roryparnellmooney
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Numbers are up, and many have switched to alternative caminos with less infrastructure than the Camino Frances. It does not sound like fun.I have walked the Frances and never had a problem, never even encoutered a full hostel infact.
currently walking the Camino Portuguese from Porto to Santiago, have had absolutely no problems in Portuguese hostels but from Tui it's been a total night mare - couldn't find any beds in Tui, and again in redondela , called every listed hostel and eventually found two beds in an alburgue 4km before the town.
Today we got up at 5.30 and walked from six in the dark in order to arrive in pontevedra early enough to get a bed in a hostel but arrived to a queue around the block to get somewhere to sleep so walked into the old town to the tourist office and asked for a list of accommodation called every single one and all of them are completo, is this just an exceptionally busy year ? I have walked the Frances and never had a problem, never even encoutered a full hostel infact.
Thinking of booking somewhere in Santiago and trying to make my next three days into two somehow as I'm really not enjoying the race for beds( there was many other pilgrims running to get infront of us on the last 1km before the municipal alburgue)
I am not waiting to read any other replies as you sound distraught. Try el último sello. Private, very central. Four years ago slept there for 3 nights after Portuguese route. It was brand new then.currently walking the Camino Portuguese from Porto to Santiago, have had absolutely no problems in Portuguese hostels but from Tui it's been a total night mare - couldn't find any beds in Tui, and again in redondela , called every listed hostel and eventually found two beds in an alburgue 4km before the town.
Today we got up at 5.30 and walked from six in the dark in order to arrive in pontevedra early enough to get a bed in a hostel but arrived to a queue around the block to get somewhere to sleep so walked into the old town to the tourist office and asked for a list of accommodation called every single one and all of them are completo, is this just an exceptionally busy year ? I have walked the Frances and never had a problem, never even encoutered a full hostel infact.
Thinking of booking somewhere in Santiago and trying to make my next three days into two somehow as I'm really not enjoying the race for beds( there was many other pilgrims running to get infront of us on the last 1km before the municipal alburgue)
What happens when beds are full? where would people sleep? is sleeping outdoors an option? happened to me once many years ago.currently walking the Camino Portuguese from Porto to Santiago, have had absolutely no problems in Portuguese hostels but from Tui it's been a total night mare - couldn't find any beds in Tui, and again in redondela , called every listed hostel and eventually found two beds in an alburgue 4km before the town.
Today we got up at 5.30 and walked from six in the dark in order to arrive in pontevedra early enough to get a bed in a hostel but arrived to a queue around the block to get somewhere to sleep so walked into the old town to the tourist office and asked for a list of accommodation called every single one and all of them are completo, is this just an exceptionally busy year ? I have walked the Frances and never had a problem, never even encoutered a full hostel infact.
Thinking of booking somewhere in Santiago and trying to make my next three days into two somehow as I'm really not enjoying the race for beds( there was many other pilgrims running to get infront of us on the last 1km before the municipal alburgue)
... but how will they know that they are creating a shortage when they could check in?[...]The shortage of beds in albergues can be helped if those who can afford a pension elect to leave the albergues to those who they were intended for.
Remember that the modern albergue system was only started to provide a bed for the truly budget Pilgrim who could not afford any other accommodation.
It was never intended as a "cheap" bed for those who can afford traditional accommodation such as pensions, hotels, Casa rural, etc.
Somehow...it has morphed into "the only true way", often by those who are seen not walking and transporting bags. Strange way of thinking.
The shortage of beds in albergues can be helped if those who can afford a pension elect to leave the albergues to those who they were intended for.
The Last Stamp has gotten very popular, and is often booked. I've found the seminario menor to be pretty reliable for either an inexpensive private room or dorm.
