r/CaminoNewbies

hello!
I am planning on walking the Camino Porto but was curious what people’s experiences had been with it during various times of the year. I have heard good things about March/April but also August/Sept. I would prefer to avoid everyday rain but also extreme heat.

I am having a hard time choosing a route as well. I want to see a mix of things, and I love the ocean, but worried the coastal route will be the same no matter what.

Did you book your return flight for 14 days no matter what? I have seen a lot of people say it takes 12 days and I don’t want to rush, but also don’t want to finish and then just wait for my flight.

Travel wise- what outfit did you wear on the plane and how did you incorporate that into your travel packing. I want to only pack what I’m using on the trail. I know some people have luggage taken care of for them but what I bring is what I’m carrying!

Thank you, and Buen Camino!!

These songs I hope to share to help you get your playlist ready for the Camino de Santiago. I have walked in 2012 and 2016 and am ready to go again

Hi everyone,

I’m planning to do the Portuguese Coastal Camino from Porto to Santiago from late August to mid-September, and I’d love some honest opinions from people with Camino experience.

I’m not a “hiker” in the traditional sense and I don’t have multi-day trekking experience, but I’d say I’m at a decent fitness level, I go to the gym around 4 times a week (mostly weights + some cardio), walk regularly, and generally stay active.

I tried to build an itinerary that feels manageable rather than rushed, with a few shorter days and some rest days included because my main goal is to actually enjoy the experience instead of suffering through it.

Here’s my current plan:

Porto → Vila Chã — 16 km
Vila Chã → Aguçadoura — 18 km
Aguçadoura → Esposende — 13 km
Esposende → Viana do Castelo — 26 km
Rest day in Viana do Castelo
Viana do Castelo → Vila Praia de Âncora — 18 km
Vila Praia de Âncora → Caminha — 10 km
Caminha → A Guarda — ferry + short walk
A Guarda → Oia — 17 km
Oia → Baiona — 14 km
Rest day in Baiona
Baiona → A Ramallosa — 5 km
A Ramallosa → Vigo — 21.5 km
Vigo → Redondela — 16.5 km
Redondela → Pontevedra — 20.6 km
Pontevedra → Caldas de Reis — 21 km
Caldas de Reis → Padrón — 18.5 km
Padrón → O Milladoiro — 17.6 km
O Milladoiro → Santiago — 7.9 km
Rest day in Santiago

A few things I’m wondering:

Does this look realistic for someone without serious hiking experience?

Is the 26 km day to Viana do Castelo likely to be brutal?

Anything you wish you knew before doing the Coastal route in late summer?

Would you recommend training hikes beforehand, or is general fitness enough?

I’m definitely open to adjusting stages if something looks unbalanced.
Thanks in advance, really appreciate any advice from experienced pilgrims 😊

I'm hoping to start my Camino on the Frances route May 28th in SJPdP, meeting up with a friend in Pamplona. I'm seeing many people saying to book these in advance, but also, that the municipal albuergues don't book in advance earlier than day of.
I'm (23F) from a mountainous region and am a mostly active, regular-ish hiker, as well as a light sleeper, as I don't doubt I'll be out on the trails early and moving relatively quickly, but I also don't want to overestimate myself or underestimate crowds.

Should I be looking to book now, week of, or night before, especially given late May/June start? I was hoping to engage in the spirit of the Camino by not booking it all in advance if possible, but I do also want to stay in the same places as my friend when we converge. Seems people are concerned about April/May crowds and July/August crowds, but threads about June are more slim. Feeling excited, but nervous. TIA!

Just some thoughts from Portuguese Coastal:

1. No regrets from booking shorter days. So far we have done 19 km & 9 km and tomorrow will be 12. First day was long and tough but we took 7 hrs to do it and it was fine. Happy to meander slowly today and looking to a similar pace tomorrow with an early end to the day. Time to explore, relax, savour the experience.

2. Really happy with my decision to bring a Life Straw drinking bag with us. There are lots of dodgy water sources, the Life Straw filter keeps us safe. I also packed a little microfibre cloth (the sort you might use to clean around the house) and it's been perfect for wiping off wet benches.

3. The hills are tough and steep. Do not underestimate the climbs. Poles are helpful on the hills.

4. The route wayfinding is just excellent. Yellow arrows are everywhere. A good ap is very reassuring and we have been super happy with Wise Pilgrim. Learn how to use it - I had to show someone today some of the tools. The elevation tracker is so reassuring! Knowing how much more climbing to go really helps.

Buon Camino!