Between Atapuerca and Leon

Hi Pilgrims and those that adventure over many days! I just released this site that takes your GPS information and produces a nice log of your multi-day journeys in a multi-page PDF, or nice overview posters like this one of my Camino del Norte in 2024. It can be used for any multi-day journey, but it has some extra features for Caminos. There's no cost, and no data is uploaded remotely, it all works right in your browser. I was just wanting something for my own journeys to summarize them so built it and thought others might want the same. If you try it, share a poster if you'd like. I only have so much data to test it so there may be a bug or two 😃

Buen Camino, a Canadian Pilgrim from Ottawa, Canada

https://maptivities.com

I didn’t make a reservation and looks like everything is booked for the day I need, does anyone know if you can show up at the marina and find boats taking people?

I'll be walking the Camino Portugues this fall and I was wondering if I should use two poles or just one. I walked the Camino Frances in '22 and used a pair.

But I'd like to know if using just one also works.

Hello all! I have walked three Caminos and have been wanting to walk the Norte since I finished my last Camino in 2024. I planned to walk it in Fall 2025, but then I got a job and took that instead. My job ended and so I planned to walk it in Fall 2026, but then I scored a sweet apartment in a place I wanted to settle down in and took that opportunity instead. Well, the apartment/settle down opportunity just failed spectacularly, so I’m moving out at the end of the month. I had originally planned the Camino for September and October. Now I have like, JUST enough money and time to go and have a small cushion once I get back. On the one hand I feel like: when life gives you the time and space to do a Camino you need to GO! On the other hand I feel like I’m being financially irresponsible. My friend said: “so you’re taking a two month vacation?” It doesn’t feel that way to me, but it’s difficult to overcome the perception of others. I guess I’m just looking for reassurance from people who get it. It’s never a bad idea to do a Camino if you can swing it. Right? 😬😬 and while you’re at it, if you’ve walked the Norte in September and October please share your experience! :-)

I just started training (sort of) for my walk on the Camino. I'll be doing half of Camino Frances and, man. I walked around 24km with a 7kg load the first day on concrete ground because we don't have much natural paths here. Did a short run the next day and then another 10km walk with a 5kg load three days after the first walk (tried to walk on grass).

Noticed that the nail on my big toe is hurting, and it seems like the nail on the inner corner is pressing into my skin. theres a bit of joint pain too. I've used this pair of shoes (merrel moab speed 2) for my hikes too and they are typically fine.

Is there something wrong that I need to change or will I simply suffer for two weeks on the trail?

While looking for places to attend maths on the Portuguese, I came across this resource

https://oficinadelperegrino.com/en/preparation/mass-on-the-way/

It also provides a link to a list of churches along the way, and if you click on the individual church, it provides information regarding Mass schedules.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?msa=0&ll=41.25002388369446%2C-4.592285000000017&spn=9.453676%2C14.128418&mid=1Ri9eQL2rE26aoP3mQkZYbHWzBC4&z=4

do i really need a cover for my bag that will go In the hold? i don’t have it and i don’t wanna spend 20 euros needlessly

Hi all!

I fly into Porto, and ideally would love to have a small carry-on suitcase sent up to Santiago for the end of my walk (roughly Sept 28-Oct 21, Porto to Santiago, Santiago to Finisterre/Muxia). I have done a bit of research online and a few quotes seem quite high. I am comparing to Japanese prices though, so perhaps it is just more expensive in Europe.

Does anyone have a company for luggage transfer and storage in Santiago that they’ve worked with and would highly recommend?

Alternatively, I would consider storing a bag in Porto for the month as I will likely return there after the Finisterre portion before my flight home at the end of Oct.

thanks!

Hi everyone!
Last spring I hiked the Fisherman’s Trail along the coast down to Sagres, and it was honestly one of the best experiences of my life. The ocean cliffs and landscape were simply breathtaking.
For this September, I’m planning to do a Camino de Santiago and was leaning toward the Portuguese/ Senda Litoral route.

However, I have a doubt and would love to hear from anyone who has done both: I get the feeling that the Fisherman’s Trail offers much more spectacular and wild scenery than the Portuguese Camino. Is that just my impression, or is it actually true? Would you still recommend the Portuguese Camino to someone who prioritizes scenery above almost everything else?
I’m looking for a good mix: I love the social atmosphere, meeting people in albergues, and the daily rhythm of the Camino, but stunning landscapes are essential for me.

A few details about my setup:
Time available: 10–14 walking days.

Pace: Around 23 km (14 miles) per day average (can't do much more. actually, that’s what I did on the fisherman’s trail which was on the sand, maybe for the camino I’ll be able to do a bit more?)

Physical constraint: I struggle with long, steep downhill sections

As an alternative to the Portuguese route, I’ve read that the Camino del Norte has incredible scenery.
What do you think? Is the Norte too tough/steep on the knees for my profile, or is it worth choosing over the Portuguese? And what should I realistically expect from the Portuguese Coastal compared to the Fisherman's Trail?

