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Sounds like the September wave!
Yes, it is normal and to be expected for the first half of September which is "pilgrimage prime time" in this section of the Camino Francés.We’re at Pamplona and have been struggling to find accommodation (even in private places). All of Zubiri was booked when we walked in which was pretty stressful! Started booking a couple ahead but seems a shame to miss out on the municipal experience / pace ourselves / it’s more expensive. Is this normal? Will it calm as people space out? Thanks!
After Pamplona there are more intermediate towns and the pilgrim traffic spreads out.We’re at Pamplona and have been struggling to find accommodation (even in private places). All of Zubiri was booked when we walked in which was pretty stressful! Started booking a couple ahead but seems a shame to miss out on the municipal experience / pace ourselves / it’s more expensive. Is this normal? Will it calm as people space out? Thanks!
Who says September isn't busySounds like the September wave!
Sorry I missed that food truck!Hola amigos. I am currently volunteering in Viana, about a week into the Francés, at the Donativo (Sta María). We had our first full night last night, as the wave that started in SJPP around September 1st starts to hit. The pilgrim office in SJPP says it is quite busy, and a gym was opened to house the large numbers. And as I talk to perigrinos, everyone is still finding beds, but may have to walk a few extra km or go off-stage or slightly off Camino. There is a new food truck between Estella and Los Arcos (Thursday through Monday) that helps on the long stretch.
First two weeks of May and the first two weeks of September are prime time from SJPP. When in one of these waves, know that things string out and get easier as the walk progresses. For now, try staying at towns in between the major towns in the guide books. Most pilgrims follow the guide book very carefully their first time out, and crowds tend to be worst at the traditional end points for the first week or so. Then everyone finds their pace, stops worrying, and throws out the guide book. The other rarely spoken truth is that many pilgrims injure out by Burgos, and the numbers of pilgrims shrink.We’re at Pamplona and have been struggling to find accommodation (even in private places). All of Zubiri was booked when we walked in which was pretty stressful! Started booking a couple ahead but seems a shame to miss out on the municipal experience / pace ourselves / it’s more expensive. Is this normal? Will it calm as people space out? Thanks!
Hola Becky, are you providing a communal meal at this time? I was Hospitalera, Viana, 4-5 years ago, simpler pre-Covid time. In October hiking friend and I will volunteer at Burgo del Ranchero, hoping we may be able to atleast offer breakfast to outgoing pilgrims. Fondly sandiHola amigos. I am currently volunteering in Viana, about a week into the Francés, at the Donativo (Sta María). We had our first full night last night, as the wave that started in SJPP around September 1st starts to hit. The pilgrim office in SJPP says it is quite busy, and a gym was opened to house the large numbers. And as I talk to perigrinos, everyone is still finding beds, but may have to walk a few extra km or go off-stage or slightly off Camino. There is a new food truck between Estella and Los Arcos (Thursday through Monday) that helps on the long stretch.
The number of people might thin out as everyone finds their own rhythms. But, again, this is a Holy Year, and also post-pandemic celebration, so there are a lot more pilgrims than usual. Good luck, and Buen Camino!We’re at Pamplona and have been struggling to find accommodation (even in private places). All of Zubiri was booked when we walked in which was pretty stressful! Started booking a couple ahead but seems a shame to miss out on the municipal experience / pace ourselves / it’s more expensive. Is this normal? Will it calm as people space out? Thanks!
I know a number of people that spent the night there and thankfull that Pilgrims Office took care of the PeregrinosA gym in SJPP was opened?
That's quite unusual I imagine, as there is lot of accommodation.
Though most are probably not Albergue beds.
But Roncevalles is the place that needs a plan. It was all filled up on Friday night and I got the last bed in burguetteJust out of curiosity, I tried booking.com and there were "No properties left in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port on our site!" for the night of Sept 5, and only 2 single beds in a dorm available for the night of Sept 6.
Of course we know that there are many more properties not listed there, but it is definitely an indicator!
It is great that they have opened the gym. As I recall, there have been similar situations in the past when SJPP did not seem to have a contingency plan, so this is good news, especially since it seems to be only for a week or two in the year.
