CF in 2023 versus 2021

[Brooklynpoet]

Hello! Advice please. I walked 10 days on the CF in 2021, and plan to walk again this summer. Please let me know how different you think the CF will be. In 2021 none of the municipal or religious albergues were open. I stayed in individual rooms in a variety of accomodations, and I'd like to do that again. In 2021 I walked from Roncevalles to Logono and I did not find the camino crowded . What will it be like this year versus 2021? I plan to start in Logrono and walk about two weeks, averaging 15-20k a day, in July or late august/early september. Thanks for your input.

 

[Bradypus]

The numbers in 2021 were about half those of 2019 - the last pre-Covid year and probably the best reference point. There were about 179,000 Compostelas issued in 2021. Last year there were nearly 440,000. Early signs suggest that numbers this year may be similar to 2022. So my best guess is that you will find at least twice the number of pilgrims this time round. Some compensation is that many of the albergues will have reopened though some have closed permanently.

 

[Brooklynpoet]

The numbers in 2021 were about half those of 2019 - the last pre-Covid year and probably the best reference point. There were about 179,000 Compostelas issued in 2021. Last year there were nearly 440,000. Early signs suggest that numbers this year may be similar to 2022. So my best guess is that you will find at least twice the number of pilgrims this time round. Some compensation is that many of the albergues will have reopened though some have closed permanently.

thank you!

 

[Brooklynpoet]

Do you have an opinion as far as going at the end of July versus the last week of august and first week of september? I will be crossing the meseta

 

[Bradypus]

Do you have an opinion as far as going at the end of July versus the last week of august and first week of september? I will be crossing the meseta

The numbers will be significantly lower at the end of July. September and May are the peak months these days on the Camino Frances. One of the reasons for that is of course the weather - it can be extremely hot in July and August and the sun can be very intense. Many people walking in July and August prefer a very early start - sometimes before dawn - and aim to stop in early afternoon before the full heat of the day.

 

[frannie z]

Hello! Advice please. I walked 10 days on the CF in 2021, and plan to walk again this summer. Please let me know how different you think the CF will be. In 2021 none of the municipal or religious albergues were open. I stayed in individual rooms in a variety of accomodations, and I'd like to do that again. In 2021 I walked from Roncevalles to Logono and I did not find the camino crowded . What will it be like this year versus 2021? I plan to start in Logrono and walk about two weeks, averaging 15-20k a day, in July or late august/early september. Thanks for your input.

I’ve just finished Sarria to Santiago- the weather wasn’t great many places were closed … every hotel/hostel I stayed in said they are fully booked for the entire season beginning Easter week. I think it’s going to be very crowded and you should book ahead.

 

[Brooklynpoet]

I’ve just finished Sarria to Santiago- the weather wasn’t great many places were closed … every hotel/hostel I stayed in said they are fully booked for the entire season beginning Easter week. I think it’s going to be very crowded and you should book ahead.

Thank you!