How to Choose a Camino: Breaking Down the Top 4 Camino routes

Sorting through all the different Camino routes to Santiago can be confusing... how do you know which one to choose?
In this video I take a look at the "Top 4" Camino routes: Camino Francés, Camino Portugués, Camino del Norte and Camino Primitivo.
This is a big topic and there's a lot I didn't cover (and things I forgot! I never mentioned the beauty and variety of the landscape on the Camino Francés, or the fact that there is a coastal AND central option on the Portugués...), but I hope this video is a good place to start.
Description of Camino routes in Spain: www.csj.org.uk/Pages/Category...
Wise Pilgrims map and guidebooks: www.wisepilgrim.com
My Norte vlogs (2019): • Camino del Norte, Pt. 1
My daily vlogs from the Primitivo (July 2021): • Day 1: Camino Primitiv...

[@jamespopov892]

The Camino was a life changing event for me. I sold my home in Texas and moved to Spain. I'm a permanent pilgrim. On number six.

[@paulproffitt9253]

Just got back from completing the Camino de Ingles…….I would live in Galatia as well….. it would be hard to live outside Texas……but I might just try.

[@vernonprevatt-usmc]

James, I want to be you when I grow up!

[@ferdisxm]

Wow that is lifechanging. Buen Camino

[@royrohrsetzer6209]

That permanent pilgrim idea sounds like a good lifestyle to aspire to. I might try it out myself as a possible retirement way of living. Good for you James! Sounds like a sweet deal. 🙏🙏🙏✌✌✌👍👍👍🖖🖖🖖

[@suzipam1234]

Well done

[@Yisraela]

Thankyou so much for this video. I took a lot of notes and my first Camino will be Camino Frances. Your videos are so informative. Thank you Nadine for all you do for us here!!🥰

[@larswetterstrom7209]

I agree with you about the heat in summer on the Camino Frances. It is definitely bearable. What I dont like is the hustle to get to the public and cheaper alberges about noon. And then wait 2 hours to get a bed. Thats why so many pilgrims start at 6-7 in the morning. They will tell you they are avoiding the mid-day heat. But it is more about money really. You can have a more relaxed attitude and - with a good lunch - you can continue in the afternoon and be more or less walking alone. And maybe make it a 30 kilometre day.

[@NadineWalks]

Yes, I think this is the style I like the best! Start early (but not before the sun rises), walk and take photos and stop for breaks, walk more... stop for a leisurely lunch... walk more... I really don't like the bed race because it distracts me too much from the enjoyment of walking. But it can also be hard to not get swept up in it!

[@pedroclaro7822]

My old housemate when living in Porto, a retired 53yo, who was a full time hiker would get up as soon as the sun got up so as to walk in the cool temperatures and have the afternoon to tour around the places he stayed at. Not everyone does that for the money XD I sleep in a hammock when camping, without a tarp whenever possible, so i always wake up when the sky starts lighting up from the sun too.

[@davidbroman8391]

My wife and I only had a week to walk so we chose the Camino Ingles in September 2019..A lot of up and down but spectacular scenery, beautiful people and a small but very friendly group of fellow pilgrims. We are still friends with some of them.

[@NadineWalks]

I still need to walk the Camino Ingles, it's on my list! My guess in terms of popularity is that it is RIGHT after these other four routes (in terms of numbers of pilgrims walking per year). I'm so happy to hear that you had a great experience!

[@davidbroman8391]

@@NadineWalks Awesome. It will be fun to revisit through your eyes. Love your videos. We are doing the Camino Portugues next. You have convinced us to do the coastal route.

[@jamespopov892]

The Ingles is my warm up hike before a pilgrimage. It's perfect. I take seven very easy days. Fives times so far. I've only given it pilgrimage status once. With only one Compostela. It's beautiful, it's easy, and it's NOT Sarria.

[@jhails112]

Good video...do you not like Sarria and why?

[@kitty_s23456]

​@@jhails112Sarria (end part of Frances route) is very crowded & commercial. If you like crowds, then it's OK. If you want more solitude/ less ppl & only have 1 week, pick Tui (end of Portugues) or Ferrol (Ingles route).

[@willmcgrane6359]

Positive, focused, informative enthusiasm. Well done. Thanks.

[@sharipotter6137]

excellent info and fantastic delivery style!

[@kawaitsang733]

Thank you for your sharing. They are really useful.

[@sergiofernandez116]

Thanks for sharing and the advise. Love the energy and positive attitude you project.

[@artmckenna2611]

Great information and presented in a clear and informal style. It will certainly facilitate my decision making. Well done !

[@LetsTrySomethingNew]

Loved this breakdown, Nadine!!!

[@NadineWalks]

Thanks Alan!!

[@noneyerbusiness203]

I think you are a lovely person. Thank you for sharing.

[@reed0199]

Really informative and interesting Nadine. Very nice breakdown on the different landscapes. After just watching your April 2022 Coastal Portugese I would call it a close contender. Buen Camino

[@wbar5001]

Thank you so much for this video! I’ve been trying to decide which Camino to walk this summer and this helped me have a better understanding of my options.

[@AMeirama-se2jv]

Jason, thanks for opening up and sharing!!! Refreshing to find normal people out there.

[@ContinualShiftwithDaveRogers]

Very helpful - thank you for sharing and best wishes with your youtube channel and life adventures.

[@inigoacha1134]

Really nice videos I love them. I live in ZARAUTZ and thanks for explaining the Camino del Norte .

[@leovaneechoud8922]

Just love your narrative, very Camino style. Hospitalero in Roncesvalles😍

[@sonyarichmond6121]

Great job on your videos and great information! Thanks for sharing your adventures, wisdom and advice!

[@NadineWalks]

You're welcome Sonya, I'm happy that you're enjoying the videos!

[@em1355]

Thanks for the great tips. I am looking at doing my first one and want to do the Camino Frances and am just starting my planning for it.

