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Paul, you could try to contact the places you identify as suitable, directly, once you have found them via a search. In a recent post on another thread, there was a comment about trying to deal directly with establishments. I know from having had to do just that for a local walk, that it is less expensive for both the owner and the guest. More importantly, the establishments have knowledge of what space they actually have, while the booking companies may not.Reading many of the “live” posts from the Francés, it is apparent that the numbers this summer are going to be huge. I had made a decision last month, at last, to start my long postponed Camino in June. I was all set to book flights when I thought it prudent to make some private accommodation bookings immediately. (Albergues are no longer the friendly option for me, now that I am of an age where I will be a disturbance to fellow pilgrims several times during the night. I’m also wary of the Covid menace).
I was in for a shock when I began searching booking.com. Almost all available budget accommodation I wanted was already booked out - and Gronze didn’t help either. It is apparent that albergue accommodation is also becoming scarce. Needless to say I have put it off until August. Even for that month I have encountered some problems - no San Martin Pinario on this trip, for instance.
I know that there are quieter Camino options, but this one has to be the Francés.
I think this is good advice, we are currently in cacabelos and started in SJPDP on 4th April. We booked through to Pamplona and then had no problem with walking in to Albergues. Unfortunately on the way in to Casterojeraz I fell and hurt my leg. After it was cleaned and dressed I was advised no walking for 2 days and no bag for 10 days to allow time to heal so we have had to go back to booking ahead so the bag can be sent on. So far we have always found something and we try to book 48 hours ahead. We have had lots of help from Hosteleros who have called for us when my school Spanish was not sufficient over the phone.A few suggestions. 1). Experiment with dates. Sometimes larger group starts at a particular time. Watch out for arrival in places like Ponferrada at holiday weekends like May1, or Festivals,like the Wine festival in Logrono in September. Also be aware of small limited housing towns like Rabanal del Camino, Foncebadon, El Acebo that have limited accommodations but many walkers stop at. Try as an alternative to booking.com, hotels.com? Sometimes I have gotten a room at Hotels.com when booking.com had no availability. And as others have indicated, check the hotels website or call them directly.Lastly keep checking daily. i often fill in-“occupied areas” after others cancel reservations. Be persistent.
I leave May 25 for the Frances. Luckily I booked the whole way long ago!Reading many of the “live” posts from the Francés, it is apparent that the numbers this summer are going to be huge. I had made a decision last month, at last, to start my long postponed Camino in June. I was all set to book flights when I thought it prudent to make some private accommodation bookings immediately. (Albergues are no longer the friendly option for me, now that I am of an age where I will be a disturbance to fellow pilgrims several times during the night. I’m also wary of the Covid menace).
I was in for a shock when I began searching booking.com. Almost all available budget accommodation I wanted was already booked out - and Gronze didn’t help either. It is apparent that albergue accommodation is also becoming scarce. Needless to say I have put it off until August. Even for that month I have encountered some problems - no San Martin Pinario on this trip, for instance.
I know that there are quieter Camino options, but this one has to be the Francés.
Reading many of the “live” posts from the Francés, it is apparent that the numbers this summer are going to be huge. I had made a decision last month, at last, to start my long postponed Camino in June. I was all set to book flights when I thought it prudent to make some private accommodation bookings immediately. (Albergues are no longer the friendly option for me, now that I am of an age where I will be a disturbance to fellow pilgrims several times during the night. I’m also wary of the Covid menace).
I was in for a shock when I began searching booking.com. Almost all available budget accommodation I wanted was already booked out - and Gronze didn’t help either. It is apparent that albergue accommodation is also becoming scarce. Needless to say I have put it off until August. Even for that month I have encountered some problems - no San Martin Pinario on this trip, for instance.
I know that there are quieter Camino options, but this one has to be the Francés.
