Best day to reach Santiago (hypothetically)?

[davejsy]

So having read and heard a lot about the busyness of the Camino, and especially the final 100km for obvious reasons, I was wondering if with some planning you could avoid it to a degree. I have no idea, but I'm guessing the majority of people doing say just the final 100km are more than likely to be finishing in Santiago on the weekend? And if so therefore the various stages leading up to Santiago will be busiest on this time basis, if you get what I mean (they are all moving in similar waves).

So anyway, before I probably confuse my actual question any further - what is the best day to arrive in Santiago do people think or have experience of? Or perhaps it makes no difference? Although I would imagine there is also a tourist influx at weekends.

 

[J Willhaus]

People in Spain often start on a weekend so add 5 or so days to a Saturday or Sunday. The weekend is lively in Santiago as there are non-pilgrims who also come to Santiago. Lots of exhibits, music festivals, shopping, conference meetings, etc.

 

[David Tallan]

July 25 is a great or terrible time depending on whether one enjoys celebrations or wants to avoid crowds.

 

[malingerer]

July 25 is a great or terrible time depending on whether one enjoys celebrations or wants to avoid crowds.

The best day ? The one you arrive on

Samarkand.

 

[Former member 111516]

The best day ? The one you arrive on

Samarkand.

The best reply here!

 

[NYSE]

So having read and heard a lot about the busyness of the Camino, and especially the final 100km for obvious reasons, I was wondering if with some planning you could avoid it to a degree. I have no idea, but I'm guessing the majority of people doing say just the final 100km are more than likely to be finishing in Santiago on the weekend? And if so therefore the various stages leading up to Santiago will be busiest on this time basis, if you get what I mean (they are all moving in similar waves).

So anyway, before I probably confuse my actual question any further - what is the best day to arrive in Santiago do people think or have experience of? Or perhaps it makes no difference? Although I would imagine there is also a tourist influx at weekends.

Arrival day is simultaneously the best and worst day of the Camino. But, it’s still worth every moment getting there.

 

[Bradypus]

The busiest day of the week at the Santiago pilgrim office is usually Friday. But with the new computerised system for issuing Compostelas waiting times at the office are quite short. The difference in numbers day by day is probably not big enough to make it worthwhile timing your arrival for a particular day

 

[motero99]

I agree with Bradypus. Once I used the QR code at the door, it took three minutes to have my number called. That was on a busy Friday in mid June this year. In another post earlier this year someone gave a warning to go to the restroom before you use the QR code because you won't have time before your number is called. That was very true.
On another note, after you finish, there are some restaurants on the street of the Camino office. It was really pleasant to sit at an outside table and see people we had met on the Camino come in. The look on their faces as they walked down the ramp and spotted the Camino building was priceless.

 

[1man2dogs]

So having read and heard a lot about the busyness of the Camino, and especially the final 100km for obvious reasons, I was wondering if with some planning you could avoid it to a degree. I have no idea, but I'm guessing the majority of people doing say just the final 100km are more than likely to be finishing in Santiago on the weekend? And if so therefore the various stages leading up to Santiago will be busiest on this time basis, if you get what I mean (they are all moving in similar waves).

So anyway, before I probably confuse my actual question any further - what is the best day to arrive in Santiago do people think or have experience of? Or perhaps it makes no difference? Although I would imagine there is also a tourist influx at weekends.

I arrived in Santiago on late Tuesday morning. And yes it was busy, but it wasn't horrendous. When I walked back into the square later on, it was practically empty.

 

[t2andreo]

There is usually a wave of short-walker pilgrims who start at Sarria on Friday, Saturday or Sunday mornings. They have a five-day walk into Santiago. While the new process at the Pilgrim Office quickly handles most any number of daily arrivals, the Camino Frances route from Sarria to Santiago can get VERY busy.

This 'wave" of new pilgrims coming out of Sarria, walking towards Santiago each weekend, will act to saturate the available cafes, restaurants and accommodations at the five major stopping places on this part of the Camino Frances. However - and this is key - this varies by day of week and month of the year. I call it the "pig in the python" affect.

In the autumn or winter I would not worry about crowds at all - anywhere. The bigger problem would be finding places to eat or sleep that are open.

But, from Easter through mid September. There are usually waves of just starting pilgrims coming out of all the starting points on the weekends, along all the Caminos. You need to think about this pattern, and plan your travels accordingly - unless you are one of those people wio loves crowds.

Hope this helps.

Tom

 

[davejsy]

There is usually a wave of short-walker pilgrims who start at Sarria on Friday, Saturday or Sunday mornings. They have a five-day walk into Santiago. While the new process at the Pilgrim Office quickly handles most any number of daily arrivals, the Camino Frances route from Sarria to Santiago can get VERY busy.

This 'wave" of new pilgrims coming out of Sarria, walking towards Santiago each weekend, will act to saturate the available cafes, restaurants and accommodations at the five major stopping places on this part of the Camino Frances. However - and this is key - this varies by day of week and month of the year. I call it the "pig in the python' affect.

In the autumn or winter I would not worry about crowds at all - anywhere. The bigger problem would be finding places to eat or sleep that are open.

But from Easter through mid September. There are usually waves of just starting pilgrims coming out of all the starting points on the weekends, along all the Caminos. You need to think about this pattern, and plan your travels accordingly - unless you are one of those people wio loves crowds.

Hope this helps.

Tom

Thank you Tom, very helpful. I have no expectations, but was thinking if it was possible to arrive in Santiago at it's quietest it would be preferable. I totally get that crowds can add to atmosphere, but I prefer the quiet life!
Both times I have been to Santiago on road trips we have been very lucky and it has been very quiet.

 

[t2andreo]

Try Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, where none of these days are holidays - religious OR secular.

Hope this helps.

Tom