Heading out at Easter 2017

[Mckarash]

I walked some of the Camino Frances last summer 2016 from St Jean - Belorado. I had no problems and enjoyed every step. This year I'm planning to leave St Jean again and see how far i get over 18 days but I will be starting my walk on Good Friday or Easter Saturday...my instinct tells me this will be an incredibly busy time! Anyone have any experience of previous Easters? and will transport be running from Biarritz on these holidays?

 

[Deleted member 36903]

I can't advise on transport from Biarritz, others more knowledgeable than myself will no doubt respond to that part of your question, but if you are starting from SJPDP and the Route Napoleon is open, then the demand for places to stay between SJPDP and Roncesvalles will be shared between that route and the one via Valcarlos. If, on the other hand the mountain route is closed there might be pressure for beds if you break that first stage. My understanding is that there is ample accommodation at Roncesvalles for pilgrims, and that, in any case, most Spanish pilgrims do not start from there. When I walked in 2014, Good Friday coincided with my arrival at Puente La Reina and there was a real scramble for beds in the following days but that pressure eased after the end of Semana Santa. This is only based on my own experience and on reading the comments posted by other forum members, and this is such a wonderful time in the Christian year to be in Spain. Buen Camino

 

[MTtoCamino]

Easter is a busy time I assume you will make it into Roncevallas on Easter or the day after, in any case you will see an increase of pilgrims & festivities during & after. It is fun & interesting. I was in Burgose for Easter in 2014 the only time I was turned away from an Alburgue because it was full. Very energetic time on the Camino.
Buen Camino
Keith

 

[gregorygwilliams]

I leave SJPDP on Tuesday 11-April and arrive in Pamplona on Thursday and leave on good Friday. Maybe we will meet up. Greg.

 

[gregorygwilliams]

For whatever it is worth, I was able to make advance reservations every night from Lunes Santo 10-April to Domingo de la Resurrección (Easter Sunday) (Except for Roncesvalles where I assume the albergue will be open.)

 

[MTtoCamino]

Easter is a busy time I assume you will make it into Roncevallas on Easter or the day after, in any case you will see an increase of pilgrims & festivities during & after. It is fun & interesting. I was in Burgose for Easter in 2014 the only time I was turned away from an Alburgue because it was full. Very energetic time on the Camino.
Buen Camino
Keith

Go to this site for transport info http://www.expressbourricot.com/

 

[JustEuman]

I was just about to post the very same question, currently my thinking is that maybe the Easter Saturday might be one day behind the bigger numbers that choose to start walking on Easter Friday.

Cheers