They also did this in April of 2019. A volunteer in the SJPP Pilgrims Office said there were so many pilgrims that townspeople sometimes housed and fed pilgrims in their own homes.I know a number of people that spent the night there and thankfull that Pilgrims Office took care of the Peregrinos
Thanks! That was definitely my plan - book out the first 4 days or so? (I actually did that in 2020, and then sadly had to cancel them all…I started my first Camino on August 21, 2016, and never had a problem finding a bed. The only reservation that I had was at Orisson. I got to the albergue in Roncesvalles before they opened and had to wait a bit to get checked in. A group of us were all able to get beds together in Zubiri as walk ins at Alberge El Palo de Avellano.
That was 6 years ago though, and things have probably changed a bit. I would recommend booking up to or through Pamplona for peace of mind.
I work in tourism here in Pennsylvania and we tend to get very quiet the last week or two of August and the first week or two of September as kids return to school. I guess I hoped it might be similar as European families end their August holidays?
Yes, I believe so up to Pamplona. However, with a bike you can likely peddle a few kms off the path and find a place. Otherwise make reservations.I will start the CF from SJPP in sept 26, by bike. Will I meet such a big wave of pilgrims in the camino in that period ? I am planning to reach Santiago in oct 10. If my legs were good I will end up in Finisterre.
This is incorrect. The numbers indicate slightly less numbers than 2019 which was the last normal year.But, again, this is a Holy Year, and also post-pandemic celebration, so there are a lot more pilgrims than usual. Good luck, and Buen Camino!
I had the same experience in Sept 2019. So many places booked out including Zubiri by 11am , also Larasoana. Had to taxi onto Pamplona where we were fortunate to find a hotel about 10km off the path. The tsunami continued until SJPDP. Definitely no chance for spontaneity. Will never walk in September again.We’re at Pamplona and have been struggling to find accommodation (even in private places). All of Zubiri was booked when we walked in which was pretty stressful! Started booking a couple ahead but seems a shame to miss out on the municipal experience / pace ourselves / it’s more expensive. Is this normal? Will it calm as people space out? Thanks!
Walk another CaminoI had the same experience in Sept 2019. So many places booked out including Zubiri by 11am , also Larasoana. Had to taxi onto Pamplona where we were fortunate to find a hotel about 10km off the path. The tsunami continued until SJPDP. Definitely no chance for spontaneity. Will never walk in September again.
I had the same experience in Sept 2019. So many places booked out including Zubiri by 11am , also Larasoana. Had to taxi onto Pamplona where we were fortunate to find a hotel about 10km off the path. The tsunami continued until SJPDP. Definitely no chance for spontaneity. Will never walk in September again.
I stayed there a few years ago and it was a very nice place.I have been unable to find one day in the near future on which the Albergue Maralotx does not have beds in the albergue and private rooms available. This place is between Puente la Reina and Estella, so it is “off stage”. Full disclosure — the owners are friends of mine, but I can vouch for the standards of higiene and the great communal dinner. And if you look at the website, you can see what a pretty place it is.
I am sure that there are many places like the Maralotx that are there just waiting to welcome pilgrims, if you can break from the Brierley stages — even during the September wave!
First two weeks of May and the first two weeks of September are prime time from SJPP. When in one of these waves, know that things string out and get easier as the walk progresses. For now, try staying at towns in between the major towns in the guide books. Most pilgrims follow the guide book very carefully their first time out, and crowds tend to be worst at the traditional end points for the first week or so. Then everyone finds their pace, stops worrying, and throws out the guide book. The other rarely spoken truth is that many pilgrims injure out by Burgos, and the numbers of pilgrims shrink.
Sorry, what do you mean it continued “until SJPDP?” I’m starting Burgos on 21st - and by my calculations this will coincide with the big wave.I had the same experience in Sept 2019. So many places booked out including Zubiri by 11am , also Larasoana. Had to taxi onto Pamplona where we were fortunate to find a hotel about 10km off the path. The tsunami continued until SJPDP. Definitely no chance for spontaneity. Will never walk in September again.
I guess she meant that the higher number of pilgrims was spread from Pamplona to SJPP - which is looking at it "backwards". You don't have to worry when you are starting in Burgos on the 21st of September.Sorry, what do you mean it continued “until SJPDP?” I’m starting Burgos on 21st - and by my calculations that this will coincide with the big wave - getting nervous about beds now.
