Where to have two rest days

[Dani7]

Hello everyone ,

Preparations are getting more focused now as I am booking albergues for the first week of my spring Camino. As I was planning my start day from SJPdP this spring, based on the time off I was taking, little did I know that I would be walking my first week during Semana Santa. I realized later that I was starting my camino on Palm Sunday . Since this is a spiritual pilgrimage for me and in hopes of rekindling my faith, is this a coincidence...or was the universe sending me a message? I am booked up to Najera, and from there would prefer to NOT book ahead of time. Planning this journey is a camino unto itself and I already feel my feet and spirit becoming one as I train and prepare. I have pre-booked for two nights in Santiago at the Hospederia San Martin Pinario which gives me two rest days along the way before I arrive there.

My question to this wonderful community of pilgrims is: I have two rest days I can take before arriving in Santiago to stay at San Martin Pinario. Along "The Way", what city/town do you recommend I stay an extra night? ...or, should I stay longer in Santiago. I have another week after arriving in Santiago to do the Santiago-Muxia-Finisterre walk.

Thanks in advance for all your suggestions,
Danielle

 

[Dani7]

....or...maybe I should just shorten some of my walking days after Najera to enjoy other albergues/towns. So many options to consider. Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you

 

[Kiwi-family]

Why don't you just see how you go? By all means do some research, but leave the decision until you are walking. That's one of the lovely things about camino-life for many of us. You might like it too.

 

[trecile]

....or...maybe I should just shorten some of my walking days after Najera to enjoy other albergues/towns. So many options to consider. Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you

When I want a rest I walk a couple of short days in a row. I don't know what to do with myself if I have an entire day with no where to walk to, and I like to feel that I am continually moving ahead towards Santiago.
It's nice to walk a short day into a larger town or city, stay in a private room (possibly after staying out late ), sleep in a bit and do another short walk.

 

[Dani7]

Why don't you just see how you go? By all means do some research, but leave the decision until you are walking. That's one of the lovely things about camino-life for many of us. You might like it too.

Yeah...your suggestion makes a lot of sense Thank you!

 

[Dani7]

When I want a rest I walk a couple of short days in a row. I don't know what to do with myself if I have an entire day with no where to walk to, and I like to feel that I am continually moving ahead towards Santiago.
It's nice to walk a short day into a larger town or city, stay in a private room (possibly after staying out late ), sleep in a bit and do another short walk.

I'm liking that suggestion very much. I think I may get ansty.

 

[kelleymac]

See how things go. I walked twice during Semana Santa. You may want to stop in Burgos for the processions or Leon... but you won't be there yet. I went to some beautiful masses during holy week... and met some wonderful people. -- One Good Friday, we were out walking near villages, and couldn't find any small churches open (I guess most people go to the bigger cities.), so I told my son that we would say a short prayer, The Glory Be, every time we saw a cross. We said hundreds of Glory Be-s. Hundreds... there are hundreds of crosses in Spain. The prayer became a joyful meditation for us-- we whispered it, we shouted it, and it changed our lives. --

Buen Camino!

 

[Walkerooni]

I took a “rest” day in Burgos. Toured the cathedral, went to the amazing Museum of Human Evolution, ran into pilgrims I knew in the streets, rode a carousel, just enjoyed the city. Did the same in Leon—toured the cathedral, went to a Pilgrims mass, caught up with friends, hit a Decathlon store for a few items. Lots to see. And in both cases I was ready to get out of town and back on the trail.

 

[NYSE]

....or...maybe I should just shorten some of my walking days after Najera to enjoy other albergues/towns. So many options to consider. Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you

I didn't plan anything on my Camino. Never knew where I'd end the day. I loved it, but that is me. Given that, I did take a day off in Leon for Easter and if I had to do again, I'd stay a day in Burgos.

 

[november_moon]

Burgos and Leon are both neat cities with plenty to see, so they make for great places to have a rest day. Astorga is another - not as large, but some good sightseeing opportunities. There's an alberque in El Acebo that is almost resort-like (pool, terrace, nice restaurant) where you can stay more than 1 night - it would be great for relaxation.