[@TheRealVolk]

Thanks for the video and photos from your walks! I’m oddly drawn to the northern route, tho I’m not in the best shape and would need to prepare for such a quest.

[@astcal]

Thank you! contemplating a trip. length of time is a challenge. but so tempting!

[@brianfulford5394]

Just got back from walking the Camino del Norte, then the Primitivo from Villaviciosa. My wife and I first walked the Portuguese from Oporto, then the Primitivo from Oviedo Next year we will complete the Northern Camino from Gijon. Agree with all you said. Well done, very enjoyable. Please send more.

[@NadineWalks]

When you walked the Portuguese, did you do the central route, or the coastal? That could be another option for a future Camino (whichever route from Porto that you haven't walked yet). There are so many great Camino's, and it sounds like you've done several of them! I just loved the Norte and Primitivo :)

[@1DrBar]

Thank you very much for that information. I look forward to finding one on the more remote and more physically challenging routes, as that is what I think I'm mostly interested in.

[@nadavbarkai]

Great explanation, thank you very much

[@NadineWalks]

You're welcome!

[@PJ_Hawke]

Very well done!!

[@NadineWalks]

Thanks John!

[@sharonwright7932]

Thanks so much Nadine! I did the Frances from Pamplona twelve years ago at 65 years of age and still think of it on a daily basis! Have wanted to give the route from Porto a go so maybe this coming summer.

[@kerryjlynch1]

Thank you! I've been nervous about trying a six day hike from Hondaribbia to Guernika next spring because I'll be 69. I really want to do the full route, and your example encourages me to not let my age hold me back from trying.

[@richardwinter9045]

Happy New Year Nadine, how lovely to see you back in your cupboard under the stairs! All good stuff in the video and look forward to following your progress later in the year.

[@NadineWalks]

It's kind of like Harry Potter, isn't it?

[@richardwinter9045]

@@NadineWalks indeed it is Hermione!

[@jhails112]

Very helpful thank you!

[@RedWolf17]

Really enjoy your content! As someone who will be walking my first camino next May, I’ve found your videos to be invaluable. Thank you!🌸

[@NadineWalks]

I'm so glad that these have been helpful! Hopefully I can put together more useful content :)

[@mlurdesgoncalves1590]

I just finished the camino portuguese from Porto by the coast. Very wonderful views

[@liafiol-matta2736]

Love your videos. ♥️

[@NadineWalks]

Thank you so much, I’m trying to talk about stuff that could be helpful for new pilgrims!

[@wondertiff7239]

WOW! I have never heard of this until stumbling across your video. I’ve watched through Day 5. I’m so inspired and want to give it a try sometime. Hey wonder if there are groups that go? Not sure I could do it myself.

[@NadineWalks]

There ARE groups that go, and companies that help to organize your walk. That can be really helpful, but it's also very possible to do a bit of planning and head off alone, because I almost guarantee that if you choose one of these 4 routes, you WILL meet other pilgrims so quickly and you won't feel nervous that you're alone. But certainly everyone is coming into this with their own levels of comfort and life experiences, and I know that going with groups is also a really wonderful experience (sometimes I'm envious when I see others in a group laughing and having so much fun!)

[@GarGri]

Hola Nadine, Thank you for taking the time to give your views on which camino to have a crack at as a first attempt. I did the Camino Frances in 2016 and I'm planning to do it again in spring 2024. I did consider doing an alternative but chickened out as I like the infrastructure on the Frances and it isn't all about the scenery, it's the people you meet, the albergues/towns you choose to stop at and the weather. However having seen your video I'm tempted to walk another Camino in September and following your video may well go for the Norte. I love the quality of your "studio" the chipped paintwork on the door frame is a sign of someone who knows there's better things to do than stay in painting....

[@vernonprevatt-usmc]

Hi Nadine. I walked the CF in May-June 2022 and need a 2023 challenge. Thanks so much for this video. It definitely aligns with my experience on the Frances. I hear the Norte calling. Will check out your other videos. Buen Camino!

[@NadineWalks]

The Norte is so wonderful!!

[@gordallen]

Another great video Nadine. I like your video/narration style and enthusiasm for all things camino. Great for us addicts and newbies alike. I've walked all four of your recommended caminos, most multiple times and agree with your recommendations. I would say that the Portuguese from Porto on, does suffer a bit from lack of accomodation space as it is now the 2nd most popular camino and gets crazy busy especially from late April/early May on. I look forward to your Camino Podiensis video as I'll be doing this from Le Puy to Santiago from late August to the end of October this year. Also hope you can do a video on "haunted albergues" and camino oddities (Museo de la Tortura El Solar et al). Cheers.

[@NadineWalks]

That's a great point about the busy-ness of Porto to Santiago, thank you for adding this info! It will be interesting for me to see what it's like if I can get there this spring. I'll have to report back! And I'll try to provide some good info (and photos!) from my walk on the Chemin Le Puy, it's a stunning route. I think your timing will be perfect, too. And unfortunately, I haven't taken the time to dive into the oddities you find along the Camino routes, but I DID maybe have a haunted albergue experience last summer... not sure that I want to collect more of that kind of experience though ;)

[@RosieKuhnPhD]

Thank you so much! I love your wisdom, knowledge and experience. I’m considering a pilgrimage and am drawn to the Norte. I’m 71 so getting prepared early! Lots of dreaming and imagining!

[@NadineWalks]

The Norte is wonderful! The first week is full of ups and downs but the beauty is outstanding :) Good luck with the planning and the dreaming!

[@PoetWithPace]

Thank you for sharing Nadine. Having just completed Camino Portugese from Baiona, will have to see what is next for me!

[@NadineWalks]

Ooh, lots of choices for your second Camino! Have fun deciding :)

[@WanderlustingLawyer]

Got me Camino dreaming over here!!

