Suggestions? Doable?

[ctdkite]

Here’s the scenario:

• My wife can get three weeks off of work for our first camino.
• We’d like to do the Portuguese route, preferably coastal, starting in Porto.
• Before Porto, we’d like to visit Fatima.
• Given the time parameters, I figure that gives us about 15 days for walking to Santiago.
• We are looking at May 2016.
• We are in our early 50s. She is in very good shape. I am in good/fair shape.

Doable? Suggestions?

 

[amsimoes]

Hi.

You have to take note that between the 5th to 13th of May thousands of pilgrims walk toward Fatima.

Easily you can do 10 or 11 days Porto-Santiago

 

[ctdkite]

Hi.

You have to take note that between the 5th to 13th of May thousands of pilgrims walk toward Fatima.

Thanks, I knew about the 12th/13th events at Fatima. Until now though, I was not thinking about pilgrims going toward Fatima from the north. Would they make finding sleeping accommodations difficult?

 

[amorfati1]

Thanks, I knew about the 12th/13th events at Fatima. Until now though, I was not thinking about pilgrims going toward Fatima from the north. Would they make finding sleeping accommodations difficult?

yes - for e.g. Mario at the Santarem Hostel said he had lots of reservations for the mid May time period and he had to 'turn away' SdC pilgrims.
you should be fine if you make reservations ahead of time - especially if you happen to be around Fatima around May 13th.
Bom Caminho - May is a lovely time to walk (lots of gorgeous wild flowers etc) -
C

 

[grayland]

I would think the very best idea would be to go directly to the Coastal Route from Porto and stay on the coast until Vigo before cutting over to the Interior Route to finish into SdC.
It is much less traveled at this time as most Pilgrims are still walking the Interior Route without much knowledge of the Coastal.
I would think that most Fatima Pilgrims will be on the Interior Route.

There is now a small guide to the Coastal Route available at book stores in Porto. There is an earlier thread describing the guide.

 

[ctdkite]

We had to make some changes, but the flights are now booked. April 6!

 

[Arn]

Welcome to the Forum. I see you've changed your arrival date. May I suggest the Camino has already impacted your walk on the Way to SDC. Look into the FAQ section for some valuable information and suggestions. Many of your questions will be answered there. If not...ask...then be prepared for a deluge of friendly responses.
Bom Caminho,
Arn