Which Camino to Walk? Camino Frances vs. Camino Portugues

Рет қаралды 16,164

Күн бұрын

What are the differences between the Camino Frances vs. Portugues?
In this video, I want to share with you what I found to be the biggest differences between the two most popular Caminos.
I walked...
- Camino Portugues (Porto to Santiago, 2022, 11 days)
- Camino Frances (St Jean to Santiago, 2019, 33 days)
⏰ CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:30 Camino statistics
01:05 Different routes & experiences
02:21 Fewer pilgrims
03:44 "Bed race"
04:38 Infrastructure
06:08 Scenery
08:31 Languages
09:25 Food
10:20 Expenses
11:29 Conclusion
📽 OTHER VIDEOS:
👣 Camino Frances (33 days) - • Camino de Santiago - C...
👣 Camino Portugues (11 days) - • Camino de Santiago - C...
❓ Camino Q&A - • Camino de Santiago Q&A...
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😁 WHO AM I?
I'm David, a Californian living in Amsterdam. I grew up in San Francisco, studied and worked in LA, took a sabbatical around the world, and then packed my bags for Europe. I make videos about lifestyle design, hiking, and living/working/studying in Europe.

Пікірлер: 113

@hidavidwen 2 жыл бұрын

What did you find to be the biggest differences between the Camino Frances vs. Portugues?

@andiw.7571 Жыл бұрын

i paid 30 % more on the portuguese too..

@TiagoSantos-wy2ei Жыл бұрын

Caminho Português

@KirstenStalker 11 ай бұрын

Worth pointing out to people watching David walking on the roads when covering the different routes. Never, ever walk with your back to the oncoming traffic as he did on his example in the video. The international rule of professional hikers is always walk on the roadside facing the oncoming traffic even if it means changing sides everytime you get close to sharp corners (then walk on the widest side to be most visible to traffic and less blindspots).

@hidavidwen 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for the tip!

@sujaeha6833 4 ай бұрын

hello I'm Korean. I took the train from Rome, Italy to Via Francigena to Milan, departed from Sands Gallen, Switzerland, took the Swiss Camino, and then walked the French GR65 Rupres Camino - North of Santiago. I walked about 2700 km for 3 months. It was a fantastic length.

@hidavidwen 4 ай бұрын

Buen camino!

@marcos7106 3 ай бұрын

Great summary. Thank you very much

@hidavidwen 2 ай бұрын

Buen camino!

@liseburnett9219 Жыл бұрын

Very well said! I walked the Frances and I feel that you captured the experience in an authentic way. Like the balance of camaraderie and time alone. The simplicity of the now moment and food!!! If I may share, my sister had done several Caminos (7), she is a Camino veteran so to speak and kept inviting me to go... I kept replying, " Well... don't really get the feeling..." Fast forward in 2014 I am hiking in the Peruvian Andes and the Camino comes in my mind, I am Settling back home and the Camino is my new web pastime,,, what??? I call my sister and said:" I don't know what's going on but all of a sudden this Camino is on my mind!" She replied: "Ah... the Camino called you." Shockingly, I burst into tears! I then knew I had to go! I went from BC Canada to my first trip in Europe alone! It had to be alone and it was awesome! It is awkward to share the mysteries of the Camino... sometimes it comes in such sweet simple things like the day someone put a tangerine and a kiwi on a KM post for me to find when I needed it so much! Buen Camino!

@hidavidwen Жыл бұрын

Thanks Lise for sharing. I get it too! The camino calls :) I miss the camino spirit. Have you been able to find that same spirit back in “society?”

@msrunner333 2 жыл бұрын

very generous of you to make this video - gracias!

@hidavidwen 2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome :)

@yvonneip9980 2 жыл бұрын

Will definitely try💪🏻thx for your sharing

@hidavidwen 2 жыл бұрын

Hope you do Yvonne! And hope you have a nice summer :)

@carolynyim1277 Жыл бұрын

Thanks David for sharing. I appreciate your perspective and find your videos helpful! Plan on my Portuguese Way for next month and I’m from SF too!

@hidavidwen Жыл бұрын

You’re welcome Carolyn! Wow next month, have a great one and Bom caminho/buen camino!

@hart-coded 10 ай бұрын

thx this was so helpful

@hidavidwen 10 ай бұрын

You're welcome!

@Gettinglostonthetrail 2 жыл бұрын

Well done David!!! Great presentation. Very informative video. Will send wife this video. Heading out of Arzua today we decided to do the Porto Camino in two years with the boys. This time no more stroller/scooter LOL. Tomorrow we are heading into Santiago. Excited and sad that our Camino Frances is coming to an end. It’s been such an awesome adventure. You are my inspiration to do the Porto next. Buen Camino!!!

