- Time of past OR future Camino
- Sept/Oct 2023
For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here. (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation) |
---|
Just a suggestion for jet lag, from another person who "gets it bad": I've found that it works well to arrive in the morning and then FORCE YOURSELF to stay outside in the natural light and mostly walking around all day until a halfway reasonable time to go to bed (like 8 or 9). But let the sun re-set your circadian rhythms. The first day will be hell, but after that you may find that jet lag is minimal.I would be very grateful if other pilgrims reviewed and critiqued my plan for the first days of my trip to Spain and my first Camino (please see below). I am amazed at the generosity you show to new pilgrims and I do not wish to over-ask. Please forgive me if it is so. I appreciate opinions regarding the beginning days of my upcoming Camino (fall 2023). I made an itin to provide myself structure. I hope plans fly out the window somewhere around walking day #5 and spontaneity will live!
I tend to experience prolonged jetlag, so I could be recovering into the first day of walking (my 5th day in Spain). For initial planning, I altered my original journey over the distance from Pamplona to SDC to perhaps finishing this Camino in Sarria. It depends upon how long I am able to remain in Spain. I want to begin slowly but maybe this is too slow? Any specific suggestions for lodging, route, etc? I know I will gain knowledge from others on The Way but seeing the first week or so with more clarity reduces my fretfulness. Gracias and Buen Camino dear Pilgrims.
Day 1: Arrive Madrid. Madrid overnight.
Day 2: Fly from Madrid to Pamplona airport. Proceed to lodging in Pamplona.
Day 3 & 4: Acclimate & recover in Pamplona. Obtain supplies.
Day 5: Bus or walk FROM PAMPLONA to CIZUR MENOR or ZIZUR MAYO
Day 6 (day 1 walking): ZIZUR MAYOR or CIZUR MENOR TO ALTO DEL PERDON (9.2KM 2hrs)
Day 7 (day 2 walking): ALTO DEL PERDON TO PUENTA LA REINA (9-10KM; 2-2.5hrs)
Day 8/3: PUENTA LA REINA TO CIRAUQUI (9-10KM) or DE LORCA (12KM; 2.5-3hrs)
Day 9/4: CIRAUQUI (9-10KM 2-2.5hrs) OR DE LORCA TO ESTELLA (12KM 2.5-3hrs
Day 10/5: ESTELLA or VIANA EXTRA NIGHT STAY
Day 11/6: ESTELLA TO LORCA (8-9KM) or LUQUIN (10-11KM) or CIRAQUI (14K; 3hrs
Day 12/7: LUQUIN TO LOS ARCO (10KM)
Day 13/8: LOS ARCO TO TORRES DEL RIO (7.3KM) or VIANA (18.3KM; 4hrs)
- Walk Camino from VIANA to eastern outskirts of Logrona, (approx. 10km?)
- Take bus around Logrona to western outskirts. Rejoin Camino to NAVARRETE
Day 14/9: NAVARRETE TO NAJERA (15-16KM 3HRS)
Day 15/10: NAJERA TO ALESANCO-detour CANAS – to Santo Domingo
Unfortunately I do not have much choice regarding flight times, but I will try to stay outdoors during the day if at all possible. Buen Camino!Just a suggestion for jet lag, from another person who "gets it bad": I've found that it works well to arrive in the morning and then FORCE YOURSELF to stay outside in the natural light and mostly walking around all day until a halfway reasonable time to go to bed (like 8 or 9). But let the sun re-set your circadian rhythms. The first day will be hell, but after that you may find that jet lag is minimal.
If you don't get much daytime that first day, then implement this plan the second day.Unfortunately I do not have much choice regarding flight times, but I will try to stay outdoors during the day if at all possible. Buen Camino!
Don't listen to those people who say to force yourself to stay awake. I have a sleep disorder and I need to sleep when I need to sleep. Do what your body needs.Just so you are aware, it was reported that the town in Zariquiegui has albergue that has reopened. Best wishes for a lively Camino.
