted. I have to admit this was on the inland route but I would be surprised that the coastal route doesn't the same.
I just wanted to add one more thing. I know not many people can speak Portugese. But if you can speak some Spanish you can get by. More people in Portugal can speak English then in the small towns and villages in Spain. You can also use google translate and that would help. You can observe from the windows or in the restaurants the size of the portions before you eat and ask about the soup I mentioned above. Those restaurants don't mind if you split portions. You will see everyone doing it. Remember one thing about the Portuguse people. They are the warmest, most generous and friendly people I have ever met in all my travels. This is not a knock on the Spaniards, but compared to Portugal they are almost like Scrooge during Christmas. I love Spain and it's people but believe me the people of Portugal can't be beat!!!!!
I was constantly amazed and blown away by them. I wish I had made a note of every instance of their kindness. I could have written a short book. in Coimbra I started wandering around and got lost. I saw a group of university students in their long black robes and asked them for directions. They had just finished a class. It was about 9:00PM at night. They insisted on walking me back to my albergue. It turned out to be about a 25 minute walk. There were 8 of them and they wanted to talk about the craziness that is happening in the United States and their hopes and more importantly their fears about what was happening in the United States and about climate change, and how deeply it was affecting their vision of their futures. We ended up talking for more than an hour. I remember thinking that there is hope with young men and women like these. Not to be political, but I had alot of hope for their future as well as my daughters future with them in this world.I concur on Portugal. We lived there for 3 years and hated to leave. I walked the Portugues in 2017 and loved it. It was high summer, but even on the inland route the temperatures were moderated by the Atlantic. Bonus: the food and lodgings were reasonable. I’d call the Portugues a great alternative to the Frances; not nearly as crowded and delightful people.
Geez I’ve already had to delve into what I do for a living and my financial situation to seemingly justify posting on this site while not having any money, is this what this community is generally like??
Do I have to go into my personal life here as well and divulge literally everything that led me here and to making this post and hope that my past experiences matching up with my current (and past work) migjt make me acceptable enough in your eyes to possibly make the same journey as you?? As though you are some authority as to who can do this or not? This is sad to me, really.
To answer your question, your best bet is to do what has been suggested and study Gronze for the donativo and parochial albergues on the Camino Francés. Then another option is that in Galicia the municipal albergues are all around €6 or €7 euro per night.Hello!
I have been traveling for years pretty minimally in terms of finances and have become very fascinated with the prospect of going on one of the many trails associated with El Camino. I have no problem camping in a tent but as I’ve had less energy this year from burning out from a ton of work, the prospect of sleeping under a roof in a building actually dedicated to hikers/pilgrims is insanely appealing to me on this adventure.
What I want to know is— which paths/parts are typically the most affordable or even free in terms of accommodation??
When I read back to his original post, I don't see anything that would lead me to assume that he is planning to undertake a holiday rather than a pilgrimage. He is clearly worn down from the good works he has been doing and looking to step outside his every day life for a bit. I think that is true of many "real pilgrims" (for those that make that distinction).The word he uses is "an adventure", one which could apply to either pilgrimage or holiday. It is certainly something that many pilgrims seek on their journey and have since the middle ages (although not necessarily the only thing). In my experience, many people called to the Camino don't necessarily know as they set off what their reason is. I certainly wouldn't expect them to justify it here.To me whether you are rich or poor is totally irrelevant in this discussion. However, the reason for undertaking a pilgrimage, rather than a holiday, is relevant IMHO. But who cares anymore......
Well that puts paid to my dream of serving as a hospitalero and entertaining pilgrims with close-up conjuring tricks.My letter of acceptance for this short term volunteer position (two weeks) gave only one instruction for my time as a hospitalera (hostess): that I might never ask any pilgrim for money.
Well saidI have walked a few camino's. I am always on a tight budget. I sleep outside often. Usually out of choice, but not always. Sometimes while walking for six months my money has arrived late. I have walked on 3 Euro's a day (doable but not recommended). 30 Euro's a day in Spain is comfortable. 45 at least in France per day to be comfortable. Comfortable means sleeping indoors, a full meal in a bar in the evening, snacks/drinks during the day.
I met five people who walked from Prague, they walked on five Euro's a day. That is five Euro's between them and their dog. They did fine. Though they never ever slept indoors. Then they walked back to Prague. It is doable. Bread and meat from a shop costs 1.50 Euro max. 1 litre of wine 1 Euro. Etc.
I hear a few on this forum who think that because you are poor you have no right to walk. Utter rubbish. The most beautiful people I have ever met on camino walked without having the choice to sleep indoors every night. Then they get looked down on by pious 'pilgrims' as scum. This has happened to me on every camino I walked when I slept outside. Luckily most are not like that. But it does happen, and constantly.
Some of us get called to walk. Some are at a point in their life when walking the camino can help them in many ways. Many do not have the luxury of bank balances/jobs/rich families/or means to save cash.
It is no longer right to be rascist/sexist etc but it seems still ok to bash the less well off.
Some of the replies above appall me to be honest. (Many good posts too). The tourist is the one with the money, not the other way around. The poor do not have bucket lists. (Not saying you are poor localmanruinseverything, just annoyed).
Peace and love to all
sorry for the rant
best wishes and a cheap buen camino to localmanruinseverything
Davey
The Madrid Route. Most albergues are 5 Euro per night or donativo. You can cook for yourself and there are not many shops or other temptations to spend money on.Hello!