 

[Saint Mike II]

I have done the Frances twice and if you have not seen it the Cathedral in Burgos is really worth the half day it takes to see it. My other recommendation is Leon. After the Meseta you will welcome the two nights in the same bed. Lots to see and do. If you start in St Jean then maybe an extra day in Pamplona (or at least a half day) followed by a shorter walking day. Cheers

 

[rometimed]

I did the French way in 2015 and I am currently planning my 2020 walk starting in St Jean Pied de Porte in May.

I think in my first walk I hit my days off at the right time.

For this run I will be taking a day off in Lagrono and a day off in Leon. Similar to my first time walking the Camino. Then I take a day off in Santiago before walking to Muxia, then Finesterre.

 

[t2andreo]

Even if you do decide to 'wing it' around Semana Santa and Easter Week, DO have the ability to book ahead with you. This means a current guidebook with some recommendations, and a smart phone with a data plan.

Some online reservation sites, like booking.com DO list private albergues that can be pre-booked. I have seen individual beds bookable, as well as shared rooms and private rooms. It all depends on the location. Of course there are also hotels, hostals and casa rurales as well.

You can also try to search for a direct website for the property. Many places now have them, and you might be able to score a room that way.

Be aware that the online sites generally do not have every reservable room. The standard 'deal' these commercial websites do with properties is to list a percentage of their rooms for online reservation. The property must pay a commission of up to 15% for the convenience. You can sometimes save by going to the property directly.

At busy times, holiday, and most weekends during 'the season' if a property shows SOLD OUT, you should still call the property directly to see if they still have rooms available. This helps if you speak Spanish. But, one trick that works is to have the proprietor where you are staying tonight, call ahead to make the down route reservation for you.

Hope this helps.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

If you want to sight-see then Burgos, Leon and Astorga come to mind. If you want to rest then consider Sahagun, the halfway point. Big enough to have things to see and small enough that you won't get tired visiting them. And around June 12 they have fiesta days that include a corrida, a running with the bulls. Probably like Pamplona's during Hemingway's days instead of the version that they have now.

 

[Dani7]

I did the French way in 2015 and I am currently planning my 2020 walk starting in St Jean Pied de Porte in May.

I think in my first walk I hit my days off at the right time.
Buen Camino
For this run I will be taking a day off in Lagrono and a day off in Leon. Similar to my first time walking the Camino. Then I take a day off in Santiago before walking to Muxia, then Finesterre.

 

[Dani7]

Even if you do decide to 'wing it' around Semana Santa and Easter Week, DO have the ability to book ahead with you. This means a current guidebook with some recommendations, and a smart phone with a data plan.

Some online reservation sites, like booking.com DO list private albergues that can be pre-booked. I have seen individual beds bookable, as well as shared rooms and private rooms. It all depends on the location. Of course there are also hotels, hostals and casa rurales as well.

You can also try to search for a direct website for the property. Many places now have them, and you might be able to score a room that way.

Be aware that the online sites generally do not have every reservable room. The standard 'deal' these commercial websites do with properties is to list a percentage of their rooms for online reservation. The property must pay a commission of up to 15% for the convenience. You can sometimes save by going to the property directly.

At busy times, holiday, and most weekends during 'the season' if a property shows SOLD OUT, you should still call the property directly to see if they still have rooms available. This helps if you speak Spanish. But, one trick that works is to have the proprietor where you are staying tonight, call ahead to make the down route reservation for you.

Hope this helps.

Good advice. Thank you

 

[Donjek]

I'd recommend rest days in small villages where there is nothing to do but sit and put your feet up. If you take rest days in places like Burgos or Leon you will be up on your feet taking in the sights ... not a rest day at all.

 

[David Tallan]

In terms of rest days, you will get much better information from your body than from me as to where they are best taken.

In terms of which towns might merit a bit more time after Najera, here are a few suggestions. As to whether you spend a extra night in these places or just do short days to and/or from them to give you extra time, it's up to you (of course - it is also up to you whether you just breeze through them).

Burgos and Leon are the obvious choices with beautiful cathedrals and other things to see. Astorga also has a nice cathedral and a beautiful Episcopal palace, designed by Gaudi, which now serves as a pilgrimage museum. There is also a chocolate museum in Astorga. As you pass through Ponferrada, it is worth taking some extra time to tour the castle. And many people find Villafranca del Bierzo worthy of some extra time.

