Just bought my plane ticket and a new Camino.

[JP]

I walked the Camino Frances twice and I wanted to do it a third time, but in the end I decided to the try the Camino del Norte. I am hoping that the Norte will as good an experience as the Frances. I will be walking alone at a nice slow pace and celebrating my 64th birthday on the Camino. Landing in Bordeaux with a nice direct flight from Montreal in Quebec and by train to Hendaye and starting to walk from Irun on the 5th of May 2019. Any Hotel recommendations in Irun and San Sebastian, after that I will be hitting the Albergues.

 

[Deleted member 43780]

I, and other walkers, stayed in Pension Hotel Bowling in Irun.
Can find it on the web

Not a 5 star place. But will do.

Lady who works there is nice.
Makes good salad and main dishes.
I posted about this place before.
Someone stated it was too much per night.
Remember Irun, and the rest of the coast, is not cheap in this area.

The place I had a reservation at turned out to be a dump. Smokers, drunks, a rat or two. Dirty.

I was referred to Pension Hotel Bowling. Saved the day. I stayed there two nights.

The TI office in Irun is very helpful.

Not as many walkers on the Norte vs Frances.

First few days can be hard.

The first Aberbuge you come to on the first day is nice. But small. Host is wonderful guy.

Nothing, except church, on walk from Irun to first night stay. Have enough water/snack.

At first nights stay, Only problem was having to walk down to go get something to eat. And back up again. Mostly stairs.

Be careful of the time some of the places stop serving food. Once down, turn right and keep walking to Pl where there are places to eat. One or two at most stores down there.

Ferry ride is easy. Takes few minutes to reach other side.

Then you have choice: road (along buildings, bars, stores etc) to your left. Or, head right and climb up into the country.

San Sebastián is worth two days.
Do bike rental to top of hill for overlook of the city. Then ride back to city through worlds longest lighted biking tunnel. Cool.

I will look up the name of the place I stayed at in San Sebastián. It is a Pension.

 

[Texas Walker]

I walked the Camino Frances twice and I wanted to do it a third time, but in the end I decided to the try the Camino del Norte. I am hoping that the Norte will as good an experience as the Frances. I will be walking alone at a nice slow pace and celebrating my 64th birthday on the Camino. Landing in Bordeaux with a nice direct flight from Montreal in Quebec and by train to Hendaye and starting to walk from Irun on the 5th of May 2019. Any Hotel recommendations in Irun and San Sebastian, after that I will be hitting the Albergues.

In San Sebastian, if you go to the Turismo first, they will help you find a place. And, unlike many of the other Turismo offices, they're willing to help you reserve (same day) as apparently the only way to reach the pension owners is by working thru, I think it was, booking.com.
First week is physically stressful. After Bilbao it's not so bad...and not only because you've been walking for a while.
We noticed a lot of the walkers--we started in later May--were there more for the athletic experience it sounded like. Plenty of bragging about how many kms they put in per day, followed by painful rubbing on legs.
There are some observations on my blog: texassunshine24.blogspot.com on some of the days. (Lost track of recap posts and so didn't recap the entire route. OTOH there was good wifi in lots of places, so many in-progress brief notes.)

If you're doing it for religious reasons, there are fewer opportunities to attend Mass that fit the pilgrim's schedule compared to the Frances. When we got to Los Arcos and the evening pilgrim Mass, I think I cried for happiness for half of the mass.

Buen camino.

 

[Deleted member 43780]

In San Sebastian, if you go to the Turismo first, they will help you find a place. And, unlike many of the other Turismo offices, they're willing to help you reserve (same day) as apparently the only way to reach the pension owners is by working thru, I think it was, booking.com.
First week is physically stressful. After Bilbao it's not so bad...and not only because you've been walking for a while.
We noticed a lot of the walkers--we started in later May--were there more for the athletic experience it sounded like. Plenty of bragging about how many kms they put in per day, followed by painful rubbing on legs.
There are some observations on my blog: texassunshine24.blogspot.com on some of the days. (Lost track of recap posts and so didn't recap the entire route. OTOH there was good wifi in lots of places, so many in-progress brief notes.)

If you're doing it for religious reasons, there are fewer opportunities to attend Mass that fit the pilgrim's schedule compared to the Frances. When we got to Los Arcos and the evening pilgrim Mass, I think I cried for happiness for half of the mass.

Buen camino.

Good post.

Actually the first day was only few hikers on the trail.
Others were the sporty types / one day only walkers.
That was from Irun to San Sebastián.

Yes agree hit the TI office for recomnendations where to stay.

The tourism picks up in spring and gets nutty along the coast. Especially in the summer.
Things ease up after Bilbao .
Cost and People wise and tourists wise.