[@jag3799]

This is terrific thanks Nadine. Thanks to video's like this my research is done and I'm starting the Norte April 8th. Giving myself 6 weeks to complete (maybe a bit more as I hear the food is outstanding...true?) Selected this one as I love trekking hilly ocean coast lines and exited to get started. Hoping it's quiet this time of the year. Going to head to the south once done and then I'm headed to Chamonix to do the TMB mid June. Looking forward to watching more of your experiences.

[@NadineWalks]

Hi Jim (apologies for the late reply!), your plans for the year sound wonderful! Yes, what you've heard is correct, the food on the Norte is wonderful... lots of fresh seafood! I recommend, when you can, taking the menu del dia (the lunch menu), a great value though probably a few more euros than a pilgrim's menu, but with excellent selections and quality. I think walking in April will be a good time of the year, and you won't have some of the tourist crowds that I ran into, when I walked in the summer. And I also hope you really enjoy the TMB, that one is on my list!

[@nepaldidi]

Dein Englisch ist so verständlich, dass ich dich abonniert habe! Danke für die Auflistung und interessante Beurteilung der verschiedenen Caminos. Ich selber bin den Portugiesischen, Teile der Via de la Plata und natürlich den CaminoFrances gewandert. Den allerdings in jungen Jahren und jährlichen Abschnitten von Wien weg... also 3200 Km. April 2023 geht es weiter auf der Via de la Plata von Caceres nach Salamanca....Mittlerweile mit Gepäcktransport...Bon Camino Christiana

[@Juanfernandez-sm8jl]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 El Camino del norte the best for me!!,,, thanks for sharing...

[@AMeirama-se2jv]

Done it! Agreed!!

[@FrScottHikes]

Very nice summary. I’m planning Lisbon to Santiago May 2023. Porto to Santiago was Awesome, you will love it. Hope you get back out there soon.

[@NadineWalks]

I'm thinking that I'll do as much as I can from Porto, for now... and then eventually make my way back to do the walk from Lisbon. Hey, maybe I'll run into you in 2023!!

[@FrScottHikes]

I’m planning May 2023, probably around May 15 starting from Lisbon with my sister Brenda. It would be great to run in to you. ✌️

[@FrScottHikes]

If you get bored, here is my Porto to Santiago playlist in 2015. kzbin.info/aero/PLx03hwFVUBSzpMU3DekEGV-i-YqLpWGpT

[@jackg7225]

Thanks for some more info. I was considering the Portugues recently and may do it late spring 23. But after watching this video, I might consider the Primitivo. A friend and I completed the Norte, summer 2021. I enjoyed the lesser people on the Norte and that first day out of Irun almost did us in. 2000 feet up and back down to the coast. it was wet and cold. But we pushed on and completed it in 6 weeks. Included walking to finisterra and Muxia.

[@NadineWalks]

I first did the Norte in 2015, and my first day was also very wet, with limited visibility... hard, but I felt so, so alive. Both the Portuguese and the Primitivo will be amazing experiences... either way, you can't go wrong!

[@martinbartos81]

Nice Nadine, thank you :) I also did Camino del Norte + Primitivo last year and I'm little bit hesitating what path to choose next. It was just amazing, so maybe the same ... :D (beautiful neture, not overcrowded, challenging).

[@NadineWalks]

I know what you mean, I want to return to just about ALL the Camino paths that I've walked! Part of me wants to walk some of the Norte for a 3rd time, ha!

[@alexmig8267]

Thank you so much for this amazing videos, very informative and feeling your passion makes me even more excited ! :) I'd like to walk my first camino end of April, I have 2 weeks so I was thinking about the primitivo! Landscapes wise would you recommend the camino del Norte from Gijon to Santiago or the primitivo from Oviedo to Santiago ? I'm more drawn to the primitivo but I'm a bit afraid of the weather ! Also I love coast landscapes but I heard the camino del Norte can sometimes a bit too urban and I'm more looking for a solitary and natural experience. Thank you so much in advance !

[@NadineWalks]

Hi Alex! My vote would be for the Primitivo; I think the last part of the Norte, from Gijon, is still beautiful, but there’s not a ton of coastal walking before the route turns inland towards Santiago. I think the Primitivo will give you so much of what you’re looking for- the landscapes are stunning! And I hope you will luck out with the weather- as long as it’s not raining all the time you can make sure to wear the right layers, and while walking it’s not too hard to stay warm. Good luck and Buen Camino!

[@alexmig8267]

Thank you so much Nadine for your answer !! :D I'm completely convinced now and I can't wait to start walking ! Fingers crossed for the weather ! Hope to meet you someday on a camino and thank you very much for sharing your experience !

[@miabou8492]

Thank you 🎉

[@wolfgangkeldorfer3837]

I went Norte this autumn /2022)- starting in September ... it was perfekt ... and so much food all around the way ... different fruits, maroni, blackberrys .... for me it was the very perfekt time!

[@NadineWalks]

I've heard that fall is a wonderful time to walk, in part because of the plentiful fruit along the paths!

[@wanderingfootprints]

Great video! Thank you for sharing your experiences. You have presented the information very clearly. I would like to do the camino del norte or the camino primitivo this summer. It will depend on how many weeks I can spend on it because of my family...we'll see!

[@NadineWalks]

Thanks for your comment, Nickey! I think you can't go wrong with either route, both are so incredible (though in some different ways).

[@berniebernie6906]

Hi dear🙂 Could you please tell me more how to connect Norte and Primitivo? I really want to start in Navia and walk some of Notre along the coastline, and then connect it with a Primitivo from Lugo. Please, give me a piece of advice how to do it better? Which points and cities to pass? And will there be alberges on those “connection” routes?

