dfortuna58
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- Time of past OR future Camino
- September 2024
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Sounds like from reports there is a big wave of pilgrims moving through right at this particular time. She could try to transit to another less traveled Camino if she is discouraged. From Pamplona she could go by bus to Jaca and walk on the Aragones and it would rejoin the CF after a week or so or she could go north to San Sebastian to walk the Norte.My friend is trying to figure out bookings/lodging. She started in SJPDP Friday, ended up walking the Winter route to Roncesvalles in one day, only to find no bed so bused back to SJPDP to sleep another night (Friday). Saturday morning she skipped Roncesvalles and bused to straight to Pamplona because she couldn't find anything even close to Zubiri with a bed. Seems all accommodations are either filling up with early bed runners or bus tour groups. Booking.com shows nothing available. We thought after Pamplona the Camino would open up but that is not the case. She is getting ready to rent a car and just drive! Or bus from one large city to the next until she arrives in Santiago to see the cathedral of our dreams. Is this the new normal for the Camino? Too many pilgrims not enough beds? Any advice?
Don't be between SJPP and Pamplona during the week before and after the 1st of May.Any advice?
Ok I'm confusedAs a side note, she did not plan on walking to the entire way the first day, but busing back to SJPDP at the statue of Mary and returning the next day.. The next day plan was to walk from the statue to Roncesvalles where she prebooked.
I understand your confusion. She wasn't planning on walking the entire way the first day. She was planning on walking just to the statue but weather conditions/winds convinced her to take the winder route instead. She ended up walking the entire distance ending up too early.Ok I'm confused
If she pre-booked at Roncesvalles how is it there were no bed when she got there?
I have to admit that when I started, I fell the victim of the "no beds available" panic immediately. As stated all because lots of folks were freaking out and Booking.com had nothing available.
Didn't take long to catch on to contacting albergues directly via WhatsApp and not fir one moment I was not able to secure a bed even when B.com stated none were available
Re-reading the OP first post, her friend had booked her originally planned night 2 in Roncesvalles, but ended up walking the entire way there on day 1. Only to find no room at the inn.Ok I'm confused
If she pre-booked at Roncesvalles how is it there were no bed when she got there?
I have to admit that when I started, I fell the victim of the "no beds available" panic immediately. As stated all because lots of folks were freaking out and Booking.com had nothing available.
Didn't take long to catch on to contacting albergues directly via WhatsApp and not fir one moment I was not able to secure a bed even when B.com stated none were available
She started in SJPDP Friday, ended up walking the Winter route to Roncesvalles in one day, only to find no bed so bused back to SJPDP to sleep another night (Friday). Saturday morning she skipped Roncesvalles and bused to straight to Pamplona because she couldn't find anything even close to Zubiri with a bed.
she did not plan on walking to the entire way the first day, but busing back to SJPDP at the statue of Mary and returning the next day.. The next day plan was to walk from the statue to Roncesvalles where she prebooked.
So she and others took the bus back to the Saint Jean where she was able to find a bed. I guess she could have bused back to Roncesvalles and used her booked date, instead she looked forwarded. But looking forward, no beds available between Roncesvalles and Pamplona, so she ended up skipping ahead and landed in Pamplona. Even then, finding bed in Pamplona was difficult. She was able to book a hotel and is staying there tonight as well, hoping clarity will prevail in the morning.I understand your confusion. She wasn't planning on walking the entire way the first day. She was planning on walking just to the statue but weather conditions/winds convinced her to take the winder route instead. She ended up walking the entire distance ending up too early.
Exactly Kathar1na. We were not aware of the busy weekend! Lesson learned. We are both new to this form despite dreaming of the Camino for years! I think we foolishly thought the Camino would provide...but need to lower our expectations or widen our thoughts!It had me a bit confused, too. So she had planned to walk SJPP to Roncesvalles in two days and had booked Roncesvalles for the second day. But then she changed her plan and walked SJPP to Roncesvalles already in one go on the first day and found that there was no bed in Roncesvalles because she had not booked for that night. Right?
This weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) is a super busy weekend in Roncesvalles. It was clear since at least two weeks ago that this would happen and that there would be more pilgrims in Roncesvalles wanting a bed than beds available.