I completely agree with you. For me, however, this is indeed going to be that different experience - I am embarking on a geological field trip. My original post was merely an observation which I hadn’t encountered before. I think that the posts above will have alleviated many concerns for June pilgrims.If I had to pre- book a 40 day walk on the Camino Frances, I would look for a different experience. It’s my second walk and the heart of why I’m doing this again is that, day to day, it’s all such a beautiful mystery. I don’t know where I am, what’s ahead, how far I’ll walk, who I’ll meet. . . . Knowing where I HAVE to be that night goes a long way towards sucking the soul out of MY Camino, at least.
For what it's worth: We've discussed the availability of rooms at San Martin Pinario in an earlier thread. It is an odd situation: They have next to no availability of their standard rooms until the 1st of November 2022 but at the same time forum members emailed them to request beds for pilgrims on their pilgrim floor (that cannot be booked online, only be email) and they were able to book a night or more.Needless to say I have put it off until August. Even for that month I have encountered some problems - no San Martin Pinario on this trip, for instance.
I am mixed on this. For the first couple nights as I acclimate - I find it comforting to know I won't have to go beyond my intended first stop to find a bed. And nothing worse than feeling like you have to race over the Pyrenees to make sure you get that bed in Roncesvalles if that is your intended stop. But after that - I am totally with you!If I had to pre- book a 40 day walk on the Camino Frances, I would look for a different experience. It’s my second walk and the heart of why I’m doing this again is that, day to day, it’s all such a beautiful mystery. I don’t know where I am, what’s ahead, how far I’ll walk, who I’ll meet. . . . Knowing where I HAVE to be that night goes a long way towards sucking the soul out of MY Camino, at least.
My husband and I are starting the Frances on June 1 and were booking accommodations for the first 4 nights, but have found very little available (small hotels) in Pamplona. Any suggestions for us regarding further bookings?Reading many of the “live” posts from the Francés, it is apparent that the numbers this summer are going to be huge. I had made a decision last month, at last, to start my long postponed Camino in June. I was all set to book flights when I thought it prudent to make some private accommodation bookings immediately. (Albergues are no longer the friendly option for me, now that I am of an age where I will be a disturbance to fellow pilgrims several times during the night. I’m also wary of the Covid menace).
I was in for a shock when I began searching booking.com. Almost all available budget accommodation I wanted was already booked out - and Gronze didn’t help either. It is apparent that albergue accommodation is also becoming scarce. Needless to say I have put it off until August. Even for that month I have encountered some problems - no San Martin Pinario on this trip, for instance.
I know that there are quieter Camino options, but this one has to be the Francés.
If you can't find a reservation - there will still be the municipal albergue which does not take reservations. And it is very large. And the smaller German run place also does not take reservations. Get an early start from Zubiri and you should be fine. Find out what time they open and aim to be there around that time. Getting into Pamplona early is nice because there is also lots to explore! I don't recall Zubiri to Pamplona being too difficult of a hike. Enjoy your walk along the way - don't race to the bed - just get up a little earlier so that you can be ahead of the crowds. Or - go ahead and book the smaller places. I stayed in the Municipal last year and this year I actually chose a place that is on the far end of town - on the way out of town. I will explore the center of town on my way to the place I will be staying (not an albergue, pension OR hotel lol - not sure what to call it!)My husband and I are starting the Frances on June 1 and were booking accommodations for the first 4 nights, but have found very little available (small hotels) in Pamplona. Any suggestions for us regarding further bookings?
I guess you have booked Pamplona already? Please don't make the mistake of thinking that just because there is sporadically high demand it is busy everywhere and all the time.My husband and I are starting the Frances on June 1 and were booking accommodations for the first 4 nights, but have found very little available (small hotels) in Pamplona. Any suggestions for us regarding further bookings?
Me too.LOL I knew it would be. Had to push my trip to this year from 2020 and I sighed when the church made this the holy year. I'm starting in a couple of weeks and it's gonna be wild.
