Pilgrimage from Portugal this Summer

[msanthea]

I'm contemplating the walk this summer (July or August) and thought I would see if there are others planning to do the same. It'll be my first time and as it stands, I'm likely to be traveling alone so I'm hoping to meet others along the way.

[marilonge]

i'm contemplating doing the same, starting the last week of july. i just started doing some research... i'm debating money wise as i'm researching india too... let me know your thoughts.

[marilonge]

i'm contemplating doing the same, starting the last week of july. i just started doing some research... i'm debating money wise as i'm researching india too... let me know your thoughts.

[sean]

Hi,

I am planning to walk from Porto with my wife in early September. It would be my plan to go on to Cape Finisterre afterwards. Does anyone know what would be a reasonable amount of time to complete the walk at a comfortable pace? Is 12 - 14 days pushing it?
Any experience of the weather on the route in early September?

Regards,


Sean
Dublin

[JanineSimone]

I'm contemplating the walk this summer (July or August) and thought I would see if there are others planning to do the same. It'll be my first time and as it stands, I'm likely to be traveling alone so I'm hoping to meet others along the way.

hiya,

living in spain for 5 years i would say be careful ofthe summer temperatures. i am planning may june or september for my journey. i am also knew to this and will be travelling alone hope that helps *

[southafricaF2]

Ola! We are from South Africa and are also first timers. We are planning to walk in either late Aug/early Sept and would appreciate any guidance we can get on the best time to do it. We have limited time - only 7 days but would like to make the most of our time. Ideally we would like to do the last 120 km of the route and then come back in 2012 due to the time constraints.

[walkmag]

Hello I plan to walk to Santiago from Porto , mid September.

I walked Camino Frances last year...and am now a caminophile !

cheers...and good luck to all the 2010 Pilgrims

[Covey]

The problem with walking the Camino is that you either love it or hate it, and those of us who love it find ourselves drawn back time after time.

There are many worse things than being a Caminophile!!

[Bella61]

Hello, I am thinking of doing the Camino in early July, but haven't decided if I will do the Camino Frances or the Portuguese Route. Has anyone done both? Also, with which organisation would I be best to go with. Any helpful info. would be greatly appreaciated.

[amgirl5]

Hi, I'm planning on walking the Portuguese route in late August, early September as well. From looking at John Bierly's guide, I'm confused about which route to take starting from Porto. Has anyone walked the road route (vs. the beach or other alternate?) How much pavement is it, and is it easy to find your way? It sounds brutal in the book, and I some how always seem to get lost in the cities on the Camino Frances route, especially approaching Pamplona. I'm hoping to have enough time to walk from Porto to Santiago and then to Finisterre or possibly Muxia. I haven't decided how to get to Porto, (from the W. US). It will take almost a full day to fly to Lisbon.

Has anyone from western N. America done this route? How did you get there?

Bella61, if you can in any way walk in September, it's a bit easier because the weather will be slightly cooler and the crowds should be less, so not such a crush for the albergues. If you decide to walk alone, even in September, but especially in July, there will be alot of other peregrinos joining you that would be able to keep you company, and help you along. I've walked the Camino Frances 3x on my own, and even in the late winter was never really on my own if I didn't want to be. Best of luck.

[Bella61]

Hi, thanks for the reply. I wish I could go in September but being a teacher summer is the only extended time I have off. Try this website http://www.suekenney.ca/camino2.html you might find some information there. Also, have you been to this site http://www.followthecamino.com/santi...epartures.html it gives detailed information on the different routes including the Portuguese way. Different people have told me there is a bit of pavement out of Porto but once you get passed it the scenery is quite nice. Any information I can pass along when I get back I will do when I get back in August. Buen Camino!
Paulette

[stephen]

Hi,

I'm planning to take the camino this summer when school lets out. Maybe late June or early August. I am still in the preliminary planning (choosing a path). Next will be plane, I suppose. Can anyone recommend the camino portugese? I know it's a bit less traveled that the frances, but I am hoping for the holy year, there will be others around for support and to add to the fun factor. This solo journey is important to me, so I want to plan it right. I have as much time as I need. Also, where to start?

Any insight would be great
Stephen

[Bella61]

Hello Stephen,
I too am planning to begin my Camino in Portugal between June 30 and July 2. I picked up «Camino Portugués» by John Brierley. It describes in detail the different starting points from Lisboa, it's worth the read, and very helpful in planning your trip. To «avoid the city pavements and drab suburbs» he suggest taking the metro from Porto to Maia, p.95 of his book, which is most likely what I will do. Let me know what you think if you pick up the book or if you have any other questions.
Buen Camino,
Paulette

[stephen]

Thanks Paulette,

I have glanced at the book; it's a great resource. I'm still trying to figure out which camino I want to take. I know this is a personal decision, but I'm still looking for insights. The camino del norte seems amazing and i think it'd be cool to pick up from bilboa and take the primitivo down. another option i think is interesting is doing the portugese from lisbon and going past santiago down the finisterre. i suppose there's no wrong road. I'm a little nervous about deciding though, so I can secure a ticket.

Stephen

[stephen]

Hi Paulette,

Well, I decided on the Camino Portugues, booked a flight to Lisbon for June 22 and have yet to purchase a return trip My tentative plan is to spend a couple days in Lisbon, camino up to Santiago, and take a flight from La Coruna to Amsterdam for a few days before heading home to NY. I want my trip to be around a month and am thinking about the extra walk to Finisterre, as well. I read that page from the book (I finally purchased) and I think it's a good option too. Thanks for being in touch. I'd love it if we were able to help one another with any travel plans or questions. Is this your first camino?

Stephen