@hidavidwen 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Always appreciate you. You and your family are very inspiring. I just returned to the Netherlands from California and look forward to catching up on your journeys soon. But Santiago tomorrow, buen camino and looking forward to seeing your videos!

@margaretmarydempster4738 Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Excellent feedback! 🇨🇦

@hidavidwen Жыл бұрын

You’re welcome and buen camino!

@ambla23 2 жыл бұрын

Very informative, David. A Camino is on my bucket list, so I really enjoyed this comparison.

@hidavidwen 2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome and glad you found it informative! You’ll enjoy the camino whichever one you do :)

@akikofujishima3829 Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for all this information. It has been very helpful.

@hidavidwen Жыл бұрын

You’re welcome, buen camino!

@montserrat722010 9 ай бұрын

Great video. Thanks for all the info and comparison. Hope to go next year!

@hidavidwen 9 ай бұрын

Yes and buen camino!

@paulz6491 10 ай бұрын

Terrific video, thank you for a very thoughtful and comprehensive comparison 😊

@hidavidwen 10 ай бұрын

Thanks! Buen camino

@florrosas1689 2 жыл бұрын

Gracias David, compartiste tus experiencias de los 2 caminos y adoro eso porqué quiero hacerlos me parecen experiencias que debemos tener y es lo que nos llevamos cuando nos toqué partir de éste mundo, también me gustaría hacer el camino del Quijote. Gracias David, un abrazo grande y buen camino amigo 🤗

@hidavidwen 2 жыл бұрын

Muchas gracias flor! Oh el camino del Quijote? Interesante. Pues buen camino y espero que estes bien! 😃😃

@rebecahuetoreyes3651 2 жыл бұрын

Hola David, gracias por compartir tus viajes, hermoso todo....Veracruz _ México.....Saludos..

@hidavidwen 2 жыл бұрын

Hola Rebeca y de nada. Muchas gracias a ti. Saludos desde California

@elcamino4799 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, David. How's it going? A great report!!! Lots of practical and useful information... I think it's wonderful to have an experience and then make a result that help other people.Buen trabajo! En estos días estoy estudiando mucho español. Chao, nos vemos!

@hidavidwen 2 жыл бұрын

Hey hey doing well! Thanks and glad you found it useful. Yeah just trying to share anything that may help others. Yo también necesito practicar…my Spanish is getting rusty haha.

@AccumbensNucleus Жыл бұрын

Good analysis!

@hidavidwen Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@peterfontaine4627 Жыл бұрын

David--mil gracias! I am planning my Camino for 2024. I am going back and forth between the two but leaning toward the Portugues, starting in Lisbon (yes, I have seen that most people don't do that--that start up in Porto). This was a great comparison, and you included some aspects I hadn't been aware of. I too want to do the Central Route, but dip into the Coastal for maybe a day or two and then cross back over.

@hidavidwen Жыл бұрын

You’re welcome Peter and thanks for the kind words. I met a few who started in Lisbon. You’ll enjoy it whatever route you decide to do. I miss it the camino and hope to be back again soon. Buen camino!

@rosudar 5 ай бұрын

April 2023 I walked the 150 KM Spiritual route from Baiona to Santiago. Your videos...I remember some of the vistas, boat ride, and places you experienced. Your advice is really good. Good job! Our bags were picked up and transferred daily. You are also spot on water filling along the way.😊

@hidavidwen 5 ай бұрын

Thanks! Buen camino

@rawadventures2024 Жыл бұрын

This is a wonderful Video David, congratulations. My friend and I have walked the Frances and plan to walk the Portuguese from Lisbon from April 2024. We were starting to doubt ourselves and thought about going back to CF for the familiarity of it but your video has given us confidence to do the CP. our main concern was the cobblestones and road walking as my friend suffered from tendinitis last time.

@hidavidwen Жыл бұрын

Thanks and buen camino! You’ll love the CP too

@meredithmarek1 2 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughtful and insightful experiences in the space! I’m leaving on Thursday for Porto and will walk a similar route as you (as much as someone can plan these things 😂). I walked the Frances route, finishing in 2017, so I’m very curious and weary about comparing the two experiences because I do think they’ll be very different. Watching your videos has got me excited though for whatever comes my way. Wishing you all the best and look forward to seeing what adventures you pursue next. (btw, I’m a fellow compatriot who decided to make Germany her home many years ago and that has made ALL the difference).

