Pilgrim from the Philippines.

[Trailhawk]

Hello. I am Jing de Egurrola. I made it to Santiago de Compostela last July 20, 2022. I started from Hendaia, France on June 19, 2022. After staying a day in Compostela, I walked another three days to Cape Fisterra.

I walked on the Camino del Norte up to Villaviciosa and from there I followed the Camino Primitivo via the Rutas de Hospitales. I was with Markus Immer, a Swiss national. We did it DIY. I got lost sometimes but angels are everywhere on the Camino. They make it sure that you do not stray from the path.

 

[Shiela]

Hello po. Always heart-warming reading posts from kapwa Pinoy. I'm doing Camino del Norte this coming July. Any tips po regarding albergues.

Thank you.

 

[Trailhawk]

Stay at Pasaia San Juan from Irun on your first day. Observe how an albergue is ran. Keep note of how Spain observe their eating time. Don't go for long distances yet. Start late, take breakfast and sprint to noon. Observe siesta. Take it slow in the afternoon. You will be surprised you will be ahead of the early risers.

Book ahead at least 3 days. You will be competing bed availability with pilgrims on bicycles and pilgrims who used taxi service.

Albergue in Orio is large. Pay extra to avail of breakfast.
Albergue in Deba was limited to 20 beds the last time because of CoV. They have 50.
Albergue in Gernika opens at a certain season. It was closed when I was there. Had to stay at Hotel Bolina.
You have albergues in Pozueta, Larrabetzu and Lezama on the way to Bilbao. In Lezama, you would be the second from the Philippines to stay there
They have albergues in Bilbao but I stayed in Portugalete. I crossed the bridge after visiting the Guggenheim and walked on the other side towards Getxo where there is a ferry service and another service using a gondola hung by cables.
Watch out for albergue in Castro Urdiales. Book 5-6 days ahead! It was closed when I was there.

Going early is okay. It is very warm. The air is dry. It sucks the moisture from your eyes. But you would be walking without something in your stomach. If you find a cafe opening earlier than 08:00 AM, sit and eat bread, sip coffee and order orange juice. That's all you need until noon. Buy bread or pastries, bananas and electrolyte drinks from convenience stores for your lunch. Plan ahead. Save money.

Always eat soup because your body need fluids as the journey wears on. The Camino del Norte is full of ups and downs but you would be rewarded with the best sceneries near the coastlines. But don't get distracted. Keep the yellow arrows and scallops in your attention always.