[@bruce3412]

We walked the Portuguese in 2017 starting from Lisbon, my 1st Camino. We started it in September, and walked the Central route. It got very hot, and not a lot of people starting from Lisbon. A lot of road walking, and going through some industrial areas. It was more expensive once we crossed into Spain. The pastries along the way was so delicious, lol. After Porto is when we started to see a lot more people. Some people broke off and did the Coastal route, but they found it to be too cold, and met up with them on the Central route. Going to Fatima is a must. The 4th stage or day was the hardest to Santarem, as the last 8 km's had no services. The guide book had a small town that had a cafe, but either it was closed or we couldn't find it. At the end you have to walk up hill to get to Santarem.

[@NadineWalks]

This is such helpful information, Bruce, thank you! I'm really looking forward to the pastries in Portugal... and I'm thinking about the coastal from Porto but since my timeframe is spring, I know there's a chance it could be windy/rainy/cold. But at least it seems like there are several options to cross back over to the central!

[@bruce3412]

@@NadineWalks We are thinking of doing the Del Norte, and doing it in June-July.

[@luciatheron1621]

March js great time to do this route. Great cool weather, bit of rain, mostly sunny...

[@peterfontaine4627]

Nadine--thank you so much for this really clear description! I am thinking about doing the Portugues for my first Camino (though yes, the mountains of the Primitivo and Norte really appeal to me too) --I know most people start in Porto. I want to do the whole route from Lisbon. What percentage of pilgrims start in Lisbon vs Porto? If I did the whole route from Lisbon, what length time are we usually looking at---4 weeks? I am coming to this with many years of hiking and backpacking experience, and I have been doing a lot of urban long walks during the Covid era, but I have never done anything like sustained walking day after day for a month. I was an educator too! I just resigned from high school teaching this last summer (really burnt out) after 22 years.

[@jeffroberts_tunes]

I recently started what would have been my 4th Camino (Frances and Portugues x2) from Lisbon. Body issues had my stopping, but I didn't see a single other pilgrim and didn't enjoy the walk out of Lisbon that much. I highly recommend starting the Portugues out of Barcelos--you begin with lovely walking and it stays that way until the not so nice O Porrino stretch (take the alternativo and avoid the polygon).

[@Kathysart]

Thank you.

[@glennwojcik2342]

During my Camino this year, the French Way, I made a small video being sarcastic on hiking another route. Somewhere after 300 miles, I had a change of heart. 2024, I am planning for the Portuguese.

[@chinchorrero]

My first Camino route was Leon to Santiago! (next year I will start in Pamplona)

[@charliefernando7790]

Hi Nadine, I’m planning my first Camino (1 week only) this mid August. For now, my decision is to go via Camino del Norte. Why? It’s the seafood more than anything else. I am quite fit and I do hope you can share a few more pointers on my decision.

[@TheBendixtus]

thank u so much for ur info. Is camino del norte route OK in october?

[@StanleyVB_20]

Hi, thanks for sharing your knowledge on the Camino. You mentioned the Camino del Norte can pose an issue regarding where one can stay for the night How viable is it to carry camping gear and sleep under a tent outside in the countryside along these different Caminos. Is it allowed and is it safe?

[@pedroclaro7822]

Coastal português route is nice during the winter. Since you're near the sea it's never that cold, and Portuguese winters are generally mild anyways. My favorit is the Camino de la Plata, but that's best during fall/spring, for sure. Freezing cold winters and blazing hot summers. Some springs are too rainy though

[@NadineWalks]

That's a good tip about the weather on the Coastal Portuguese Camino, that it's not too bad in the winter. I'd really love to walk the Via de la Plata- I think I would really love it, but it's definitely not a great route to walk in the summer!

[@laurap.5804]

Hi,I have lived 2yrs in the north, agree that is not very cold but be aware that can be raining...formonths! So I Suggest do check ahead the weather forecast before organize it

[@pedroclaro7822]

@@laurap.5804definitely. boa dica

[@watzeej]

Could not let the chance go to be member 1000. Thxs for sharing experiences

[@NadineWalks]

Woo hoo! You should win some kind of prize 🙂 1,000 is a milestone, THANK YOU!!

[@bwalk5552]

This is a great video to share with others who are contemplating their first walk. You hesitated calling Norte the most "stunning". Which Camino would you attach that label? Thanks Nadine

[@NadineWalks]

I think I hesitated because it's hard to call ANY route the most stunning... so many are so beautiful in their own ways! But the Norte, San Salvador, and parts of the Le Puy would get my votes (and for a single day, the Hospitales route on the Primitivo is right up there). Still more routes to walk though...

[@anilorac89airam]

Do you recommend booking albergues in advance? Or is it possible to just walk in and find a place?

[@bernardlyons2422]

Lovely video, very helpful. Thank you. What is the general feeling about walking a Camino in stages? If you only have two weeks, can you walk a section of a longer Camino then come back next year and walk the next section?

[@NadineWalks]

Yes, this is absolutely possible! Many pilgrims do this- they'll walk a section one year, and then come back in the future and pick up where they left off. It's totally do-able! (I've walked a few sections over the years, rather than a 'complete' Camino, due to timing. And while it's always nice to walk a longer route, walking just a section was still just as good of an experience!)

[@thomasheaney2087]

Thank you

[@maryrankin9869]

Thank you so much. Very informative. Wish you could have given us a better map or lay of the land. Please make it clear to people about taking kids on this camino? For some reason this really got to me.

[@casualmenteporaqui9708]

Hi Nadine, thanks so much for all the great content. I am planning our first camino as I have to take 5 weeks off work during the summer. Going with my wife and 2 sons (23 & 13). Question for you: should I plan reservations for lodging all along the way? and along those lines, pros and cons of contracting a travel agency?

