Invierno in March?

[Mito]

Does anyone have experience on the Invierno in March? I'm planning to finally "finish" the Camino I began in 2011 from Astorga to Santiago next month. I tried in 2022 and ended up with Covid LOL. I want to avoid the Sarria to end busy-ness (although I'm guessing March isn't as bad as peak season). So I'm intrigued by the Invierno alternative. My concern is: will things be open in March? I'm not looking to walk 20 km/day. More like 15 on average. So I do need lodging and food not too spaced out. Thoughts? I ask because during March in the past some places were still closed even on the Frances. Thanks all!

 

[Tincatinker]

Stick with the Frances. In March there’ll be more easily accessible resources and the “crowds” won’t build till Holy Week. Start middle March from Astorga and you’ll wonder why you worried.

 

[Bradypus]

I agree with @Tincatinker. If you want to keep your stages short then you have more options on the Frances and the busy season will still be some way in the future.

 

[C clearly]

I also doubt that the "crowds" in March will be too much to tolerate. However, if you're still interested in the Invierno, dig out a guide or look at Gronze to figure out the stages. You would probably have to use some work-arounds (shuttle back and forth with assistance from train or taxi, for example) to keep all your stages less than 15-20 km. You would be wise to confirm some of the places in advance. This is easier if you speak Spanish. There are threads here that explain some of the awkward stages.

 

[J Willhaus]

Just walked Sarria to Santiago over the holidays. All the Xunta albergues were open and there were places to eat open in each town (even on a holiday). Not much open in between for coffee, etc.

 

[Bradypus]

A PS: A small fly in your ointment might be the date of Easter this year. 31 March - which is quite early. As numbers walking do tend to rise during Holy Week you may find that quite busy and might want to think about reservations if numbers do build up during that week.

 

[Mito]

A PS: A small fly in your ointment might be the date of Easter this year. 31 March - which is quite early. As numbers walking do tend to rise during Holy Week you may find that quite busy and might want to think about reservations if numbers do build up during that week.

Good to know...thanks!

 

[Dougie]

Does anyone have experience on the Invierno in March? I'm planning to finally "finish" the Camino I began in 2011 from Astorga to Santiago next month. I tried in 2022 and ended up with Covid LOL. I want to avoid the Sarria to end busy-ness (although I'm guessing March isn't as bad as peak season). So I'm intrigued by the Invierno alternative. My concern is: will things be open in March? I'm not looking to walk 20 km/day. More like 15 on average. So I do need lodging and food not too spaced out. Thoughts? I ask because during March in the past some places were still closed even on the Frances. Thanks all!

I'm thinking about the Invierno in April to avoid the madden crowds after Sarria also and was thinking the exact same thing.

 

[Donna Sch]

Does anyone have experience on the Invierno in March? I'm planning to finally "finish" the Camino I began in 2011 from Astorga to Santiago next month. I tried in 2022 and ended up with Covid LOL. I want to avoid the Sarria to end busy-ness (although I'm guessing March isn't as bad as peak season). So I'm intrigued by the Invierno alternative. My concern is: will things be open in March? I'm not looking to walk 20 km/day. More like 15 on average. So I do need lodging and food not too spaced out. Thoughts? I ask because during March in the past some places were still closed even on the Frances. Thanks all!

Yes! Mar 2019 Camino Mixto
We were really lucky and had excellent weather. My other half likes to keep distances between 15-20 km so you may find our stages useful. Lots of wildlife if you are an enthusiast.