Reserve lodging ahead or wing it day by day on the Camino Portugues?

Lizziewalkson · Aug 19, 2023

Hi, I’m walking from Porto along the Portuguese Coastal route, starting Sept. 15, for two weeks. I plan to also do some of the Central trail depending on how things go. I am using a backpack. I have reserved lodging for the first two days, but I’m wondering whether I need to reserve more, or whether it’s possible to find lodging as I go along. I did the Camino Frances in 2018 and while I booked a few places in advance, I mostly just tried to find a place once I got to where I wanted to stop. A few times that led to some longer than desired hiking days because I couldn’t always find a place! How available is lodging during late September on the Portuguese trail? Any tips? Thanks!

lovelyshell · Aug 20, 2023

In the central (I did it in April) I would recommend booking one night ahead after Barcelos.

dougfitz · Aug 20, 2023

Lizziewalkson said:
How available is lodging during late September on the Portuguese trail?

Not sure that you really expect anyone to answer this question, but I will basically repeat what @lovelyshell has said. I walked the Central last year, and the Variante Espritual this year. Last year I booked well in advance in Porto, and then some combination of a day or two ahead, or not at all if I planned to stay in a municipal, association or xunta albergue.

ficklefancyfree · Aug 20, 2023

Hi Lizzie, I walked Porto to Santiago at exactly the same time as you in 2022. I bookedporto and Santiago from the start then I think I booked a day ahead where the municipal hostels had fewer beds. I could have not prebooked along the route the whole way. Just have a few more dollars on you in case the cheaper places have run out. Have an amazing time x

lt56ny · Aug 20, 2023

dougfitz said:
Not sure that you really expect anyone to answer this question, but I will basically repeat what @lovelyshell has said. I walked the Central last year, and the Variante Espritual this year. Last year I booked well in advance in Porto, and then some combination of a day or two ahead, or not at all if I planned to stay in a municipal, association or xunta albergue.

Quick question about the Espirtual. I may be walking it in late October/Early November. Do you know if the albergues are open? Is there a list somewhere that has accommodations? Is the boat running then or is it a crapshoot? Should I ask @jungleboy??? Thanks

702Jenn · Aug 20, 2023

Hi Lizzie. I walked the coastal this past June. It is so beautiful. You are going to love it! I booked my first night well ahead, but after that, I booked the next night either the night before or the day of. There was always availability doing it that way, so I imagine in September it would be much the same (unless, like others have said, you are on a tight budget and want the least expensive albergues). Buen Camino! I'd love to go again in September.

Sidknee · Aug 20, 2023

Lizziewalkson said:
Hi, I’m walking from Porto along the Portuguese Coastal route, starting Sept. 15, for two weeks. I plan to also do some of the Central trail depending on how things go. I am using a backpack. I have reserved lodging for the first two days, but I’m wondering whether I need to reserve more, or whether it’s possible to find lodging as I go along. I did the Camino Frances in 2018 and while I booked a few places in advance, I mostly just tried to find a place once I got to where I wanted to stop. A few times that led to some longer than desired hiking days because I couldn’t always find a place! How available is lodging during late September on the Portuguese trail? Any tips? Thanks!

Hi @Lizziewalkson, am currently walking the PC. Accommodation in Portugal has been scarce. With summer holidays until the first week in September and most of the coastal towns being popular holiday spots it is advisable to book ahead. Weekends are the worst, with very little availability.

Youth Hostels in Portugal work similar to Albergues (they take bookings).

All of that may change from mid-September, not certain on that.

Once in Spain, have found that the Municipal Albergues (typically don’t accept bookings) have all had beds. But the queues are long.

Small towns have very few options, so there is a tendency for all to stick to the usual distances.

Booking times (recommended) in advance:
- Portugal - 3 to 4 days gives you more options.
- Spain - 1 to 2 days if you aren’t using Albergues

Prices:
- Private rooms +€30 per person (rooms for 2, €80 to some eye watering amounts)
- Albergues €10 to €20

Happy to any questions you may have?

