Starting point?

[mogannis]

Do to time constraints, I will only have about 2 weeks vacation time. What city can I start out in? Any recommendations or suggestions? This will be my first time. Then when I get more free time, I can do it again but start at SJPP.

 

[PaulB Hayward]

Hello,
This is a question I have pondered so many times.
I am to walk my first Camino in July; and like you, have constraints on my time; and yes, I will be back to finish the Camino.
My heart decided that I could start only from SJDP; that way, when I return, I, return to continue my journey.
To me, it seems that if I were to start further down, then, unless at some point I covered the same ground again, I would never of done it all.
My first walk will only take me to Burgos, but when I come back to start again at that point, I believe that I will fully feel that I am continuing my journey, rather than skipping in and out here and there.
I guess that everybody has their own feelings on this......but I sometimes wonder how those who just do that last 100km really feel when they get to Santiago......would they want to expierience the begining ??
Whatever you choose......Enjoy your Camino.
Paul.

 

[tyrrek]

If you want to end in Santiago, anywhere from Leon onwards is a good starting point depending upon your fitness, how much time you want to spend in Santiago or beyond, and travel time to/from the Camino.

Yes, that's a good point Paul. Everyone has different priorities. Last year I walked SJPP-SdC and just before Santiago overheard a couple who had done the same...apart from the 10kms into Burgos, where they got the bus to avoid the urban sprawl. I would have been kicking myself if I'd done that, but they were satisfied with their Caminos so God bless them!

Buen Camino!

 

[Red1too3]

Do to time constraints, I will only have about 2 weeks vacation time. What city can I start out in? Any recommendations or suggestions? This will be my first time. Then when I get more free time, I can do it again but start at SJPP.

Time constraints is why I am walking the Camino Portugues from Valenca Portugal. From this point to Santiago, you can get your Compostela. I would guess there is a same type of starting point for the French Way. With my partner's father being from Portugal we wanted to do this Way. Originally starting in Oporto, but with less time, we dropped that segment, so Valenca to Santiago it is!

Good luck no matter where you start!
Red

 

[Cocochanel20]

We are at the airport ready to start our journey and have 2 weeks. We are flying into Madrid and taking a bus to Ponferrado where we will begin our Camino. This is our "practice" run and we hope to start at St. jean the next time!