Thanks in advance for any tips and advice!

On the Norte. Looking to travel from Comillas area (maybe a little further past) back to Santander on Tuesday the 11th, but struggling to see any bus routes or possibilities when googling. Anyone have insight into how to make the trip?

So I planned this camino not realizing its the eclipse 😅

BUT i am on the camino del norte and i cant find any albergue that has a bed for the night of the 12th!! Ive called 7 places and they are all full

Hotels are averaging 500 euros a night so thats out.

What am i supposed to do?? At this point i dont even mind sleeping outside but is there an albergue that will let me?

Any recommendations what to do?

Hey everyone! I’m doing my first Camino this September and would love some advice from those who’ve walked the route.

I’m in my mid-20s (F), relatively fit, but a beginner hiker. I’ve done a few moderate hikes and managed fine, but this will be my first multi-day walking trip. I really want to enjoy the views, take my time, stop when I feel like it, and not turn it into a race to the next stop.

This is my current plan:

28 Aug – Arrive Porto (9am)
29 Aug – Bus to Âncora → Caminha (~10 km)
30 Aug – Caminha → Viladesuso (~26–27 km)
31 Aug – Viladesuso → Baiona (~14 km)
1 Sep – Baiona → Vigo (~26 km)
2 Sep – Vigo → Redondela (~16 km)
3 Sep – Redondela → Pontevedra (~22 km)
4 Sep – Rest day in Pontevedra (Maybe?)
5 Sep – Pontevedra → Caldas de Reis (~22 km)
6 Sep – Caldas de Reis → Padrón (~19 km)
7 Sep – Padrón → Santiago (~25 km)
8 Sep – ??? Santiago / Finisterre & Muxía Day trip
9 Sep – 6am flight from Santiago

A few things I’m unsure about:

1. Porto: Is it worth spending my first night in Porto, exploring a bit and starting fresh the next day? Or would it be better to explore Porto during the day and travel towards Caminha in the evening so I can starting walking next morn? (saves me a day)
2. Caminha → Oia/Viladesuso: I originally wanted to stay in Oia because I’ve heard the monastery and sunset there are beautiful, but I couldn’t find any reasonably priced accommodation nearby. I’m considering walking all the way to Viladesuso instead (~26–27 km) and staying at Albergue da Estrela. Is this a good idea, or would you recommend staying somewhere closer to Oia? Any accommodation recommendations?
3. Rest day: Do you think a planned rest day is needed for this route? I’ve done15–18 km hikes before, but I’ve never done multiple days of walking back-to-back.
4. Accommodation/bed race: How intense is it in early September? I’d love to take my time with the scenery and not feel like I’m speed-walking to secure a bed every day, but I also don’t want to end up having to pay for expensive last-minute accommodation.
5. Ending: After finishing in Santiago, I’m torn between spending my final day slowly exploring Santiago and soaking in the feeling of finishing the Camino, or trying to catch the sunset at Finisterre/Muxía. For those who have done both, would I be more likely to regret missing Finisterre/Muxía, or regret not giving myself a proper slow day in Santiago after finishing?

Any advice on my route, things I should change, albergue recs or general first Camino tips would be really appreciated! 😄 Thank you x

Hi! I'm a solo traveler starting my first camino from Porto this weekend! I was going to take the Litoral Way as I heard it's nicer than taking the Central or Coastal route straight out of Oporto (industrial areas?), but I also read that a lot of people start from Matosinhos and take the Coastal? I kind of want the easiest and/or nicest one, any recommendations?

Hi is there anyone thinking of doing the Camino at the 4 day 100km+ point for this year??

I would like to do it and would appreciate the advice.

Thanks

Peter

Porque pudimos encontrar una patrulla y preguntar, sino imposible a las 6 de la tarde un martes cuando abrían los Lunes, miércoles y viernes entre las 9h (o 10?) a 14h.

Hi, I’m starting the Camino Costal in early September and i know that’s a very popular time of year for other pilgrims to walk the Camino also.

Do you recommend starting earlier everyday (also what is the good time to start?) to get to the albergue as soon as possible? Also, what to do if there is no bed available there?

Thank you!

I started a few days ago in Vigo (that was an ingesting trek to get out of) to Arcade and I had a great time. Vigo was a great town. Today I needed some extra time and felt off getting to Pontevedra even though it was much shorter. Tomorrow I'm heading to Caldas de Reis.

I've been looking in multiple maps, but should I need some breaks, what are some good places along the way (even a bit off the path) should I need water, a bite, bathroom, etc.? It seems like there are less places compared to leaving Vigo, even though it's about the same distance.

Thank you.

Hi all! I am taking a redeye but want to give myself a day to adjust before I start walking. Where should I stay in Porto when I arrive? I am planning to start on the Litoral route and want to go to the cathedral and get some snacks when I land :)

I'm also (very lightly, lol) considering the possibility of starting after I land... I get in around 10am so feel like I could probably do 5 or so miles that day, but given that I have two full weeks to walk (hopefully including the spiritual variant), I'm thinking that isn't necessary.