Last September we also stayed at the Seminario Menor. We walked in during the morning from Monte de Gozo with our rucksacks, we were able to check in there and then, booked two single rooms (12€ or was it 15€) and could leave our belongings in a locker until later in the day by which time the scheduled cleaning was completed. It's a massive place and I think by the evening it was full. Kitchen good, mini supermarket in the basement good and possibility to buy breakfast there before leaving for Finisterra.We've stayed at Seminario manor twice-- once in private rooms (12 Euros/night), once in the dormitory (10 Euros/night). There's a great kitchen, and very walkable to the big market. -- We had picnics in the park between the Seminario and the old city. There is also a tienda right there near the kitchen-- They make coffee too.
I was under the impression (before I logged on here) that the Camino was NOT a competition? ... Now I've come to realize that it's a competition for beds? I always travel with a sleeping bag, each of my cars has at least one. 250Euro? gee whiz, I'm so grateful for Walmart and other discount stores here in the U.S. And yes, it would undercut the joy of a common purpose, people who are tired will be disenchanted at the end of the day ... the same would go for pilgrims who started further away ... however, I still believe that women and children should be given priority in finding beds.I'd think it difficult to remain sanguine if your fellow pilgrims are in competition. It must undercut the joy of common purpose.
Those of you that are finding the lack of a bed concerning might consider a bivi bag and an inflatable mattress. I'm guessing that most of the hostels would allow you to sleep on their lawn.
A breathable bivi bag and thermarest would be about a kilo and cost about £250 for both items. (decent quality lightweight versions)
A few years ago I had the almost brand new Briallos Alberque to myself and chose to stay another day because it was so peaceful. A beautiful spot.
Also, if you can afford pensiones and hostales you are freeing up beds for those who can only afford alberguesUnless your budget demands that you must stay in albergues every night..open your option for the use of pensions, hotels, etc.
That way you can opt to not participate in any "bed race" that occurs.
Your worries about getting a bed will go away.
Use the phone numbers for other accommodation in your guide or use booking.com.
Don't let this issue put unneeded stress on your adventure.
My friend and I walked the Camino (Frances) starting last September 8, because we were led to believe numbers were lighter and getting a bed would not be an issue. We were wrong, and places filled up quickly from Roncesvalles to Leon, then again from Sarria to Santiago. The first two weeks in September saw record-breaking numbers (according to the Pilgrim Office in St. Jean). We were slower walkers, so we finally had to start booking ahead. Several albergues owners said the first two weeks in May, and again the first two weeks in September, are always the busiest.currently walking the Camino Portuguese from Porto to Santiago, have had absolutely no problems in Portuguese hostels but from Tui it's been a total night mare - couldn't find any beds in Tui, and again in redondela , called every listed hostel and eventually found two beds in an alburgue 4km before the town.
Today we got up at 5.30 and walked from six in the dark in order to arrive in pontevedra early enough to get a bed in a hostel but arrived to a queue around the block to get somewhere to sleep so walked into the old town to the tourist office and asked for a list of accommodation called every single one and all of them are completo, is this just an exceptionally busy year ? I have walked the Frances and never had a problem, never even encoutered a full hostel infact.
Thinking of booking somewhere in Santiago and trying to make my next three days into two somehow as I'm really not enjoying the race for beds( there was many other pilgrims running to get infront of us on the last 1km before the municipal alburgue)
The OP is on the Portuguese, not the Frances.Get off the Camino Frances at Ponferrada and walk the Invierno - very few pilgrims, a beautiful walk and plenty of places to stay!
That's a nice option I would sleep outside curled up if needed. However, if you don't have much money spending 250 is out of the range for many!
"A breathable bivi bag and thermarest would be about a kilo and cost about £250 for both items. (decent quality lightweight versions)"
That's a nice option I would sleep outside curled up if needed. However, if you don't have much money spending 250 is out of the range for many! For some doing the Camino is a once in a lifetime adventure, that's saved for over a few years. That's what it is for me. I can't imagine having the ability to go 2x. It must be very frustrating and frightening for those who truly can't afford more than the price of an alberque! Good luck to all those who are struggling!
So, what's the story? I lost sense of time, since have returned home and unsure of which Wednesday you posted your question...currently walking the Camino Portuguese from Porto to Santiago, have had absolutely no problems in Portuguese hostels but from Tui it's been a total night mare - couldn't find any beds in Tui, and again in redondela , called every listed hostel and eventually found two beds in an alburgue 4km before the town.