Exactly Kathar1na. We were not aware of the busy weekend! Lesson learned. We are both new to this form despite dreaming of the Camino for years! I think we foolishly thought the Camino would provide...but need to lower our expectations or widen our thoughts!
Don't rely solely on Booking.com.My friend is trying to figure out bookings/lodging. She started in SJPDP Friday, ended up walking the Winter route to Roncesvalles in one day, only to find no bed so bused back to SJPDP to sleep another night (Friday). Saturday morning she skipped Roncesvalles and bused to straight to Pamplona because she couldn't find anything even close to Zubiri with a bed. Seems all accommodations are either filling up with early bed runners or bus tour groups. Booking.com shows nothing available. We thought after Pamplona the Camino would open up but that is not the case. She is getting ready to rent a car and just drive! Or bus from one large city to the next until she arrives in Santiago to see the cathedral of our dreams. Is this the new normal for the Camino? Too many pilgrims not enough beds? Any advice?
It’s busy due the May Day the 1st is a huge EU celebration for families. It should calm down afterwards.My friend is trying to figure out bookings/lodging. She started in SJPDP Friday, ended up walking the Winter route to Roncesvalles in one day, only to find no bed so bused back to SJPDP to sleep another night (Friday). Saturday morning she skipped Roncesvalles and bused to straight to Pamplona because she couldn't find anything even close to Zubiri with a bed. Seems all accommodations are either filling up with early bed runners or bus tour groups. Booking.com shows nothing available. We thought after Pamplona the Camino would open up but that is not the case. She is getting ready to rent a car and just drive! Or bus from one large city to the next until she arrives in Santiago to see the cathedral of our dreams. Is this the new normal for the Camino? Too many pilgrims not enough beds? Any advice?
We walked from Roncesvalles (having finished there last year from the Le Puy route) on the 10th of April and were lucky to get a bed. Many who came after us were not so lucky. After that I made a booking each night for the following day and was glad I did. Many people had to keep going to find a bed further along the way. I knew that the Frances was a busy route, but I never saw it like this before. Many people had booked the whole way ahead. I walked this camino in 2009 and again in 2014. I never needed to book in advance, somehow it was a kinder camino with more general togetherness as there were far less people. Some albergues that before could not be booked ahead, now accepted large group bookings from people who had their luggage sent ahead. For those who arrived later with their backpacks, often no place was left.My friend is trying to figure out bookings/lodging. She started in SJPDP Friday, ended up walking the Winter route to Roncesvalles in one day, only to find no bed so bused back to SJPDP to sleep another night (Friday). Saturday morning she skipped Roncesvalles and bused to straight to Pamplona because she couldn't find anything even close to Zubiri with a bed. Seems all accommodations are either filling up with early bed runners or bus tour groups. Booking.com shows nothing available. We thought after Pamplona the Camino would open up but that is not the case. She is getting ready to rent a car and just drive! Or bus from one large city to the next until she arrives in Santiago to see the cathedral of our dreams. Is this the new normal for the Camino? Too many pilgrims not enough beds? Any advice?
I knew that the Frances was a busy route, but I never saw it like this before. Many people had booked the whole way ahead. I walked this camino in 2009 and again in 2014. I never needed to book in advance, somehow it was a kinder camino with more general togetherness as there were far less people. Some albergues that before could not be booked ahead, now accepted large group bookings from people who had their luggage sent ahead. For those who arrived later with their backpacks, often no place was left.
I would advise however, to stay in in-between places. Chances of availability is much greater and in many instances more intimate.
I doubt it really. There are too many books and movies about the CF with what most newer (and some older pilgrims) think are the prescribed towns to stay in. Even Gronze.com and many guidebooks list things in "stages" and although the in-between town information is given, the impression is that you should walk from beginning to end of each stage. There's always some caveat given about walk your own pace and distance, but new pilgrims many not really even understand what that means, especially early in their journey.I mean... I get it... a good solid advice is a "Good Solid Advice" - no ifs ands or buts. However I am beginning to get this very nagging feeling that in a couple of years the "in between stages" ( as in stay in places that are...) and del Norte (as in why are you walking CF? Try CN instead - much less crowded) will fall victims of this 'advertizing' (if you will).