A frequent discussion ... for many people, not having to book ahead is an essential part of their experience, others prefer to book ahead a day or more in advance, some even the whole lot from SJPP to Santiago (perhaps first-timers?). It should not matter to a pilgrim how others handle this. And yet it does, and I don't quite get it.If I had to pre- book a 40 day walk on the Camino Frances, I would look for a different experience. It’s my second walk and the heart of why I’m doing this again is that, day to day, it’s all such a beautiful mystery. I don’t know where I am, what’s ahead, how far I’ll walk, who I’ll meet. . . . Knowing where I HAVE to be that night goes a long way towards sucking the soul out of MY Camino, at least.
Kathar1na,I guess you have booked Pamplona already? Please don't make the mistake of thinking that just because there is sporadically high demand it is busy everywhere and all the time.
I've not read that municipal, parochial and donativo albergues are currently full in Pamplona and beyond, and this kind of accommodation usually cannot be booked. What can be booked are beds in private albergues. Next to all of them are listed on Gronze.com.
Towns like Pamplona and Logroño are popular touristic destinations; they may be 'very busy' on Saturdays or during their famous and highly popular fiesta weeks but not otherwise. I had a look at the former Eslava hotel in Pamplona, now renamed as Alda Centro, about which you had enquired in another thread. Both Booking.com and their own website shows when they are full in June 2022 and when not. Same for May 2022. Usually only on Friday and Saturday nights! And as already mentioned that does not mean that the municipal albergues are full, too. Buen Camino!
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I don't know on which day of the week you are likely to arrive in Pamplona but since you plan to start the Camino Francés on 1 June, I thought I might as well mention that 6 June is Whitsun Monday this year. It is not a public holiday in Spain but it is one in a number of other European countries, and long weekends always encourage more people to go on trips than otherwise, whether it for a short city trip abroad or for a longer trip of two or more weeks.We have NOT booked a place in Pamplona yet. I like to avoid booking.com whenever possible just because their cancellation/change process can be difficult. I think I will have to make phone calls as many of the small hotels listed in Brierly's book do list have websites. But as my husband said today, "God will provide."
Try this alternative as well Airbnb if you come unstuck somewhere , but to be honest if your booking ahead on any sites and for some unknown reason your not going to get there then you could end up losing the cost ..I been fortunate to go in the spring when it's been quietA few suggestions. 1). Experiment with dates. Sometimes larger group starts at a particular time. Watch out for arrival in places like Ponferrada at holiday weekends like May1, or Festivals,like the Wine festival in Logrono in September. Also be aware of small limited housing towns like Rabanal del Camino, Foncebadon, El Acebo that have limited accommodations but many walkers stop at. Try as an alternative to booking.com, hotels.com? Sometimes I have gotten a room at Hotels.com when booking.com had no availability. And as others have indicated, check the hotels website or call them directly.Lastly keep checking daily. i often fill in-“occupied areas” after others cancel reservations. Be persistent.
The use of Booking.com is controversial because of the commission that they take from the owner of the accommodation. However, as a matter of general info, I do not remember their cancellation/change process as difficult as far as accommodation along the Camino Frances through Spain as well as my trail through France is concerned. Quite the contrary.I like to avoid booking.com whenever possible just because their cancellation/change process can be difficult.
Some bookings through booking.com do have a cancellation fee and that is usually stated when you make the reservation. I know I have one with that clause.The use of Booking.com is controversial because of the commission that they take from the owner of the accommodation. However, as a matter of general info, I do not remember their cancellation/change process as difficult as far as accommodation along the Camino Frances through Spain as well as my trail through France is concerned. Quite the contrary.
In Spain in particular, I remember that, in most cases, no prepayment was required and cancellation was usually possible until the day before arrival without penalty. The conditions are clearly stated during the booking process. One mouse click and the reservation was undone without problems or moved to another day. Has this changed now?
