Just One week!

[Thilde]

Can I do this is just one week in May??

[HuskyNerd]

Hi Thilde ~
Depends on what "this" is! If you want to do the entire Camino Frances from St. Jean Pied de Port to Santiago in one week, it would mean walking 114 kms/day. Which is possible at 4.7 kms/hour......for 24 hours a day!

Of course it's very possible to do the 800km by bicycle in a week, which is an option that many people choose. But given those daunting numbers for a walk most people would shorten the distance to around 100 kms. This would start you at about Sarria in Galicia, which is a common starting point (especially for Spanish pilgrims) and which qualifies you as a walker for your official completion certificate at the cathedral in Santiago.

Buen camino!

[Zoi]

This is all vey well, I only have one week of holidays too.
One more question is, when you start at a point like that, where can you get your pilgrim's passport from?
I come from eastern europe, mind, not UK.

[HuskyNerd]

Hi Zoi ~

Many countries have their own Camino de Santiago societies, but I'm doubting there are many in Eastern European countries. So your best bet is to go to an albergue at the start of your journey and buy a credentiale there. If you're starting in Sarria, as most 1-week folk do, the Sarria albergue is the perfect place to acquire your passport. Let us know if you need directions or location.

Buen camino ~
Sandy

[Zoi]

Thank you Sandy!
We are planning to do the journey this Arpil, from Greece.
If you think it is sth difficult to find (by asking around), please, give directions.
Also, Im at the point of trying to combine flights. do you by any chance know which is the most convenient airport and alternative transport from there?
Thanks again!
zoi

[HuskyNerd]

Hi Zoi ~
There are a couple of ways to get to Sarria -- either by plane and bus or by plane and train. The plane/bus route has you going to Santiago, then busing to Sarria. The plane/train route has you flying to Madrid, then taking the overnight "Trenhotel" to Sarria (on the Lugo/Ferrol) line. My personal preference is the plane/train route, which allows a daytime flight to Madrid's Barajas airport, a Madrid Metro transfer to Chamartin station, and a relatively comfy and inexpensive bunk leaving Chamartin at 22:30 and arriving at Sarria at 06:38. This gives time to have a cafe con leche, head to the albergue, get your credentiale, and have your first day's walk. You can purchase your train ticket online up to 60 days in advance and the tourist class bed is only 32.10E. Go to Renfe.

The Albergue de Peregrinos de Sarria is located at Calle Mayor 31 and I've heard you can also get your credentiale at the town hall and at the church. I'm sure other commentators on the Forum will know more and can help.

Buen camino!