Camino del Norte in April

The Camino del Norte is very beautiful, although the weather is slightly different to the Frances due to the mountains and proximity to the ocean. At this time of year it will still be a little chilly (the April average is about 13°C), and you can also expect a fair amount of rain, especially in the Basque country. I think the biggest challenge is that many of the albergues on the Norte are only open during the summer months - the following link has a list of all the albergues, if you click on them you'll see the availability dates ('disponibilidad'):

http://www.gronze.com/camino-de-santiago/caminos/guia-del-camino-del-norte

As long as you have a good poncho to cover everything, a budget for possible stays in pensiones and hostales (which are usually about €25-30/individual out of season), a warmish sleeping bag (not all of the albergues provide extra blankets), and an extra pair of socks or two... you'll be ok.

Understandable... although hope I didn't put you off! I don't know much about the via de la plata, although I remember considering it one year, and was surprised to see how cold it could get in the interior, even in April (especially at night). One of the reasons I chose the Norte is that it is always relatively mild on the coast: despite the rain, it is seldom less than 10°C, even in mid-winter (I walked it in January, and there was no sign of snow, although apparently it was a different story on the Frances and the VDLP!) You should also start getting some really nice weather as the month progresses... not to confuse you, but just in case there's still a part of you that wants to walk next to the sea...

jjarnold said:

planning my next Camino from Easter 2016 walking through April. What is this season like on Camino del Norte? Thanks to all

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JJ,

I walked the del Norte this past April 28 - June 3. Weather wise, it was an exceptional camino. The night before I left Irun, it was raining in torrents. I was sitting in the Bar Pension Bidasoa for a few hours going over my camino plan. There were pilgrims coming by on the del Norte (the Way goes by the front door and turns left at the signal light) off and on all day the bar tender told me. They would stop at the bar/pension doorway, wait out the heavy rains and then press on.

The next morning (April 28) I set out for San Sebastian on Stage 1. Clear skies, sunshine and temp around 60*F/16*C. For the next 37 days there was only 1 day of on and off showers. Temps were mid 50's to high 60's. As far as weather was concerned, it was a wonderful "walk in the park". As for the camino, the first 7-8 stages, til Bilbao, were horrible for my feet and legs. I have posted several times about my experiences on the del Norte on this forum. If you read my posts, you will discover that, in my opinion, the del Norte can be a very difficult challenge for first time pilgrims. The del Norte is full of incredibly beautiful scenery and wonderful people. The food is some of the best I have ever had. And the wine, well, wow! Also, I enjoy solitude in nature. You can have all the solitude you want or need on the del Norte, and you can join up and walk with a group or other people if that is what you want,

In retrospect, I am grateful to have been able to finish, but paid a big price on those first stages in pain and injuries. Read my posts on training and comments. I would not miss the del Norte, but suggest you accomplish a few other caminos to get a feel of what they can be. Then, try the del Norte. Personally, April is my most favorite month any where in the northern hemisphere. While I was on my camino, there was never a problem with getting a bed in an albergue or getting a reservation in a pension or hotel. There just aren't many people on the del Norte in April/May.

Whatever you decide, definitely go. You will experience things that you cannot experience anywhere else.

As always,

Buen Camino.

WV

jjarnold said:

planning my next Camino from Easter 2016 walking through April. What is this season like on Camino del Norte? Thanks to all

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JJArnold:

I walked this route April 1 to 29th in 2013. There were no real issues with accommodations or weather. I would recommend you visit the Gronze.com and Eroski sites for planning.

Ultreya,
Joe

I'm walking from Irun to SDC April 7 I hope to find a bed at the end of the day the weather I can deal with

Zzotte

I'm planning to finish the Norte April 2016, from where I left off, in Ribadeo. Can't wait to get back!