I virtually live on booking.com as I have been travelling two years and nothing has changed to my mind. I find the app excellent, very clear and the sort and filter options excellent (sadly i tend to sort by ‘lowest price’!!). Cancellation policies are very clear (though always check which times zone they are relating to, nearly alway the time zone of the property). I tend to find that 0001 day before local time is when you can no longer cancel free. Always try the waive fees option too! Always scroll down the properties offers. It may be €10 For a non cancellable bed and 12 for a cancellable bed. Also if the ‘hero offer’ say €10 for a bed in a female dorm, click on options and you may find same offer for male.The use of Booking.com is controversial because of the commission that they take from the owner of the accommodation. However, as a matter of general info, I do not remember their cancellation/change process as difficult as far as accommodation along the Camino Frances through Spain as well as my trail through France is concerned. Quite the contrary.
In Spain in particular, I remember that, in most cases, no prepayment was required and cancellation was usually possible until the day before arrival without penalty. The conditions are clearly stated during the booking process. One mouse click and the reservation was undone without problems or moved to another day. Has this changed now?
How can a regular lay person like myself get access to the pilgrim registration numbers? I'd love to be able to track that.On a side note, my husband was looking at the SJPDP pilgrim registration numbers updated on one of his Facebook feeds this morning for week 17 comparing this year to 2019. Still not quite up to 2019 numbers (a few hundred less). A sign that it is busy, but more in line with pre-Covid numbers.
I hope @J Willhaus can give you that answer, but there is some very interesting historical data on the American Pilgrims website.How can a regular lay person like myself get access to the pilgrim registration numbers? I'd love to be able to track that.
It was originally posted in the Facebook group of the Pilgrims Welcome Office of SJPP. They very occasionally post daily or weekly numbers and they publish their monthly numbers at the end of the year. The data indicate that it is currently as busy in the first stages of the Camino Francés as it was before Covid.How can a regular lay person like myself get access to the pilgrim registration numbers? I'd love to be able to track that.
Letting go of technology is fun and important for you and for many others who spontaneously share this view in this thread and other threads.I leave in 2 weeks and having walked there French way before I booked Orisson ahead but after that will work it out as I go and it always is ok. Part of the fun letting go of technology. Just my way of doing it
my fault for not reading the whole thread. each to their own is the best way. mine is a simple one but understand everyone has their own camino. Buen CaminoLetting go of technology is fun and important for you and for many others who spontaneously share this view in this thread and other threads.
Perhaps you had read only @Peregrinopaul's first post in this thread when you replied and did not notice his other comments. He will be going for a different experience this summer - he is embarking on a geological field trip and so I guess it's important to him that he can stay in those places where he wants to stay. @Peregrinopaul has an excellent knowledge of fascinating geological features along the Camino Frances and he has shared some of this in earlier threads.
Sometimes I feel tempted to say that the Camino de Santiago is much more than not booking ahead, not carrying a smartphone and I don't know what the third thing is, probably meeting people from all over the world ...?
Hi like yourself I intended to do the Francis this year but will put it of till next year if God allows, but it would have been my third Camino so i cannot complain, going this year to me seems madness most of the accommodation will probably be full and plenty of crowds which I don't like , people are filling the Camino up.as the last few years have been holding the pilgrims back from walking, but to those who are doing any Caminos good luckReading many of the “live” posts from the Francés, it is apparent that the numbers this summer are going to be huge. I had made a decision last month, at last, to start my long postponed Camino in June. I was all set to book flights when I thought it prudent to make some private accommodation bookings immediately. (Albergues are no longer the friendly option for me, now that I am of an age where I will be a disturbance to fellow pilgrims several times during the night. I’m also wary of the Covid menace).
I was in for a shock when I began searching booking.com. Almost all available budget accommodation I wanted was already booked out - and Gronze didn’t help either. It is apparent that albergue accommodation is also becoming scarce. Needless to say I have put it off until August. Even for that month I have encountered some problems - no San Martin Pinario on this trip, for instance.
