Extra crowded August 2022?

[zbethz]

I'm planning my Camino from Pamplona mid-August 2022. I know this is always a busy time to walk, but am wondering if I should anticipate it being much more crowded than usual as many had to postpone their caminos for 2+ years due to COVID restrictions. I'm wondering when I need to start booking, as I will be staying in pensions and hostels, as opposed to albergues, mainly. Anyone else anticipating it to be more crowded than previous Augusts?

 

[henrythedog]

In short: ‘yes’, ‘now, or -at least - soon’ and ‘yes’

 

[zbethz]

In short: ‘yes’, ‘now, or -at least - soon’ and ‘yes’

Thank you. I had a feeling this was the case.

 

[Marc S.]

And also take into account 2022 will still be a holy year (holy years are usually busier years).

 

[zbethz]

And also take into account 2022 will still be a holy year (holy years are usually busier years).

Thank you. Very good point.

 

[trecile]

Actually, until you get to Galicia, July and August on most of the Camino Francés is less busy than May, June, or September. After O Cebreiro you will encounter a lot more people walking a shorter distance to Santiago

 

[Steve Taylor]

I'm planning my Camino from Pamplona mid-August 2022. I know this is always a busy time to walk, but am wondering if I should anticipate it being much more crowded than usual as many had to postpone their caminos for 2+ years due to COVID restrictions. I'm wondering when I need to start booking, as I will be staying in pensions and hostels, as opposed to albergues, mainly. Anyone else anticipating it to be more crowded than previous Augusts?

I’m planning to finish my Camino by walking from Ponferrada to Santiago in the first half of July 2022, and I have discovered that a couple of albergues are already full.

 

[C clearly]

I have discovered that a couple of albergues are already full.

How have you discovered this?

 

[trecile]

I’m planning to finish my Camino by walking from Ponferrada to Santiago in the first half of July 2022, and I have discovered that a couple of albergues are already full.

Probably not full - just not taking reservations this far ahead.

 

[Steve Taylor]

How have you discovered this?

I emailed the albergues or checked the website. In the case of the website, this could be down to bookings not being open yet.

 

[RJM]

I'm still going with the opinion of at least another five years before the Camino, specifically the Frances becomes what it was pre-covid 19. In terms of logistics and infrastructure and amount of foreign pilgrims.

 

[keith duke scott]

I'm planning my Camino from Pamplona mid-August 2022. I know this is always a busy time to walk, but am wondering if I should anticipate it being much more crowded than usual as many had to postpone their caminos for 2+ years due to COVID restrictions. I'm wondering when I need to start booking, as I will be staying in pensions and hostels, as opposed to albergues, mainly. Anyone else anticipating it to be more crowded than previous Augusts?

Hey zbethz
I can't say for sure but I think you are right that it has the potential to be crowded. Booking ahead a day or so is a pretty solid idea, but be careful not to book too far ahead as you might miss some great experience or end up feeling rushed just to get to your pension. You must leave a little space and time for the serendipitous events that happen on the camino at the darndest times and very frequently.The one thing I do know is that it will be very hot!! So if you can handle warm weather I'm sure you will do great. Buen camino

 

[Tartrazine]

The Norte and the Frances merge for the last 40km. Coming into that stretch from the Norte in August this year it felt like I'd arrived in Benidorm. Obviously can't say what it will be like next year, but this year was bad enough.

 

[trecile]

Coming into that stretch from the Norte in August this year it felt like I'd arrived in Benidorm

Presumably the pilgrims on the Camino were wearing more clothes.
There is actually a new route on the Norte that doesn't join up with the Frances until Lavacolla.

 

[zbethz]

Hey zbethz
I can't say for sure but I think you are right that it has the potential to be crowded. Booking ahead a day or so is a pretty solid idea, but be careful not to book too far ahead as you might miss some great experience or end up feeling rushed just to get to your pension. You must leave a little space and time for the serendipitous events that happen on the camino at the darndest times and very frequently.The one thing I do know is that it will be very hot!! So if you can handle warm weather I'm sure you will do great. Buen camino

Thank you so much for the heads up! I'm already looking into good sun protection hats as I too, think the heat will be brutal.

 

[Ron Cesvalles]

August is not busy on the Camino and sadly when I walked this summer it was almost completely deserted.
Hopefully next summer there will be many more pilgrims for the albergues and cafes and to make it more of a Camino experience but I am not optomistic, many people are still afraid to travel and others are deterred by restricions.

 

[C clearly]

August is not busy on the Camino

except for the Sarria to Santiago portion, where August is the busiest month of all.

 

[trecile]

except for the Sarria to Santiago portion, where August is the busiest month of all.

That's why starting in August and ending in September is great!