In Viana now, We looked for the food truck yesterday but he wasn’t there. It’s unseasonably hot here, maybe he closed up shop early.Hola amigos. I am currently volunteering in Viana, about a week into the Francés, at the Donativo (Sta María). We had our first full night last night, as the wave that started in SJPP around September 1st starts to hit. The pilgrim office in SJPP says it is quite busy, and a gym was opened to house the large numbers. And as I talk to perigrinos, everyone is still finding beds, but may have to walk a few extra km or go off-stage or slightly off Camino. There is a new food truck between Estella and Los Arcos (Thursday through Monday) that helps on the long stretch.
Hi Becky, we are in viana today, Tues. do you have taxi info? Our party of 4 needs a ride tomorrow, Wednesday afternoon, September 7th, to Navarrette, El Cantaro albergue. Thanks! Thank you for volunteering.Hola amigos. I am currently volunteering in Viana, about a week into the Francés, at the Donativo (Sta María). We had our first full night last night, as the wave that started in SJPP around September 1st starts to hit. The pilgrim office in SJPP says it is quite busy, and a gym was opened to house the large numbers. And as I talk to perigrinos, everyone is still finding beds, but may have to walk a few extra km or go off-stage or slightly off Camino. There is a new food truck between Estella and Los Arcos (Thursday through Monday) that helps on the long stretch.
After Los Arcos, the next stage after that is Logrono, which is 19 miles. So, some may stop off at Viana which is about 11 miles. From Viana, there are stages/cities/albergues in between which have plenty of beds. By stages I mean according to Brierley's book. Yes, I know that not everyone follows the stages religiously, etc., and this may be a good example not to follow it religiously. Some new pilgrims, as well as experienced ones, may think it's too far/difficult and not go all the way to Logrono. It is possible that the "thinning out" may take place after Vianna.The number of people might thin out as everyone finds their own rhythms. But, again, this is a Holy Year, and also post-pandemic celebration, so there are a lot more pilgrims than usual. Good luck, and Buen Camino!
People who embark on their first camino from Saint Jean Pied de Port this September 2022 and read this must not be worried. It is a belief about the expected pilgrim numbers in 2022 that had been frequently expressed last year and at the beginning of this year. It did not happen. The "boom" in pilgrim numbers happened on those parts of the Caminos that are close to Santiago and mainly during the summer months June-August 2022.this is a Holy Year, and also post-pandemic celebration, so there are a lot more pilgrims than usual
People who embark on their first camino from Saint Jean Pied de Port this September 2022 and read this must not be worried. It is a belief about the expected pilgrim numbers in 2022 that had been frequently expressed last year and at the beginning of this year. It did not happen. The "boom" in pilgrim numbers happened on those parts of the Caminos that are close to Santiago and mainly during the summer months June-August 2022.
Elsewhere along the Camino Frances, albergue owners and members of local Camino associations stated at numerous occasions that the numbers from 2019 (last normal "pre-Covid" year) had not been reached this year, and the monthly data for January to August 2022 published by both the pilgrim office in SJPP and in Santiago confirms this because they show that the number of pilgrims who passed through SJPP and/or started there in 2022 have been consistently lower than those in 2019.
Buen Camino!
last week 2760 pilgrims arrived for a credential or information or both. Everything was booked out. 40 pilgrims on one night were without beds and had to stay in the gym
Thank you for this first hand report about the week 29 August to 4 September in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port which included the first weekend of September.We had twice the number of pilgrims compared to the previous week and we were told our numbers for that particular week were comparable to the equivalent week in 2019
last week [29 Aug to 4 Sep 2022] 2760 pilgrims arrived for a credential or information or both
numbers for that particular week were comparable to the equivalent week in 2019
I stayed at Maralotx about five days ago and the hospilateros are so gracious. I arrived early but they let me wait up on the terrace, the facility is spotless, and the meal was incredible. All homemade food and in a beautiful dining area. I hope to return!I have been unable to find one day in the near future on which the Albergue Maralotx does not have beds in the albergue and private rooms available. This place is between Puente la Reina and Estella, so it is “off stage”. Full disclosure — the owners are friends of mine, but I can vouch for the standards of higiene and the great communal dinner. And if you look at the website, you can see what a pretty place it is.
I am sure that there are many places like the Maralotx that are there just waiting to welcome pilgrims, if you can break from the Brierley stages — even during the September wave!
