Camino Primitivo in June

[intrepidtraveler]

Has anyone walked the Camino Primitivo in June within the last couple of years? If so, did you have any issues with finding a place to stay? How was the weather (which of course will be different every time)? Any insights into walking this route are appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

 

[CK007]

Did this in the latter half of May 2016. Had no problems finding accommodation. Most days was nice sunny weather, with the occasional drizzle. Some strong winds on the Hospitales section (beautiful views!), but nothing unmanageable. No snow, only had that on the San Salvador and Madrid earlier on. Since June is closer to summer I'd imagine the weather would be hotter and the route more crowded, but luckily the Primitivo is not yet as popular as the Frances. Once it rejoins the Frances however beware! As for walking tips, be sure to carry some extra supplies. Unlike the Frances, most places will be closed on Sunday and not every stopping point has a convenient restaurant. Waterwise, I'd also advise carrying a bit more. Myself, I'd usually have 2litres regardless of what route I do. I see you did the Madrid, stocking up in the same manner as you did then, will be more than sufficient for the Primitivo.

Enjoy all the preparing/planning!

 

[NualaOC]

Hi @intrepidtraveler, the Primitivo is a wonderful Camino. I haven't walked it in June, but I had no problems finding a place to stay in September. There are plenty of albergues and private accommodation.

The Primitivo sub-forum has lots of useful information that will help your planning. One consideration is whether you want to walk the very beautiful Hospitales option. This requires some forethought, in terms of where you stay the previous night. @peregrina2000 posted some really helpful information here.

I agree with @CK007 that you need to think about food and water on many of the stages, as there are fewer stopping points. But it's all still very manageable.

If you don't feel ready to join the Camino Frances at Melide, another option is to follow the green arrows of the Camino Verde from Lugo to Sobrado dos Monxes (on the Camino del Norte). It's quite a remote 2-day detour, but still worth considering (especially if you meet some Germans who have the @Raimund Joos guide book!).

Buean Camino and happy planning!

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I walked it starting at the end of May, but before it was "the year of the Primitivo" as declared by some level of Government or organisation.

Other than what has been mentioned already, on the Primitivo there are many looooong distance walkers, and they tend to arrive at albergues later in the evening. I saw some of them having to sleep outdoors, on a picnic table or under a tractor, but in my experience, if you arrived 4-6 pm you could still find a bed. After 6, it could be a problem.

If you do the Hospitales route, really listen to the locals regarding the weather. I walked on a glorious day, bit when a cloud rolled it it got frightening: cold, and zero visibility. Also bring extra water. I had plnanned to only walk to the first road junction because I know my limits, so I was glad to be able to give my 2nd bottle to a person who was walking on and had ran out.

 

[intrepidtraveler]

Thanks so much for all of the helpful information and the quick replies.

I am planning to start my adventure with the Camino Norte then branch off onto the Primitivo. It seems from reports I've read that much of the CN is on paved roads. Is the Primitivo a lot of road walking or more dirt trails/gravel paths since it is more remote?

 

[MarcelWals]

After walking the Camino Frances I am also thinking of doing the Primitivo. So I will read all the comments of this thread with interest Thnx!

 

[nathanael]

Has anyone walked the Camino Primitivo in June within the last couple of years? If so, did you have any issues with finding a place to stay? How was the weather (which of course will be different every time)? Any insights into walking this route are appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

did a few ago but am ready to do it again .