 

[Iriebabel]

I walked the Camino Frances twice and I wanted to do it a third time, but in the end I decided to the try the Camino del Norte. I am hoping that the Norte will as good an experience as the Frances. I will be walking alone at a nice slow pace and celebrating my 64th birthday on the Camino. Landing in Bordeaux with a nice direct flight from Montreal in Quebec and by train to Hendaye and starting to walk from Irun on the 5th of May 2019. Any Hotel recommendations in Irun and San Sebastian, after that I will be hitting the Albergues.

I stayed at hotel alcazar 500 meters from the hendaye bridge in Irun on 23-25 march 2019 just a week ago nice place with breakfast included, clean, quiet and nice staff. Can book on booking.com close to a supermarket 1 minute and restaurants with 5-10 min walk. Not far from Irun train station just off down town yellow signs everywhere. If you are on the Hendaye side it’s just across the bridge pass the stadium under the underpass to the right as you go up the street. Refer to my post under live from the Del Norte for further info on Irun , list of albergue and info from the tourist office.

In Pasajes The donitivo Albergue Santa Ana is nice and small not many pilgrims.

In San Sebastián I was at albergue Selena. At the end of the beach up the hill to the left. I had a private room ..quiet has a kitchen and rec room and laundry. Lots of restaurants 5 minute walk below. I stayed one extra night due to me need physio for heel spur in hotel la avinida ...really nice but expensive on top of the hill above the albergue just a few more meters . If you are looking for a real hotel this is it...lovely with great views. Check my post for more info and you can also read my blog at omoperc.com Hope this helps. I’m in Markena today on a rest break .

 

[lt56ny]

I walked the Camino Frances twice and I wanted to do it a third time, but in the end I decided to the try the Camino del Norte. I am hoping that the Norte will as good an experience as the Frances. I will be walking alone at a nice slow pace and celebrating my 64th birthday on the Camino. Landing in Bordeaux with a nice direct flight from Montreal in Quebec and by train to Hendaye and starting to walk from Irun on the 5th of May 2019. Any Hotel recommendations in Irun and San Sebastian, after that I will be hitting the Albergues.

Hi,
Take your time on the Norte, I was 64 when I walked it. It was my 4th Camino. I have walked from as far as Le Puy to Santiago. I thought that the Norte was the toughest by far, but well worth it. I flew to San Sebastian for 2 days before I went to Irun. I stayed at Pension Aristizabal. The room was very simple and in a great location, very close to the Cathedral. I think I paid 60 euros a night but it was very quiet and I wanted to get some good sleep. When I came back and stayed in San Sebastian on my first night on the camino I stayed in an hostel called A Rome With a View that was also well located. I was so tired after that little stroll from Irun I wanted to make sure I had a great bed. It was super clean and the bed was great. It was worth the 20 Euros for sure. I booked them both on Booking.com. But as I have stated many times when you are in San Sebastian you must, without fail, go to Gelateria Boulevard. Trust me you will thank me!!!!

 

[Maggie Y]

JP Try not to miss the albergue in Pasajes. It's really lovely but only has 14 bed spaces. Get there early as it's well worth staying in such a lovely albergue. Maggie

 

[naplesdon]

San Sebastian deserves an extra day just to sample the tapas in the old section of town, they have by far the best tapas bars in all of Spain.
Room in the City has a albergue with 4 bunks per room in private sleepers which is reasonably prices and well managed. Hotels in SS are quite expensive.

 

[lt56ny]

San Sebastian deserves an extra day just to sample the tapas in the old section of town, they have by far the best tapas bars in all of Spain.
Room in the City has a albergue with 4 bunks per room in private sleepers which is reasonably prices and well managed. Hotels in SS are quite expensive.

I stayed there too. I recommended it in my post. I really had a good night's sleep there.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I walked the Camino Frances twice and also the Del Norte. I loved them both, each in different ways. I think having done the Frances route twice, you are ready for a change and the Del Norte will be great. It definately feels more like a hike, but it has its own charms and beauty. I have great memories!

 

[Canche]

I walked the Camino Frances twice and I wanted to do it a third time, but in the end I decided to the try the Camino del Norte. I am hoping that the Norte will as good an experience as the Frances. I will be walking alone at a nice slow pace and celebrating my 64th birthday on the Camino. Landing in Bordeaux with a nice direct flight from Montreal in Quebec and by train to Hendaye and starting to walk from Irun on the 5th of May 2019. Any Hotel recommendations in Irun and San Sebastian, after that I will be hitting the Albergues.

Norte is great and so is San Sebastian. Enjoy Buen camino

 

[Gaddong]

I walked the Camino Frances twice and I wanted to do it a third time, but in the end I decided to the try the Camino del Norte. I am hoping that the Norte will as good an experience as the Frances. I will be walking alone at a nice slow pace and celebrating my 64th birthday on the Camino. Landing in Bordeaux with a nice direct flight from Montreal in Quebec and by train to Hendaye and starting to walk from Irun on the 5th of May 2019. Any Hotel recommendations in Irun and San Sebastian, after that I will be hitting the Albergues.

