• For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here.
    (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation)
  • ⚠️ Emergency contact in Spain - Dial 112 and AlertCops app. More on this here.
  • Get your Camino del Norte Guidebook here.
This is a mobile optimized page that loads fast, if you want to load the real page, click this text.

Is tent needed on Camino del Norte?

C

Catalin Bulancea

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
none
Hi people,

I've been reading some threads saying that albergues are fewer on Camino del Norte than on Camino Frances and that many of them are not available all year around.
Do you think I would need to carry a tent?
I plan to go this April...

Thanks,
Catalin
 
Altus 24 Liters daypack (DENON 24 H30)
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
Camino del Norte is more expensive because of that. Many albergue in the Basque area are actually youth hostel and cost 14 euros or more. In later places, those without albergue usually have hostal which is around 25 euros.

A tent is an alternative but then there is the extra weight issue and also where to pitch the tent as the route is more built up (you don't get to walk along the coast too often) as oppose to the flatter Camino via de la plata.
 
Walking Tours of the Camino!
Join our full-service guided tour and let us convert you into a Pampered Pilgrim!
Evanlow, I tend not to agree with your assessment, possibly the albergue infrastructure on the Norte has improved in recent years. I walked the Norte in August/September 2014 and slept in albergues almost every night. mostly for the price of 5-10 euro. Also in the Basque country, there is a lot of albergues which makes it possible to to sleep in an albergue every night.

Having said that, there are less albergues as compared to the CF, so it involves a little bit more planning. (and checking the gronze site for availability), especially if you are on a tight budget and not able to occasionally sleep in a hotel. However, most pilgrims I met on the Norte did not carry a tent, so unless you prefer camping (many albergues allow people set up a tent) I would not take one.
 
Hi @Catalin Bulancea no to the tent, especially not in April, as it will not be crowded. Also there is not frequently a place to pitch it (a big no on private land.) If worst came to worst you can taxi ahead to an albergue and back to where you left off the next morning. Don't miss the albergue at Guemes! Buen camino
 
There is not a need for a tent.
There are albergues at easy distances the full distance of the Norte.
I would compare the number and spacing of albergues to my first Camino in 2009.
The number of pilgrims walking are also similar.
There are also other accomondations available all along the Norte.
It is now very popular.
No tent!
 
Altus 24 Liters daypack (DENON 24 H30)
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
I carried a tent on the Norte last year and would not do it again. Wild camping is illegal pretty much all the way, not many albergues in the towns have suitable gardens (there are exceptions, but they were not full anyway), and many camping grounds do not open until the high season in July.
 
Many thanks for your replies! I've checked Gronze, looks very complete!
What about ATMs? Do I need to bring money or can I pay with the card most of the times (albergues, lunch, etc)?
Thanks!
 
Catalin Bulancea said:
Many thanks for your replies! I've checked Gronze, looks very complete!
What about ATMs? Do I need to bring money or can I pay with the card most of the times (albergues, lunch, etc)?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
ATM. Albergues do not take credit cards. Pensions May as Will some hostels that are not just for pilgrims hut these are not and just for pilgrims and the little bags where you'll be having brekfast and lunch Will be mostly cash. In The cities you Will be able tomuse your credit card In proper restaurants.
 
Camino Jewellery
A selection of Camino Jewellery
Ok, so money it is!

2 more questions if I may:
- Where is the Pilgrims Office in San Sebastian or Irun to take my pilgrim passport?
- Can I buy a guide for Camino del Norte in library in San Sebastian/Irun?

Thanks again!
 
Catalin Bulancea said:
Ok, so money it is!

2 more questions if I may:
- Where is the Pilgrims Office in San Sebastian or Irun to take my pilgrim passport?
- Can I buy a guide for Camino del Norte in library in San Sebastian/Irun?

Thanks again!
Click to expand...
You can also download this guide to your phone http://www.cicerone.co.uk/
 
Camino Ready, Backpacks, Boots etc
3rd Edition. More content, training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc
No. Tent just a lot of weight you will dump. Try Gronce.com gives up to date Albergue beds
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Camino Photo

Most read last week in this forum

Similar threads

B
Stops on Camino del Norte
Replies
2
Views
527
syug
M
Camino del Norte
Replies
2
Views
670
JimG59
camino del norte
Replies
8
Views
1K
Jon53
J
Menu
Log in
Register