Christmas on the Camino del Norte ?

[Charliemag]

Hello everyone. I am considering continuing my Camino from Santander onwards around Christmas time. Can anyone give me some sound advice on what the weather is usually like. Are the albergues open at this time? Any other information that one feels is important would be greatly received and appreciated. Thank you.

 

[HeidiL]

Many albergues will be closed, and there is definitely a possibility of snow.

My husband and I started the Levante on December 26th (I think) a couple of years ago and absolutely loved it. We pre-booked a lot of accommodation (usually at least three days in advance) and ended up spending a bit extra money on that, but it was well worth every Euro.

 

[Charliemag]

Many albergues will be closed, and there is definitely a possibility of snow.

My husband and I started the Levante on December 26th (I think) a couple of years ago and absolutely loved it. We pre-booked a lot of accommodation (usually at least three days in advance) and ended up spending a bit extra money on that, but it was well worth every Euro.

Thanks for that Heidi. Much appreciated. It would be a problem definitely if the albergues are closed. I think I can manage the snow.

 

[Charliemag]

Thanks for that Heidi. Much appreciated. It would be a problem definitely if the albergues are closed. I think I can manage the snow.

I just looked up the levante. Did you start in Valencia and was it cold in that part of Spain at Christmas? That could be a good alternative to the el Norte at that time of year. I presume the route is as well marked as other routes?

 

[LTfit]

I just looked up the levante. Did you start in Valencia and was it cold in that part of Spain at Christmas? That could be a good alternative to the el Norte at that time of year. I presume the route is as well marked as other routes?

Most if not all municipal albergues close end of October along the Norte.

One thing I suggest that you think about is heating. Most of the municipal albergues on the Levante are very small with basic facilities, (usually you pick up a key at the Policía local). In the south there is usually no central heating, if you are lucky maybe an electric heater will be provided, at least that is what I found in the section from Toledo-Zamora which I did in early April (Valencia-Toledo I walked in June the year before).

Along the Vía de la Plata which I walked one year in February there were also the same electrical units with wheels so you can move them around. But be careful because they heat up fast and can burn wholes in synthetic clothing! The Plata is another Camino to think about. Either way, do not expect anyone to be walking along these routes although on the Plata the chance is a bit greater.

I am also thinking of walking a week as of December 26th but I just might leave from Pamplona to have some company. I've already done so many Caminos on my own!

 

[HeidiL]

We walked for 8 days from Valencia. The first three days were T-shirt weather, mostly through orange groves, and then it gradually got slightly chillier.

I would expect later distances to be colder (higher up and further North), but for a week's walk at that time of year it was lovely.