I know that there are quieter Camino options, but this one has to be the Francés.
my fault for not reading the whole thread. each to their own is the best way. mine is a simple one but understand everyone has their own camino. Buen Camino
Several bookings preferred Whatsapp. I am wrapping up Camino Frances. Switched to private accommodations after getting sick in Pamplona hostel. Several bookings even used Whatsapp to communicate door code and room number for a contactless experience. My room key was in the door and I never saw hostal personnel. They all provided a number to contact for any issues or questions.My albergue neighbours appreciate it if people contact via whatsapp because it is so immediate. They also query albergues ahead the same way to ask if they have spaces for their guests for the next day. The replies are immediate.
They had a reservation today for October for someone coming from SJPP. The reply was we'll pencil you in but do check in again nearer the time. Whatsapping seems to be the future.
Hello, we are in Pamplona this evening (a Saturday). We had pre booked our hostel months ago as we wanted private rooms. We walked from Zubiri today with another couple who had no booking. She has just WhatsApp ed me to tell me that they have had to book into a very expensive hotel as there was nothing else available . So maybe booking a couple of days ahead would be good.Kathar1na,
Thank you for your suggestions. We have NOT booked a place in Pamplona yet. I like to avoid booking.com whenever possible just because their cancellation/change process can be difficult. I think I will have to make phone calls as many of the small hotels listed in Brierly's book do list have websites.
But as my husband said today, "God will provide."
MaryAlice
When did you start booking ?I leave May 25 for the Frances. Luckily I booked the whole way long ago!
Me too! it took a while and I felt a bit bad doing that but I dont want any surprises!!I leave May 25 for the Frances. Luckily I booked the whole way long ago!
Advance booking for a stay in commercial accommodation/private rooms on Saturday nights in Pamplona is good advice as demand is apparently high on weekends, i.e. Fridays and Saturdays.we are in Pamplona this evening (a Saturday). We had pre booked our hostel months ago as we wanted private rooms. We walked from Zubiri today with another couple who had no booking. She has just WhatsApp ed me to tell me that they have had to book into a very expensive hotel as there was nothing else available . So maybe booking a couple of days ahead would be good.
I've read this a few times already that some Camino walkers prefer not to book.I prefer to walk without reservations and leave my destiny to St. James, come what may
The first graph below had been produced by the Pilgrims Office of SJPP for 2015. It shows the "two humps" graph typical for the number of pilgrims in SJPP. The purple lines mark weeks 27 April to 17 May and 31 August to 13 September.Can someone post the graph that shows the number of pilgrim that start each week from SJPP
Thank you for this, I’m trying to figure out if starting in SJPP the last week on August will be less crowded than a week or two later, possibly a little dip between the Europeans and North Americans?The first graph below had been produced by the Pilgrims Office of SJPP for 2015. It shows the "two humps" graph typical for the number of pilgrims in SJPP. The purple lines mark weeks 27 April to 17 May and 31 August to 13 September.
The graph for the numbers of pilgrims at the other end of the Camino Francés in Santiago de Compostela has one peak and that is in August - see second graph for 2019 produced by the Santiago pilgrims office. "Busy" is relative, both in time and space.
Note the difference of the scales: 3000 max for SJPP, nearly 60 000 in SdC (all arrivals but the graph for only CF arrivals is similar). Numbers are mainly driven by pilgrims from Spain/Europe i.e. when they take time off from work/go on vacation/vacation patterns.
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Judging by this graph from 2015 and by reports from hospitaleros at Roncesvalles in recent years, I would think that the last week of August (week starting on 22 August or 29 August this year) and weeks later in September (week starting 12 or 19 September and later) are good choices.I’m trying to figure out if starting in SJPP the last week on August will be less crowded than a week or two later
Exactly. Unfortunately sometimes a contributor to this forum experiences something one day, shares it here and members who aren't on the Camino or never walked it before jump to wrong conclusions. Thinking that it will be that way in the future, when in fact it changes day to day.I think that sometimes we may jump to conclusions and generalisations that don't convey the actual facts. There are record numbers in some parts and business as usual or even less in other parts. From today's Diario de Navarra:
According to the Tourist Observatory of Navarre, from January 1 to April 30, 7,026 people have stamped their credentials in Roncesvalles, 30% less than in the same period of 2019, when 9,975 did it. The recovery, with the pandemic still raging, is gradual, but there are other more encouraging data that point in the opposite direction: until mid-April, about 25,400 pilgrims had arrived in Santiago de Compostela, a record figure that is 30% more than in 2019.
