Spain: The Camino de Santiago (2010, estimate, car)

[jonjj]

Just curious. I am thinking of doing this next summer. Has anyone experienced this? If so, what are your pointers? Thanks.

[Nosferatu]

JonjThe Camino de Santiago was nice ten years ago, now it's entirely crowded and too commercialized. Millions make the Camino now, it's not fun.Better, Vía de la Plata, from Seville to Santiago following the Roman Way, not that many people, nicer, not commercialized, more interesting.

[Dport7674]

I'm sure I could google it, but what is it exactly?

[Nosferatu]

Well, the traditional Vía de la Plata goes from Seville (Hispalis) to Merida (Emerita Augusta) following the Roman Way, but there's an extension to Santiago de Compostela.1200 Km. You'll need two months. You can do shorter tracts.

[Indurain]

I cycled the route : very very interesting and spectacular route with many pilgrims/tourists walking the route instead.

Scenery in that part of the world is breathtaking especially in early spring and autumn.

[jonjj]

Originally Posted by Nosferatu

JonjThe Camino de Santiago was nice ten years ago, now it's entirely crowded and too commercialized. Millions make the Camino now, it's not fun.Better, Vía de la Plata, from Seville to Santiago following the Roman Way, not that many people, nicer, not commercialized, more interesting.

Thank you. I was also looking at the route you suggested.

[Hasdrubal]

Originally Posted by jonjj

Thank you. I was also looking at the route you suggested.

When are you planning on doing so¿ If it's during summer, you'll be walking with temperatures above 100 F-and I mean at night!

The Northern Way is much better, the scenery is nicer (deep woods, mountains, small fishermen towns). I'd definitely recommend it.

[Nosferatu]

Yes, if you want to make the way with 10-12 million "pilgrims" (estimate for 2010).
Mountain bykes, sunday drivers, creeps that travel by car and take advantage of shelters, etc, etc, etc.

[Hasdrubal]

Originally Posted by Nosferatu

Yes, if you want to make the way with 10-12 million "pilgrims" (estimate for 2010).
Mountain bykes, sunday drivers, creeps that travel by car and take advantage of shelters, etc, etc, etc.

Uh? I am talking about the Northern Camino, not the French one (which is the most crowded and touristic).

[Nosferatu]

Do you mean going through the Northern Seaboard?
Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and then into Galicia?
Not signaled, no shelters...A complete disaster.