[@casualmenteporaqui9708]

Forgot to mention, we are planing on taking the French way

[@NadineWalks]

I think it would be smart to definitely make reservations for the first several stages, at least until Pamplona... and then definitely for the last 100km. Otherwise, with a group of 4, you might have an easier time reserving ahead, though I don't think it's necessary to plan it ALL out before you leave. The drawback of that is that you stay locked in to those distances every day, without much or any wiggle room. You'll have a lot more flexibility if you book as you go. I think, even with four of you, it will be fine to book one or two days ahead (and in many cases, I think you'd be able to just show up and find places to sleep). But it's also not difficult to look ahead a few stages and book as you go- booking.com is often used, and I really loved using WhatsApp for reservations. Many (most?) albergues on the Camino Frances use WhatsApp, and you can just type out a message (it's good to use Spanish, but if you don't speak the language you can use google translate and copy and paste), and they'll get back to you usually within a few hours. I think you really don't need a travel agency, especially on the Camino Francés, unless you have special considerations. But generally, this is a very easy route to walk without too much planning! There are luggage services if you want to ship your bag from stage to stage, and that's pretty easy to figure out once you're there. And there's so much good, free information out there: apps and websites and forums, etc. But I do know that some people use a travel agency and it takes any stress away, so it all depends on what you're really looking for. But personally, I think it's very do-able... and fun!... to do on your own (it's one of the beauties of the Camino!)

[@ThePhantomMajor]

Great video as usual. After my two mini Caminos in 2019, I'm planning to walk at least once in Portugal / Spain this year; either Portuguese Coastal with Spiritual Variant, the Primitivo or Frances from Leon. I'm currently thinking of the second half of March ... After health problems at the start of 2020, I've probably discounted the Primitivo in my mind at the moment. The biggest concern is the issue with booking accommodation. Should I just wing it or be constrained by a schedule due to where I've booked my bed ....? I speak French but not Spanish.

[@NadineWalks]

It's so hard to say whether pilgrims should be booking accommodation in advance this year or not. I booked last year on the Primitivo, and overall I'm glad I did (although I think many pilgrims didn't book and were okay). I think it you do decide that the Primitivo is do-able, you could book the first two or three nights, and then just see what things are like once you're there. You might find that there's no need to book ahead! But if you don't do the Primitivo, I think your other options are great :)

[@ThePhantomMajor]

@@NadineWalks What's your preferred method of communication in respect of accommodation booking?

[@aoifemcgeough3933]

Hi Nadine, thank you for this great video! I am planning do to the Camino del Norte (or the Camino Frances as a second option) this August. I am planning to do this as a solo traveller, and I was wondering that as a 22 year old female solo traveller, would safety be a big consideration between the Norte and the Frances?

[@emmagarnier4084]

i am wondering as well! i would absolutely love to do the camino del norte, but i can imagine that with less people walking, safety might be a bigger issue? do you have any self defense knowledge that makes you feel safer, nadine?

[@NadineWalks]

I’m so sorry for the delayed reply (I’ve been walking a Camino in Portugal!). I think both.l the Francés and the Norte are very safe for a solo female pilgrim; the Francés will have more people so you might feel a little more comforted, knowing that there will always be someone not too far ahead or behind. But the Norte is not an isolated route, there will be plenty of other pilgrims (and in August, a lot of travelers going to the coast!). Maybe I’ll do a video about safety in the Camino, but I just try to be smart- never walking at night, following my intuition. If you ever feel nervous about any part of the walk, you can ask another pilgrim to walk with you for a little bit- some pilgrims do this if they are staying in a larger city and want to leave early in the morning. But overall I have felt very, very safe while walking the Camino!

[@ginaherold]

Great info! I’d been thinking about walking a Comino for ages, and your videos have been such an inspiration ❤️ Although I wasn’t ready for my first choice, the Norte, when I impulsively bought a plane ticket this past Oct, it was for the Camino Portuguese Coastal route. I wanted a coastal experience that was not as challenging as the Norte. It was great for a first Camino, especially because your body has several days of flat walking to adjust before you ever see a hill (aside from Porto itself). There are also lots of options for walking shorter stages. I walked late Oct-mid Nov, and the weather was ideal. I loved the solitude of that time of year. This spring it will probably be some combination of Norte, Primitivo, and maybe the Invierno.

[@NadineWalks]

How exciting! I'm glad that you had such nice weather and such a good experience on the Portuguese Coastal route (that's the one I'm leaning towards for this spring). And your options for this spring look great!! I can highly recommend all three of those routes, though the Invierno will be very quiet. But I did just read that a new albergue opened on one of the stages that was NOT there when I walked in August... I think this is a route that is going to become more popular in the next few years. Now could be the time to go, especially if you welcome the solitude!

[@carlosreynoso8682]

Hello Nadine, I am documenting myself to do my first Camino, and you will be one of the people who will help me as an experienced pilgrim. I have finally decided on the Camino Frances, and I will start it at the end of April this year in Roncesvalles. Thank you for sharing your experiences and for the great advice you give us on your channel. God bless you, & Buen Camino !!! ❤

[@NadineWalks]

You're very welcome, Carlos, and how exciting to be planning your first Camino! The time of year should be really beautiful, and I wish you much luck and joy and a beautiful way. Buen Camino!

[@carlosreynoso8682]

@@NadineWalksThanks a lot Nadine for your comments and good wishes. I feel that, since I made the decision, my journey as a pilgrim has somehow begun…

[@carlosreynoso8682]

@@NadineWalks Hello again Nadine. Finally, my first section of the Camino Frances, Roncesvalles-Logroño, was finished in the first week of May. It has been a unique experience, physically demanding, and emotionally and spiritually intense. I am already planning the next section with enthusiasm to get closer to Santiago and Finisterre !!! Thanks a lot for your inspirational advice !!! Buen Camino amiga !!!😊

[@lynnedwards8333]

Great!

[@sablinger]

if walking the portugues, i highly recommend to walk up to santiago by the coastal route and return to porto on the portugues central to make a nice loop covering the best of both worlds. BTW how did you manage to go from irun to villaviciosa in 2 and a half weeks? that is 439 km according to my GPS tracks (did it 2 times already) that is an average of nearly 30km a day

[@NadineWalks]

What a great idea, and a nice way to extend the walk if you have the time!