Where are you planning to stay? I think that you will have to walk another 3.5 km to Uterga.Day 6 (day 1 walking): ZIZUR MAYOR or CIZUR MENOR TO ALTO DEL PERDON (9.2KM 2hrs)
Yeah, my anti-jetlag advice does not apply to those with sleep disorders. But it works well for others.Don't listen to those people who say to force yourself to stay awake. I have a sleep disorder and I need to sleep when I need to sleep. Do what your body needs.
That said, some people feel anxious about this. If that's you, a compromise is to plan the first few nights (Madrid, Pamplona, Cizur Minor) and then wing it from there. Starting slow is a very wise idea, and you will only know what you feel like when you have shoes on the ground.Just walk. Stop when you come to a town, village or hamlet where there is accommodation and you feel like stopping. There isn't really any need to preplan your stops
Day 1: Arrive Madrid. Madrid overnight.
Day 2: Fly from Madrid to Pamplona airport. Proceed to lodging in Pamplona.
Day 3 & 4: Acclimate & recover in Pamplona. Obtain supplies.
Day 5: Bus or walk FROM PAMPLONA to CIZUR MENOR or ZIZUR MAYO
There is nowhere to stay there. But albergues before (Zariquiegui) and after (Uterga). Most people will be going on to Puente la Reina, so you can be flexible here. And with the rest, especially if you stay in 'between' pueblos - the ones not at the ends of guidebook stages.Day 6 (day 1 walking): ZIZUR MAYOR or CIZUR MENOR TO ALTO DEL PERDON (9.2KM 2hrs)
I understand you're trying to shorten days, but I see your schedule causing you issues.I would be very grateful if other pilgrims reviewed and critiqued my plan for the first days of my trip to Spain and my first Camino (please see below). I am amazed at the generosity you show to new pilgrims and I do not wish to over-ask. Please forgive me if it is so. I appreciate opinions regarding the beginning days of my upcoming Camino (fall 2023). I made an itin to provide myself structure. I hope plans fly out the window somewhere around walking day #5 and spontaneity will live!
I tend to experience prolonged jetlag, so I could be recovering into the first day of walking (my 5th day in Spain). For initial planning, I altered my original journey over the distance from Pamplona to SDC to perhaps finishing this Camino in Sarria. It depends upon how long I am able to remain in Spain. I want to begin slowly but maybe this is too slow? Any specific suggestions for lodging, route, etc? I know I will gain knowledge from others on The Way but seeing the first week or so with more clarity reduces my fretfulness. Gracias and Buen Camino dear Pilgrims.
Day 1: Arrive Madrid. Madrid overnight.
Day 2: Fly from Madrid to Pamplona airport. Proceed to lodging in Pamplona.
Day 3 & 4: Acclimate & recover in Pamplona. Obtain supplies.
Day 5: Bus or walk FROM PAMPLONA to CIZUR MENOR or ZIZUR MAYO
Day 6 (day 1 walking): ZIZUR MAYOR or CIZUR MENOR TO ALTO DEL PERDON (9.2KM 2hrs)
Day 7 (day 2 walking): ALTO DEL PERDON TO PUENTA LA REINA (9-10KM; 2-2.5hrs)
Day 8/3: PUENTA LA REINA TO CIRAUQUI (9-10KM) or DE LORCA (12KM; 2.5-3hrs)
Day 9/4: CIRAUQUI (9-10KM 2-2.5hrs) OR DE LORCA TO ESTELLA (12KM 2.5-3hrs
Day 10/5: ESTELLA or VIANA EXTRA NIGHT STAY
Day 11/6: ESTELLA TO LORCA (8-9KM) or LUQUIN (10-11KM) or CIRAQUI (14K; 3hrs
Day 12/7: LUQUIN TO LOS ARCO (10KM)
Day 13/8: LOS ARCO TO TORRES DEL RIO (7.3KM) or VIANA (18.3KM; 4hrs)
- Walk Camino from VIANA to eastern outskirts of Logrona, (approx. 10km?)
- Take bus around Logrona to western outskirts. Rejoin Camino to NAVARRETE
Day 14/9: NAVARRETE TO NAJERA (15-16KM 3HRS)
Day 15/10: NAJERA TO ALESANCO-detour CANAS – to Santo Domingo
I missed this part. Absolutely agree about the bus rather than flying. Much better, and more relaxed. You can catch them at the airport - just search here for 'Alsa bus madrid airport' (or something similar), and you'll find the info you need.If you can't fly on the same day, it might be simpler and faster to take a bus.
