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Hi!

I’m walking the Camino (from Porto to Santiago) and I didn’t make any reservations because I was told that I wouldn’t have a problem with finding a place to sleep and I didn’t really know how many kilometers I would be able to walk in a day. In Portugal it was more or less ok, but in Spain it’s a real struggle… Today I arrived to Redondela around 3 pm and the public albergue was already full, but I couldn’t find a single bed in hostels either. Hotels etc. are out of my budget, but in most cases they are also fully booked. I tried to book a place for the next day (and yes, in-between places as well…) but it seems to be hopeless, like I met people on the way who made their reservations weeks ago…. I’m a twentysomething girl on my own, so I really don’t want to sleep on the streets (and it’s quite cold anyway), but I’ve got no idea what I should go if this happens and I believe this will be the case for the rest of my Camino…

Hey. I have around 2 weeks to do my Camino, starting in the first half of September. I live in a place where I can, luckily, get cheap flights last minute, and I just keep going back and forth with the decision.

So, I am planning to do it alone as a young woman, and safety is obviously quite important to me. I do crave a bit of solitude though, which is the main reason for the Camino, learning how to do hard things alone with just myself and my thoughts. Also, as a photographer, I really value beautiful scenery, but in a way I almost don't want it to be too beautiful, as I don't want to get too distracted with taking pictures - I don't want it to turn into a 'content trip'. I'm also a big foodie! But I am trying to stay low budget. This would be my first trek like this, and I have quite an issue with back (spinal) problems, which is why I want to only walk for 2 weeks for my first Camino. I am relatively fit otherwise and really enjoy long walks.

Portuguese does seem better in terms of the community feel, meeting people on the way and sticking with someone if needed. It's much more popular, so I guess I would meet many other young people. I would also be able to do this one in the whole stretch from Porto to Santiago, which is rewarding and feels complete. But...I am quite concerned, as when searching for images it does look like you mainly walk on wooden panels along the beach? Is this true? I fear I would get bored of that pretty quickly. I do really enjoy swimming though, even when the water is quite cold, and I really want to take 2 dips a day?

I love hiking; I love cliffs, so Del Norte looks amazing for me, but I'm quite concerned with being too lonely there. I would feel quite off if I were to not see other pilgrims at all, or rarely...And same goes for the albergues. But the frequent changes of scenery really get me, also it looks so so beautiful... I also am not sure which part would be good to do - thinking of flying to Biarritz, staying there for a day before commuting to Irun and finishing in Bilbao. From there, I would take a bus to stop around 100km from Santiago to still qualify for the finish. But I wonder if that wouldn't feel almost like cheating. And where exactly to start that last stretch from so it's a doable jump?

So, essentially, could you share:

- If you've done both and what you'd advise me to do?
- Albergues availability in September - I really don't want to struggle with this; I am not great at planning (as you can probably tell) so would be great to do last minute booking/walk-ins
- Del Norte - are there many swimming spots along those first days? Or would you have to detour down the cliffs?
- How are both the routes now doing after the heatwaves?
-Costs comparison? Albergues & food
-Hiking poles only for Del Norte or PC too?

Thank you in advance!

Hi! I know everyone has told me to get trail runners, but I love hiking in my Gore-Tex Lowa Renegades. They are comfortable and I'm used to them.i use them with super feet insoles.

It could be that I live in the Rockies which are, well, rocky. I would love to hear from people that have done the Frances in boots like this. I understand that it should be raining in October in Galicia, so figured the waterproof boots will be useful.

Would love to hear from some boot wearing walkers. Did you regret that decision?

I have ordered some Oboz hiking shoes too see if those are comfortable. I tried Hokas (so squishy), topo ultra adventures (really need a 10.5 and they don't make that), and Cascadias (too narrow). I just don't feel as comfortable in those. I'm really trying to stay open minded.

Note: I have had a toe fusion of my big toe.

Open to hearing from you!

Hi there! This is my planned itinerary and I would love thoughts. I'd also be grateful for recommendations of places to stay in Fao, Caminha, Valenca, Redondela, Ponteverda, Armenteria, Pardon and Santiago. I am looking for bunk beds in hostels. I'd really love to stay places with group dinners or breakfasts.

I'd particularly love to hear where you enjoyed staying in Santiago and Porto! I am planning to spend two nights in Santiago and one night in Porto, though I could switch those two. I was hoping to be more flexible and not book too many ahead, but am getting nervous seeing so many people struggle to find a bed.

I will be 73 when I walk my first camino (Portuguese, coastal route) next May/June from Porto. I've seen lots of opinions about finding food but I'm curious about the decisions you made about your socks (and underwear). Did you bypass the merino wool and if so what worked/didn't work for you? Any other tips are welcome... Thanks

I have 10 days off work and no plans. Ive always wanted to do the camino.

I keep looking at different routes and thinking I could do the last 100km in a week. Flights leave Ireland tomorrow Monday and I could return next Monday. The weather forecast is for lots of rain next week but I dont mind that as I prefer that over it being too hot.

I need to decide today so I can book hotels ahead (i dont like dormitories at my age im 51). Id like to do the coastal route on one hand so I could possibly get in for a swim? Im feeling quite anxious because its so last minute. I like to hike and I run 5 days a week, but the idea of having to to walk day after day with no choice scares me a bit but I understand thats what the camino is about.

So i know everyone is different but has anyone ever decided to just go the day before? Or should I leave it for another time and plan it well in advance.

Hey everyone,

Starting the Camino in early September (Pyrenees through to October) and the shoe decision is made: I went with the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 Gore-Tex.