Such is the Beast of the Human nature....
This is a big shift I noticed too this year in stage ending towns on the other end of the Francés since I was last there in 2015. Oddly the walking was not so crowded so I wondered where all the owners of thse suitcases were.The "cruise ship" atmosphere seemed to be prevalent, with suitcases spilling out of lobbies and demands for certain comforts sort of blew me away.
There has been a large uptick in questions on the forum about backpack/luggage transfer and how to get a taxi, but the way that I walk the Camino hasn't been affected.Oddly the walking was not so crowded so I wondered where all the owners of thse suitcases were.
I noticed a lot more suitcases last summer in the last days, too. More people are taking advantage of the luggage transport for certain on the CF and as @trecile indicates, a lot more questions about that and about reservations and tours and about trains and buses. Maybe more people are just finding us here for these questions? Not sure.This is a big shift I noticed too this year in stage ending towns on the other end of the Francés since I was last there in 2015. Oddly the walking was not so crowded so I wondered where all the owners of thse suitcases were.
It wasn't like this before.
They also don't know what ways to be flexible when space is tight. It causes great worry for some people, especially when you think in advance "I've got this all planned out." I can hear the anxiety in the body of these posts.
I read a few days ago that the fronton could hold up to 20 on mattresses. Perhaps people need to be a little more flexible and less picky about their choices.I suspect they could have gone to the Fronton Municipal in Najera and got a mattress - there are only 4 of us here tonight.
Are there only 4 beds there or did people just not show up after they had booked? I know that has been a problem in the past couple of years as well. We stayed at Sotes, which also has a limited number of beds in a small private albergue. Najera Municipal should be opening again in a few days as I think the work will be finished there. Closures do impact the number of beds, but in the end will make the Najera Municipal a better albergue. Best wishes to you on your Camino.Last night I had a booking in Ventosa. Two ladies I had been walking with did not have bookings and even though they were the first to arrive, they did not get beds because this “in-between stages” place was fully reserved. They rang every place on Gronze in Najera, but they were all completo so they taxi-ed to Azofra.
I suspect they could have gone to the Fronton Municipal in Najera and got a mattress - there are only 4 of us here tonight. Because I have to walk short stages I decided to try booking the next week or so. I have had to be flexible due to many places being completo already, and I’ll be taking a chance on municipals that can’t be booked in advance.
It seems to be a big bed trouble bubble!!
Thank you, Trecile. I, accompanied by my brother, completed our Camino pilgrimage last September.There has been a large uptick in questions on the forum about backpack/luggage transfer and how to get a taxi, but the way that I walk the Camino hasn't been affected.
Keep in mind that (*as per some previous posts on various threads) some albergues now-a-days will not accept a 'suitcase'I transferred a duffel bag last year, but this year I will be transferring a suitcase because I will be in Europe for two additional weeks after my Camino as I have a business function afterwards that requires a completely separate wardrobe. I wonder if the fact that more and more people coming to the Camino from farther and farther away affects there being more luggage transferred. When you are coming so far you might as well stay awhile if you can. I don’t know that the increase in luggage transfer necessarily indicates a significant change in Camino mindset for those walking.
I have heard about that and it is why I transferred a duffel bag last year, just to be safe. I am staying entirely in private accommodations so that shouldn’t be a problem for me. I saw suitcases in many places I stayed last year. Although it might be worth considering the duffel route again. It is a pretty big bag. I will see how packing goes in a couple of weeks.Keep in mind that (*as per some previous posts on various threads) some albergues now-a-days will not accept a 'suitcase'
It's important for people to realize that there are "bubbles" of pilgrims, and adjusting stages can get you clear of a bubble.It seems to be a big bed trouble bubble!!