[@Brendalo1]

Hey just a heads up, if you walk Lisbon Portugal 🇵🇹 in the summer it's not for the timid especially in the hot summer months parts are a remote desert & hot street walking With very few places to get water unless you walk off the path We became stranded, thankfully a motorcycle cop brought me into town so I could bring water back to my kids. Until the first hostel about 30km from Lisbon it was tough Then it was great, few to no stamps One night we (tried)slept on mats in a community center after that it was wonderful, Fatima is well worth the trip 👌, Tui up was established camino the first part is PCT pilgrim remote,. Watch the backpack theives we encountered 2 but we also wrapped out legs into the shoulder straps when resting, kids between 15-18 most often ...& wore our backpacks backward in towns.

[@NadineWalks]

Thanks for these tips, Jeff, it's so helpful especially since I haven't walked this route yet! I have heard that the stretch from Lisbon to Porto is much less traveled., and it's also good to know that there may not be as many places to fill up water, and summer can get HOT!

[@maryrankin9869]

@@NadineWalks I would never take kids on this. I can't imagine. Makes me want to cry. Yikes

[@SM68Pete]

Thoughts on Ingles Camino? I just walked it in March. Looking at Portuguese for next. Great breakdown.

[@NadineWalks]

I'm realizing that I should have probably included the Ingles in this list, I think it's up there as a top Camino for many people! I haven't walked it yet, though it's on my list. I just returned from a short Camino on the Portugués (coastal route) and it was amazing!

[@brendanwhite3731]

Hi love the video. I think of doing the walk but can one cycle the Camino way which would be the best. My idea is not mount biking but the leasure touring and trailer type taking in all the views and photo on the way. Have you see the bike route. Any ideas. Brendan IRL

[@cpshafer1]

Hello Nadine! Thank you for your wonderful videos. I am curious about doing the Norte and connecting to the Primitivo, and am trying to plan the number of days. Would you say it takes about the same 5 weeks as doing just the full Norte, or should I set aside more days? Thank You!

[@NadineWalks]

The combo of Norte/Primitivo is wonderful! And I don’t think you need to add anymore time, I believe the distances are fairly similar for each route. I checked on gronze.com and it seems like they give one more stage to walk the Norte (from the split for Primitivo) than the Primitivo… so you should have plenty of time!

[@chiarab5802]

Hello! I am just back from the Camino Portugues coastal route and I made the mistake thinking it was all along the coast so all flat. The first two days are on the coast but from day 3 if you follow the arrows and the camino and leave the seaside it gets pretty challenging and there are a lots of ups and downs. Same for the next days, if you keep the sea on your left and walk along the seashore it is easy but if you follow the real camino route and the yellow arrows and not the coast,there are many ups and downs and lots of woods. I had 14 days of rain so it wasn’t easy to walk in the mud and climb wet stones but it it absolutely stunning.

[@NadineWalks]

This is great advice; several months after I filmed this video I walked most of the coastal Portuguese route, and like you, I also made the mistake of assuming it was going to all be flat! I don't think it's a challenging route, but there are definitely a few stages that are up and down.

[@jacquelinenogueira6376]

Hi Ciara, I am planning to do the Portugal camino central in mid December, 2022, do you think I should be prepare for a lot of rain? Or mostly cold?

[@leigha6275]

Thank you @Nadine Walks for this very helpful overview video. I'd sincerely appreciate your thoughts on this: To what extent do you think wild camping or camping in campgrounds is possible on the Camino Frances? My partner and I are experienced lightweight backpackers and already have our gear and would enjoy being able to camp part of the time and to occasionally stay in albergues and hotels. Would it be possible to do this while still meeting up with new friends for meals in town? We've also heard horror stories about how noisy some of the albergues can be at night, making it impossible to sleep (would you agree)?

[@NadineWalks]

Wild camping is generally illegal in Spain; there may be some pilgrims who are able to find camping spots but it is not recommended and you may find it challenging. Some albergues DO have space in their yards for pilgrims to set up tents, and this would be ideal because you could still be at the albergue and use the bathrooms/showers, interact with other pilgrims, but not have to worry about potentially noise-y bunkmates! I did a quick search on the Camino forum and it DOES seem like there are campsite options along the Camino Francés! You won't be able to camp every night- maybe not even 50% of the time?- but it would be possible at least some of the time.

[@leigha6275]

@@NadineWalks Thank you very much. Your personal experience matters much more than any quick comment in a guide book or forum and I really appreciate you sharing it. Also wondering about the cost of private rooms for 2 in an albergue, government guest house or modest hotel versus the cost of 2 people staying in your average albergue. If we don't take our camping gear we'd love to know we have the option of a quiet room if loud noise is a consistent problem (especially hearing that the Camino Frances is becoming more and more popular).

[@richeretrudeau226]

Thank you for this educational video. I am planning La Rota Vincentina in Portugal this coming march. I will know more about what I like when I walk for a longer stretches.

[@NadineWalks]

I really want to do that walk one day, it looks beautiful!

[@richeretrudeau226]

@@NadineWalks I can't wait to watch a video of you walking it. Buen Camino!

[@paulamalves]

Two questions. Did u book the hostels in advance?? And when u finish how you return, bus?? Train??

[@togood4u1]

Thanks for the great video! I have a question though. Did you check your backpack or carry it on to the plane? I plan on walking April 2023.

[@NadineWalks]

Hi Toura! I've always been able to bring my Camino pack as a carry-on when I fly... but I use a pretty small pack (24 liters). Though I've heard that larger packs can generally go as carry-on as well. I like doing carry-on if I can because it ensures that nothing gets lost!

[@togood4u1]

@@NadineWalks I feel the same way. I have an Osprey Sirrus 36L but I have a feeling that it's too long to be a carry on. Going to check out more carry on friendly bags now. Thank you so much for answering.