Today we got up at 5.30 and walked from six in the dark in order to arrive in pontevedra early enough to get a bed in a hostel but arrived to a queue around the block to get somewhere to sleep so walked into the old town to the tourist office and asked for a list of accommodation called every single one and all of them are completo, is this just an exceptionally busy year ? I have walked the Frances and never had a problem, never even encoutered a full hostel infact.
Thinking of booking somewhere in Santiago and trying to make my next three days into two somehow as I'm really not enjoying the race for beds( there was many other pilgrims running to get infront of us on the last 1km before the municipal alburgue)
we are on the portugese coastal starting 25th aug but have booked beds in advance as we did not want to encounter this type of problem. we pilgrims? should just place it in the hands of the lord and believe!currently walking the Camino Portuguese from Porto to Santiago, have had absolutely no problems in Portuguese hostels but from Tui it's been a total night mare - couldn't find any beds in Tui, and again in redondela , called every listed hostel and eventually found two beds in an alburgue 4km before the town.
Today we got up at 5.30 and walked from six in the dark in order to arrive in pontevedra early enough to get a bed in a hostel but arrived to a queue around the block to get somewhere to sleep so walked into the old town to the tourist office and asked for a list of accommodation called every single one and all of them are completo, is this just an exceptionally busy year ? I have walked the Frances and never had a problem, never even encoutered a full hostel infact.
Thinking of booking somewhere in Santiago and trying to make my next three days into two somehow as I'm really not enjoying the race for beds( there was many other pilgrims running to get infront of us on the last 1km before the municipal alburgue)
I hiked LATE September last year, and didn't find sold out places, but it did get tight after Tui. I ended up booking in advance one night out from Santiago, + Santiago. I was at the Ultimo Sello also, and loved it. Great place to stay!I am not waiting to read any other replies as you sound distraught. Try el último sello. Private, very central. Four years ago slept there for 3 nights after Portuguese route. It was brand new then.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IPKPB5A/?tag=casaivar02-20
Weighs less than a kilo, and even more comfortable than my bed at home. The knowledge that any copse of trees affords you shelter and that you aren't dependent on finding an affordable & available rented bed is gloriously liberating. You'll need an sleeping bag (or an insulated poncho liner, about $25, google 'woobie' and you'll see what I mean) and (in the event of inclement weather) a light nylon rain fly. Rain fly and jungle hammock, maybe a kilo, and less than a hundred bucks
Very different Camino experience on the Portuguese but still an amazing one !!
Ponferrada
I walked the via Lusitana a few months ago with no accommodation problems until Padron. In Pontevedra we allowed ourselves the luxury of a twin room at the Parador with an amazing breakfast. They have special pilgrim and senior rates... not for everyone I know but a great experience and good value for four star accommodation.
we are on the portugese coastal starting 25th aug but have booked beds in advance as we did not want to encounter this type of problem. we pilgrims? should just place it in the hands of the lord and believe!
I can't help but think that the original pilgrim, Alfonso II, and many of those who followed, at least those with money and titles, had people on horses ride ahead and make sure they had a bed and a meal at the end of the day. They are "old school" to me.I may be considered, "old school," but I will never book a bed or room in advance. For me, the life if a peregrino is to receive what is offered, or available.
I occasionally use a lightweight breathable bivvy bag and self-inflating mat when walking routes other than the Caminos. Not quite "state of the art" versions but more than adequate for the job. Together mine cost well under £100. I have not had to use them in Spain to date but I usually choose to walk less popular routes and at quiet times of the year. Walking the Camino Sanabres for 10 days earlier this year I spent 8 nights in public albergues and was completely alone for 6 of those. The other two nights I shared an albergue with one of only two other pilgrims I met anywhere in a little over 200km of walking. There is still space and solitude to be found but it is not on the Camino Frances or the Camino Portugues and it is not now.