@hidavidwen 2 ай бұрын

Aw thanks! the camino from Porto is beautiful! I am actually back on the camino at the moment (via de la Plata) so buen camino!

@kitty_s23456 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for this! Comment for algorithm. This was a very concise comparison of the 2 routes. As of now, I prefer the Portuguese route because as you've said - there's fewer people and less commercial. But that's just now - could change later. Still dreaming & planning. Buen camino! P.s. You're very attractive. Lol. 😊

@hidavidwen 4 ай бұрын

Thanks 😊, I also enjoy the Portuguese. Less people. I’m doing another one soon…Buen camino!

@pedroclaro7822 Жыл бұрын

Well structured and planned video, timestamps, perfect diction (except European words haha) and good shots of the route, housing, etc. You make it hard for a European to compete. Also I lived in Porto for a couple years and never saw a pilgrim on the streets. Coastal route is lonelier, more peaceful.

@hidavidwen Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing Pedro and the kind words! Coastal route is less busy but more peaceful for sure

Жыл бұрын

Obrigado!

@hidavidwen Жыл бұрын

De nada !

@loritae9808 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing. I can’t wait my Camino. I am planning for Coastal to spiritual variant. I like to meet people but also love to have solitude, too

@hidavidwen 2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome Lori! I hope you have a wonderful time :)

@OrganizeKaos Жыл бұрын

Hi, what’s the spiritual variant

@loritae9808 Жыл бұрын

@@OrganizeKaos it’s longer but prettier way Pintevedra to Santiago. I took coastal way. Spiritual variant will require half day longer.

@patshozo9158 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for doing the comparison video! I wanted to know the differences between the 2 camino. We are planning on the Portugues camino as we are not in a hurry, older, and booking hotels or home stays (no albergues). Just the 100kM to get the compostella is what we are looking to do.

@hidavidwen 2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome Pat! I think you'll have a great time on the Camino Portugues. It's a great one especially if you are not in a hurry and taking it easy. I miss it and had a great time. Buen camino =)

@irinabenea4561 4 ай бұрын

Hola David,gracias por compartiste la tua experiencias de los dos caminos ,eres un buon caminante un ejemplo.In 2018 agosto ,ho hecho il camino frances e credo che nos encontramos in Portomarin mi acuerdo del tuo nome Wen .Tistoy siguendo come hai fatto il camino portughese es muy bonito pero los alberghes e la comida mas cara.Un saludo

@kawaitsang733 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing. I am struggle between Camino Portugues and Camino France!

@hidavidwen Жыл бұрын

You’re welcome Kawai…you can’t go wrong with either!

@patrickrambeaux9796 Жыл бұрын

Hello, i have walked 9 times the camino frances, they are a lot of Asian people, most of them are from Corea, it's so fun. I plan to do the camino Portuguese next year 😉👍.

@noonep11 2 жыл бұрын

Ta David, agree, done both, Best bit we found was SDC to Finisterre, Zambourinas were ace with albarino wine. Portuguese don't seem to have bought into it yet as much as the Spanish. Best value was €7.50 for bike and panniers across Miho from Caminha to A Guarda. The fishermen were great. Scenery is beautiful for both, last day Portuguese has lost of climbs, bit of a surprise. Obrigado

@hidavidwen 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Pedro. That is still on my list to do..walking SDC to Finisterre (I took the bus). It looks like a beautiful way to end the Camino. Hopefully next time!

@davidwallace8353 Жыл бұрын

Agree albarino wine is very good

@judixx Жыл бұрын

Hi David, thx for the great comparison. I guess I would go for Camino Frances overall. Also, this is so enticing to see the books behind you. Would you be doing a book review in the future?

@hidavidwen Жыл бұрын

Hi Judy - you can't go wrong with the Camino Frances! Oh I love books =) I organize a book club (related to my profession). That's a good idea...maybe in the future I will! Let me know if you have any other questions I can help answer regarding the Camino!

@paulhumphrey2655 7 ай бұрын

Hi David, really enjoyed watching you're vid on Camino Portuguese from porto and the differences of the Camino frances and the Portuguese way. If you only had 2 weeks vacation would you do Porto to Santiago or a 2 week section of the Camino frances?

@hidavidwen 6 ай бұрын

Thanks! I’d do the portugués

@vcloveartzh4858 2 жыл бұрын

Hi David, Love your video. Done Camino Frances back in 2015! Simply love it! Wanted to do the Camino Portuguese, can I know if the route are well marked as I plan to walk alone. Much Thanks!