San Sebastian Maria Kristina

I walked the Camino Frances twice and also the Del Norte. I loved them both, each in different ways. I think having done the Frances route twice, you are ready for a change and the Del Norte will be great. It definately feels more like a hike, but it has its own charms and beauty. I have great memories!

Hotel Maria Cristina is where I left my heart and will be back... my wife and I stayed there 5 nights heavenly.

 

[Owen Duguay]

Moi aussi ; j'ai l'intention de marcher le Camino Norte. Buen Camino.

 

[Seamus68]

The Norte is very beautiful especially first few days. But tough after a week it gets easier, Guggenheim museum is a must.

 

[Thomas Yingst]

Be

I walked the Camino Frances twice and I wanted to do it a third time, but in the end I decided to the try the Camino del Norte. I am hoping that the Norte will as good an experience as the Frances. I will be walking alone at a nice slow pace and celebrating my 64th birthday on the Camino. Landing in Bordeaux with a nice direct flight from Montreal in Quebec and by train to Hendaye and starting to walk from Irun on the 5th of May 2019. Any Hotel recommendations in Irun and San Sebastian, after that I will be hitting the Albergues.

be ready for rain and mud! Lots of beauty on this route

 

[Evilmuffin]

Hey JP, I’ll be flying from Canada and arriving the 4th. Hope to see you on the trail. I’ll be on horseback.

 

[andralynn]

I walked the Camino Frances twice and I wanted to do it a third time, but in the end I decided to the try the Camino del Norte. I am hoping that the Norte will as good an experience as the Frances. I will be walking alone at a nice slow pace and celebrating my 64th birthday on the Camino. Landing in Bordeaux with a nice direct flight from Montreal in Quebec and by train to Hendaye and starting to walk from Irun on the 5th of May 2019. Any Hotel recommendations in Irun and San Sebastian, after that I will be hitting the Albergues.

I will be celebrating my 70th on the Del Norte May 27th. Maybe by then you will be able to tell me where the good places to stay and to eat are. Buen Camino
Andra

 

[Seamus68]

theres an Albergue in Pobena ..if you stay there go into the left hand side room..the right hand side room..wall covered in damp.. recommend stopping at Luarca..there is an Albergue on way in to town.. better off staying in Albergue in town centre..

 

[andralynn]

San Sebastian Maria Kristina

Hotel Maria Cristina is where I left my heart and will be back... my wife and I stayed there 5 nights heavenly.

Where is the hotel Maria Cristina?

 

[andralynn]

San Sebastian deserves an extra day just to sample the tapas in the old section of town, they have by far the best tapas bars in all of Spain.
Room in the City has a albergue with 4 bunks per room in private sleepers which is reasonably prices and well managed. Hotels in SS are quite expensive.

What is “Room in the City”? Is that the name of the Alburgue? I am planning on staying in San Sebastián for 3 days and I have booked a hostel called Kobi. It looks great on the internet but it is good to hear from people who have actually stayed in SS.

 

[naplesdon]

Room in the City is hostel in the terms of what a youth hostel used be in the past. It caters to all ages and the rooms have 4 little sleepettes with privacy curtains, individual reading light, electric outlets and lockable storage drawers below the lower bunk, the toilets are shared with other rooms. There is a lot of common area, a full time staff, a fully equipped kitchen (as I remember it but I did not use it) and it is fairly close to the beach and all the city acitivity.
Last year when I was there it was completo, so I took a room nearby in an AirBnB.

 

[Bugsy]

Hi,
Take your time on the Norte, I was 64 when I walked it. It was my 4th Camino. I have walked from as far as Le Puy to Santiago. I thought that the Norte was the toughest by far, but well worth it. I flew to San Sebastian for 2 days before I went to Irun. I stayed at Pension Aristizabal. The room was very simple and in a great location, very close to the Cathedral. I think I paid 60 euros a night but it was very quiet and I wanted to get some good sleep. When I came back and stayed in San Sebastian on my first night on the camino I stayed in an hostel called A Rome With a View that was also well located. I was so tired after that little stroll from Irun I wanted to make sure I had a great bed. It was super clean and the bed was great. It was worth the 20 Euros for sure. I booked them both on Booking.com. But as I have stated many times when you are in San Sebastian you must, without fail, go to Gelateria Boulevard. Trust me you will thank me!!!!

This will be my second Camino. Conflicted on which one to walk ..... Frances or Norte. Will be arriving at the end of the month.

 

[lt56ny]

What is “Room in the City”? Is that the name of the Alburgue? I am planning on staying in San Sebastián for 3 days and I have booked a hostel called Kobi. It looks great on the internet but it is good to hear from people who have actually stayed in SS.

I have stayed in Room in the City and it is very nice hostel. Very clean and well run

 

[Gaddong]

Where is the hotel Maria Cristina?

San Sebastian.