Sarria to Santiago March 2024

[Montegras]

My wife and I will be hiking March 2024 during Easter Week from Sarria to Santiago. I have the following questions:

1) how much rain can I expect
2) do I need weatherproof hiking shoes, or should I get hiking shoes that breathe
3) I assume most of the bar and restaurants will be open along the hike.
4) we are doing the luggage transfer so just taking a day pack, we will also be staying in hotels
5) I assume layers of clothing, how much rain gear do you suggest?
6) taking the train from Madrid to Sarria, any tips?
7) any additional tips or recommendations would be helpful

thank you

 

[J Willhaus]

Do assume that it will be quite busy on Easter week. I don't know that everything will be open. Many places don't open until after Easter. Correos will do bag transfer all year long on that stretch of the Camino.

Only one train a day from Madrid to Sarria direct. Buy your tickets in advance since it will be busy over Easter. Tickets won't go on sale until a month or so out, but keep checking. I use the Trainline app as it will accepted my US credit card while the Spanish train system Renfe does not.

Do bring rain gear. It rains a lot in this part of Spain. You can decide about waterproof shoes. Once they do get wet they are difficult to dry. Non waterproof shoes will dry quickly, but your feet will be wetter when it rains. Temperatures will be cool this time of year.

edit: make sure to get reservations in Santiago early as it will be full of people celebrating Easter week.

 

[Montegras]

Do assume that it will be quite busy on Easter week. I don't know that everything will be open. Many places don't open until after Easter. Correos will do bag transfer all year long on that stretch of the Camino.

Only one train a day from Madrid to Sarria direct. Buy your tickets in advance since it will be busy over Easter. Tickets won't go on sale until a month or so out, but keep checking. I use the Trainline app as it will accepted my US credit card while the Spanish train system Renfe.

Do bring rain gear. It rains a lot in this part of Spain. You can decide about waterproof shoes. Once they do get wet they are difficult to dry. Non waterproof shoes will dry quickly, but your feet will be wetter when it rains. Temperatures will be cool this time of year.

edit: make sure to get reservations in Santiago early as it will be full of people celebrating Easter week.

Thank you so much, great insight.

 

[Tincatinker]

My wife and I will be hiking March 2024 during Easter Week from Sarria to Santiago. I have the following questions:

1) how much rain can I expect
2) do I need weatherproof hiking shoes, or should I get hiking shoes that breathe
3) I assume most of the bar and restaurants will be open along the hike.
4) we are doing the luggage transfer so just taking a day pack, we will also be staying in hotels
5) I assume layers of clothing, how much rain gear do you suggest?
6) taking the train from Madrid to Sarria, any tips?
7) any additional tips or recommendations would be helpful

thank you

Is there a particular reason why you have chosen to walk during Semana Santa? That is likely the busiest period on the path between Sarria and Santiago in the entire year. Some will suggest that the build up to the Festivo de Santiago Apostal in July is busier but most attendees for that thrash arrive other than on foot.

Between Sarria and Santiago everything will be open, and will be busy. If you haven’t booked your desired accommodations, particularly in Santiago you should do that soon. If you are using a service provider check carefully the itinerary and accommodations they are suggesting.

Rain? Rain gear? Yes it will and yes you will need some. If you have luggage transfer you can elect for heavier but more effective Goretex outerwear and not sweat over perspiration issues. Goretex shoes, once wet on the inside are no different to non-waterproof shoes except they take longer to dry. If it rains all the time it really doesn’t matter after a while. Wear wool socks.

Happy planning

 

[krystianw]

1. It's probably going to be kinda rainy. Here's a site where you can check what the weather was like in previous years.
2. Shoes ultimately come down to "what works best for your feet", but generally neither hiking shoes nor waterproof shoes are recommended. Hiking shoes are bulky, heavy, and usually overkill. Waterproof shoes are nice when it's raining, but take forever to try out once water actually gets into them.
5. A poncho. If you're doing luggage transfer, maybe a rain jacket that covers your daypack.