I hope that helps. Buen Camino!

 

[Dani7]

I'd recommend rest days in small villages where there is nothing to do but sit and put your feet up. If you take rest days in places like Burgos or Leon you will be up on your feet taking in the sights ... not a rest day at all.

Yes most definitely worth considering depending on how I feel.

 

[Dani7]

In terms of rest days, you will get much better information from your body than from me as to where they are best taken.

In terms of which towns might merit a bit more time after Najera, here are a few suggestions. As to whether you spend a extra night in these places or just do short days to and/or from them to give you extra time, it's up to you (of course - it is also up to you whether you just breeze through them).

Burgos and Leon are the obvious choices with beautiful cathedrals and other things to see. Astorga also has a nice cathedral and a beautiful Episcopal palace, designed by Gaudi, which now serves as a pilgrimage museum. There is also a chocolate museum in Astorga. As you pass through Ponferrada, it is worth taking some extra time to tour the castle. And many people find Villafranca del Bierzo worthy of some extra time.

I hope that helps. Buen Camino!

It does. Thank you

 

[Randy Hay]

Hello everyone ,

Preparations are getting more focused now as I am booking albergues for the first week of my spring Camino. As I was planning my start day from SJPdP this spring, based on the time off I was taking, little did I know that I would be walking my first week during Semana Santa. I realized later that I was starting my camino on Palm Sunday . Since this is a spiritual pilgrimage for me and in hopes of rekindling my faith, is this a coincidence...or was the universe sending me a message? I am booked up to Najera, and from there would prefer to NOT book ahead of time. Planning this journey is a camino unto itself and I already feel my feet and spirit becoming one as I train and prepare. I have pre-booked for two nights in Santiago at the Hospederia San Martin Pinario which gives me two rest days along the way before I arrive there.

My question to this wonderful community of pilgrims is: I have two rest days I can take before arriving in Santiago to stay at San Martin Pinario. Along "The Way", what city/town do you recommend I stay an extra night? ...or, should I stay longer in Santiago. I have another week after arriving in Santiago to do the Santiago-Muxia-Finisterre walk.

Thanks in advance for all your suggestions,
Danielle

I have, twice I think, sat out rainy days. Or and extra day in S de C is nice - museos o cafes o ambos

 

[Anamya]

Another vote for "see how you feel on the way". What if you find out you actually walk slower than expected and need those days for walking? Or what if you need the break because of blisters, even though you are in the middle of nowhere (touch wood it never happens!)?

It is amazing that you have some extra time. But it is such a long journey that anything can happen, so let it happen In case all is good, my suggestion is like @trecile above: spend most of the day exploring the city you are, then do a very short walk to somewhere else. Personal suggestion would be Burgos, the tour of the cathedral is worth every minute.

 

[thejoker]

I love rest days. An opportunity to spend 2 days in hotels, dine late, sleep late and really get to know some of the amazing smaller churches that pilgrims breezing through generally don't have time for.
My favourite places I have stopped off at are the cities already mentioned (Leon, Burgos, Astorga), and also Logrono (which has so may riches to see and enjoy and an extra night will be needed if Calle del Laurel has been too fully explored), Santo Domingo (staying in the Parador in the centre), and Carrion (staying in San Zoilo).
I also like to make the journey from Villafranca to Triacastela last 5 days by staying in Trabedelo after walking the quieter, higher path. Then on to Las Herrerias, O Cebreiro and my favourite place for communal dinner along the entire Camino at Fonria.

 

[Shalaw]

You can plan your rest days, but I think you should let your body tell you when it's time to take one. We knew we would likely have some, but didn't plan where or when. Sure enough, about seven days in, I felt so run down and like I was coming down with something, so we decided to book a room for two nights at the Ritz Carlton in Logrono, and alternated exploring the city (amazing burgers at Burgerheim!) and napped and I think I had about six baths. Lol. I felt right as rain when we set off again. Then, my partner was starting to feel the same way, just as we approached Leon, so we did the same thing there, but in a pensione. It was great, as there was a medieval faire going on while we were there. So, all this to say....let your body tell you when it's time.

