In Logrono for San Mateo Question

[jimb01930]

We are leaving Tuesday September 18th and will be starting from Pamplona on the 20th. I understand San Mateo is celebrated between September 20 and September 26. Can we expect shops, restaurants, or other services to be closed during this fiesta?

 

[grayland]

Everything will be open but crowded beyond belief.
Accommodation will be difficult and some albergues are reported to be closed during that time.
It would be very interesting but not sure if I would want to start my camino from there at that time.
You may want to try to make a reservation in Cizur Menor at Albergue Roncal for the 1st night you are there if you intend to start walking right away. Cizur Menor is about 5 km past Pamplona and is a very normal stop instead of Pamplona for many Pilgrims.
You could walk there and take a taxi back to Pamplone in the afternoon or evening if you wanted to look around. That way you would be ready to start walking in the morning. Much easier from Cizur Menor as you have a pretty steep climp up the Alto de Perdon on the way to Puente la Reina which is about 20 km from Cizur Menor. A good distance for the first day. The 5 km you save from Pamplona will feel very good. :wink:

 

[vagabondette]

I was in Logrono two days ago and it was chaos. 2 of the albergues were closed and most hotels booked up. We were lucky to get the last room at a small pension. I would not plan on staying on Logrono or in the towns before/after during the festival unless you are willing to shell out some dough or walk weird hours.

 

[jimb01930]

Thanks, from what I read the Camino is bursting with people. I think we will hold back a bit at the start so we may arrive Logrono a day or two after the fiesta.