I have been traveling for years pretty minimally in terms of finances and have become very fascinated with the prospect of going on one of the many trails associated with El Camino. I have no problem camping in a tent but as I’ve had less energy this year from burning out from a ton of work, the prospect of sleeping under a roof in a building actually dedicated to hikers/pilgrims is insanely appealing to me on this adventure.
What I want to know is— which paths/parts are typically the most affordable or even free in terms of accommodation??
I met people who were asking for money along the way which means it can't be done for free. You need 20-30 euro per day on average so that you don't have to worry about having basic needs met. Not having this would put an extra burden on you to either ask for money or go out of your way to hunt down free accommodations. I hope you get to do it at some point. Ultriea!
Wonderful. May your lives be long and happy together!walked the camino Frances twice and Portugese once--I think that the Frances is cheaper. I met my wife while walking the Camino Frances in 2016--she was broke and slept in the field/woodss each night--How broke was she? --After finding a zucchini on the path, that was ALL she ate it for THREE days with nothing else
I had to find out more. What a wonderful story. Amen!walked the camino Frances twice and Portugese once--I think that the Frances is cheaper. I met my wife while walking the Camino Frances in 2016--she was broke and slept in the field/woodss each night--How broke was she? --After finding a zucchini on the path, that was ALL she ate it for THREE days with nothing else
Oh Kirkie,.a thousand likes.......I can't find the Love it buttonI had to find out more. What a wonderful story. Amen!
[IMG alt="xin loi"]https://caminoforum-4df7.kxcdn.com/data/avatars/m/35/35049.jpg?1396448494[/IMG]
xin loi
Active Member
Camino(s) past & futureWalked May 14, 2014 from St Jean France
starting to walk again August 25, 2016 --SJPDP to Finisterre
Mar 29, 2017
Last August and September I walked the Camino Frances from SJPDP to Finisterre for the second time. I must admit is was an eye opener for me. On the first walk, I did not walk alone and therefore did not pay much attention to what other hikers were doing. On this last trip I was alone and talked to many , many, walkers. I found out that MOST people sleeping in the fields were not doing it to see the stars--they could NOT afford to stay in even the cheapest albergues. Bought some meals and bought some beds for these people but not for as many as I would liked to help.
When you sit down to a big supper after walking all day, give a thought to a beautiful young German woman I met, who was grateful that for three days she did not go hungry--she had found a Zucchini and a small bag of Chips that had been dropped by another pilgrim.
And for those who have heard my story of last year, I'm going to repeat it again with a better ending.
As I walked along a dirt path on the Camino , I saw a Shell lying in the leaves. Picking it up, I put it into my pocket. About an hour later I met a woman on the trail and after walking with her for an hour, I noticed she did not have a shell on her pack. I asked her why and she replied," I have a friend who is a mystic. She told me to not buy a shell as a man who will be important in my life will give me a shell."
Pulled my extra shell from my pocket and gave it to her. Walked all of the way to the End of the Earth with her.
Sometime around April 20th, 2017 , We will return to the End of The Earth and while there I intend to ask her to marry me.
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Two things I have to mention about sleeping outsides are camping rules and bathrooms. Walking with little budget is one thing but keeping the camino in condition for others to enjoy must be followed:
Official campsites with services are not very common, often located several kilometers off-route, and are usually more expensive than albergues. Some people fo "free camp" unobtrusively along the camino, either to really streach their budgit or to enjoy solitary nights. If you choose to free camp, check the weather and plase follow Leave No Trace principles rigorously. Camping is not allowed in urban, touristic or military areas, or within 1km of an official site.
Finding restroom when necessary along the camino can be a challenge. Public bathrooms are few and far between. Buy a little something in a bar and use their facilities. When the call of nature comes at an inconvenient time far from any town, please be responsible when how you go in nature. In recent years the quanity if toilet paper and waste visible along the camino has become a problem.
My wife, son and I did SJPP/Santiago in 2017 for approx. 22 Euros per day each. That included all albergues, at least two meals and at least a beer or wine per day! Hope that helps.I have just completed the Frances and kept note of all spending. I averaged 17 euros a day - that included always giving at least 5e for donativo bed and 8e/10e for donativo meal, mostly but not always staying in cheapest option and almost always cooking for myself for all meals. I generally stopped for a cuppa once or twice a day. Hope that helps!!
I walked the Frances from SJPDP to Sarria very comfortably for under 30 euros/day. I stayed in alberques. Some municipal, some church, some donativo. Ate some meals communal cooking, some meald at bars or restaurants.Hello!
I have been traveling for years pretty minimally in terms of finances and have become very fascinated with the prospect of going on one of the many trails associated with El Camino. I have no problem camping in a tent but as I’ve had less energy this year from burning out from a ton of work, the prospect of sleeping under a roof in a building actually dedicated to hikers/pilgrims is insanely appealing to me on this adventure.
What I want to know is— which paths/parts
are typically the most affordable or even free in terms of accommodation??
You have been given many opinions and options ….. I'd say after walking 6 Camino's in Spain and two in Italy …. What it comes down to is what you want for the evening after your walk each day there are many guide books that will outline what is available in each village, town or city and it's up to you to chose …. Remember nothing is free you can give what you can afford in many places but if you cannot afford a Euro or more then some will be free it is up to your conscienceHello!
I have been traveling for years pretty minimally in terms of finances and have become very fascinated with the prospect of going on one of the many trails associated with El Camino. I have no problem camping in a tent but as I’ve had less energy this year from burning out from a ton of work, the prospect of sleeping under a roof in a building actually dedicated to hikers/pilgrims is insanely appealing to me on this adventure.
What I want to know is— which paths/parts are typically the most affordable or even free in terms of accommodation??
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