Buen Camino!

 

[Mark McCarthy]

Leon!

 

[wayfarer]

A rest day in Burgos and Leon in a nice hotel would be my choice, two beautiful cities.

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

When I want a rest I walk a couple of short days in a row. I don't know what to do with myself

Glad to hear I am not alone on this one..........

 

[november_moon]

Of course it does depend on what sort of rest day you are looking for and how you define relaxation. We had a rest day in Leon because my feet needed a break. We still wandered around town a bit and did some sightseeing, which felt like a rest compared to a regular Camino day - LOL - we *only* walked like 4 or 5 km that day. We also spent time enjoying a long lunch and more time enjoying drinks at a couple sidewalk cafes. It was a really relaxing day.

 

[Juspassinthru]

Hello everyone ,

Preparations are getting more focused now as I am booking albergues for the first week of my spring Camino. As I was planning my start day from SJPdP this spring, based on the time off I was taking, little did I know that I would be walking my first week during Semana Santa. I realized later that I was starting my camino on Palm Sunday . Since this is a spiritual pilgrimage for me and in hopes of rekindling my faith, is this a coincidence...or was the universe sending me a message? I am booked up to Najera, and from there would prefer to NOT book ahead of time. Planning this journey is a camino unto itself and I already feel my feet and spirit becoming one as I train and prepare. I have pre-booked for two nights in Santiago at the Hospederia San Martin Pinario which gives me two rest days along the way before I arrive there.

My question to this wonderful community of pilgrims is: I have two rest days I can take before arriving in Santiago to stay at San Martin Pinario. Along "The Way", what city/town do you recommend I stay an extra night? ...or, should I stay longer in Santiago. I have another week after arriving in Santiago to do the Santiago-Muxia-Finisterre walk.

Thanks in advance for all your suggestions,
Danielle

For me, the only must see is Burgos. After that, León is interesting, nice museums. But I agree, you may want to see how it goes with your 2nd day.
Enjoy and Buen Camino.

 

[APilgrim3393]

Burgos and Leon are both neat cities with plenty to see, so they make for great places to have a rest day. Astorga is another - not as large, but some good sightseeing opportunities. There's an alberque in El Acebo that is almost resort-like (pool, terrace, nice restaurant) where you can stay more than 1 night - it would be great for relaxation.

I recommend the albergue I’m el acebo. That’s the place that I thing is the best to take extra days. You can walk around the trails of El Bierzo short distances if you want to see another way of hiking in Spain.

 

[AlwynWellington]

@Dani7 , kia ora (greetings, good health)

It does depend whether you like everything buttoned down before you start.

I planned and planned and planned before I left, but booked nothing.

I think both @Kiwi-family and @trecile have got the best handle. It just depends on your way of doing things. And, once you are underway, you may just take a different approach.

Can I wag my finger a little and ask: how is your physical and mental preparation coming along?

Kia kaha (take care, be strong, get going)

 

[Dani7]

@Dani7 , kia ora (greetings, good health)

It does depend whether you like everything buttoned down before you start.

I planned and planned and planned before I left, but booked nothing.

I think both @Kiwi-family and @trecile have got the best handle. It just depends on your way of doing things. And, once you are underway, you may just take a different approach.

Can I wag my finger a little and ask: how is your physical and mental preparation coming along?

Kia kaha (take care, be strong, get going)

I’m in a good place. Feeling more prepared with each passing day and apart from the excitement fairly serene overall. Upping my training in January but training nonetheless. Thank you for your guidance.

 

[VNwalking]

I am booked up to Najera, and from there would prefer to NOT book ahead of time.

Good idea.
As others have said, just see how you go.
Not booking lets you take a rest day when you need to, and lets the body tell you when that is.

That said...it depends. Do you want quiet, or buzz of a city?