I carry my backpack, but I usually arrive in Europe with a suitcase containing my non pilgrim clothes. I send it to Santiago before starting on the Camino.I transferred a duffel bag last year, but this year I will be transferring a suitcase because I will be in Europe for two additional weeks
I think that is overblown. There was a report of one private albergue that would accept backpacks, but not suitcases. That report was followed up by discussion of albergues that don't accept any type of luggage, including backpacks - mostly municipals, parochials, and donativos, and suddenly there was a rumor that there were many private albergues that won't accept suitcases.Keep in mind that (*as per some previous posts on various threads) some albergues now-a-days will not accept a 'suitcase'
Back to SJPDP? Not to Burguete? The municipal albergues generally don't take reservations and it's 1st come. Once you get to Pamplona at the end of day 3 things open up. Usually you can find people sleeping in the lobby of the monastery at Roncesvalles or out in the courtyard. Grab a few hours sleep and get an early start to Zubiri and get a bed at the municipal... Next day is Pamplona and beyond & it gets easier.My friend is trying to figure out bookings/lodging. She started in SJPDP Friday, ended up walking the Winter route to Roncesvalles in one day, only to find no bed so bused back to SJPDP to sleep another night (Friday). Saturday morning she skipped Roncesvalles and bused to straight to Pamplona because she couldn't find anything even close to Zubiri with a bed. Seems all accommodations are either filling up with early bed runners or bus tour groups. Booking.com shows nothing available. We thought after Pamplona the Camino would open up but that is not the case. She is getting ready to rent a car and just drive! Or bus from one large city to the next until she arrives in Santiago to see the cathedral of our dreams. Is this the new normal for the Camino? Too many pilgrims not enough beds? Any advice?
Actually last year I believe there were at least seven that wouldn't accept suitcases. Just check in advance, it is isn't everyone, but it would be a pain if it was one of them you chose. The bag transport companies should also know.It's important for people to realize that there are "bubbles" of pilgrims, and adjusting stages can get you clear of a bubble.
I carry my backpack, but I usually arrive in Europe with a suitcase containing my non pilgrim clothes. I send it to Santiago before starting on the Camino.
I think that is overblown. There was a report of one private albergue that would accept backpacks, but not suitcases. That report was followed up by discussion of albergues that don't accept any type of luggage, including backpacks - mostly municipals, parochials, and donativos, and suddenly there was a rumor that there were many private albergues that won't accept suitcases.
Were those private albergues, or albergues that don't accept any bags?Actually last year I believe there were at least seven that wouldn't accept suitcases.
Not sure, I think they were FICS associated so maybe a mix. I recall Rebekah mentioning and I believe there was an article in La Voz. I recall that shortly after HosVol put out their newsletter telling hospitaleros our albergues were to accept suitcases. Of course they had to be delivered elsewhere and hand carried to the albergue. We had one couple with a suitcase at Arres about that time. It was delivered to the Casa Rural in the village and the woman owner retrieved it and wanted to leave it open on a bed or in the walkway and Phil kindly explained she needed to get out of it way and she needed and store it under the bunk where it would not be a trip hazard, etc. Sorry, more detail than you want, probably, but it was important to our work at that time.Were those private albergues, or albergues that don't accept any bags?
I'm talking about the rumor that many private albergues will not accept suitcases. I wouldn't expect donativo albergues to accept luggage of any kind.Not sure, I think they were FICS associated so maybe a mix.
Again, those aren't private albergues.I am wrong it was 11 and not 7.Las asociaciones del Camino de Santiago prohíben las maletas en los albergues que gestionan sus asociaciones, once en total
Las asociaciones del Camino de Santiago acuerdan ser "beligerantes" con los "atentados" contra la ruta jacaboeawww.noticiasdenavarra.com
But it finally joins in to Frances as I understand (not got that far with my Web-Apps yet), so will the problem simply get transferred to Santiago itself?north to San Sebastian to walk the Norte
By the time you reach the CF there is a lot more pilgrim infrastructure and accomodation. Past Pamplona pilgrims begin to spread out more and more. The busiest time in the last 100 km will be in the late summer when Spaniards go on holiday.But it finally joins in to Frances as I understand (not got that far with my Web-Apps yet), so will the problem simply get transferred to Santiago itself?
You've already clarified that this a rumour and not a fact.and suddenly there was a rumor that there were many private albergues that won't accept suitcases.
I just read the news article that you sourced for your post.You've already clarified that this a rumour and not a fact.
Also, people often overlook that numerous private albergues are not even "pilgrims only" albergues but accept all kinds of travellers while they are "oriented towards pilgrims".
