Norte warning

naplesdon · Mar 23, 2018

I am walking the Norte from Bilbao beginning 13 May. I am attending the European Rugby Cup for 2 days before I begin my Camino. I had booked an AirBnB for 3 nights during the Championship which was cancelled today by the owner for no other reason than he can rent the room for more. The room rates in Bilbao for that weekend are outrageous. So my warning is to stay clear of Bilbao between 10 to 12, I dare you to find a hostel.

natefaith · Mar 24, 2018

Good to know. That's a pain your arranged housing cancelled on you. Hope you can find something.

Antonius Vaessen · Mar 24, 2018

We'll be arriving in Bilbao the 12th of may. Will staying in one of the albergues be a problem? Both as a result of the crowdedness as of the fact that we haven't walked yet and won't have any stamps in our credencials

Tincatinker · Mar 24, 2018

A stamp, or lack of one in your credential, won't be a problem. Everyone has to start somewhere. But the pressure on accommodation might be. Advance booking is advisable.

erith long · Mar 24, 2018

I hope you give the AirBnB people a horrible review, they deserve it.

naplesdon · Mar 24, 2018

I don't know whether to believe this or not, but the AirBnB customer service people told me they were going to delist the owner and he will not be able to rent thru them. I sent the owner a expletive comment on his site.
I found another reasonably priced hotel in Laredo which is an hour away by bus.

Antonius Vaessen said:
We'll be arriving in Bilbao the 12th of may. Will staying in one of the albergues be a problem? Both as a result of the crowdedness as of the fact that we haven't walked yet and won't have any stamps in our credencials

Regarding staying at an albergue, I would definitely check on availability because I know that albergues in Pamplona have opened their doors to San Fermin attendees at the expense of pilgrims.

Antonius Vaessen · Mar 25, 2018

I thought "regular" albergues did not allow making reservations. I'll check out the possibilities

Antonius Vaessen · Mar 25, 2018

I emailed an albergue (Claret Ends) and they answered that it is not possible to make reservations. They did not expect there would be a problem getting a bed there on may 12

MichelleElynHogan · Mar 26, 2018

If you are in Bilbao on the 12th and cannot find a bed, go to a church. It may not be a comfortable night but it will be dry. See what the Camino will provide.

spursfan · Apr 5, 2018

biarritzdon said:
I am walking the Norte from Bilbao beginning 13 May. I am attending the European Rugby Cup for 2 days before I begin my Camino. I had booked an AirBnB for 3 nights during the Championship which was cancelled today by the owner for no other reason than he can rent the room for more. The room rates in Bilbao for that weekend are outrageous. So my warning is to stay clear of Bilbao between 10 to 12, I dare you to find a hostel.

I'm going to the match as well but staying in Santander then walking from Oveido

naplesdon · Apr 5, 2018

I am a sad ManU fan, it has not been a good season for the Red Devils.
I was a Biarritz rugby fan, then we got relegated to D2 after the "fusion" with Bayonne in 2015. I can still say, "AUPO BO" and get respect in Bilbao because we are both BO's. Robert Rabagny, the mascot for BO known as Geronimo is a great friend of mine.
Who do you support between the Scarlets, Munster, Racing 92 and Leinster?

spursfan · Apr 5, 2018

biarritzdon said:
I am a sad ManU fan, it has not been a good season for the Red Devils.
I was a Biarritz rugby fan, then we got relegated to D2 after the "fusion" with Bayonne in 2015. I can still say, "AUPO BO" and get respect in Bilbao because we are both BO's. Robert Rabagny, the mascot for BO known as Geronimo is a great friend of mine.
Who do you support between the Scarlets, Munster, Racing 92 and Leinster?

I go to the European rugby final each year as a neutral (unless Saracens are playing) - but I've also visited Toulouse many times and watched rugby matches there - next year the final will be in Newcastle (more convenient but less glamorous)