Santander to Santiago in 3 days...

drivingthecamino · Aug 22, 2018

Sadly I don't have time to walk the camino, so I am having to cheat and drive the route, leaving Santander on Monday 24th September. Now, I know this won't make me a 'pilgrim' but please have a care before you huff and puff - it's this or I won't be able to do it for several more years. And as a fit 60 years old chap I don't want to wait too much longer.
Anyway, the reason for my post is - does anyone have any tips for driving the camino? I plan to get to Santiago by the Wednesday, stay overnight, drive on to Fisterra and then down to Vigo (to follow some of Laurie Lee's early route). I return to Santander, via Leon, all too early on the Saturday

Obviously I am not going to experience the 'feel' of the route as if I'd walked it, but I'd like to get as close as possible. Maybe camping along the way? Maybe paradors? I'll have an empty car (but for me) and am happy to transport stuff if anyone gets in a fix.
Any tips and advice would be very welcome.
Happy walking all.

Rick of Rick and Peg · Aug 22, 2018

To get the feel of the Camino I suggest the following: Spend some time in various churches along the way, big, small, old or new. Also spend time with the peregrinos. Find albergues to stay at that will take non-walkers. Eat and drink at the same places and times that walkers do and talk with them to get tips for your future Camino.

naplesdon · Aug 22, 2018

On Monday from Santander drop down to Fromista (about 2 hours by car) for a tour of the town and menu del dia at Villa de Fromista. Then back track to Boadilla and stay at Eduardo's hotel at the albergue En El Camino, it is first class place with a great garden, pool and lots of pilgrim vibe.
On Tuesday from Boadilla you can head west and follow the N-120 to Carrion de los Condes, the Camino will be along side you the whole way. This is basically one stage of the Camino by foot, so you can ignore my snail's pace by car, but a stay at the former monastery San Zoilo is a virtually a parador. On you way, there is a world famous restaurant in Villacazar, el Meson de los Templarios. Their morcilla is incredible and they roast lamb and pork for the menu del dia. The monastery has a great dining room as well for dinner. You'll have plenty of time to walk around Carrion and experience a popular pilgrim refuge.
On Wednesday you still have plenty of time to make it to Santiago on the Autopista, but a stop in Astorga is worthwhile, a drive up the hill to Cruz de Ferro and lunch in Molinaseco is highly recommended. There is one more diversion from the route that I would recommend. Villa Romano la Olmeda which is located about 20 minutes north of the A-231 at the exit for Ledigos. This museum gives one some deep insight to how much the Romans influenced Iberia over 2000 years ago.

drivingthecamino · Aug 23, 2018

Hi there. Thank you SO much for taking the trouble to reply. Your itinerary looks very doable and quite superb and I shall definitely try it out - including the foodie stops!
I am much obliged to you sir!
Cheers
Mark

drivingthecamino · Aug 23, 2018

Rick of Rick and Peg said:
To get the feel of the Camino I suggest the following: Spend some time in various churches along the way, big, small, old or new. Also spend time with the peregrinos. Find albergues to stay at that will take non-walkers. Eat and drink at the same places and times that walkers do and talk with them to get tips for your future Camino.

Thank you very much for this Jan. This is most helpful. I am now beginning to draw up an itinerary and am very much looking forward to my trip.
Cheers
Mark

JohnInMadrid · Aug 28, 2018

Hola I drove the Camino 2 years ago and still have great memories from that trip. At the time that was all I could do and as they say - "it's your Camino". This year I am walking. My plan is to be in Leon on the 25th and so maybe our paths will cross. Keep in touch. And just maybe, I might be in desperate need a ride by then. best of luck John