[@megapint4521]

In my opinion, the camino is not something that needs to be planned. Just decide wich one, pack the gear and go.. i did Frances 2 times, and never planned either.. That is if you don't have issues with time.

[@NadineWalks]

I think it depends on a lot of factors- for some, it works to do little to no planning. For others, planning is important! On my first Camino I didn't have much of an idea of what to expect and didn't really plan much, and that was a beautiful experience. On other Camino's, I've done much more planning, which has also been great! If you're on a more isolated route, it's good to have an idea of what to expect. And COVID has also influenced factors a bit. But the Camino IS great because- at least on the Francés- it's an experience that doesn't have to be researched and planned like other travel does.

[@josephbeguiristain9377]

Thank you so much for your videos! I am looking to do the Camino Del Norte but only have about two weeks free. Do you have any recommendations on where I should start? I appreciate it!

[@NadineWalks]

Hi Joseph! As long as you don't mind not finishing in Santiago, I would really recommend starting at the beginning, in Irun... and two weeks should be plenty of time to walk to Santander. That is such a nice stretch of the Norte, and there would be easy transport options/connections in Santander too. I also think Bilbao to Gijon or Aviles would be nice. I love the Norte- happy planning!

[@josephbeguiristain9377]

@@NadineWalks Thanks so much!

[@rickhough3573]

Hi Nadine. Enjoying your videos and information. Can you answer a couple questions? What's the best way to return to airport after finishing Camino. I would fly out of Paris probably. Also is it a good idea to just book round trip and try to guesstimate when you'll finish? What about cell service? Do you get a SIM card? Also, are there plenty of ATM's? These topics would be a great video for you to make.

[@NadineWalks]

I'm planning to do another Q&A video soon, and I can try to answer some of these! :) It sounds like you're planning an upcoming Camino... do you have a timeframe for the walk yet? The planning can feel overwhelming, but it's so exciting too! Buen Camino!

[@rickhough3573]

@@NadineWalks Will be sometime around beginning to mid September. Doing Frances. So excited!!!!

[@emmagarnier4084]

hello nadine, i am planning on leaving to my first camino in about three weeks and as an absolute beginner, i am wondering wether or not the camino de norte might be a good option for me, as i'd love to walk along the coast but am also a bit scared it might be too challenging...

[@NadineWalks]

I’m so sorry for the delay, Emma, maybe you’ve already settled on a choice for your first Camino! I’ve just been walking in Portugal (on the coastal route), and that’s been fabulous. I might recommend that for a first Camino if you really like the coast but don’t want something too challenging… but I think the Norte is also a good first choice. The first week is a little difficult, but I’d recommend to plan shorter stages and just take it slow! Buen Camino!

[@edvardkvist3656]

Hello Emma! I will be starting my first in three weeks too and I´m just starting to contemplate the del Norte over Francés. May I ask what you went for and how did it go? :)

[@austinroberts6229]

In an going to walk the Camino for a second time this October and November. I walked the French way in 2018. I'm considering doing the Norte this year. Do you think accomodations will be difficult to find that time of year? Will there be plenty of Pilgrims walking it?

[@patrice8333]

Nadine - I love your videos. I am counting down the days until April. 27, 2024. I am starting the Camino from Triacastela, Spain. Do you have a packing video?

[@NadineWalks]

Your Camino will be here before you know it! I've posted two packing videos: this first one is from last summer (it's a quick video but shows you exactly what I was carrying): kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5KceJR9mLl0itU This other video is longer, and please excuse the poor quality (this was one of the first videos I recorded for KZbin!): kzbin.info/www/bejne/fX_Sqnuhhcp0mdU

[@ugogirl25]

WOW! ❤

[@erinburke6319]

Hey, do you find the Norte's challenging terrain during the first week is more/less difficult than the first day on the Frances?

[@NadineWalks]

Hi Erin! I'd say that no one day during the first week of the Norte is any more difficult than that first day on the Francés (and not even AS difficult). It's just the accumulation of challenging days, day after day, that make that first week on the Norte tough. But it's not like you're doing the St Jean -> Roncesvalles stage day after day on the Norte, not even close. You just don't get an 'easy' or long flat stretch in that first Norte week. I hope that makes sense!

[@SilverbugInc]

Is the Camino Norte a bit much for a family? I’m thinking about taking my two kids and wife on this route. My oldest is 3

[@mfarley252]

thank you so much for this video! I have been looking for a video that would help me choose a route for my first Camino, and I haven't really been able to find one (until yours) that broke down the differences between the main routes. I am unable to take more than two weeks off work at a time, but the Norte or the Primitivo sound like the one for me! Is it possible to start the norte closer to finish in two weeks, or should I just look at the Primitivo? Anyway, thank you so much and I look forward to your other videos!

[@NadineWalks]

I do think it's possible to do the last 2 weeks of the Norte, although only about half of it would be up around the coast (and then the second half cuts inland to get down to Santiago). I don't know this section quite as well, although there are some really beautiful parts. In general, I'd probably recommend the entire Primitivo, as long as you're not too intimidated by the ascents/descents. There's something really nice about starting at the start, and finishing in Santiago, for a first Camino. :)

[@sbittencourt1310]

Hello Nadine, thank you for sharing the information. Are there enough spaces in the hostels? Do I need to book in advance? I plan to go in June!

[@sbittencourt1310]

Camino Frances

[@NadineWalks]

June is a wonderful time to be on the Camino! And I don't think it's quite as crowded as April/May can be (and not as crowded as August, either!). That being said, it's so hard to know, and things change year to year. My best advice is to book ahead for the first night or two, and maybe even up to Pamplona (for most pilgrims this is 3 or 4 stages); these sections can be more crowded because there aren't as many towns/villages with accommodations, so not as many opportunities for pilgrims to spread out. After Pamplona, I think it shouldn't be a problem to just walk and not book ahead! But if find you're in a bubble, you can always adjust your stages, and certainly at times you might find that it would be wise to book ahead, either by a day or two, or the morning of. Generally though, I think you'll find that there will be enough beds in the albergues!