I would not recommend doing the Camino on your first trip to Europe.
I highly recommend a practice trip to Europe to learn about jet lag, European culture, learn to communicate in your non-native language, using Euros and credit cards, hotels and hostels, transportation system and using and charging your phone. That's an awful lot to learn and even more difficult to learn while exhausted from walking 25km.
Save the Camino for a future trip. The Camino will still be there, and you'll be more prepared.
-Paul
Oh? Please do tell...next time I'd love to get this one.There's a stamp you can get at the university
I know you're well- intentioned Paul. But...what?would not recommend doing the Camino on your first trip to Europe.
I highly recommend a practice trip to Europe to learn about jet lag, European culture, learn to communicate in your non-native language, using Euros and credit cards, hotels and hostels, transportation system and using and charging your phone. That's an awful lot to learn and even more difficult to learn while exhausted from walking 25km.
Save the Camino for a future trip. The Camino will still be there, and you'll be more prepared.
Oh? Please do tell...next time I'd love to get this one.
That sounds like a perfect day. And Zabaldika. So special.Walking slowly from Zabaldika to Cizur it was a perfect opportunity for me
Completely. Disagree.I would not recommend doing the Camino on your first trip to Europe.
I highly recommend a practice trip to Europe to learn about jet lag, European culture, learn to communicate in your non-native language, using Euros and credit cards, hotels and hostels, transportation system and using and charging your phone. That's an awful lot to learn and even more difficult to learn while exhausted from walking 25km.
Save the Camino for a future trip. The Camino will still be there, and you'll be more prepared.
-Paul
know you're well- intentioned Paul. But...what?
All of that is not hard to learn.
The point being made here is that there is no accommodation at Alto del Perdon .I hope you enjoy your night camping out at the Alto del Perdon. Should get a pretty sky at least.
I agree. A Camino is a great first trip to Europe because even if you go alone you are part of a community while you are on the Camino.I know you're well- intentioned Paul. But...what?
You've received pushback so I won't add to it, too much. Except to say I think walking a Camino would be an ideal first trip to Europe. Where else would someone be held in such a supportivd community, of many European nations? Whrere else could fast friendships be forged with strangers from all over Europe?
Also, plush toilets. Very pleasant, welcoming staff.When you walk out of Pamplona, you bypass the university. It is on the left, located in a park-like area, shortly before you're out of town and walking up to Cizur.
There's even a sign advertizing the stamp. I never went there, but last year took the time. I do like universities, and was happy to get a stamp I didn't get yet in all the years before.
I guess for most pilgrims the 100m off route are too much, and also, most probably walk by early morning when the university is still closed. Walking slowly from Zabaldika to Cizur it was a perfect opportunity for me
I don't find my credential right now or I would have added a photo.
I would not recommend doing the Camino on your first trip to Europe.
I highly recommend a practice trip to Europe to learn about jet lag, European culture, learn to communicate in your non-native language, using Euros and credit cards, hotels and hostels, transportation system and using and charging your phone. That's an awful lot to learn and even more difficult to learn while exhausted from walking 25km.
Save the Camino for a future trip. The Camino will still be there, and you'll be more prepared.
-Paul
Just leave out the men vs woman thing and I agree totally. But I cannot see any gender role issue here.Well-intentioned or not, it greatly irks me to see men tell grown women whether or not they’re ready to go on a trip, saying “That's an awful lot to learn and even more difficult to learn while exhausted from walking 25km”. Absolutely patronizing and infantilizing.
" Our ' transportation system is also an example. Websites of national railways even have an English translation! Go figure.
Well, sometimes I dig holes in the ice to find water … I think Europe is an underdeveloped and dangerous placeGosh! Part of me thinks you must be trolling and another part of me thinks you must be serious.If it is the latter then I shake my head in bewilderment.
We " Europeans " ( although as a Belgian you can't compare me with a Swede or a Spaniard ) all have in common that we understand more than one language and most often English is a language we all understand and speak. So Welcome , Willkommen,Bienvenue!