This happens every September.We’re at Pamplona and have been struggling to find accommodation (even in private places). All of Zubiri was booked when we walked in which was pretty stressful! Started booking a couple ahead but seems a shame to miss out on the municipal experience / pace ourselves / it’s more expensive. Is this normal? Will it calm as people space out? Thanks!
Like clockwork!This happens every September.
After Los Arcos, the next stage after that is Logrono, which is 19 miles. So, some may stop off at Viana which is about 11 miles. From Viana, there are stages/cities/albergues in between which have plenty of beds. By stages I mean according to Brierley's book. Yes, I know that not everyone follows the stages religiously, etc., and this may be a good example not to follow it religiously. Some new pilgrims, as well as experienced ones, may think it's too far/difficult and not go all the way to Logrono. It is possible that the "thinning out" may take place after Vianna.
Mark
Who told you this?Curious....When I walked the Frances in 2014, we were told that in order to stay in Roncevalle facility, one had to have walked from SJPDP, i.e. one could not stay there as a starting point. Not true, I guess.
Curious....When I walked the Frances in 2014, we were told that in order to stay in Roncevalle facility, one had to have walked from SJPDP, i.e. one could not stay there as a starting point. Not true, I guess.
Whoever said this was misinformed. When I walked in 2013 the cubicle that I slept in had a teacher and a principal from a school in Norway. They started in Roncesvalles. At dinner there was a pilgrim at my table who had wanted to start in St. Jean but didn't because she didn't think she was fit enough to make the trek. She asked us a lot of questions to see our opinion of how hard it was.Who told you this?
Since Roncesvalles is the traditional starting point for Spaniards it only makes sense that there would be many pilgrims who did not walk there.
Thank you @Ianinam for the work that you and the other volunteers do in this very popular stopover and starting place. Do you have any way to "sort" the new pilgrims from the tired ones into different dorms or floors? I remember I went to bed very early after my walk from France, but that there were others making noise long after the quiet hours.As Trecile mentioned: every day (except on Sundays as the bus doesn't go on Sundays) the bus from Pamplona brings 20-30-40-50 Spanish pilgrims who start at Roncesvalles. And our problem as hospitaleros is always to have them in at 10 pm when we close the door and switch off the lights in the dormitories where all the exhausted pilgrims that came over the mountains are asleep by that time. But the starting Spanish people - not at all tired yet - like to take their time for dinner and drinks ....
Thanks for heads up. We’re heading there in a couple of days. Would you avoid the municipal and book private or avoid the town completely?Najera is insane. Not a bed to be had in all the town, and people going down with Covid, too. Add to the mix the great shortage of volunteer hospitaleros, which sometimes means we have to reduce our capacity to half... if you must walk now, be prepared! And remember the pilgrim dictum: Nobody owes a pilgrim anything!
I fear they will start regulating the numbers like they have started doing in some of the USA National Park. You may end up on a lottery waiting list for years.Hola amigos. I am currently volunteering in Viana, about a week into the Francés, at the Donativo (Sta María). We had our first full night last night, as the wave that started in SJPP around September 1st starts to hit. The pilgrim office in SJPP says it is quite busy, and a gym was opened to house the large numbers. And as I talk to perigrinos, everyone is still finding beds, but may have to walk a few extra km or go off-stage or slightly off Camino. There is a new food truck between Estella and Los Arcos (Thursday through Monday) that helps on the long stretch.
Roncesvailles must be stretched to its limits with not too many options nearby!A gym in SJPP was opened?
That's quite unusual I imagine, as there is lot of accommodation.
Though most are probably not Albergue beds.
The logistics of that would be extremely difficult. Most of the path is on public access, through and between towns. The Camino is not a park that can be fenced off. It is a walk across a country.I fear they will start regulating the numbers like they have started doing in some of the USA National Park.
Well that's a reliefThe logistics of that would be extremely difficult. Most of the path is on public access, through and between towns. The Camino is not a park that can be fenced off. It is a walk across a country.
Thankfully there isn’t a ‘they’.I fear they will start regulating the numbers like they have started doing in some of the USA National Park. You may end up on a lottery waiting list for years.
