Day 1

[JadeyJade]

Finally, the day has arrived! I'm on my way to Leon as I write this, anxiously preparing myself for the start tomorrow.

I'm so surprised by the number of pilgrims I've seen so far. I shouldn't be really - I know Easter is busy season and so it will continue. Feeling a bit intimidated today, and somewhat worried about albergues filling fast.

I've read that albergues can be full from the start of the Camino, but I naively thought that Leon onwards may be quieter. Anyone have experience with this from Leon to Santiago? I can call ahead and book but I really just wanted to set my pace first, but now I'm super anxious.

Help (por favor )

 

[Deleted member 3000]

There were 1,421 Compostelas yesterday, and the midday report on pilgrim arrivals for today is 769, a number that typically doubles. Until this week, arrivals were in the 200-300 per day range.

 

[JohanNilsenNagel]

Finally, the day has arrived! I'm on my way to Leon as I write this, anxiously preparing myself for the start tomorrow.

I'm so surprised by the number of pilgrims I've seen so far. I shouldn't be really - I know Easter is busy season and so it will continue. Feeling a bit intimidated today, and somewhat worried about albergues filling fast.

I've read that albergues can be full from the start of the Camino, but I naively thought that Leon onwards may be quieter. Anyone have experience with this from Leon to Santiago? I can call ahead and book but I really just wanted to set my pace first, but now I'm super anxious.

Help (por favor )

I'm really excited for you! Day 1 for me was in Pamplona last month (March) and seems like yesterday. We saw probably six other pilgrims the whole day, and less than a dozen a day all the way until, maybe, Burgos. At Leon, and especially Sarria, the number of pilgrims grew exponentially. "Semana Santa" or Easter week is a very busy time of year when lots of people are on vacation so it shouldn't be a big surprise to see more pilgrims than usual, which is why we planned to go in February/March. I can't speak to the competition for albuerges in the more popular months but my advice would be to reserve a space ahead of time, wherever possible. Some people on Camino don't like to "plan" anything, and I understand that mentality in the "off-season", but these days there seems to be far more pilgrims than open spaces in some of the smaller towns, so you'll either have to make reservations, or be very flexible and prepare to adjust your daily walks in order to stay in towns where there are available beds. My partner and I solved all our worries and anxieties by booking hotel rooms on a day to day basis and had no problems whatsoever. Sometimes people get together and share a room in a casa rural or hotel if budget is a concern. At any rate, you'll be fine -- the Camino provides. Relax, enjoy the walk and Buen Camino!

 

[Executivetraveler2016]

Finally, the day has arrived! I'm on my way to Leon as I write this, anxiously preparing myself for the start tomorrow.

I'm so surprised by the number of pilgrims I've seen so far. I shouldn't be really - I know Easter is busy season and so it will continue. Feeling a bit intimidated today, and somewhat worried about albergues filling fast.

I've read that albergues can be full from the start of the Camino, but I naively thought that Leon onwards may be quieter. Anyone have experience with this from Leon to Santiago? I can call ahead and book but I really just wanted to set my pace first, but now I'm super anxious.

Help (por favor )

I was in El Camino last year in June. Leon to Santiago starts getting busier, all other caminos meet. If you pace yourself leaving around 6am by 2pm you would achieve your kilometers for the day and at this time Albegues are empty.

 

[JadeyJade]

Nerves really setting in! But thanks so much for your words of encouragement and handy tips - I've booked an albergue for tomorrow, will see what it's like once I get to the next stop. I am really looking forward to meeting other pilgrims and having a chat - my Spanish is limited which is not ideal. Really looking forward to the adventure!

 

[Mike Savage]

You are in for a wonderful time JadeyJade. I hope you enjoy every step. It will all work out.

Buen Camino!

 

[Hutton24]

Buen Camino Jade, have a great time. Don't forget to order a Tinto deverano for lunch, it is very refreshing. You'll have a great time. If you let yourself worry you won't enjoy yourself as much. Relax, enjoy the walking and the experience.

 

[angelab]

Nerves really setting in! But thanks so much for your words of encouragement and handy tips - I've booked an albergue for tomorrow, will see what it's like once I get to the next stop. I am really looking forward to meeting other pilgrims and having a chat - my Spanish is limited which is not ideal. Really looking forward to the adventure!

Buen Camino! I'm doing my first Camino in June. Excited & nervous too

 

[MechEngr69]

I passed through León on April 24, 2015 on my way to SdC. I did not book any albergues in advance, and never encountered one without a vacancy. I did reserve a bed in SdC before I departed from the U.S. If you're planning to spend the night in Portomarín, I recommend Albergue Novo Porto, especially if you need a clothes washer and dryer. Best of Luck to you! Joe