Should there be a change in the type of Compostela? One is for a full Camino and the other for a 100 km Camino?
Thinking of booking somewhere in Santiago and trying to make my next three days into two somehow as I'm really not enjoying the race for beds( there was many other pilgrims running to get infront of us on the last 1km before the municipal alburgue)
Alternatively if affordable you can book pensions thru on line booking agencncies in order to maontain your stages and scheduleNumbers are up, and many have switched to alternative caminos with less infrastructure than the Camino Frances. It does not sound like fun.
Walked the Portuguese Coastal Route last year 14 September to 27th. Found once we reached TUI, booked ahead using booking.com simply because we usually walked all day and only arrived around 4 - 5pm in the afternoon. Accommodation in Alberques normally full by then.currently walking the Camino Portuguese from Porto to Santiago, have had absolutely no problems in Portuguese hostels but from Tui it's been a total night mare - couldn't find any beds in Tui, and again in redondela , called every listed hostel and eventually found two beds in an alburgue 4km before the town.
Today we got up at 5.30 and walked from six in the dark in order to arrive in pontevedra early enough to get a bed in a hostel but arrived to a queue around the block to get somewhere to sleep so walked into the old town to the tourist office and asked for a list of accommodation called every single one and all of them are completo, is this just an exceptionally busy year ? I have walked the Frances and never had a problem, never even encoutered a full hostel infact.
Thinking of booking somewhere in Santiago and trying to make my next three days into two somehow as I'm really not enjoying the race for beds( there was many other pilgrims running to get infront of us on the last 1km before the municipal alburgue)
I may be considered, "old school," but I will never book a bed or room in advance. For me, the life if a peregrino is to receive what is offered, or available. Though I have yet to sleep in a doorway, I am prepared to do so, without issue or concern.
This is but one challenge on the Camino. Knowing some espanol may also help find a bed where there is no bed. It may be found in a hay loft, barn, lean-to, or on a Farmer's kitchen floor.
Life is filled with highs and lows. The willingness to go lower than most will allow the elation of flying higher than most.
As many have stated, time of year has much to do with bed availability, particularly on the most popular Caminos. And yes, the last 100 km, by policy, has now become a completely different place, a different environment than the first 700 km of the CF.
Should there be a change in the type of Compostela? One is for a full Camino and the other for a 100 km Camino?
True indeed in Spain, and I assume Portugal. Not forgetting the Pabellón (sports hall floor) so often kindly put at the disposal of visitors by small town councils.Knowing some espanol may also help find a bed where there is no bed. It may be found in a hay loft, barn, lean-to, or on a Farmer's kitchen floor.
With respect, earlier this year on the CF in April and May the pressure was not on the albergue accommodation but on the private accommodation. I got a recurring flu and tried to keep my germs to myself by staying in private accommodation until I got better. Even that early in the season it was often hard to get rooms. Its my observation that the biggest change in the camino was that there are heaps more pilgrims wanting more private accommodation than is actually available. Goodness knows what it is like in peak times.Again...a reminder to those who can afford to stay in pensiones, hotels, and other accomondation...leave the beds in albergues to those who really need them when conditions are crowded.
It is simply the right thing to do. (added: And much more comfortable)
I really like and admire your spirit.
currently walking the Camino Portuguese from Porto to Santiago, have had absolutely no problems in Portuguese hostels but from Tui it's been a total night mare - couldn't find any beds in Tui, and again in redondela , called every listed hostel and eventually found two beds in an alburgue 4km before the town.
Today we got up at 5.30 and walked from six in the dark in order to arrive in pontevedra early enough to get a bed in a hostel but arrived to a queue around the block to get somewhere to sleep so walked into the old town to the tourist office and asked for a list of accommodation called every single one and all of them are completo, is this just an exceptionally busy year ? I have walked the Frances and never had a problem, never even encoutered a full hostel infact.
Thinking of booking somewhere in Santiago and trying to make my next three days into two somehow as I'm really not enjoying the race for beds( there was many other pilgrims running to get infront of us on the last 1km before the municipal alburgue)
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