My granddaughter and I want to do this!

[cmarilee]

Hi, We have been thinking about this for a few years - now, my granddaughter has just graduated from college so she will be free this summer for at least three weeks or so....in that case, what is advice on route and time of year that we could do in that much time? Thanks for any advice - I really like all the lists of things to take but guess I need to save up some $$! Thanks!

 

[WolverineDG]

Well, you came to the right place! As for advice on the best route, this year is a Holy Year, meaning the Camino Frances will be packed with walkers. However, if you want to be brave & attempt it anyway, you may want to consider starting at Astorga or Leon. Plan accordingly, & plan to spend more for lodging so you aren't stuck when the albergues fill up. Or you could walk one of the other routes. I've only walked the Frances, so don't know what to tell you about the other routes.

Kelly

 

[skilsaw]

Welcome.
I too suggest the Camino Frances if you are able to begin in April. May to beginning of October will be quite crowded, but there will be extra temporary housing on route.

Leon to Santiago took me 2 weeks but I was pretty fast, averaging 28 kms per day. Three weeks should give you time to enjoy the journey, and not be rushed or compelled to meet deadlines. Isn't that what pilgrimage is about? Slowing down, letting go of deadlines...

If you arrive in Santiago with 4 days to spare, you can continue on to Finisterre, the end of the earth. +/- 90 kms. This will give you 3 days to walk to Finisterre, and take the bus back to Santiago on the 4th day.

If your three weeks included a couple of days travel to and from the Camino, then Astorga is a good starting place and you probably won't have time to walk to Finisterre.

Enjoy the preparation for your journey.
David, Victoria, Canada

 

[cmarilee]

Thanks to those who answered - I was offline for a while and just saw the answers (guess I thought I would get an email that I had a response)....so sorry this is late! Anyway, my granddaughter and I do want to go but think we can only do so for about from 17-31 Aug because of her summer job and starting school again the first of Sep, so won't have a lot of time....maybe it will be a teaser and we will go every year from then on! So, what would you suggest - still Astorga and, if so, what would be best place to fly into - Madrid and take a bus? Or any ideas? I will read some of the other posts to see what I can find as well (don't want you to think I'm lazy! THANK YOU!

 

[CaroleH]

Hi Cmarilee.
In August the Camino Frances will be very crowded. What about the camino Portugues from Porto. It fits nicely into 2 weeks and goes through lots of towns, plus lovely bush and country. Will be less people than Frances, but I guess it's a personal choice. Whichever you do, tis a wonderful thing to share with a loved one, very special, and the memories will last forever. Good on you.

Buen camino. Carole

 

[ksam]

Two cents here! I agree with Carol...try one of the others perhaps...I did the Portuguese route and it was wonderful. There are some "city" stretches, but lots of lovely countryside too. Or what about the Ingles ?? That may be the next one I do w/my hubby, as it's shorter too. From what I've seen/read it could be a really nice route esp for that time of year. Other than that...welcome and Buen Camino to you both, Karin :arrow:

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Another option would be to walkj the Camino Ingles from Ferrol in 5 days then a day or so in Santiago then out to Finisterre/Muxia - lovely!