" Our ' transportation system is also an example. Websites of national railways even have an English translation! Go figure.
Charging your phone? Well you just have to plug in your charger. We even have wall outlets and functioning electricity. Even running water from the tap! Woohoo! Though do not use that electricity and water together....
Thank you because I had a great laugh.
I would be very grateful if other pilgrims reviewed and critiqued my plan for the first days of my trip to Spain and my first Camino (please see below). I am amazed at the generosity you show to new pilgrims and I do not wish to over-ask. Please forgive me if it is so. I appreciate opinions regarding the beginning days of my upcoming Camino (fall 2023). I made an itin to provide myself structure. I hope plans fly out the window somewhere around walking day #5 and spontaneity will live!
I tend to experience prolonged jetlag, so I could be recovering into the first day of walking (my 5th day in Spain). For initial planning, I altered my original journey over the distance from Pamplona to SDC to perhaps finishing this Camino in Sarria. It depends upon how long I am able to remain in Spain. I want to begin slowly but maybe this is too slow? Any specific suggestions for lodging, route, etc? I know I will gain knowledge from others on The Way but seeing the first week or so with more clarity reduces my fretfulness. Gracias and Buen Camino dear Pilgrims.
Day 1: Arrive Madrid. Madrid overnight.
Day 2: Fly from Madrid to Pamplona airport. Proceed to lodging in Pamplona.
Day 3 & 4: Acclimate & recover in Pamplona. Obtain supplies.
Day 5: Bus or walk FROM PAMPLONA to CIZUR MENOR or ZIZUR MAYO
Day 6 (day 1 walking): ZIZUR MAYOR or CIZUR MENOR TO ALTO DEL PERDON (9.2KM 2hrs)
Day 7 (day 2 walking): ALTO DEL PERDON TO PUENTA LA REINA (9-10KM; 2-2.5hrs)
Day 8/3: PUENTA LA REINA TO CIRAUQUI (9-10KM) or DE LORCA (12KM; 2.5-3hrs)
Day 9/4: CIRAUQUI (9-10KM 2-2.5hrs) OR DE LORCA TO ESTELLA (12KM 2.5-3hrs
Day 10/5: ESTELLA or VIANA EXTRA NIGHT STAY
Day 11/6: ESTELLA TO LORCA (8-9KM) or LUQUIN (10-11KM) or CIRAQUI (14K; 3hrs
Day 12/7: LUQUIN TO LOS ARCO (10KM)
Day 13/8: LOS ARCO TO TORRES DEL RIO (7.3KM) or VIANA (18.3KM; 4hrs)
- Walk Camino from VIANA to eastern outskirts of Logrona, (approx. 10km?)
- Take bus around Logrona to western outskirts. Rejoin Camino to NAVARRETE
Day 14/9: NAVARRETE TO NAJERA (15-16KM 3HRS)
Day 15/10: NAJERA TO ALESAFrom Uterga it is an easy short walk to Puente la Reina. A very nice historic town.
An unnecessary intermezzo has occured, so let's get this thread back on track:NCO-detour CANAS – to Santo Domingo
I second this. With a guidebook or app, you can see what is next and make a call accordingly.Just walk. Stop when you come to a town, village or hamlet where there is accommodation and you feel like stopping. There isn't really any need to preplan your stops.
With the corrections and input/feedback you have got here, you are set to go safely. Buen Camino!I would be very grateful if other pilgrims reviewed and critiqued my plan for the first days of my trip to Spain and my first Camino (please see below). I am amazed at the generosity you show to new pilgrims and I do not wish to over-ask. Please forgive me if it is so. I appreciate opinions regarding the beginning days of my upcoming Camino (fall 2023). I made an itin to provide myself structure. I hope plans fly out the window somewhere around walking day #5 and spontaneity will live!
I tend to experience prolonged jetlag, so I could be recovering into the first day of walking (my 5th day in Spain). For initial planning, I altered my original journey over the distance from Pamplona to SDC to perhaps finishing this Camino in Sarria. It depends upon how long I am able to remain in Spain. I want to begin slowly but maybe this is too slow? Any specific suggestions for lodging, route, etc? I know I will gain knowledge from others on The Way but seeing the first week or so with more clarity reduces my fretfulness. Gracias and Buen Camino dear Pilgrims.
