I have heard a variety of opinions on traveling to Madrid and then to Sarria to begin our mini Camino experience. We have fours days planned; however, I am considering travel to a few other nerby cities such as Toledo. We love history are artitecture, so is there any other advise you might have and local tours or experiences that maybe helpful with learning more about the city?
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
8946 posts
Do you have your nights booked in Madrid already? If not, perhaps consider training (or taking the bus) to some of the other towns along the Camino Frances? Like Burgos, Leon, Astorga, or start a day before Sarria in Samos?
Posted by
Walnut Creek, CA
551 posts
Well that's why I did last year before my Camino. I had 4 days in Madrid and I used them to take a tour with a third party tour group of Segovia and Avila. I took a food tour with Devour Food tours. I rented a bicycle and rode around Retiro Park and attended a geocaching event.
I would also suggest you try or do a free (tip based) walking tour. Toledo would be a day trip. I would also recommend visiting the Prado and the Reina Sofia museums. I also shopped for hiking poles at Decathlon.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6560 posts
When we did our mini Camino we spent the first night in Madrid to get over jet lag. The next day we departed from Chamartín station and went to Lugo for two nights before heading to Sarria to begin our walk.
At the end of the walk we spent an extra day in Santiago then returned to Madrid for two nights before flying home.
I will add that we’ve been to Madrid and the surrounding area multiple times and had been to Santiago a couple times before our walk. That factored into our decision on how to spend the extra days.
Not sure when your walk is, but due to rail upgrades and a new tunnel, part of the trip to Sarria could be via bus; the part between Ourense and Sarria. I’m not sure when the entire length of that route will reopen.