Thoughts from my Camino Frances Journey- Day 35 (Day 1 of Part 3 Granada)
Date: June 16, 2025 Monday
Where did I begin today?
Santiago de Compostela
Where will I stay this evening?
Granada (Hotel Casa Palacio Pilar del Toro)
How far have I come?
759km/471.62 miles (x2 3hr train rides)
Farewell to the Camino
I woke up a bit before 7am and checked out of Hotel Montes. I walked back to the Plaza one final time to say goodbye to Santiago Cathedral before walking 15mins through the nearly empty streets to the train station. My first train to Madrid arrived at 7:48am. Unfortunately, I was sitting backwards for the entire 3hr train ride! There weren’t even any seats facing forward in my car so I couldn’t switch even if I wanted to. To distract myself from getting motion sick, I listened to an audiobook I had downloaded specifically for the train ride.
A peaceful, quiet morning
I’ve never seen the streets so empty
I arrived at Madrid Chamartín at 10:50am and took metro line 3 stops to Madrid Atocha station since that’s where my next train departed from. I ate a ham sandwich at the station while waiting for my next train to Granada. At 1:35pm I boarded my second train of the day. Somewhere, I lost my orange bag for my jacket, it must have slipped out of my pocket. I almost never lose things while traveling so it made me sad. The second 3hr train ride was much better since I was facing forward this time. I continued listening to my audiobook.
Boarding my train in Madrid
After spending a whole week traveling with a group, it felt strange to be solo traveling again. I even felt a bit melancholy on the train and wondered if this was my first time ever feeling lonely while traveling? Loneliness is an emotion I rarely struggle with, but I also think that it’s lingering sadness over my Camino finally ending since it was such a huge goal of mine that is now over.
My quaint, peaceful hotel
Even the streets of Granada look different
Loved all the antique decor
The train arrived in Granada at 4:52pm and I took a bus 4 stops to my hotel. The door was locked when I arrived so I needed to ring a bell and wait for someone to come open it. When I checked in, it felt like I was the only person here? Not complaining though since it was a peaceful atmosphere. The only downside, is that the hotel restaurant wouldn’t open until Wednesday night so I would need to find somewhere else to eat dinner the next two days.
All this space just for me
View from my window
Very different from my Camino accommodations
When I got to my room, I hand washed some laundry then googled nearby tapas bars. I went to La Gran Taberna on the corner, and ordered a charcuterie board and sangria. I also booked a free walking tour on the 18th. Next, I had researched the best tea houses in Granada and chose one that was close to me. I walked to Teteria La Oriental and ordered “Dreams of Alhambra” tea and almond baklava pastries.
Tapas for dinner
So many options
Tea house
Delicious
The culture in Granada feels so different that it’s hard to believe I’m still in the same country I woke up in this morning. So far though, aside from the extreme heat, I am loving the vibe of the city. I walked back to my hotel and showered. I did a bit more research about the bus route to take tomorrow and also read a bit about the history of the Alhambra. I went to bed at 11:15pm.
Royal Chancellery of Granada
Plaza Santa Ana in front of my hotel