@hidavidwen 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot for the kind words! Yes it is well marked as well, you won’t have a problem. I mean the only time I got lost was because I was daydreaming and I didn’t pay attention…but I eventually found my way 😂 but It is easy to follow just like Camino Frances

@yayalyssamae Жыл бұрын

Hi David! Thank you so much for the detailed summary of both these routes! My two friends and I are planning a trip out in May this summer, and we are soo stoked! Quick question for you.. You had mentioned that the France Way has more options for overnight accommodations, but it is also a race to find a bed. Do you think we will have trouble finding a place to stay during May or will it not be too difficult?

@hidavidwen Жыл бұрын

Hi Alyssa! Thanks and you're welcome =) It's especially a bed race on the Camino Frances, but May is low season...so it should be a lot easier compared to June-August. I went in October and still encountered the bed race. PERSONALLY...it's a lesson in itself too to be honest. A lesson in patience and going with the flow. That sometimes things won't go according to plan...and you won't have a bed...but you will always find a way =)

@paulproffitt9253 Жыл бұрын

Hello David……have just finished the Camino Ingles….Loved it and looking to go back…..Am 78 years young and not in a rush…..are there plenty of hotels along the Frances? Do not plan on staying at auberges……thanks for sharing your videos….Paul

@hidavidwen Жыл бұрын

Hi Paul - congrats! I have the Ingles on my list too. There are plenty of hotels and private accommodations on the Frances. Use Booking.com to find and reserve them Thanks for watching! David

@_lizllamas Жыл бұрын

Hi David! Your video has been very informative (actually, it has been the best!) I have one question! What happens if you don´t get a bed? Can you sleep outside or in the floor? I don´t want to rush and I don´t mind these options haha. Thank you!

@hidavidwen Жыл бұрын

Hey Liz! Haha yeah I can understand. That happened to me a few times. Luckily the camino provides…once, the small town we were in was completely full…but we were told to wait because some times locals will open up their places…and luckily one man opened up his hostel. Another place, they gave us sleeping mats to sleep on the floor. There will always be a way…also a lesson of the camino!

@davidwallace8353 Жыл бұрын

We agree. We walked the Frances in 2016 and the Portuguese central in 2019. The Frances was 41 days and the Portuguese was 14 days. I think the Frances was longer and you got in a rhythm more and it was easier on your feet, knees and ankles. Shin splints was an issue. Onthe Portuguese it felt like you just started and it was over. Also hated those Roman roads:)

@hidavidwen Жыл бұрын

Thanks David. You got me thinking about doing another Camino right now! Are you hoping to do another one?

@davidwallace8353 Жыл бұрын

I had my stomach removed due to cancer in 2021. They set up a valve from my intestine to my esophagus so i can eat a cup at a time. Mainly carnivore diet. I eat 6 meals a day.We did 6 weeks in France in 2022 Paris and Provence using airbnb's so I have access to a kitchen and shop at local markets. Planning Naples, Sorrento, Amalfi coast, Puglia and Corfu in 2024. My Camino days are over due to strength issues. Lost 50 lbs but I keep on keeping on.

@soniarodriguez3810 Жыл бұрын

Never occurred to me that there was a "french" camino and a "portuguese" one since Santiago de Compostela is in Espain! Thanks for the video!

@hidavidwen Жыл бұрын

There are many Caminos! You can even start in Germany, Netherlands, etc

@KirstenStalker 11 ай бұрын

There's a "full" pilgrimage route which starts in Ireland crosses the UK then heads over to Europe. You can get the passport for that in Ireland and start getting your stamps there, then cross to A Coruña. Look up for example the Celtic Camino or Camino Ingles.

@soniarodriguez3810 11 ай бұрын

@@KirstenStalker Thanks!

@nikolayfedotov438 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for videos! Have you met people who had started from Lisbon? What've they said about amenities on their way?

@hidavidwen 2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome! Yes I’ve met people who stated in Lisbon. It was more difficult (amenities) from Lisbon…that’s a fact…but they made it :)

@U-COPY 2 жыл бұрын

Hey, David. Since my mother is intersted in Camino trips and as I am doing research, I found your vids and found it really helpful. Thanks for making high quality vids about Camino trips. I watched your both Camino France and Portugues and in terms of scenery, I do like Portugues alot and also days of trip are shorter than France version so I am thinking of going for Portugues route. You mentioned there was some risk when you changed from Coastal route to Central route when you did Portugues Camino, so do you recommend to start from Central route for safety? Also if budget is not your option and you are going with your family, which route would you take?