 

[Derek Booth]

And just to be contradictory, it DIDN'T rain at all from the 24th-29th March 2019, Sarria-SdC.
I know, I was there!

 

[Robo]

And just to be contradictory, it DIDN'T rain at all from the 24th-29th March 2019, Sarria-SdC.
I know, I was there!

Likewise, my gortex boots never got wet on the inside.
Because........they are gortex

I walked this year in non waterproof shoes for the first time and the one day it rained, I was miserable with soaking feet all day. 2-3 days of that in a row and I would have had blisters. No doubt.

But hey.........most people walk in non waterproof footwear and cope fine.

I now use trail runners, non waterproof. Great! (in the dry)


(I can't wear my gortex boots anymore due to bad knees and they are too heavy)

@Montegras You will find lots of great advice on this Forum. But sometimes it varies.
Because we can only share our own experiences.
Hopefully though it gives you a range of ideas and perspectives.

 

[frannie z]

My wife and I will be hiking March 2024 during Easter Week from Sarria to Santiago. I have the following questions:

1) how much rain can I expect
2) do I need weatherproof hiking shoes, or should I get hiking shoes that breathe
3) I assume most of the bar and restaurants will be open along the hike.
4) we are doing the luggage transfer so just taking a day pack, we will also be staying in hotels
5) I assume layers of clothing, how much rain gear do you suggest?
6) taking the train from Madrid to Sarria, any tips?
7) any additional tips or recommendations would be helpful

thank you

I was on that stretch in March of this year - 9 days before Easter. Many little cafes, hotels, albergues were closed. The weather was miserable- cold wet rain and windy. Thankfully we had warm hats and glives. A day out of Santiago - the weather cleared it was sunny and beautiful. We had reservations in small casas and hotels … lovely places along the way which made the experience delightful- every night great sleep, good food, and for the most part a warm repass. We used baggage service and wore gortex rain jackets that covered our day packs. Layered. I found this part of the Frances (and again each person has their own opinion) not so scenic or charming compared to SJPDP to Burgos… I agree with other responses — make reservations early. Also if it works out (they dont fly everyday) you might want to check out return to Madrid on Ryan Air — cheaper than the train and it was easy enough to get taxi to airport : set price 25 euro

 

[Montegras]

Is there a particular reason why you have chosen to walk during Semana Santa? That is likely the busiest period on the path between Sarria and Santiago in the entire year. Some will suggest that the build up to the Festivo de Santiago Apostal in July is busier but most attendees for that thrash arrive other than on foot.

Between Sarria and Santiago everything will be open, and will be busy. If you haven’t booked your desired accommodations, particularly in Santiago you should do that soon. If you are using a service provider check carefully the itinerary and accommodations they are suggesting.

Rain? Rain gear? Yes it will and yes you will need some. If you have luggage transfer you can elect for heavier but more effective Goretex outerwear and not sweat over perspiration issues. Goretex shoes, once wet on the inside are no different to non-waterproof shoes except they take longer to dry. If it rains all the time it really doesn’t matter after a while. Wear wool socks.

Happy planning

We choose that week because my wife is a teacher, and that time period is her Easter break. In my profession I can't take time off in the summer so it's a compromise from our work schedule but thanks for your input, appreciate it.

 

[Montegras]

1. It's probably going to be kinda rainy. Here's a site where you can check what the weather was like in previous years.
2. Shoes ultimately come down to "what works best for your feet", but generally neither hiking shoes nor waterproof shoes are recommended. Hiking shoes are bulky, heavy, and usually overkill. Waterproof shoes are nice when it's raining, but take forever to try out once water actually gets into them.
5. A poncho. If you're doing luggage transfer, maybe a rain jacket that covers your daypack.

Great, thanks for your recommendations

 

[Montegras]

And just to be contradictory, it DIDN'T rain at all from the 24th-29th March 2019, Sarria-SdC.
I know, I was there!

luck of the draw I guess, glad it worked out for you.

