Holy week concerns

[raollivier]

Does anyone have experience on the Via de la plata during Holy Week? I'm starting from Sevilla on April 14th which means I will fairly quickly be into Holy Week. While I will have gotten away from Sevilla by then, nonetheless I am a little concerned that accommodations may be difficult to find during that time, especially if I want to spend an extra day in Merida as planned. Are the albergues affected by the crowds? Richard

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hola Richard

Whilst the Camino does get busier with Spanish pilgrims during Holy Week and Easter I doubt that that far south the numbers will be considerable - you will mostly be in deep rural Spain. But you will know quickly enough how many other pilgrims are on the route. My advice is to take a good up to date guidebook with a note of alternative accommodation if the needs arises which hopefully it won't!

Buen Camino

John

 

[giorgio]

Holy week will be busy on any Camino, many Spanish people take a week's vacation during holy week and they do walk or cycle along the various routes. We were on VDLP on holy week a few years ago and it was the only time the albergues were full. Merida was particularly busy as the have a very important procession on holy friday. Would recommend booking ahead if possible.
Buen Camino
Giorgio

 

[Anniesantiago]

I was in Spain for Holy Week in 2003. I was in Sevilla, Cordoba, Granada, Madrid, and Toledo and it was SPECTACULAR! We booked ahead at the youth hostel in Sevilla. It was noisy as heck, but fun.

Holy Week = HIGHLY recommended!

Ask around to find out when the parades from each church will be... you won't want to miss them!