Semana Santa on the Camino Madrid

[Donna Sch]

We planning a Camino Mixto of Camino Madrid/Salvador/Primitivo starting in early April next year. April 13-20 is Semana Santa next year We will probably fly in to Barcelona on 4th April and play tourist in Madrid for 2-3 days as we have never been there before so start walking on 7-8th. The first week will be shorter stages as I don't want to kill Barrie in the first week. He's a photographer so I can't see him not bringing a small laptop and a decent camera
We are not limited to just albergues (Barrie is a massive snorer so communal dorms are probably not the best thing for us.) So effectively our week 2 will probably be Easter week. Segovia will be during that time.
Any place we should aim to be, or not to be, for Easter? And what are the experiences with closed shops and accommodation over the Easter break?

 

[Walkingat70]

We planning a Camino Mixto of Camino Madrid/Salvador/Primitivo starting in early April next year. April 13-20 is Semana Santa next year We will probably fly in to Barcelona on 4th April and play tourist in Madrid for 2-3 days as we have never been there before so start walking on 7-8th. The first week will be shorter stages as I don't want to kill Barrie in the first week. He's a photographer so I can't see him not bringing a small laptop and a decent camera
We are not limited to just albergues (Barrie is a massive snorer so communal dorms are probably not the best thing for us.) So effectively our week 2 will probably be Easter week. Segovia will be during that time.
Any place we should aim to be, or not to be, for Easter? And what are the experiences with closed shops and accommodation over the Easter break?

Easter is a very busy hence bad time to walk as half of Spain will be there.

Consider using pensions.In Google maps click on the hotel Tab and that will bring up all the hotels, hostels and albergue in the area. Either contact them directly on WhatsApp or via Booking.com etc. If your plans are set book now. Later the choice will reduce

 

[jungleboy]

Easter is a very busy hence bad time to walk as half of Spain will be there.

It’s the Camino de Madrid, let’s not use hyperbole here. It will be busier than normal during Semana Santa but normal on this camino is virtually empty.

@Donna Sch, hopefully someone begins the CdM during Semana Santa next week and shares their experience to give you an idea of what to expect next year, although there’s no one listed in the March calendar. @Stephan the Painter just started a couple of days ago and although he is a few days ahead of whatever Semana Santa rush exists at the start of the CdM, maybe he can give some insight as to what it’s like towards the end of his camino next week.

It was outside of Semana Santa but I walked the CdM nearly the same dates as you in 2019. I saw 5-6 other pilgrims the entire time.

¡Buen camino!

 

[Pelegrin]

It’s the Camino de Madrid, let’s not use hyperbole here. It will be busier than normal during Semana Santa but normal on this camino is virtually empty.

On Wednesday I walked Tres Cantos - Manzanares ( I am not doing the Camino). When crossing Colmenar I asked two locals if they knew about the Camino across Colmenar. None of them knew despite the Camino is well marked.

 

[David Tallan]

It’s the Camino de Madrid, let’s not use hyperbole here. It will be busier than normal during Semana Santa but normal on this camino is virtually empty.

@Donna Sch, hopefully someone begins the CdM during Semana Santa next week and shares their experience to give you an idea of what to expect next year, although there’s no one listed in the March calendar. @Stephan the Painter just started a couple of days ago and although he is a few days ahead of whatever Semana Santa rush exists at the start of the CdM, maybe he can give some insight as to what it’s like towards the end of his camino next week.

It was outside of Semana Santa but I walked the CdM nearly the same dates as you in 2019. I saw 5-6 other pilgrims the entire time.

¡Buen camino!

Let me echo this. I walked the Camino de Madrid in high season last year and more than half the time I was the only pilgrim in the albergue. I wouldn't worry about it being too busy during Semana Santa. My biggest worry probably would be the possibility of snow as you cross the mountains a few days into your Camino. After that it should be smooth sailing. I would get in touch with Ray and Rosa who run a small albergue in Manzanares el real (recommended). When I walked they had the best information about what was open and what was closed on the Camino de Madrid. They also run a website that has a guide to the Camino de Madrid (and another for the Camino Primitivo).

 

[C clearly]

Easter is a very busy hence bad time to walk as half of Spain will be there.

Easter is a very interesting time to be in Spain, as long as you are aware of the accommodation issues and plan accordingly. I think it would be great to spend a couple of days in Segovia during Semana Santa, and would book well in advance (and expecting prices to be high that week). Even the villages may have processions.

Segovia will be during that time.

You have planted an idea in my head for 2025 (provided that I survive 2024) - Camino de Madrid and Segovia during Easter!