There is a list of those albergues that joined a newly created "Camino Francés Federación" and, according to a communication from this organisation, will no longer accept suitcases in their premises. The albergues are managed by Friends of the Camino associations and they are listed below. None are in Galicia and none are on the section between SJPP and Pamplona. This made the news last year in June 2023:
Albergue de peregrinos municipal de Estella (Navarra)Albergue de peregrinos Isaac Santiago de Los Arcos (Navarra)Albergue Elías Valiña de Canfranc (Aragón, Hueca)Albergue de peregrinos municipal de Logroño (La Rioja)Albergue de peregrinos municipal de Navarrete (La Rioja)Albergue de peregrinos municipal de Nájera (La Rioja)Albergue de la Cofradía del Santo (Santo Domingo de la Calzada, La Rioja)Albergue de peregrinos municipal de Burgos (Burgos)Albergue de peregrinos Siervas de María (Astorga, León)Albergue parroquial de Foncebadón (Foncebadón, León)Albergue parroquial Santiago Apóstol (El Acebo, León)Albergue San Nicolás le Flüe (Ponferrada, León)Source: https://caminofrancesfederacion.com...o-admitiran-maletas-a-partir-del-12-de-junio/
Nope. Not from me anyway. Mahalo for the wonderful post, Kathy.OK now. Let the criticisms begin!!!!
There were at least 20 mattresses in the Fronton - I’m sure they could have stayed there, but regardless, they could not stay at Ventosa. Clearly some of the in between stages are filling up.Are there only 4 beds there or did people just not show up after they had booked? I know that has been a problem in the past couple of years as well. We stayed at Sotes, which also has a limited number of beds in a small private albergue. Najera Municipal should be opening again in a few days as I think the work will be finished there. Closures do impact the number of beds, but in the end will make the Najera Municipal a better albergue. Best wishes to you on your Camino.
It would be nice to hear your thoughts on a separate live from the camino thread since I know you have lots of experiences to compare to this year to. No pressure, but I enjoy the reports of your past caminos with family. Maybe a summary at the end if you don't want to do it en route?
I have just arrived at SdC from the CF and have found it difficult to get accommodation but in the end always succeeded. I have friends still walking who report having to walk 30km days for accommodation. I have seen people turned away fro full Albergue.My friend is trying to figure out bookings/lodging. She started in SJPDP Friday, ended up walking the Winter route to Roncesvalles in one day, only to find no bed so bused back to SJPDP to sleep another night (Friday). Saturday morning she skipped Roncesvalles and bused to straight to Pamplona because she couldn't find anything even close to Zubiri with a bed. Seems all accommodations are either filling up with early bed runners or bus tour groups. Booking.com shows nothing available. We thought after Pamplona the Camino would open up but that is not the case. She is getting ready to rent a car and just drive! Or bus from one large city to the next until she arrives in Santiago to see the cathedral of our dreams. Is this the new normal for the Camino? Too many pilgrims not enough beds? Any advice?
I’m on the Primitivo just now and Grado was pretty well filled yesterday with th beds.old all with old people , like me . The hospitario spend some time finding me a place , there were a number of small places with beds. I think if you are there they will find a place .As well as Gronze, this is another site that has details of albergues and other accommodation on many caminos.
Camino de Santiago | Routes, Stages and Hostels on foot or by Bike
The best and most practical information for planning your Camino de Santiago trip step by step with Eroski Consumer ► Routes, Stages, Hostels and Monuments ◄caminodesantiago.consumer.es
Forget Booking.com and contact the Albergues direct instead. There are usually more beds available than have been allotted to B.Com. Use Buen Camino App, Gronze.com ( open in Google Chrome and it will auto translate to English), Wise Pilgrim App or whatever you choose.My friend is trying to figure out bookings/lodging. She started in SJPDP Friday, ended up walking the Winter route to Roncesvalles in one day, only to find no bed so bused back to SJPDP to sleep another night (Friday). Saturday morning she skipped Roncesvalles and bused to straight to Pamplona because she couldn't find anything even close to Zubiri with a bed. Seems all accommodations are either filling up with early bed runners or bus tour groups. Booking.com shows nothing available. We thought after Pamplona the Camino would open up but that is not the case. She is getting ready to rent a car and just drive! Or bus from one large city to the next until she arrives in Santiago to see the cathedral of our dreams. Is this the new normal for the Camino? Too many pilgrims not enough beds? Any advice?
