A question of time...

[philmaybe]

I hope to walk the Camino Frances in 2016. Being retired now I have all the time in the world so my plan is to take my time and ‘smell the roses’ along the way. If I find a beautiful little village (as opposed to a larger city) somewhere along the way, I’d like to stop and stay a while, though probably no longer than a few days. My question is – is there anything that I’m unaware of that would require me to move along at a particular rate? For example I heard somewhere that some albergues will not allow you to stay if they feel you have not walked far enough that day. Also, is there any time limit for completion beyond which you cannot get your compostela?

 

[MichaelSG]

There is no time limit and I have never heard of being refused a bed because you haven't walked far enough. That said, most every albergue I know of required that everyone be out of the place (with all their gear) by 8:00am or so. Most, particularly the municipal albergues, also had a policy that you could not stay more than one night unless there was some medical issue or other good reason. Pensions, B&Bs and casa rurals would not have that rule. Buen Camino!

 

[mspath]

Phil,

Welcome to the Forum!
Walking the camino is a wonderful way to start or continue your retirement.

There is no time limit for using a Credencial. Many pilgrims walk a section of the route each year and take several years to finally arrive at Santiago.

During the summer season most pilgrim albergues limit your stay to one night unless you are ill. However off season you can often stay an extra night if you ask.

If you are entering Europe from another country be sure to check the time limit that you may legally stay as a tourist within the Schengen European community. For North Americans the time limit is 90 days.

Happy planning and Buen camino!

Margaret Meredith

 

[Anniesantiago]

What Margaret said.
The only limit imposed is the 90 day Schengen limit - which is pretty much impossible to get around unless you are attending school there.

 

[philmaybe]

Many thanks; that's much appreciated.