On one side, maybe yes. But on the other side, the over-crowding remains an issue that sometimes requires management.Well that's a relief
Oops sorry. I meant Santiago. It was mad busy the whole way. I had to pre-book for every night with the admonition that our bookings would only be held until 2.30pm. It meant for early morning starts.Sorry, what do you mean it continued “until SJPDP?” I’m starting Burgos on 21st - and by my calculations this will coincide with the big wave.
It's normal. No chance for spontaneity on the Camino any more. Very disappointing.This happens every September.
In 2019, I was told I didn't have to book at Roncesvalles. So I was one of the huge numbers of exhausted pilgrims who were turned away that afternoon. I had to walk another 10 km to find a bed.I was a volunteer in the Accueil des Pèlerins St Jean De Port last week.2760 pilgrims arrived for a credential or information or both..Everything was booked out.40 pilgrims on one night were without beds and had to stay in the gym .One German pilgrim who had walked from Moissac told me of her experience there.The atmosphere was muted.No exchange of conversation and she heard one pilgrim crying.There are no facilities to shower.It is very basic.She didn't sleep a wink.
I spoke with pilgrims who had travelled long distances and had been told in their home place that it wasn't necessary to make a reservation.They were crestfallen and believed they had been misled.
I was only there for a week having responded to an appeal for volunteers.
I can tell you it was exceptionally busy.We had twice the number of pilgrims compared to the previous week and we were told our numbers for that particular week were comparable to the equivalent week in 2019
We work from 7.30 a.m to 12 noon and 2 p.m to 8 p.m.Very often we were working beyond noon.
It was a great privilege to volunteer there and a pleasure to welcome all the pilgrims from far and wide.
It was upsetting to see pilgrims upset because they believed they didn't have to reserve.
From another post on this forum from a member who volunteers in Roncesvalles if I read correctly the Albergue there was at capacity.
In 2019 I investigated and knew that Roncesvalles (at that time) kept back two thirds of their beds for non-reserved pilgrims and so I walked without a reservation and had a bed.In 2019, I was told I didn't have to book at Roncesvalles. So I was one of the huge numbers of exhausted pilgrims who were turned away that afternoon. I had to walk another 10 km to find a bed.
You don't know the half of it.In 2019 I investigated and knew that Roncesvalles (at that time) kept back two thirds of their beds for non-reserved pilgrims and so I walked without a reservation and had a bed.
Roncesvalles now allows all beds to be reserved.
One benefit of your unexpected walk is that you now have a story to regale others with. I suspect that you probably have other benefits from that day as well.
Hi Rick you have indicated the 1st two weeks of May and September is busy at SJPDP. I’m booked to commence my first CF on 14 May 2023. Are you suggesting to book my accommodation in advance? Arriving at SJPDP on 14th May. Thanks ManuelFirst two weeks of May and the first two weeks of September are prime time from SJPP. When in one of these waves, know that things string out and get easier as the walk progresses. For now, try staying at towns in between the major towns in the guide books. Most pilgrims follow the guide book very carefully their first time out, and crowds tend to be worst at the traditional end points for the first week or so. Then everyone finds their pace, stops worrying, and throws out the guide book. The other rarely spoken truth is that many pilgrims injure out by Burgos, and the numbers of pilgrims shrink.
I’ve walked a number of times in the spring and it is advisable to book SJPdP to Pamplona, especially if you plan to stay in SJPdP, Orisson/Borda, Roncesvalles and Zubiri. These were all full on each of my spring Camino’s. I would also book Pamplona if you will be there there Thursday -Saturday for sure. I have grown to prefer passing through Pamplona, but currently the accommodations in Cizur Menor are limited and the next town “Z” has not had either of the albergues reopen. Hopefully this will change next year.Hi Rick you have indicated the 1st two weeks of May and September is busy at SJPDP. I’m booked to commence my first CF on 14 May 2023. Are you suggesting to book my accommodation in advance? Arriving at SJPDP on 14th May. Thanks Manuel
Got in to Longrono from Los Arcos about 1:30 yesterday on Sept 10 and feet started searing in pain last 6 km. Went to Albergue where friends had reserved. No bed. Albergue manager looked on his computer and couldn’t find me a bed. I was in so much pain that I couldn’t go forward so got a hotel. I don’t know what is ahead but if you don’t book, you have to run for a bed, which I feel is not the Camino experience I was looking for. If you are naturally a fast walker who likes to start really early, you can get municipal. But more people I’m meeting are now booking ahead. I also would say the trail is very crowded. I see people ahead and behind me on trail all day. It’s not a wave. It’s a sea.Hola amigos. I am currently volunteering in Viana, about a week into the Francés, at the Donativo (Sta María). We had our first full night last night, as the wave that started in SJPP around September 1st starts to hit. The pilgrim office in SJPP says it is quite busy, and a gym was opened to house the large numbers. And as I talk to perigrinos, everyone is still finding beds, but may have to walk a few extra km or go off-stage or slightly off Camino. There is a new food truck between Estella and Los Arcos (Thursday through Monday) that helps on the long stretch.