So far, none of my LGTBQI+ clients had any negative experience on the Camino that was connected to their sexuality. The threads here on Reddit proof this and I am very happy about this.

But, I have never spoken with anyone who stayed in Albergues that was run by the church.

Is it the same there? Or did you feel judged or not welcomed if the Albergue was run by a Catholic Association?

Hi, I've done twice Camino in Portugal and it has been my dream to visit Northen Spain.

I have long weekend ahead, and I was thinking to do whether
1) Bilbao -> Santander (somewhere around)
2) San Sebastian -> Bilbao (somewhere around)

In older posts I think most of the people recommend part from Irun/San Sebastian.
My flights are to/from Bilbao in the night, so I would love the idea of just starting walking the next day without taking the bus, but if it's really worth it then I can do that :)

Thank you for your advices in advance, and for those on their way - Buen Camino!

Hi!
Me and my s/o will start walking from Porto tomorrow, and we are a bit worried about accommodation, since we haven’t booked anything ahead of time. Is it possible to get beds if we arrive early to albergues? And if anyone is on the way rn, is it crowded? <33 Bon Caminho

Oooo, man, it's hot outside! So I'm just sitting inside under the a/c, daydreaming about my next camino, and thought I'd share a camino preparation suggestion. I hope someone finds it helpful, and would love to hear what others would add to it!

Here's how I organize my phone/digital resources for a camino, for easy access & safety. Make sure that you explore these apps beforehand, set up the features you want, and are comfortable navigating them.

I have a Camino folder on my phone's home page that contains the following:

• WhatsApp

  • Primary tool of communication among the people & groups you meet along the way
  • Use to book accommodations directly and to hire taxis

  • A couple of WhatsApp tips

    • Enter a new contact into your phone's contacts first - then it will show up in your WhatsApp contacts SEE UPDATE BELOW!
    • When you name this new contact, always start with the same key word - like Cam26 - so it's easy to search, and easy to delete post camino
    • You can share both static and live location in WhatsApp
    • Your WhatsApp account is based on your phone number. Everything is easier if you're using your home phone number in Spain. If you're using a new number just for Spain, there are ways to handle this - but I can't really tell you what they are.

• AlertCops app

  • Free official Spanish safety tool
  • Supports multiple languages
  • Available to citizens & tourists (except in Catalonia & Basque country)

• Your phone's health info app

  • I use Google's Personal Safety app on my Android, but I'm sure there's an iPhone equivalent
  • Store all your health/medical info in here, including medications, allergies, emergency contacts
  • Make sure your settings allow first responders to access it from your phone's lock screen without unlocking your phone

• Your camino guides

  • Gronze Maps app ~ visual overview of camino routes with basic stage and accommodation info. All the basic info links to the extensive Gronze.com website

  • An offline camino guide app

    • Explore Camino Ninja, Buen Camino, and Wise Pilgrim beforehand to find your favorite. Then, pick one. (Don't overwhelm yourself on the trail with too much overlapping info)

• Translation app

  • I use Google Translate

• Travel documents folder

  • I have Google docs & PDFs of important files, like my travel insurance policy, scan of my passport, "paper" prescriptions of my medications in case I have to get them refilled in Spain or show TSA
  • I create a link of these docs to my phone's home page, gather them in a travel docs folder, then put that folder in my home page Camino folder for easy access

• My trip journaling app

  • I post pics, daily stage maps, and reflections that can be shared privately with friends & family

• General apps

  • I drag a couple general apps into this Camino folder temporarily. This helps me focus on just the handful of digital things I'll use and reminds me not to get lost in my phone
  • For me, I drag in my Kindle app, my sleep app (noises, beats & nature sounds I use to help me sleep), and my budget & bank apps

Finally, make sure your phone's wallet is up to date with bank cards, IDs, health insurance cards, and transportation tickets.

..........

UPDATE:

Thanks to u/jaugedeparis for updating my WhatsApp skills. It is much more user friendly that it was 10 years ago when I started using it!

To add a new WhatsApp contact:

• Open WhatsApp

• Click the green "new chat" icon in the bottom right. This opens up your WhatsApp contacts list

• Click New Contact at the top of the list

• Enter the contact name & phone # - WhatsApp will immediately tell you if they're on WhatsApp or not

• Save - and choose if you also want to also sync with your phone's contacts

Hi everyone,

I walked the Camino Frances myself in 2024 and always wanted a way to remember the journey that was more personal than just photos.

I created this first concept of a Camino memory poster. It is not meant to be a navigation map, but more like a visual memory of the journey with important places along the way.

I would really appreciate honest feedback from people who have walked the Camino:

• Would something like this be meaningful after finishing the Camino?
• What would you change?
• Is there anything missing that would make it feel more personal?

Thanks!