Day 1: Arrive Madrid. Madrid overnight.
Day 2: Fly from Madrid to Pamplona airport. Proceed to lodging in Pamplona.
Day 3 & 4: Acclimate & recover in Pamplona. Obtain supplies.
Day 5: Bus or wyou have got herelk FROM PAMPLONA to CIZUR MENOR or ZIZUR MAYO
Day 6 (day 1 walking): ZIZUR MAYOR or CIZUR MENOR TO ALTO DEL PERDON (9.2KM 2hrs)
Day 7 (day 2 walking): ALTO DEL PERDON TO PUENTA LA REINA (9-10KM; 2-2.5hrs)
Day 8/3: PUENTA LA REINA TO CIRAUQUI (9-10KM) or DE LORCA (12KM; 2.5-3hrs)
Day 9/4: CIRAUQUI (9-10KM 2-2.5hrs) OR DE LORCA TO ESTELLA (12KM 2.5-3hrs
Day 10/5: ESTELLA or VIANA EXTRA NIGHT STAY
Day 11/6: ESTELLA TO LORCA (8-9KM) or LUQUIN (10-11KM) or CIRAQUI (14K; 3hrs
Day 12/7: LUQUIN TO LOS ARCO (10KM)
Day 13/8: LOS ARCO TO TORRES DEL RIO (7.3KM) or VIANA (18.3KM; 4hrs)
- Walk Camino from VIANA to eastern outskirts of Logrona, (approx. 10km?)
- Take bus around Logrona to western outskirts. Rejoin Camino to NAVARRETE
Day 14/9: NAVARRETE TO NAJERA (15-16KM 3HRS)
Day 15/10: NAJERA TO ALESANCO-detour CANAS – to Santo Domingo
Good advice! Gracias! Good to know that about Alto del Perdon.I understand you're trying to shorten days, but I see your schedule causing you issues.
I hadnt given this thought before but the Camino is more or less structured around a 6 hour (give or take) walking day.
On a day with only 9-10 kms of walking (max 3 hour), you have two choices, leave late in order to arrive when accommodation can be accessed, or end up in a village and wait for hours before you can access your accommodation. I dont know which month you're planning, but September can be really hot.
Albergues wont want you hanging around until 11am as they have work to do preparing for the next batch of pilgrims. You'll need to leave by 8am probably, which will have you arriving around in your chosen village by 10.30 -11.00am. You wont be able to access accommodation, and lots of these are small villages with not much to do.
It is different if you are staying in hotels, Pamplona is a city, and will offer hotels, but most of the others are small towns and villages with more basic accommodation.
Maybe for the first few days, you arrange to taxi back and forward to Pamplona where you could stay in a hotel - keep the booking for a few days, you'll have flexibility on the time you start walking (taxi/walk). You can schedule drop off and pick up places/times with the taxi - much like some people do when walking to Roncesvalles.
Having an extra day in Viana or Estella will give you the same problems unless you stay somewhere that allows a 2 night stay - and are you planning an extra day as a rest or a tourist day? Generally its best to take rest days when you need them rather than scheduling them, and neither of those towns offer a lot of tourism.
I see you plan to buy supplies in Pamplona? Food? Gear? It is best to take your own tried and tested gear, and you dont need to carry food as you'll buy it as you walk. There will be somewhere to buy food regularly.
There is no accommodation at Alto del Perdon, just windmills and a caravan. There are albergues either side (but wont be open by 10.30am)
A simpler method after the first day or so, is to just walk.
Do you plan to carry your own pack? If so, then you can just walk until you find a place you want to stay and stop there.
I appreciate your concern for my well being! And the concern of all those who "liked" this. It's good to know there are people who truly care.I would not recommend doing the Camino on your first trip to Europe.
I highly recommend a practice trip to Europe to learn about jet lag, European culture, learn to communicate in your non-native language, using Euros and credit cards, hotels and hostels, transportation system and using and charging your phone. That's an awful lot to learn and even more difficult to learn while exhausted from walking 25km.