Am in Vigo tonight. For those who have completed or near completed the Portugués.

Buen Camino

Former member 105970 · Aug 20, 2023

Lizziewalkson said:
Hi, I’m walking from Porto along the Portuguese Coastal route, starting Sept. 15, for two weeks. I plan to also do some of the Central trail depending on how things go. I am using a backpack. I have reserved lodging for the first two days, but I’m wondering whether I need to reserve more, or whether it’s possible to find lodging as I go along. I did the Camino Frances in 2018 and while I booked a few places in advance, I mostly just tried to find a place once I got to where I wanted to stop. A few times that led to some longer than desired hiking days because I couldn’t always find a place! How available is lodging during late September on the Portuguese trail? Any tips? Thanks!

Hi Lizzie, i will start from Porto along the Portuguese Coastal route. So may be we will meet each other. God look for the pilgrimage1!Mickey

SueFalls · Aug 20, 2023

Lizziewalkson said:
Hi, I’m walking from Porto along the Portuguese Coastal route, starting Sept. 15, for two weeks. I plan to also do some of the Central trail depending on how things go. I am using a backpack. I have reserved lodging for the first two days, but I’m wondering whether I need to reserve more, or whether it’s possible to find lodging as I go along. I did the Camino Frances in 2018 and while I booked a few places in advance, I mostly just tried to find a place once I got to where I wanted to stop. A few times that led to some longer than desired hiking days because I couldn’t always find a place! How available is lodging during late September on the Portuguese trail? Any tips? Thanks!

I’m also hiking Porto starting around Sept 21 or 22, and will be taking the coastal route and and wondering the same thing about accommodations.

PFarnsworth · Aug 20, 2023

I’ll be starting at Porto on October 19, starting on the Litoral/Coastal route and then probably switching over to the Central at some point. I’ve been wondering this same question and have booked my first night in Porto and have pretty much decided to just wing it from there.

joeboybollo · Aug 20, 2023

702Jenn said:
Hi Lizzie. I walked the coastal this past June. It is so beautiful. You are going to love it! I booked my first night well ahead, but after that, I booked the next night either the night before or the day of. There was always availability doing it that way, so I imagine in September it would be much the same (unless, like others have said, you are on a tight budget and want the least expensive albergues). Buen Camino! I'd love to go again in September.

Like you,I walked Coastal, late May into June and had no difficulties.Booked one day ahead every day, at private albergues,varying in price from €13-€15 euros.Was never disappointed .
I've decided to walk the Ingles in exactly the same way in September and hope for the same experience.

tibet2001 · Aug 21, 2023

SueFalls said:
I’m also hiking Porto starting around Sept 21 or 22, and will be taking the coastal route and and wondering the same thing about accommodations.

I’m also starting from Porto September 22. Will book Porto and Santiago but wanted to do day off if possible. Also wondering about accommodations.

dougfitz · Aug 21, 2023

lt56ny said:
Quick question about the Espirtual. I may be walking it in late October/Early November. Do you know if the albergues are open? Is there a list somewhere that has accommodations? Is the boat running then or is it a crapshoot? Should I ask @jungleboy??? Thanks

@lt56ny, I don't know. Others, like @jungleboy, might.

Lizziewalkson · Aug 22, 2023

ficklefancyfree said:
Hi Lizzie, I walked Porto to Santiago at exactly the same time as you in 2022. I bookedporto and Santiago from the start then I think I booked a day ahead where the municipal hostels had fewer beds. I could have not prebooked along the route the whole way. Just have a few more dollars on you in case the cheaper places have run out. Have an amazing time x

Thank you so much! How was the weather? Did you need a jacket or fleece vest, or was it warm throughout your walk?

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Reserve lodging ahead or wing it day by day on the Camino Portugues?

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