[@sanvat6379]

Hi, When you say summer or spring, which months do you refer to exactly? Which months of the year are the best for Coming France?

[@NadineWalks]

May and September are the most popular, a lot of that is because of the weather. August tends to be the most crowded month (and can also be hot). But April and June are also really nice times!

[@mlrr2000]

I feel the Portuguese is the Camino for me! Thank you!

[@NadineWalks]

It's a really great Camino!

[@sharonwalsh6016]

We have just 10 days end of August/beginning of Sept. to do a Camino and we're thinking of maybe doing a section of the Camino de Norte, maybe grabbing a bus to a location within two days of Santiago, (know that we won't be eligible for a completion), and then go on to Finisterre. Is this a terrible plan?

[@NadineWalks]

Hi Sharon! No, it's not a terrible plan! Honestly, there are so many different ways to walk a Camino, and people do all sorts of things. I think the only drawback might be that you might find yourself reluctant to take a bus at the mid-point of your walking (maybe, maybe not, it's hard to know!); it might feel like you're really breaking up the walk. I really like the continuous aspect of walking... but if you're wanting to do part of the Norte, I do recommend a section that's not the last week or so of the route. That part is fine and has some nice scenery, but you mostly move away from the coast. So I think if you want some coastal walking AND would like to walk into Santiago and onto Finisterre, then your plan is pretty good! You can get a taste of the Norte (and you might just find yourself wanting to go back...). The first week, from Irun to Bilbao, is stunning (and a bit challenging! Lots of ups and downs), but there are easy transport options in Bilbao. Or, Bilbao to Santander is a really nice stretch (that's about 5 stages), and also has good transport options. Good luck making plans, and Buen Camino!

[@sarahsundstrom1425]

I've done a lot of the long distance trails in the US and love my tent which it sounds like I just don't need on any of these hikes? I'd like to do some camping is that feasible on these trails?

[@NadineWalks]

You pretty much never actually need a tent on the Camino (one of the things that makes this very different than a long-distance trail in the US), and there aren't a ton of opportunities to camp, especially in Spain. Some albergues will have an area in their garden where you can set up your tent, but wild camping is not encouraged. More common, I think, on the trails in France... but in Spain you'd probably only really be able to camp once in awhile (though worth looking into more, I'm not an expert on that!)

[@francisco2591]

what about the Camino de la Plata? Sevilla-Mérida-Cáceres, Salamanca they are World Heritage Site. Zamora etc..

[@NadineWalks]

I would love to walk this Camino, and you’re right, it’s one of the more popular routes! I think the others have more pilgrims in terms of numbers, but the Plata, and certainly Ingles, are probably the next in line.

[@NTEPNT]

I want to go for winter but I need a short route I was thinking primitivo but now I'm uncertain I can walk around 10 miles a day and have only about 2 maybe 3 weeks any suggestions I want solitude but wouldn't mind some company along the way.

[@silchan3196]

which of the 4 is the easiest route to follow? Is it better to walk in early June or early September for Camino Portuges weatherize?

[@NadineWalks]

I think the Camino Francés is the best way marked, and aside from walking in winter there will be enough other pilgrims that you'll almost always know where you're going. The other routes are all very well marked too, though there may be some spots that are a bit confusing. Nothing terrible though! And I'm not sure about weather and which might be better for the Portugués... I think you might get similar kinds of temperatures in June and early September! Both sound like really nice times to walk :)

[@silchan3196]

@@NadineWalks Thanks very much for responding. How far do you need to walk before you have a place to use the bathroom? I plan to do the camino next Spring but concern about bathroom situation.

[@jacquelinenogueira6376]

Hi, what do you think about walking the French camino solo in mid december?

[@NadineWalks]

Hi Jacqueline! I think it would be fine, though you'll want to look ahead a bit day to day, to see which albergues/lodging is open. A lot closes between Oct/Nov and March/April. But I've heard that it's very possible to walk the Frances in the winter! I actually would love to do it one day... it won't be crowded, but I've heard that there will be just enough pilgrims that you'll all start to recognize each other and will always know who else is around you on the path.

[@cltinturkey]

Thanks Nadine, This is really helpful. I was set to walk 15 days of the Francés, and now my partner can't join me. We were planning to walk SJPDP to Pamplona, then León to Astorga, then Sarria to Santiago. Now, I'm considering a switch to the Portugués, from Porto to Santiago via the Coastal Route. I'm flying from the U.S. in and out of Lisbon and have friends in Portugal, so the Portugués seems easier to conquer on my own. I know it's possible to stick with the Francés and do it alone, but somehow I'd prefer to do that with a friend. All my prep has been geared one way, but I still have seven weeks for planning before I start. Any thoughts or advice for this quandary?

[@kitty_s23456]

Hi. I haven't done the Camino but am favoring the Portugues (if I'm not too fit by then) or the Norte/ Primitivo (if I'm fit) As of now, I feel I can do the more challenging routes but I don't know in 2 or 3 yrs. I've been watching vids of the Portugues route & you can do it in 11 or 12 days, if you walk ~25 km/ day. I suggest to watch the vids of David Wen - he did it in 12 days, I think. He had daily vlogs. I think your gear would be roughly the same - it depends more on the time of year. Abt packs - try to keep it at ~10% of your body weight. Safe travels & buen camino!

[@cltinturkey]

@@kitty_s23456 Thanks Kitty! This equates pretty well with my research so far. I really appreciate your breakdown. Buen Camino!

[@kitty_s23456]

@@cltinturkey you're welcome! I prefer the Portuguese route bcos it can be finished in 2 weeks. I can't get 30 days vacation. If you finish it in 12 days, you'll still have some time for sightseeing. You can also watch Vic Hanisch (2-part vid). Safe travels. Buen camino!