Arriving in Bilbao and starting Camino Frances during Semana Santa

[Burton Axxe]

First post by a Camino newcomer here.

I’ll be starting my very first Camino (Frances) in April 2023. I arrive in Bilbao from Japan right smack in the middle of Semana Santa. I don’t have much choice regarding my arrival day.

I’m eager to get right to Roncesvalles, my starting point, but I wonder if the route and transport (Bilbao-Pamplona-RCV) will be crowded then or some infrastructure in the early part might be closed. Would it be better to hunker down in Bilbao and watch the festivities for a few days, and start the day after it all quiets down or would you recommend heading out on the ‘way’ asap?

 

[Anamya]

Semana Santa is a very busy time anywhere in Spain. So, if you want to start from Roncesvalles, booking in advance for the train and first few days of accommodation would be the best option.

That said, Japan-Spain is a long trip and 1 or 2 days somewhere to get over jet lag could be beneficial, and Bilbao sounds like an amazing place to do it

(and just as a very alternative option: are you aware that the Camino del Norte passes by Bilbao? Worst case you can actually start walking from there?)

 

[Burton Axxe]

Thanks.

The jet lag recovery time in Bilbao might be the best option. I hear that it’s a legit destination in itself.

I know that the Norte passes through but I’m set on the CF as a starter and don’t want to prolong the distance.

 

[C clearly]

I have moved some posts about starting the Camino Frances in Pamplona during Semana Santa to another thread here. Some of the issues about crowding in general will be similar, but Burton's question of what to do upon arrival in Bilbao is different.

I vote for the idea of spending a day or two or three in Bilbao and/or Pamplona. But I would make reservations well in advance for whatever I decided on.

 

[Burton Axxe]

Thanks for the feedback. Bilbao is booked for two nights, then Pamplona for one. Will start from Pamplona the day right after the locals return home.