Public holiday at start of May?

[Jep]

I'm hoping to walk the Camino in May 2017. I've read a few of the posts in this forum, and they suggest things get busy around the holiday weekend at the start of May, which I think is the weekend of Monday 1st May 2017.

Based on the above, how many days would it be worth waiting before it gets a bit quieter? I will have until 4th June to make it to Santiago.

Thanks

Jep

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Except for Labor Day on May 1, May is not a bad month for holidays in Spain. France, on the other hand, has lots of May holidays! The French turn everything into a four to seven day holiday "weekend."

May 1 Monday Labor Day / May Day National holiday
May 8 Monday WWII Victory Day National holiday
May 25 Thursday Ascension Day National holiday
May 28 Sunday Mother's Day Observance

 

[Anemone del Camino]

None. Just go.

 

[Saint Mike II]

The Camino Pilgrim Office in St Jean (apparently) is open every day of the year. The only real problem you may have is when you are in the smaller towns and its the local Saints Day/Festival Day - then nearly all the shops will be closed and the bars/cafes may not be open until later in the day - say after 3.00/4.00 pm. No personal experience of how it affects the albergue accommodation situation. Cheers

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Hi Jep, go for it.
Wish you well and a Buen Camino, Peter .

 

[jsalt]

I'm hoping to walk the Camino in May 2017. I've read a few of the posts in this forum, and they suggest things get busy around the holiday weekend at the start of May, which I think is the weekend of Monday 1st May 2017.

Based on the above, how many days would it be worth waiting before it gets a bit quieter? I will have until 4th June to make it to Santiago.

Thanks

Jep

Hi, my guess is there will be huge crowds starting in St Jean and Roncesvalles on Saturday 29 April and Sunday 30 April. If you arrived in St Jean on Tuesday 2 May the big wave will hopefully be ahead of you, but it is still going to be busy. Jill

 

[Jep]

Thanks all - Jill, this is particularly useful info.

Hi, my guess is there will be huge crowds starting in St Jean and Roncesvalles on Saturday 29 April and Sunday 30 April. If you arrived in St Jean on Tuesday 2 May the big wave will hopefully be ahead of you, but it is still going to be busy. Jill

Are the crowds likely to be walking all the way to Santiago? Also, will the crowds be of a sufficient number to cause many No Room at the Alberge issues en route?

Thanks again,

Jep

 

[mspath]

The weekend prior to May 1 will be very busy for all long
distance transport throughout France. Be prepared!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I'm hoping to walk the Camino in May 2017. I've read a few of the posts in this forum, and they suggest things get busy around the holiday weekend at the start of May, which I think is the weekend of Monday 1st May 2017.

For a bit more on the Spanish May 1 Labor day see the thread https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/labor-day-maybe-not-when-you-think.44153/

 

[giorgio]

Would recommend booking first few days from Roncesvalles onwards. Last may accomodation has been rather difficult all the way to Logrono, where they do have a rather important fiesta sometimes in may lasting for a few days.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Would recommend booking first few days from Roncesvalles onwards.

As an alternative, book to Roncesvalles, then call ahead each day to see what is available based upon how you are feeling and how far you think you can go. You will always be able to find a bed by phone and you will save wandering around town!

 

[jsalt]

Are the crowds likely to be walking all the way to Santiago?

Yes, but not the same crowds. Many people walk only 1, 2 or 3 weeks each year, starting where they left off the previous year. So you’ll meet people who leave at, say, Pamplona, but then you’ll meet others who start in Pamplona. It thins out a bit between Burgos and Leon. Jill

 

[Jep]

Thanks everyone, I think I'll mix up the booking a bed ahead, phoning and chancing it. I guess that's 3 different experiences to build in, always a good thing!
Jep

 

[Saint Mike II]

The weekend prior to May 1 will be very busy for all long
distance transport throughout France. Be prepared!

I knew this but SNCFE still wont let me book my seat. I have tried just about every booking site - as soon as I put in an Australian credit card - its blocked. I think I can book at the end of January. Cheers
(PS HNY!!)