Pilgrim passport

[midgeymoo]

Hi all,
Muy excited about my first solo camino this weekend (tkts booked this morning on a whim... just cause it's something I have to do). As I'm only arriving on Saturday afternoon, I'll probably miss the chance to get a pilgrim's passport in the office in Santiago, is there anywhere else we can get these en route on Sunday?
I've got 7 days to walk, so any suggestions of where to start (and how to get there) on the Camino Frances would be appreciated big time
Muchos gratias y buen camino

 

[elzi]

You can't get a pilgrims passport (credential) in the pilgrim office in Santiago as they only give out compostelas.
If you want a compostela in a week your best bet is probably to start at Sarria (114km) which is a very popular place to start so I'm sure someone must know where to get a credential from there on Sunday - maybe the municipal albergue?

 

[midgeymoo]

Thanks very much Elzi, that's great!! Here's hoping the volcanic ash cloud disappears too..

 

[ivar]

You can't get a pilgrims passport (credential) in the pilgrim office in Santiago as they only give out compostelas.
If you want a compostela in a week your best bet is probably to start at Sarria (114km) which is a very popular place to start so I'm sure someone must know where to get a credential from there on Sunday - maybe the municipal albergue?

Hi there,

You can actually get the pilgrims passport at the pilgrims office in santiago, they are even open on Saturday and Sundays (weekdays 10.00 to 20.00 I think, not sure the hours on the weekend). If you would like to pick one up in Sarria, just stop by the albergue.

Look for our friend JonnieWalker if you stop by the pilgrims office... he is on duty these days!

Buen Camino!
Ivar

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hola - yes I´m here!

The Pilgrims´ Office happily issues credenciales for 50 centimes. Just ask at the desk.

Best wishes

John

 

[midgeymoo]

Thanks for your help! can I ask if you know if it's possible to get from Santiago to Sarria on Saturday evening or Sunday morning?! Is it a matter of getting to Lugo and then taxi'ing to Sarria? I'm doing this on my own and it's a first, and very outside my 'comfort zone' but hoping I'll rise to the challenge :wink:

 

[becky]

Hi midgeymoo.
I did the same journey as you over the easter weekend this year. You can get the bus from santiago bus station to lugo at these times

7:00 An every day service. Lugo
9:15 From Monday to Friday. Lugo
11:00 An every day service. Lugo
11:00 From Monday to Friday. Lugo
12:45 From Monday to Saturday. Lugo
15:15 From Monday to Friday. Lugo
16:00 An every day service. Lugo
17:00 An every day service. Lugo
18:30 An every day service. Lugo
20:00 From Monday to Friday & Sunday. Lugo
21:00 Friday. Lugo
21:30 Sunday. Lugo Empresa Freire

and then get the bus from Lugo to Sarria (over the weekend) at
10:35
12:00
13:45
18:35
20:45 monbus

At santiago bus station you need to get your ticket before you get on the bus and the ticket office is upstairs in the bus station. The journey is very easy to do. I had no problems at all and I my Spanish is not very good! Hope this is helpful.
Buen Camino.
Becky

 

[midgeymoo]

Hi Becky, you are a gem,thanks for all the info
Hope you had a lovely time on the camino!
If you've any recommendations re anything (where to stay, eat, hang out) on this route, spill the beans
Thanks again!

 

[becky]

Hey Midgeymoo.
It's fine,I'll answer any questions if I can. There is a fantastic restaurant in Arca called Galicois which did amazing food and it was really cheap. The staff were lovely too and chatted for ages. The only problem I had during the week was the albergue in Melide. The official Xunta albergue was closed for refurbishment when I was there,not sure if it's opened again yet. They had set up a temporary albergue but there weren't as many beds I don't think. Saying that,we got there at 2pm and didn't have a problem but it may be worth bearing in mind.
I had an amazing time and can't wait to go back again.
Becky