One thing to consider is taking the evening bus from Burgos to the wonderful monastery at Santo Domingo de Silos. It's a bit less than an hour's drive away but a different universe. You can take a taxi, too.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/santo-domingo-de-silos.60491/#post-712160

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/taxi-from-santo-domingo-de-silos.63744/#post-773045

Spend the night in SDdS, then take either the morning or evening bus back to Burgos - spending a night there before continuing on the Francés. In either case, you can join the vespers and matins at the monastery for the Gregorian chant. It's very special. Whether you stay the day depends on weather or preferences. If you do, you can do an out-and-back day walk the set of the Sad Hill Cemetery (of spaghetti western fame) before catching the evening bus.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/blondie-angel-eyes-and-tuco.50840/#post-555961

 

[Charte57]

I like the idea of doing very short days as rest days. My shortest ever was 4 km followed by a lovely day in Arzua. I’ve tried doing ‘rest days’, staying put for two nights In larger cities, the problem was I never rested. I probably walked more and the transition from pilgrim to tourist just didn’t feel right to me. My other advice, don’t overplan. I tend to be an over planner too, It’s scary at first but so freeing to let the Camino do your planning. Buen Camino!

 

[Leandra]

Hello everyone ,

Preparations are getting more focused now as I am booking albergues for the first week of my spring Camino. As I was planning my start day from SJPdP this spring, based on the time off I was taking, little did I know that I would be walking my first week during Semana Santa. I realized later that I was starting my camino on Palm Sunday . Since this is a spiritual pilgrimage for me and in hopes of rekindling my faith, is this a coincidence...or was the universe sending me a message? I am booked up to Najera, and from there would prefer to NOT book ahead of time. Planning this journey is a camino unto itself and I already feel my feet and spirit becoming one as I train and prepare. I have pre-booked for two nights in Santiago at the Hospederia San Martin Pinario which gives me two rest days along the way before I arrive there.

My question to this wonderful community of pilgrims is: I have two rest days I can take before arriving in Santiago to stay at San Martin Pinario. Along "The Way", what city/town do you recommend I stay an extra night? ...or, should I stay longer in Santiago. I have another week after arriving in Santiago to do the Santiago-Muxia-Finisterre walk.

Thanks in advance for all your suggestions,
Danielle

Hey Danielle!!
I had almost no preparation whatsoever before started the Camino on May 21st, this year! I booked the hostel in SJPP and in Oreson, and that’s it! After ir, I started booking for the next day and it became a ritual! Getting at the albergue, shower, meal and looking for the next day and booking the albergue!
it worked perfectly for me!

I rested 2 days and 2 nights in Pamplona, Leon and Burgos! Bigger towns! And that made me get very tired because I tried to see everything those places and I didn’t rest a bit!!

I have Fibromyalgia and I’m petite, very petite indeed! So, carrying backpack and walking around 20km daily without any previous trainee... not easy! It took me 47 days to do the Camino, resting 6 days!
Resting in small towns was the best because I could REST!

So, have a wonderful and blessed Camino! Buen Camino girl!

 

[mdelag]

Hello everyone ,

Preparations are getting more focused now as I am booking albergues for the first week of my spring Camino. As I was planning my start day from SJPdP this spring, based on the time off I was taking, little did I know that I would be walking my first week during Semana Santa. I realized later that I was starting my camino on Palm Sunday . Since this is a spiritual pilgrimage for me and in hopes of rekindling my faith, is this a coincidence...or was the universe sending me a message? I am booked up to Najera, and from there would prefer to NOT book ahead of time. Planning this journey is a camino unto itself and I already feel my feet and spirit becoming one as I train and prepare. I have pre-booked for two nights in Santiago at the Hospederia San Martin Pinario which gives me two rest days along the way before I arrive there.

My question to this wonderful community of pilgrims is: I have two rest days I can take before arriving in Santiago to stay at San Martin Pinario. Along "The Way", what city/town do you recommend I stay an extra night? ...or, should I stay longer in Santiago. I have another week after arriving in Santiago to do the Santiago-Muxia-Finisterre walk.

Thanks in advance for all your suggestions,
Danielle

Hi Danielle, I walked April May from Roncesvalles to Santiago, had a rest day in Burgos , my bday and it felt great, Woke up early, but late compared to Camino schedule, took my time to get ready and went to see the town. Took my guidebook walked around, had my bday lunch, siesta, Cathedral tour, pintxos, waited for the Carhedral nightlights, back to my place and next day was a pilgrim again. From there on every time I needed a rest I made short stages, and that was very nice. Enjoy your days, Buen Camino.