The data from the Pilgrims Office in Santiago for Compostelas for pilgrims who arrived in April 2022 and indicated SJPP as their departure point appear to support this: there may be a boom in some parts of the Caminos but not everywhere, and it may not be the case when and where you intend to walk.
Compostelas for pilgrims who had indicated SJPP as their starting point and arrived in SdC in April 2022:2018: 15082019: 16782022: 1094 (only!)
I'm fine with booking.com passing the extra cost to me, as I find it very convenient having my bookings in the same place.The use of Booking.com is controversial because of the commission that they take from the owner of the accommodation. However, as a matter of general info, I do not remember their cancellation/change process as difficult as far as accommodation along the Camino Frances through Spain as well as my trail through France is concerned. Quite the contrary.
In Spain in particular, I remember that, in most cases, no prepayment was required and cancellation was usually possible until the day before arrival without penalty. The conditions are clearly stated during the booking process. One mouse click and the reservation was undone without problems or moved to another day. Has this changed now?
I would have loved to use WhatsApp to book more Than I have, but several places where I wanted to stay aren't on WhatsApp.My albergue neighbours appreciate it if people contact via whatsapp because it is so immediate.
I really enjoyed my stay at ANFAS in 2016, and really appreciated what they are doing in providing jobs to those with challenges.It also said the ANFAS albergue in Estella would open May 15. This albergue is quite large and ispartially staffed by people with disabilities
Exactly right. Pilgrim rooms can only be booked by phone or email.I stayed in a pilgrim room at San Martin Pinario 2 weeks ago - the receptionist told me that the pilgrim rooms cannot be booked through Booking.com and can be booked only by contacting them directly. A double pilgrim room including breakfast was €40
While BOOKING.COM appears to hold the lion’s share of available lodging, also try Centraldereservas.com especially for the larger towns. You won’t find dormitory accommodations, but you will often find budget and moderately priced places along any number of Camino routes. And yes, there is an icon of the British flag to click for English. Have used them every now and again for nearly twenty years for travels within Europe, not just Camino related.A few suggestions. 1). Experiment with dates. Sometimes larger group starts at a particular time. Watch out for arrival in places like Ponferrada at holiday weekends like May1, or Festivals,like the Wine festival in Logrono in September. Also be aware of small limited housing towns like Rabanal del Camino, Foncebadon, El Acebo that have limited accommodations but many walkers stop at. Try as an alternative to booking.com, hotels.com? Sometimes I have gotten a room at Hotels.com when booking.com had no availability. And as others have indicated, check the hotels website or call them directly.Lastly keep checking daily. i often fill in-“occupied areas” after others cancel reservations. Be persistent.
That's useful to know.While BOOKING.COM appears to hold the lion’s share of available lodging, also try Centraldereservas.com especially for the larger towns. You won’t find dormitory accommodations, but you will often find budget and moderately priced places along any number of Camino routes.
I guess we can speculate endlessly about Booking.com policy and their clients' policies.I also wonder if there are fewer rooms given on the weekend to booking.com and more during the week? Just a theory.
What are 1/2 bed apartments?We are currently in Los Arcos and having walked from SJPP there are couple of pinch points(places with shortage of accom). My advice book Zubiri and Los Arcos two or three days ahead. The rest have been fine with plenty of availability. Last piece of advice, look for 1/2 bed apartments as they are cheap(50-60 euros) if you want a private space. Buen Camino
We have used a number of options for accomodation. Booking, phoning directly( as long as your Spanish is passable), airbnb and just looking at the village you are going on google maps. In larger towns deff look at apartments as if there are 2 or more of you it often wirks out cheaper than albergues/hostals. Tonight we are in Sahagun, private aprt, £39 for the night. Used same apartment option in Pamplona, logrono, burgos and here. Buen caminoWhat are 1/2 bed apartments?