I agree! I am from Australia and its a long and expensive flight to Europe.Why not tag an extra month or so onto the camino walk with a trip in Europe.I have had mt luggage transported twice for this reason (separate non camino clothing required).I transferred a duffel bag last year, but this year I will be transferring a suitcase because I will be in Europe for two additional weeks after my Camino as I have a business function afterwards that requires a completely separate wardrobe. I wonder if the fact that more and more people coming to the Camino from farther and farther away affects there being more luggage transferred. When you are coming so far you might as well stay awhile if you can. I don’t know that the increase in luggage transfer necessarily indicates a significant change in Camino mindset for those walking.
We have just finished the end part of the Camino Frances from O Ceberio to Santiago de Compostela. We booked everything in advance this time before we travelled as this is a very busy route. Spoke to other pilgrims who also had booked ahead of travelling. I appreciate it takes away from the true pilgrim experience though.My friend is trying to figure out bookings/lodging. She started in SJPDP Friday, ended up walking the Winter route to Roncesvalles in one day, only to find no bed so bused back to SJPDP to sleep another night (Friday). Saturday morning she skipped Roncesvalles and bused to straight to Pamplona because she couldn't find anything even close to Zubiri with a bed. Seems all accommodations are either filling up with early bed runners or bus tour groups. Booking.com shows nothing available. We thought after Pamplona the Camino would open up but that is not the case. She is getting ready to rent a car and just drive! Or bus from one large city to the next until she arrives in Santiago to see the cathedral of our dreams. Is this the new normal for the Camino? Too many pilgrims not enough beds? Any advice?
How so?I appreciate it takes away from the true pilgrim experience though.
I agree with you. I suppose if one wants to take it the whole hog then, to fully experience a ‘true’ Pilgrim experience, perhaps, to some, might mean that one should walk bare foot, carry no food or coinage and live off of the kindness of strangers. It is what is in your heart and in you head and in your soul, that dictates what a Pilgrim is. And everybody’s version is different.How so?
Although I prefer not to book every night ahead, where you sleep and whether or not you book anead has nothing to do with being a pilgrim. It's your intention to be a pilgrim that counts.
I do hope that you will post a 'Live from the Camino' thread about your experience on this route, @chechakoman. Last year I diverted on a round trip by bike from Burgos to Covarrubias. I can highly recommend the Pension Galin in that lovely little town, seen here at the end of the street approaching from one of the town gates.I am starting May 9 from Soria (not Sarria). Its about 4or 5 days to get to Burgos. This is Camino Castellano-Aragones I think.. links up with El Cid, or Lana south of Sanato Domingo de Silos, then continues on through Covarrubias to Burgos. Very interesting Monastery at Silos ... famos for Gregorian Chanting Benedictine Monks .. was very popular in US a few years back. Covarrubias is beautiful town with its own Camino St. Olaf from Burgos...to tomb of a Norweigian saint....will be very lightly travelled by all accounts. I am biking it on th via verde Snatander-Mediteraneo ..which is a "rail-trail" which parallels the camino and is in places the camino itself. ...somewhereon this site is a video of some folks walking it ... dont recall where exactly
I'm so glad I did it in 'the old days' when there were true pilgrim mentalities. Just walked as far as you could or wanted and stayed in a municipal hostal. No mobile phone or booking.com! Now organised tour companies seem to be the norm - as you can see on this forum - there are so many.This is a big shift I noticed too this year in stage ending towns on the other end of the Francés since I was last there in 2015. Oddly the walking was not so crowded so I wondered where all the owners of thse suitcases were.
It wasn't like this before.
Yikes.. I’ve noticed albergues are not always asking for credentials, today I met some non pilgrims as did a friend in Castrojerez
Not all albergues are exclusively for pilgrims.. I’ve noticed albergues are not always asking for credentials, today I met some non pilgrims as did a friend in Castrojerez.
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