 

[mdelag]

Hello everyone ,

Preparations are getting more focused now as I am booking albergues for the first week of my spring Camino. As I was planning my start day from SJPdP this spring, based on the time off I was taking, little did I know that I would be walking my first week during Semana Santa. I realized later that I was starting my camino on Palm Sunday . Since this is a spiritual pilgrimage for me and in hopes of rekindling my faith, is this a coincidence...or was the universe sending me a message? I am booked up to Najera, and from there would prefer to NOT book ahead of time. Planning this journey is a camino unto itself and I already feel my feet and spirit becoming one as I train and prepare. I have pre-booked for two nights in Santiago at the Hospederia San Martin Pinario which gives me two rest days along the way before I arrive there.

My question to this wonderful community of pilgrims is: I have two rest days I can take before arriving in Santiago to stay at San Martin Pinario. Along "The Way", what city/town do you recommend I stay an extra night? ...or, should I stay longer in Santiago. I have another week after arriving in Santiago to do the Santiago-Muxia-Finisterre walk.

Thanks in advance for all your suggestions,
Danielle

But I prefer saying “let your body, mind and soul tell you when and where to rest”...I really think we should give us the opportunity to BE SURPRISED BY LIFE !!!
Buen Camino again...

 

[Robi Diaz De Vivar]

Hello everyone ,

Preparations are getting more focused now as I am booking albergues for the first week of my spring Camino. As I was planning my start day from SJPdP this spring, based on the time off I was taking, little did I know that I would be walking my first week during Semana Santa. I realized later that I was starting my camino on Palm Sunday . Since this is a spiritual pilgrimage for me and in hopes of rekindling my faith, is this a coincidence...or was the universe sending me a message? I am booked up to Najera, and from there would prefer to NOT book ahead of time. Planning this journey is a camino unto itself and I already feel my feet and spirit becoming one as I train and prepare. I have pre-booked for two nights in Santiago at the Hospederia San Martin Pinario which gives me two rest days along the way before I arrive there.

My question to this wonderful community of pilgrims is: I have two rest days I can take before arriving in Santiago to stay at San Martin Pinario. Along "The Way", what city/town do you recommend I stay an extra night? ...or, should I stay longer in Santiago. I have another week after arriving in Santiago to do the Santiago-Muxia-Finisterre walk.

Thanks in advance for all your suggestions,
Danielle

I have 2 suggestions for you. The first one would be from my own experience, Burgos, a beautiful and historical city. It has the best municipal Albergue that I have ever stayed in. It was my end point when I walked part of the Frances in 2016 and I could only stay one night. I am desperate to go back. The second is from the experience of a Scottish friend who walked the whole Camino Frances in 2016. He said the best town he stayed in, for history and especially for food, was Leon.

 

[David with new Kit!]

When we walked from SJPP to Logrono in September we only booked 2 days ahead all the time. We had our 2 day break in Pamplona where the art deco Cafe Iruna is a must for lunch.

We start again from Logrono mid May 2020 and will have 2 days in each of Leon and Burgos as a minimum. We will stick to 2 days ahead booking as it works well for us and allows flexibility if our bodies rebel!

 

[Dani7]

Hey Danielle!!
I had almost no preparation whatsoever before started the Camino on May 21st, this year! I booked the hostel in SJPP and in Oreson, and that’s it! After ir, I started booking for the next day and it became a ritual! Getting at the albergue, shower, meal and looking for the next day and booking the albergue!
it worked perfectly for me!

I rested 2 days and 2 nights in Pamplona, Leon and Burgos! Bigger towns! And that made me get very tired because I tried to see everything those places and I didn’t rest a bit!!

I have Fibromyalgia and I’m petite, very petite indeed! So, carrying backpack and walking around 20km daily without any previous trainee... not easy! It took me 47 days to do the Camino, resting 6 days!
Resting in small towns was the best because I could REST!

So, have a wonderful and blessed Camino! Buen Camino girl!

Great advice for this sometimes type A personality.