Saw your name. I hike the west highland way and the Great Glen way the weeks leading up to hiking the Camino next year.
And in 2022??FWIW: total number of Compostelas, as published by the Pilgrims Office in Santiago, for the period 1 May until 15 May:
in 2019: 20,968
in 2021: 20,082
It was a typo!!! Updated figures for 1 May to 19 May:And in 2022??
Great data, might put a few myths to bed.It was a typo!!! Updated figures for 1 May to 19 May:
in 2019: 27,206
in 2022: 25,590
Hi have you thought about using the companies who book it all in advance for you?Reading many of the “live” posts from the Francés, it is apparent that the numbers this summer are going to be huge. I had made a decision last month, at last, to start my long postponed Camino in June. I was all set to book flights when I thought it prudent to make some private accommodation bookings immediately. (Albergues are no longer the friendly option for me, now that I am of an age where I will be a disturbance to fellow pilgrims several times during the night. I’m also wary of the Covid menace).
I was in for a shock when I began searching booking.com. Almost all available budget accommodation I wanted was already booked out - and Gronze didn’t help either. It is apparent that albergue accommodation is also becoming scarce. Needless to say I have put it off until August. Even for that month I have encountered some problems - no San Martin Pinario on this trip, for instance.
I know that there are quieter Camino options, but this one has to be the Francés.
Cheers. It’s pretty empty so far for us but sure a Sunday night in Pamplona won’t be. Big day ahead of us tomorrow and it’s gonna be 30cWe have used a number of options for accomodation. Booking, phoning directly( as long as your Spanish is passable), airbnb and just looking at the village you are going on google maps. In larger towns deff look at apartments as if there are 2 or more of you it often wirks out cheaper than albergues/hostals. Tonight we are in Sahagun, private aprt, £39 for the night. Used same apartment option in Pamplona, logrono, burgos and here. Buen camino
The data about pilgrims and Compostelas registered at the Pilgrims Office in Santiago are available now: total numbers for May 2022 are higher compared to May 2019 but not dramatically so.The total number for May 2022 is likely be higher than for May 2019
From memory, it has been dropping slightly each year since about 2017.The number of pilgrims who obtained a Compostela and indicated SJPP as their point of departure is down: 5405 pilgrims in May 2
You are right and I am aware of this. However, these figures are the only solid data that are available. It will be interesting to see the May data from the Pilgrims Office in SJPP should they eventually make them available. But it is the same thing there: Not everyone goes there, and for example I've never registered there on the two times that I set out from SJPP to Roncesvalles. The main point: So far, it is hard to detect a Holy Year 2022 effect although posters frequently mention it or predict it.Anecdotally many pilgrims walking their ‘umpteenth’ camino do not.
I fit into the group that Anamcara posted on this thread. After eleven Caminos, I only took home 4 Compostelas along with just one distance certificate. However, in 2014 I did proudly collect a certificate for the 800th anniversary of the pilgrimage of St. Francis to SdC.
I have walked multiple routes from 500km to 1500km every summer since 2012 and my choice was to fly under the radar after a certain number of finishes in SdC and not check in at the Pilgrim Office. I suspect there are lots of veteran pilgrims who do the same thing which would definitely skew the numbers of how many pilgrims finish the route every year.