I'll add my voice to the choir - book up to or through Pamplona. After that there are more intermediate towns and the pilgrim traffic spreads out.Hi Rick you have indicated the 1st two weeks of May and September is busy at SJPDP. I’m booked to commence my first CF on 14 May 2023. Are you suggesting to book my accommodation in advance? Arriving at SJPDP on 14th May. Thanks Manuel
Thanks for clarifying, even though it’s not the answer I was hoping for. Hoping despite the stress of accommodation that it will still be a good camino experience.Oops sorry. I meant Santiago. It was mad busy the whole way.
I'm not sure why people are referring to May as a busy month, it's really the two weeks after Easter that you have to watch out for.Hi Rick you have indicated the 1st two weeks of May and September is busy at SJPDP. I’m booked to commence my first CF on 14 May 2023. Are you suggesting to book my accommodation in advance? Arriving at SJPDP on 14th May. Thanks Manuel
The answer to this will depend as much on you as it will on the number of pilgrims and the availability of accommodation. Some people are comfortable with less certainty, others prefer more certainty.Hi Rick you have indicated the 1st two weeks of May and September is busy at SJPDP. I’m booked to commence my first CF on 14 May 2023. Are you suggesting to book my accommodation in advance? Arriving at SJPDP on 14th May. Thanks Manuel
Thanks buddy....Slightly off topic, as it's not the Francès, but I'm just north of Porto, and was one of the last to get a spot on the floor in the Albergue here, and several pilgrims were not so lucky. Start of September and the weekend wave.
You don't know the half of it.
Try October to March. Totally different.It's normal. No chance for spontaneity on the Camino any more. Very disappointing.
Because it is very popular for starting from SJPDP in May as this graph from 2019 shows. Easter was on April 21 that year.I'm not sure why people are referring to May as a busy month, it's really the two weeks after Easter that you have to watch out for.
My wife and I started out to Valcarlos on Aug.20 then onto Burguete the next day. Hot weather but plenty of shade and great scenery and despite the physical challenge on day 2 regard this alternative as underrated. This call is without experiencing the Napoleon, only what I've seen on YouTube etc.Arrived on the morning train (full but everyone had a seat) at 930am and in and out of the pilgrims office at 1000am. Starting walking the low route around 1100 am to Valcarlos. Not a cloud in the sky and temps around 35c by noon. Didn't see a single Pilgrim the whole way from SJPdP. When I got to the bar in Valcarlos where in the past you got the door code, they said you had to call a number now. One other Pilgrim staying in the ultra clean and equipped muni albergue.
I don't begrudge anyone for walking the high Napoleon route (I also love it), but if you like the quiet and solitude and also beautiful walk, it's the Valcarlos route everytime baby!
Off for my no line up shower and then some local cuisine. And btw when I stopped in the bar and had a quick beer and limon I was shocked at the price after 3 weeks in France... Under 2 euro!!!
Some great advice above.Hi Rick you have indicated the 1st two weeks of May and September is busy at SJPDP. I’m booked to commence my first CF on 14 May 2023. Are you suggesting to book my accommodation in advance? Arriving at SJPDP on 14th May. Thanks Manuel
We camped out on the gym floor in 2019.Hola amigos. I am currently volunteering in Viana, about a week into the Francés, at the Donativo (Sta María). We had our first full night last night, as the wave that started in SJPP around September 1st starts to hit. The pilgrim office in SJPP says it is quite busy, and a gym was opened to house the large numbers. And as I talk to perigrinos, everyone is still finding beds, but may have to walk a few extra km or go off-stage or slightly off Camino. There is a new food truck between Estella and Los Arcos (Thursday through Monday) that helps on the long stretch.
