Camino Madrid Lodging and Popularity

[drewbird15]

Greetings,

I am considering either the Via Plata or Camino Madrid this April. From my reading it appears that refugios are sparse along these routes, compared to the Camino Frances. Is budget lodging available throughout these routes? Is camping an accepted/safe alternative?

Also, is one route more popular/better for meeting other pilgrims? I enjoy solitude, but also cherish the friendships made along the Camino Frances.

Thanks for any advice,

Drew Bird

 

[lynnejohn]

Hi Drew -

I've walked both routes in April-May. I've also walked the Frances. The VDLP and Madrid are uniquely wonderful and beautiful and quite different. We met quite a few pilgrims on the VDLP; only one on the Madrid. There was no problem finding accommodation on either route, however there was less to choose from on the Madrid. Towns and villages were smaller on the Madrid, but people were very welcoming and helpful. The Madrid was an easier walk with only one significant climb.

Having said all that....I'm pretty sure whichever route you choose this April, a Holy Year, you will meet many, many pilgrims - in any case, either route will be a fantastic experience for you!

Many others on this forum have walked both routes and will have additional experience and information to share with you.

Best of luck with your plans, and buen camino!

lynne

 

[Javier Martin]

Greetings,

I am considering either the Via Plata or Camino Madrid this April. From my reading it appears that refugios are sparse along these routes, compared to the Camino Frances. Is budget lodging available throughout these routes? Is camping an accepted/safe alternative?

Also, is one route more popular/better for meeting other pilgrims? I enjoy solitude, but also cherish the friendships made along the Camino Frances.

Thanks for any advice,

Drew Bird

Hi Drew,

The only important place without albergue is Segovia. No more problems in the camino de Madrid. Please contact me for more details.

Buen Camino,

Javier Martin
Madrid, Spain.

 

[drewbird15]

Thanks for your relpies. It seems that I won't need a tent after all; my back and feet thank you!