Which route is right for me?

[dirtydon123]

Hello, I am planning on walking the Camino de Santiago in July of 2017 for the first time after studying abroad in Spain. However, I am uncertain as to which route I should follow. As it stands, I have up to a month and a half and am between the Camino Frances and the Camino del Norte (possibly with part of the primitivo). I want to see what people will recommend, so here are some of my considerations:

- I will be walking alone, so I want to find people to socialize with along the way but don't want it to be too crowded
- A practicing Catholic, I want to have a deeply religious experience
- I want to be able to see some good sights and scenery (nature and cities)
- Difficulty is not an issue
- I am studying Spanish (not quite fluent), so I'd like to practice the language and experience the culture
- I feel the Frances is more traditional and authentic, but the Norte has more places I want to see

Thanks,
Donald

 

[Kanga]

Welcome @dirtydon123 to the forum. I've walked the Frances and the Norte (as well as a few others) and my recommendation for a first Camino is always the Francés. There is something special about that path. I've just come back from walking it again, and fell in love with it all over again. The Norte is lovely indeed, but so are many hikes on this wonderful planet.

 

[VNwalking]

Donald, have you considered the Frances then the Salvador/Primativo? Deeply authentic and a 'twofer'--the pilgrimage to San Salvador at Oviedo and then Santiago de Compostela. Depending on your pace, of course.

 

[CaminoDebrita]

I must agree with Kanga; the Frances is a wonderful start. @Viranani has a huge knowledge base as well. Both women advise you well.

I've walked twice, both times the Frances. My next Camino may be Ingles or Porto. Time will tell!

 

[Tia Valeria]

Choosing our route was by checking out various options and then walking the one that called. The business of the Frances was a turn off for us and we love the Norte/Primitivo option. You also walk the last section with the Frances after either Palas de Rei or Melide depending on the way you go after Ferreira. Most pilgrims go to Melide but we chose to go to Palas de Rei as there was no albergue open in As Seixas when we walked.

 

[Johan]

I walked from Leon in 2013 and again from Porto (Vila do Conde) in 2015.
I prefer the Portuguese route

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I suggest the Camino Frances, but read about the last 100km so that you are prepared for it! July will be busy.

 

[Deleted member 12253]

Hello, I am planning on walking the Camino de Santiago in July of 2017 for the first time after studying abroad in Spain. However, I am uncertain as to which route I should follow. As it stands, I have up to a month and a half and am between the Camino Frances and the Camino del Norte (possibly with part of the primitivo). I want to see what people will recommend, so here are some of my considerations:

- I will be walking alone, so I want to find people to socialize with along the way but don't want it to be too crowded
- A practicing Catholic, I want to have a deeply religious experience
- I want to be able to see some good sights and scenery (nature and cities)
- Difficulty is not an issue
- I am studying Spanish (not quite fluent), so I'd like to practice the language and experience the culture
- I feel the Frances is more traditional and authentic, but the Norte has more places I want to see

Thanks,
Donald

Norte/Primitivo clicks all the boxes. I have walked most caminos and its my favourite by far

 

[Castilian]

have you considered the Frances then the Salvador/Primativo?

The Francés till León plus the Salvador from León to Oviedo plus the Primitivo from Oviedo till where it joins again the Camino Francés is a great suggestion!

An option I wouldn't overlook would be the Vía de la Plata plus the Sanabrés but there's a big caveat, the Southern part of the Vía de la Plata can be really hot in July... It would be great if you could walk it, for example, 2 months earlier or later.