Thank you Rick. What about booking my SJPDP accommodation before I left.Some great advice above.
I never suggest any first timer book too far ahead. You don't know what your walking pace will be yet. Book at least to pamplona, then two days ahead as you go. Its easy. Between your current hospitalero, gronze, and booking.com, you can beg, email, whatsapp, call, and click your way forward without any trouble.
Thank you for your input. I‘m flexible with my time and pace. Preferred to stay on less popular village/city to avoid this so called bed rush. It that way your more focus with your objective to complete your pilgrim. Thank you againThe answer to this will depend as much on you as it will on the number of pilgrims and the availability of accommodation. Some people are comfortable with less certainty, others prefer more certainty.
Where do you lie on this continuity?
Another factor that will become part of your decision will be your preferred choice of accommodation type. Many of the communal type albergues such as the one in St. Jean PdP and the German albergue in Pamplona don't allow reservations and so if you aim to stay in this type of accommodation then you don't get a choice.
In the past the Roncesvalles albergue has held back a significant number of places for walk in pilgrims but since Covid they have allowed all beds to be reserved. At this stage I am not sure what their policy will be for 2023. Others may know about this though.
Lastly, your desire to be flexible or not and resolve issues on the fly will play a part. If you are prepared to do things differently from most other pilgrims then you will find your way to be less crowded. For example you could walk via Valcarlos instead of via the Napoleon route, stay in Valcarlos and walk beyond Roncesvalles the next day.
You could also take two days to walk the Napoleon route and again walk past Roncesvalles.
Staying off the most popular stopping points can make a huge difference, for example, choose to stay in the delightful Zabaldika albergue, no reservations accepted, and nine kilometers before Pamplona and not only will you have a memorable stay but you will also have far less problems getting a bed.
So you see, while many people who reply to your post will suggest that you book your accommodation beforehand (and rightly so) it is quite possible to walk at this time and not reserve and, in fact, that is what I did on the 14th of May 2019 when I walked
Over to you.
I guess I was lucky in spring of 2017 when I had three family members with me. My son always emailed the albergues in the mornings the day of (info was listed in my Brierley guidebook) and they all allowed us to arrive by 5:00pm before we lost our verbal reservation...apparently things have definitely changed since then.Oops sorry. I meant Santiago. It was mad busy the whole way. I had to pre-book for every night with the admonition that our bookings would only be held until 2.30pm. It meant for early morning starts.
Absolutely. Book you all your travel accommodations, including SJPP, as soon as your travel plans firm up - this is just travel economics. Then book your initial four or five nights on the trail at whatever pace you are anticipating walking at. Most people use the guidebook to decide that, and if you are young or fit, that's fine. Lots of people break Day 1 into two pieces by staying at Orisson or Borda, others head straight for Roncesvalles. Zubiri is a well known choke point for accommodations, so book that too. Pamplona is more of a fine than a sleep-outside thing, it books up on weekends, and hotels can get pricey when the albergues fill up.Thank you Rick. What about booking my SJPDP accommodation before I left.
I prefer to not use electronics and not get caught up with the planning and structure of booking ahead so I planned to just stay at municipal abergues. Unfortunately this is no longer possible on Frances. I arrived in Narjera before 5pm, limping with a new injury, and the interior town was full. No beds for at least 6 km. There is a 90 bed municipal here so totally did not expect this. Our Lady responded to my tears and I logged into booking.com and found one bed had opened in the five minutes since I first checked. I am now in a form and 9 of the 16 beds in this room are booked but nobody showed up. Please cancel any reservations and don’t try to plan five days in advance. This is not the spirit of the Camino to book beds you won’t use. The opposite happened yesterday in Logrona. The albergue sandiego de real does not turn anyone away. They have one form with bunk beds and the overflow room with mats. They just add more mats as needed.Absolutely. Book you all your travel accommodations, including SJPP, as soon as your travel plans firm up - this is just travel economics. Then book your initial four or five nights on the trail at whatever pace you are anticipating walking at. Most people use the guidebook to decide that, and if you are young or fit, that's fine. Lots of people break Day 1 into two pieces by staying at Orisson or Borda, others head straight for Roncesvalles. Zubiri is a well known choke point for accommodations, so book that too. Pamplona is more of a fine than a sleep-outside thing, it books up on weekends, and hotels can get pricey when the albergues fill up.
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