@hidavidwen 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Nicholas! The Portuguese is a great route. The Central route out of Porto isn’t so nice…but crossing over from Coastal to Central route was also not nice. I don’t know what physical condition your mom is in…but I wouldn’t want my mom doing that (if she were to do a camino). I’d recommend sticking to one route. I’m from California so am used to seeing the coast…my family too…so I would do the central route with my family. But if you’re not familiar with seeing coastal/ocean views and want a scenic walk..the coastal would be nice.

@U-COPY 2 жыл бұрын

@@hidavidwen This camino trip is for my mother. We've been to Iceland and Vancouver so we are used to Ocean view. She is catholic and she said she wants to do this trip before she dies. She is in mid 60s and I will make sure she exercises to prepare for the trip but yeah so I would find the easier route for her. I would love to go with coastal/ocean views but sound like we should stick to central route.

@paulz6491 10 ай бұрын

@@U-COPYDid you make the trip and if so how did it go and which route did you pick? Thanks 😊

@marcogutierrez8669 9 ай бұрын

Please David, coulomb you ley id know which time of year you were on each of the caminos.

@lily_wonder_land Жыл бұрын

Hi David! Im doing camino portugués this year, 12 stages, pretty much based on your route, which I thank for 🙌🏼 I’ve a question, did you take a 40L backpack for this route? Im thinking to take a 24L only.

@hidavidwen Жыл бұрын

Hi Lily! I took a 33L. My friend is taking a 24L on the camino francés so it’s doable :)

@lily_wonder_land Жыл бұрын

@@hidavidwen Got you! Im glad is doable, Thanks! It’s really awesome what you have done, you opened the way for people like us who wanted to travel and did not know exactly how…, now I feel secure based on your stories…thanks again! You are the best! Greetings from México! 🇲🇽

@leigha6275 Жыл бұрын

Thank you @David Wen for this very helpful video. I'd sincerely appreciate your thoughts: 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. And do you think it 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, so that a tent for a good part of the time seems even more attractive (would you agree)?

@hidavidwen Жыл бұрын

Hi Leigh - I didn’t meet anyone who wild camped on the Frances. I did meet a few with tents who never used though. I’m sure people do it and I can see many open spaces where you could. I don’t know of any official campgrounds for camping on the Frances as I didn’t do it myself. I think if you wild camped in the countryside, you could still meet up friends. Though I’d still recommend the albergues or to book private hotels/rooms and stay in town :) that’s also a big part of the experience…even the snorers! In fact, those were some of the fondest memories hahaha…where we spent the next morning talking about that ONE SNORER. Good times. And I only had a few sleepless nights (out of 30ish) but the majority were fine-I was so tired that I could sleep through anything :)

@leigha6275 Жыл бұрын

@@hidavidwen Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm finding there are people who camp in the inner courtyard or gardens of albergues for a small fee so they can use the facilities, as well as campgrounds and some wild camping. Not every albergue allows this. Some recommend asking people in town where it's possible to camp.

@hidavidwen Жыл бұрын

@@leigha6275 Oh I'm sure there are. I just never met or saw anyone who did. I hope you find your way...whether it's at an albergue, a hotel, or in a tent! I'm sure you will. Enjoy it Leigh!

@leigha6275 Жыл бұрын

@@hidavidwen 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 problem.

@anamyers2686 Жыл бұрын

David, how did you get your phone data from? If you buy data for Portugal, does it work in Spain?

@hidavidwen Жыл бұрын

Hi Ana - I live in the Netherlands and my data plan also works in the EU (so Spain too). If you buy from Portugal, it should work in Spain as well (most data plans bought within the EU work within the EU)

@Peacemaker79 10 ай бұрын

Hi David , i am from The Nederlands too and i was wondering are there extra costs when you cross the border within Europe data wise ?

@krubenito1 Жыл бұрын

I have 15 days and I’m going wit a 4 year old boy (bike trailer) and my wife ! Wich camino is better? I woulylik the portugués ( I don’t like lots of people

@hidavidwen Жыл бұрын

Camino Portugues! It's perfect for 15 days. Less crowded. Beautiful. Buen camino!

@charitahshyruh6201 2 жыл бұрын

Hello David just came across your videos .Great channel . I have a request do you have any online job so I can make a living? it’s have been hard since corona .thanks 🙏

@hidavidwen 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Charitah. Unfortunately, I do not have any online jobs. I understand it's been hard. I usually use LinkedIn or Indeed to find jobs. Sometimes Facebook groups too. I hope you find something. 🙏

@charitahshyruh6201 2 жыл бұрын

@@hidavidwen thank You 🙏