• For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here.
    (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation)

Search 69,459 Camino Questions

Advanced search…

Search results for query: *

  1. mattythedog

    What to do during long layover in Dublin?

    I went to Brazen in 1994, oldest pub in Dublin, a hole in the wall dive for locals. Went back in 2013; all built-out tourist attraction 3x original size. Like that with a lot of places in Ireland
  2. mattythedog

    Pamplona to St Jean Pied de Port

    It seems reasonable, but last year when I called them about transport from Pamplona airport, they would not pick up from there unless they already had a fare from France to Pamplona, so I lucked out and got a free ride with another pilgrim who's travel package had a van waiting for him at the...
  3. mattythedog

    Santiago to Finisterre

    San Martin Pinario is probably best. There are a few steps at the entrance, but after it is level to the lobby and elevator. There is usually someone near the door who can help you, or you can call the desk. It has restaurants for breakfast (included with single pilgrim room 26 euro, they...
  4. mattythedog

    Albergues, buses, and different routes

    Last fall I landed Madrid and bussed to Burgos for convenient break in travel. I had my credential stamped at the municipal albergue and stayed there that night with no issue. Next morning the bus from Burgos went directly to San Sebastian (for those wondering why someone would stop in San...
  5. mattythedog

    Pros & Cons of One-way Flights

    Another pro of separate tickets is that one airline might offer better options/price for a particular leg of your journey
  6. mattythedog

    Pros & Cons of One-way Flights

    The Pros: I have flown from USA to Spain 8 times in the last 8 years, plus 8 other trips to Europe. I always book one way tickets using frequent flyer miles. It always cost the same as 1 RT, or surprisingly it is sometimes cheaper to get two one-ways rather than a round trip. I have had to...
  7. mattythedog

    Starting late from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

    If you are in good enough shape to get to Roncessvalles in 6 hours, you can complete the CF in under 30 days and probably also get to Fisterre assuming no injuries. I have left SJPP at 1300 and trekked the Napoleon route to Roncessvalles by 1900 to find plenty of beds, but those arriving after...
  8. mattythedog

    Cheapest way to get into St Jean Pied De Port?

    Agree with you Doughnut regarding buying direct from the airlines. For 20 years, I periodically try the aggregators to see what they have. They have NEVER had flights cheaper than directly from the airlines that fit into my schedules. ...and of course much easier to make changes...
  9. mattythedog

    Cheapest way to get into St Jean Pied De Port?

    If your credit is any good, get an American Airlines credit card that gives you 60,000 frequent flyer miles as a promo. Fly nonstop JFK-Madrid and connect to Pamplona on Iberia....all on one ticket for 30,000 miles. Return Santiago-Madrid-JFK for 30,000. Share a transport or taxi to SJPP. It...
  10. mattythedog

    Fly or train to Pamplona?

    I always just fly from Philly, get connecting flight to Pamplona and transport to STJPP. Walk up the hill or spend night in SJ. You will sleep well either way
  11. mattythedog

    Making the Most of 4 Hours in Madrid

    Walk around Retiro park, about half hour walk from train station. Very large and beautiful, you can spend hour exploring or just relaxing. Lakes, streams, monuments, woods, meadows, lots of dogs walking their people
  12. mattythedog

    Planes & Poles … recent revision?

    I unscrew the carbide tips from my Carbon ZZ's and role up the poles in my sleep sack which fits into 8L dryback with my spare clothes, which all goes into my small Osprey Talon 33L pack. Name and address already marked on the dry bag in case they catch it and make me check the poles last...
  13. mattythedog

    Leaving Leon - take a taxi to the outskirts????

    Baloney! I have walked into and out of Leon 5 times, and bicycled once. No areas are sketchy, and I found none of it ugly. It is plenty well marked, although I did get lost in the dark early one morning; but that led to a miraculous adventure. All part of the Camino. I have also cycled and...
  14. mattythedog

    Flights home after Camino

    I'm not most people, so this is a different perspective that still might be of interest to some: I book a return flight on separate ticket/s a week or two beyond what I think the walk might take to allow for injury (luckily never had anything serious), unplanned adventures and potential travel...
  15. mattythedog

    Taxi availability (or not )Meseta ???

    Good for you. The hill is only a 20 minute climb and fantastic views. Its a quick trot down and then pretty much flat to Itero, and you get to see San Nicholas church/albergue on the way. No reason to double back. When you leave Hontanas, I recommend you take the hill path to the right of...
  16. mattythedog

    Pamplona airport to St Jean Pied de Port 24 April 2023

    Thanks for the suggestion of reposting. I would not have thought of that. Guess I will also search old posts in case someone has another notification under different topic. Last 2 times I flew, I did find pilgrims in the airport, but would rather lock this down ahead of time if possible.
  17. mattythedog

    Pamplona airport to St Jean Pied de Port 24 April 2023

    Looking for people to share a taxi from Pamplona airport to SJPP. My flight from Madrid to Pamplona lands about 1330, 24 April, and I want to go directly to SJPP.
  18. mattythedog

    Private rooms in Madrid?

    Sorry I am a bit late seeing this, but for FYI for all, I use airbnb. Got a couple days for 25e/day near Retiro Park and 20 min walk to train station end of May this year. Many similarly priced spots in same area. Last July on the Holy weekend it was 30e/night about 15 minutes walk from city...
  19. mattythedog

    Flights out of Santiago

    Agree. Like I said earlier, every time I flew from Santiago in the morning I was able to connect about noon in Madrid without a problem. Magnitudes quicker than taking trains, transfers, etc.
  20. mattythedog

    Flights out of Santiago

    Agree with dougfitz. I have booked Madrid to Philly numerous times with American and separate flight from Santiago to Madrid, usually with Iberia (not sure if Iberia flys nonstop to Madrid anymore. I always left Santiago early morning for same day connection about 1300 in Madrid without any...

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Latest posts

This site is run by Ivar at

in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon
Official Camino Passport (Credential) | 2024 Camino Guides
Back
Top