Circling back to the OP's question about accommodations, my last Camino was pre-Covid in 2019 and I never had a problem with finding place to sleep because I was always at the door of the albergue when it opened at 1 or 2pm.
it is a pity how things are evolving regarding albergues and accommodation after COVID. In any case, please beware: August is even busier probably, maybe end of August/September might have some easier opportunities.Reading many of the “live” posts from the Francés, it is apparent that the numbers this summer are going to be huge. I had made a decision last month, at last, to start my long postponed Camino in June. I was all set to book flights when I thought it prudent to make some private accommodation bookings immediately. (Albergues are no longer the friendly option for me, now that I am of an age where I will be a disturbance to fellow pilgrims several times during the night. I’m also wary of the Covid menace).
I was in for a shock when I began searching booking.com. Almost all available budget accommodation I wanted was already booked out - and Gronze didn’t help either. It is apparent that albergue accommodation is also becoming scarce. Needless to say I have put it off until August. Even for that month I have encountered some problems - no San Martin Pinario on this trip, for instance.
I know that there are quieter Camino options, but this one has to be the Francés.
The real actual accurate numbers don’t matter that much. It is the patterns of the behaviour of a huge number of people, of the majority, that matter most. And they are amazingly similar by month, by weekday, by year, by section (of the CF in particular). The question is whether these patterns suddenly and clearly change for some reason. Btw, the “repeat” walkers are unlikely to contribute to any Holy Year effect. They’ll walk anyway, Holy Year or no Holy Year …So many on repeat Camino visits may only do sections of the route so the data could be very misleading. I myself will hopefully be starting again at Burgos on Saturday but only likely walk for 2 weeks or so so unlikely to be in the data at all apart from where I rest my head.
I wish you well for your forthcoming Camino. In a different context, yesterday I booked accommodation in the country where I live. The booking websites had their various quotes. I rang the place directly, and did not even bother quoting the prices I had seen. The quote I got was less than any of them. It might be worth preparing a short spiel in Spanish to use if calling an albergue/pension/hotel to ask for a price for your bookings.Reading many of the “live” posts from the Francés, it is apparent that the numbers this summer are going to be huge. I had made a decision last month, at last, to start my long postponed Camino in June. I was all set to book flights when I thought it prudent to make some private accommodation bookings immediately. (Albergues are no longer the friendly option for me, now that I am of an age where I will be a disturbance to fellow pilgrims several times during the night. I’m also wary of the Covid menace).
I was in for a shock when I began searching booking.com. Almost all available budget accommodation I wanted was already booked out - and Gronze didn’t help either. It is apparent that albergue accommodation is also becoming scarce. Needless to say I have put it off until August. Even for that month I have encountered some problems - no San Martin Pinario on this trip, for instance.
I know that there are quieter Camino options, but this one has to be the Francés.
They have published their figures for this year in their Facebook group, and Pierre Baillet has turned them into a graph: no increase due to Holy Year or Covid-19 pent-up demand visible; for the first sections of the Camino Frances between SJPP and Pamplona, the data for 2022 and 2019 are similar. These data don't say anything about a possible diminished offer of beds for pilgrims and other tourists. BTW, an unexpected development in numerous countries including Spain: There is a demand for service staff in restaurants that is higher than the offer. Waiters and waitresses found other jobs during the pandemic or discovered that their jobs did not provide a good work-life balance for them, and so it has become noticeable that enough of them are not returning to this service sector in numbers that are currently needed.It will be interesting to see the May data from the Pilgrims Office in SJPP should they eventually make them available
@Peregrinopaul, does it mean that you will start the Camino Frances in August or end it in August? Don't take my word for it but I would not be surprised if June and July and in particular August will be really 'hot' months on the Frances and Portugues, for example from O Cebreiro, Tui and Sarria onwards, and especially on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in Santiago de Compostela. I had planned a stint in Galicia this year, hence my interest in predictive data to find a good time for myself. Now I am no longer sure whether I will go or not and I am merely interested in following developments and in finding out how accurate or inaccurate my guesses will turn outNeedless to say I have put it off until August.
Neither, unfortunately (understatement). I have had to put it off yet again until next year. Family complications. I did have it all pre-booked, which I don't like doing.@Peregrinopaul, does it mean that you will start the Camino Frances in August or end it in August?
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