I'm planning a walk on the Camino Frances in mid-May 2025. I know this is fairly late planning - I'm walking it "for" my dad who has dreamed of doing it, but unfortunately is battling health issues. If he's able to come along, he will, but I will likely be sharing the experience with him via FaceTime, photos/videos, texts, etc. Timing wise, I can dedicate about 10-12 days of walking. I know there are shorter Caminos, but he has had his mind set on the French Way, so that's the one to do. I know many people do the Sarria-Santiago route, but I have time to cover more ground (I think?), and I thought it might be interesting to experience some of the camino before it gets more crowded from Sarria onward. Making it to Santiago is a priority. Any advice/tips on starting points if doing 10-12 days on the Camino Frances would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7277 posts
The answer depends on how far you intend to walk each day. If walking 20-30km (12-18mi) per day, then Astorga or Foncebadón match your number of days. If you increased your daily mileage by 5km (3mi), then you could start in León, at the Parador. I used the stages identified in linked site to determine a starting location.
Posted by
OP
Minnesota
45 posts
Thanks! Yes, I should've indicated my preferred distance per day. I don't want to plan for more than 20-30km per day, so I'll take your advice on those towns mentioned.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9279 posts
Personally, I don't like to walk more than 20km per day and prefer around 15km.
Use this website to plan your distances, moving backwards from Santiago. Do plan on at least one day in Santiago too. There are many small towns to stay in, where you will end up avoiding the crowds that are staying in the popular towns after Sarria. For instance, walking from Samos to Barbadelo allows you to walk almost alone in the morning for several hours before the folks from Sarria catch up. Towns like Eirexe, Portos, Morgade, Ventos de Naron, are all lovely places to stay.
https://godesalco.com/plan/frances
This website is really good too as you also get lodging suggestions and links:
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/camino-guides/en#camino-frances
Let me know if you have any questions. Have walked the Camino Frances 4 times and the Camino Portuguese twice.
Posted by
OP
Minnesota
45 posts
@ Ms. Jo, thank you for the link to the camino planner website! I'd been looking for a resource on distances between each down. This is so helpful!
I will likely try to stay more in the 20km per day range. While I'm fit, I've never done a days long walk. I'm trying to plan with that in mind.