Save the Camino for a future trip. The Camino will still be there, and you'll be more prepared.
-Paul
I agree. Gracias.With the corrections and input/feedback you have got here, you are set to go safely. Buen Camino!
Ahh! Thank you! Comments appreciated!I hope you enjoy your night camping out at the Alto del Perdon. Should get a pretty sky at least.
Bus around Logrono? Why? The entrance into Logrono is fine and even the one going out is very short in terms or urbanization, before hitting a nice park and track to a lake with a lovely cafe. Not to mention the great city Logrono is, after all, you say you're happy to spend 3 nights in Pamplona but bypass Logrono? Think of the Rioja wine!
I recommend a bit more research as your itinerary is 'unusual'. I love a slow Camino myself and take over 60 days to complete it from St Jean, staying in the best accommodation available and dining at some amazing restaurants, but unless you are incapacitated to a significant degree, your outline of a plan won't work.
I'm from Boulder and can relate to your 14r comment. I think you're going to find that Camino is much less difficult and there is support everywhere. If you have a question about something, there's always someone to help.I am thankful for all comments, even those that anger me because there is some truth in them that I wish to avoid.
If at some point in the future some pilgrims here wish advice on planning the approach and technical ascent of multiple 14,000 foot Colorado mountains please contact me. I am familiar with these mountains, Spain is new to me as areas I am intimate with may be new to you. I hope we all have new places to explore and experiences to enjoy.
I've done 2 1/2 caminos and am doing the Primitivo next month. I've been a purist and walked every step and taken buses/trains when my knees were too sore. Trust your gut but indulge spontaneity and don't be a slave to your plan. If you feel good keep going. If you're worn out feel free to stop. [...] It makes sense to start off slowly and build up your strength, but after 5-7 days you might be able to go farther than you think. And finding a great albergue can be as reinvigorating as a rest day. Buen Camino!
Hi Boulder! Yeah I'm done mountain climbing now but it was thrilling few years! Glad to hear this is easier (cuz it couldnt be harder). Question - I, too am flying to Madrid and taking the train north. Do you suggestions for a hotel in Madrid? Which train station should I look for?I'm from Boulder and can relate to your 14r comment. I think you're going to find that Camino is much less difficult and there is support everywhere. If you have a question about something, there's always someone to help.
Jet lag smacks me too. It takes me 3-5 days to adjust. This year, due to time, I'm ignoring it. I land on a Thursday AM in Madrid, catch a train North and start walking Friday.
You're going to have a great time.
Gracias! Very helpful. Buen Camino!Hello, I didn't plan our first walk and it was wonderful. Having said that, I love to plan (I get a lot of joy out of it), but always with the understanding that things will change. I planned our 2022 walk with our family (it seems our group gets larger each walk) and I have attached the itinerary I made for them for the segment you are planning because you may find it helpful.
I am a very slow walker and this itinerary is suited to my walking pace (our family members were often showered and napping by the time we arrived). I booked private rooms so arrival time was not an issue. Our first walk, we walked from Pamplona center instead of from the edge of town, and it was lovely. As others have said above the walk from Logroño to Navarette is wonderful!
I think, as you mentioned, by day five you will have a very good sense of whether or not you want to skip or plan anything.
View attachment 144424
Happy planning and changing your plans!
-Paul, I apologize for my next statements if English is a second language for you ---I would not recommend doing the Camino on your first trip to Europe.
I highly recommend a practice trip to Europe to learn about jet lag, European culture, learn to communicate in your non-native language, using Euros and credit cards, hotels and hostels, transportation system and using and charging your phone. That's an awful lot to learn and even more difficult to learn while exhausted from walking 25km.
Save the Camino for a future trip. The Camino will still be there, and you'll be more prepared.
-Paul
I don't have any great suggestions for a hotel. I do like staying in the Centro section after I land. I stayed at Suite Prado which is a mid-priced place with super nice and helpful people. It's really easy to walk everywhere which helps me work through the jet leg. The Prado, Calle Cava Baja, it's all right there. It's all safe. Touristy but fun.Hi Boulder! Yeah I'm done mountain climbing now but it was thrilling few years! Glad to hear this is easier (cuz it couldnt be harder). Question - I, too am flying to Madrid and taking the train north. Do you suggestions for a hotel in Madrid? Which train station should I look for?
