Camino In August

[Fares Ismail]

Hello everyone,

I heard the Camino can get pretty crowded during the months of July and August, but I was wondering how crowded exactly, if I’m starting in SJPdP to SdC?

I don’t plan on staying in the towns suggested in the Brierley guide book. I also don’t mind the crowd but I just want to have an idea on the numbers.

And will I get turned away from most Albergues if I don’t book in advance (I prefer not to)? And I know that the last 100km will be very crowded but what about the route from SdC to Fisterra?

Buen Camino,
Fares

 

[SYates]

Hi and welcome to the forum @Fares Ismail

Yes, July and August are typically the most crowded months, mainly due to university/school holidays. To get an impression of the numbers have a look here: https://oficinadelperegrino.com/estadisticas/

For example last year in August 53 704 pilgrims arrived in Santiago and passed via the pilgrims office, 3942 of those started in SJPdP and 1409 in Roncesvalles.

Hope that helps and Buen Camino, SY

 

[Leigh Macklin]

Last summer I did what you plan to do and had no problems. If fact I was one of less than 5 at the municipal alburgue on six occasions. I was spontaneous with the option of using cash to call a taxi (back to spot next day) or book hotel. Loved it! But do what feels right for you.

 

[domigee]

I still don't understand why people say July/August are the most crowded months....Maybe from Sarria? From the photos I see, May and September seem to be teeming with pilgrims whereas I often walk alone in the Summer months, at least until Ponferrada.

 

[SYates]

I still don't understand why people say July/August are the most crowded months....

Compared to the other months of the year, they are

Buen Camino, SY