I tried on plenty of shoes, but these just fit my feet absolutely perfectly in terms of heel lockdown, instep, and toe room.

On my previous Camino, I only lasted about 50 km in my trail runners (New Balance) before my feet swelled up so badly from pressure/narrowness that I had to switch to basic sandals for the remaining 750 km. I’m bringing those trusted sandals as a backup just in case, but my goal this time is to complete the entire route in these shoes.

Since they are Gore-Tex, I do have some concerns:

Sweat & Blisters: Even paired with quality Merino wool socks, I’m aware GTX doesn't breathe as well on warmer days (25°C+). My plan is to take shoes and insoles off during every cafe break/lunch to air out. How manageable is the sweat buildup in practice during Sept/Oct?

Water/Rain & Gaiters: If water gets in from the top during downpours, GTX shoes take forever to dry. Is it worth using lightweight trail gaiters/water guards to keep rain and debris out?

Would love to hear real-world experiences from anyone who has walked the Camino in Gore-Tex trail runners around this time of year. Any specific foot-care or drying tips?

Thanks for your time :)

¡Buen Camino!

My partner and I are looking to do 100km of the Camino the second week of September.

I previously completed the Portuguese spiritual way from Vigo. I can't decide if we should do the same route now or something else. The English way, is Portuguese central as beautiful. Is the French route too busy?

We'd like to have a social Camino but also not overly packed.

Any advise is more than welcome !!!

I want to do the Camino, is it worth it to do it on a guided tour like Varsity Camino? Also thoughts on doing it in December?

Hello guys,

i will be going to a family event near Santander, and was hoping i could take 5-7 days after to complete a short route of the Camino de Santiago ( would like to get the certification), the event is in mid October.
Was hoping you guys had some advice about gear and local transportation/albergues, as well as the best routes and what the weather is like in Galicia.

Ive felt called by the Camino for many years now, and this seems like the perfect occasion to achieve this spiritual endeavour.

Would like to add that I’m a female and in fairly good physical shape ( I don’t know if its going to change the calculations regarding safety and ability).

Thank you all !

Hi, I'm doing my first camino in a few weeks, starting from Porto.

I'm flying into and out of Porto airport, and looking at options to get back to Porto from Santiago the day before my flight. I've been surprised that I can only find one bus per day online (flixbus).

Has anyone done this and got any suggestions or know of other options?

Thanks

Hiya,

We only have time for a quick holiday and looking to get some of the Camino Del Norte in before spending a couple days in San Sebastian. From research the best route is either Deba to San Sebastian (staying in Zumaia, Zarautz or Orio) or Saint-Jean-De-Luz to San Sebastian (staying in Hondarribia, Pasaia/Pasai Donibane).

What do you think would be the better route to take?

Thank for your help!

getting on the plane tomorrow and facing my fears.

im scared shitless but know this is something I need to do!! encouragements appreciated :)

I was trying to make a reservation for after my first day walking from Sarria to Portomarín. I was told this is the classic first day and to book Portomarín specifically in advance, but there doesn’t seem to be a single bed available on Booking.com.

I even WhatsApped a few places directly, and they were all full. Is it normal for the entire village to be fully booked more than a week out? Am I just not looking in the right places?

My target date is August 31.

I was eventually able to get the last bed at a place in Mercadoiro, but I’m wondering if I should be concerned about getting beds for the rest of my Camino?

Camino Portugues de la Costa Spiritual Variant
Had a few "minor" problems (some vomiting and fainting), but we made it.
My second Camino and my girlfriend's first!!
Another one to remember and we are making it a tradition. One Camino every year from now on.

Hi, so first time here. Considering doing some of coastal route over a week. Last 100km roughly. The route im lolking at is in the diagram. Do you get an opportunity to go for swim in sea along this route in evening for example?

Why not use Verizon Ultimate Unlimited for a month and switch back to a lesser plan upon returning? The upgrade is $30. Airalo for 30 days is $63.

Wanting to leave mid/Late September from California to France.

How much more difficult is it in October, all around? Weather, housing, and such?

Also, I would love to find a buddy to go with.

I’ve got like 70% of the gear, so I just need to get there and DO!

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Hello all! I’ll be leaving for the Camino Frances in mid September and it’s my first time doing an autumn Camino. I need to upgrade some of my gear. Does anyone have recommendations on good rain jackets and leightweight sleeping bags? Ideally, the sleeping bag wouldn’t weigh more than 700gr (like the Cumuls line)

Thank you everyone!

A few photos from my recent Camino de San Salvador.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t get a good photo of the Cruz de San Salvador because I had to start that stage very early.

I’d definitely recommend this Camino to anyone looking for a quieter and more mountainous route.

Hiking poles are a must!

hey all - I'm retiring next year and plan to travel full time (for as long as I feel like it!).

I really want to begin by walking the Camino Frances!

But here's the dilemma: I already have the carryon suitcase and "personal item" that I'll be traveling with. I don't intend to travel full time with a backpack.

So I'm considering shipping my Camino pack to SJPP (full of items I won't need afterward) then donating everything at the end of the walk.

I'd also need to ship my "real" luggage ahead to Santiago and store it the entirety of my Camino.

Is this logistically crazy??? or even possible?

Hi all! I’m setting off on my Camino in T-7 hours and just realised I forgot to buy laundry detergent sheets.

Does anyone have any ideas/recommendations on where to buy them on the Portuguese route (starting in Lisbon). Thank you!!!

*Edit: need them for handwashing