Accommodation on the Camino Frances

[Raymond Aquilina]

Dear Forum memebers,

I will be walking the Camino de la Lana from Valencia starting next week on the 28th April and plan to arrive at Burgos around the 18th May to continue on the Camino Frances to Santiago de Compostela.

I am not very sure about the accomodation on the Frances in May. I suppose there will be many pilgrims on that route and possible shortage of accomodation.

Should I book ahead? I normally book two days ahead as I do not want to book to much ahead.

I appreciate any advise about this point.

Thank you and buen Camino,

Raymond Aquilina

 

[CarolamS]

I was on the CF in October last year when it was very busy. I booked 2 days ahead and had no problems at all. The one place I might consider booking further ahead is Mansilla de las Mulas. The municipal is closed so there is more pressure on beds. I stayed in Albergue Gaia there and happily recommend it. I doubt I'd booked more than 2 days ahead though as I didn't know there was a bed shortage before I arrived there!
Buen Camino

 

[rachelcornwell]

Albergue Gaia is great. Stayed there last night. Only 16 beds and was full by 2pm, so glad we called ahead to reserve

 

[henrythedog]

Dear Forum memebers,

I will be walking the Camino de la Lana from Valencia starting next week on the 28th April and plan to arrive at Burgos around the 18th May to continue on the Camino Frances to Santiago de Compostela.

I am not very sure about the accomodation on the Frances in May. I suppose there will be many pilgrims on that route and possible shortage of accomodation.

Should I book ahead? I normally book two days ahead as I do not want to book to much ahead.

I appreciate any advise about this point.

Thank you and buen Camino,

Raymond Aquilina

If you are flexible with the type of accommodation you’re looking for, and your daily distance +/- 5km you should be fine. You’ll be between the two historic peak periods. If you only look for ‘bookable’ places and stay at the guidebook-indicated stages you’ll be limiting your options.

A good number of the reports of shortages come from those who want everything booked in advance or turn up at Easter and ask why there are lots of Peregrinos. The majority who have no issues don’t tend to post to say just that.

 

[markie6]

I walked last september ( a busy period) and booked my first and second night only. St jean and roncesvalles. The only other day I noticed a shortage of beds was Hornillos ( stage after Burgos ) the rest of my camino was no problem all the way to Fisterra and Muxia

Check your dates for any public holidays ... and book accordingly

 

[Raymond Aquilina]

I walked last september ( a busy period) and booked my first and second night only. St jean and roncesvalles. The only other day I noticed a shortage of beds was Hornillos ( stage after Burgos ) the rest of my camino was no problem all the way to Fisterra and Muxia

Check your dates for any public holidays ... and book accordingly

Hi Markie6,
Thank you for your feedback ..I assume that May will be fine ...normally I do not book but recently heard that there was shortage of beds on the Frances.

Kind regards,
ray

 

[Raymond Aquilina]

If you are flexible with the type of accommodation you’re looking for, and your daily distance +/- 5km you should be fine. You’ll be between the two historic peak periods. If you only look for ‘bookable’ places and stay at the guidebook-indicated stages you’ll be limiting your options.

A good number of the reports of shortages come from those who want everything booked in advance or turn up at Easter and ask why there are lots of Peregrinos. The majority who have no issues don’t tend to post to say just that.

Dear henrythedog,

Thank you for your reply. Your feedback encourages me not to book. I normally book in large cities but for the rest I prefer to be flexible.

Kind regards,
ray