Thank you!!!!!I don't have any great suggestions for a hotel. I do like staying in the Centro section after I land. I stayed at Suite Prado which is a mid-priced place with super nice and helpful people. It's really easy to walk everywhere which helps me work through the jet leg. The Prado, Calle Cava Baja, it's all right there. It's all safe. Touristy but fun.
The train station for points north is Chamartin. To get there from Centro you can take the subway, go out of the train station on the south side of Centro or grab a cab and I think it was $15 or so.
Do you want to be in the old center of the city or near the train station?Do you suggestions for a hotel in Madrid? Which train station should I look for?
The train station for points north is Chamartin. To get there from Centro you can take the subway, go out of the train station on the south side of Centro or grab a cab and I think it was $15 or so.
You’re 100% correct on the trains to Pamplona leaving from Atocha. I was imprinting the itinerary I’m working on for myselfRenfe trains from Madrid to Pamplona depart from the Atocha station, not Chamartin (unless something has changed that I'm not aware of).
I have started from Pamplona twice and each time chose to get there on my arrival day, rather than overnighting in Madrid. On one occasion I was able to get a great connecting flight, and the other time I took the airporter bus to Atocha station and took the train. As others have mentioned, there is a third option which I would also consider if the stars aligned, and that is to get an Alsa bus directly from the airport.
@MARSKA a if you do want to go into central Madrid that first night and your goal is to address jetlag, I would echo what others have suggested and that is to get the train to Pamplona the following day rather than returning to the airport for a flight out. If you were to take this option, it would be desirable to stay within a short walking distance to Atocha. Though I can't speak to them personally, there are several accommodation options around the station.
I'm from California. What is called "mountains" in Spain, even the Pyrenees you cross, are what we call "hills" in California. The Sierra Nevada are over 12,000 feet in height in some places. The General Sherman tree, for example, is at 6,191 feet while the highest peak you cross on the Pyrenees is about 4,450 feet. It's steep, don't get me wrong, but it's not exactly a mountain climb.I am thankful for all comments, even those that anger me because there is some truth in them that I wish to avoid.
If at some point in the future some pilgrims here wish advice on planning the approach and technical ascent of multiple 14,000 foot Colorado mountains please contact me. I am familiar with these mountains, Spain is new to me as areas I am intimate with may be new to you. I hope we all have new places to explore and experiences to enjoy.
Have your kept a journal/blog of your walk? I'd like to read it!I hope you enjoy your night camping out at the Alto del Perdon. Should get a pretty sky at least.
Bus around Logrono? Why? The entrance into Logrono is fine and even the one going out is very short in terms or urbanization, before hitting a nice park and track to a lake with a lovely cafe. Not to mention the great city Logrono is, after all, you say you're happy to spend 3 nights in Pamplona but bypass Logrono? Think of the Rioja wine!
I recommend a bit more research as your itinerary is 'unusual'. I love a slow Camino myself and take over 60 days to complete it from St Jean, staying in the best accommodation available and dining at some amazing restaurants, but unless you are incapacitated to a significant degree, your outline of a plan won't work.
I agree. Logroño is one of my favorite cities on the Camino.I would not consider catching a bus around Logrono. Where would catch the bus from? Viana?
There is a lovely walk into Logrono on an old abandoned road. Now a pilgrim path with local access.
Shortly after leaving the centre of Logrono{ a beautiful city} the pilgrim route enters a park as recommended by another pilgrim above, which takes you out of the city. Avoid the hassle of catching a bus. Buen camino
Thank you for this info!I would not consider catching a bus around Logrono. Where would catch the bus from? Viana?
There is a lovely walk into Logrono on an old abandoned road. Now a pilgrim path with local access.
Shortly after leaving the centre of Logrono{ a beautiful city} the pilgrim route enters a park as recommended by another pilgrim above, which takes you out of the city. Avoid the hassle of catching a bus. Buen camino
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?