 

[Montegras]

Likewise, my gortex boots never got wet on the inside.
Because........they are gortex

I walked this year in non waterproof shoes for the first time and the one day it rained, I was miserable with soaking feet all day. 2-3 days of that in a row and I would have had blisters. No doubt.

But hey.........most people walk in non waterproof footwear and cope fine.

I now use trail runners, non waterproof. Great! (in the dry)


(I can't wear my gortex boots anymore due to bad knees and they are too heavy)

@Montegras You will find lots of great advice on this Forum. But sometimes it varies.
Because we can only share our own experiences.
Hopefully though it gives you a range of ideas and perspectives.

yes, that's all I'm looking for is some insights based on your experience. thanks

 

[Montegras]

I was on that stretch in March of this year - 9 days before Easter. Many little cafes, hotels, albergues were closed. The weather was miserable- cold wet rain and windy. Thankfully we had warm hats and glives. A day out of Santiago - the weather cleared it was sunny and beautiful. We had reservations in small casas and hotels … lovely places along the way which made the experience delightful- every night great sleep, good food, and for the most part a warm repass. We used baggage service and wore gortex rain jackets that covered our day packs. Layered. I found this part of the Frances (and again each person has their own opinion) not so scenic or charming compared to SJPDP to Burgos… I agree with other responses — make reservations early. Also if it works out (they dont fly everyday) you might want to check out return to Madrid on Ryan Air — cheaper than the train and it was easy enough to get taxi to airport : set price 25 euro

thank you for your response and sharing your experience, it was helpful.

 

[Derek Booth]

luck of the draw I guess, glad it worked out for you.u

Lucky? me?
It didn't rain between 28th Feb and the 23rd March either!
29 days on the Frances without a drop (apart from a few drops while I was inside the 19th hole having a drink at the golf course west of Najera).
Would this be a good time to tell you I'm walking the Portuguese with my grandsons in the week after you.?
I suggest you take a snow shovel, skis and an ice axe because if I've got it right, you can be sure the opposite will be true for the week either side.

 

[Martin-B]

---

Hi
Just to confuse the issue a little more. I take waterproof socks and trail runners, I've found that to be a compromise that works quite well. They weigh little, take up no real space but save your feet if the weather turns wet.

Martin

 

[Montegras]

Do assume that it will be quite busy on Easter week. I don't know that everything will be open. Many places don't open until after Easter. Correos will do bag transfer all year long on that stretch of the Camino.

Only one train a day from Madrid to Sarria direct. Buy your tickets in advance since it will be busy over Easter. Tickets won't go on sale until a month or so out, but keep checking. I use the Trainline app as it will accepted my US credit card while the Spanish train system Renfe does not.

Do bring rain gear. It rains a lot in this part of Spain. You can decide about waterproof shoes. Once they do get wet they are difficult to dry. Non waterproof shoes will dry quickly, but your feet will be wetter when it rains. Temperatures will be cool this time of year.

edit: make sure to get reservations in Santiago early as it will be full of people celebrating Easter week.

I have a question the Palas De Rey to Aruza is also most 18 miles is this section difficult in 1 day can it be easily accomplished or would you split the section in 2 days.

 

[J Willhaus]

We did it last week and it was pouring down rain. We broke it up and stayed at Melide and went on to Arzua the next day. There were others who were doing it in one day and who were caught in the downpour and I felt bad for them...It would be a long day for me to do in one go.

I had gortex ankle height boots. They were wet inside, but I stuffed them with paper and put them on the radiator and they were fine the next morning... Water was up to my ankles in the lower areas coming into Melide.

 

[Montegras]

We did it last week and it was pouring down rain. We broke it up and stayed at Melide and went on to Arzua the next day. There were others who were doing it in one day and who were caught in the downpour and I felt bad for them...It would be a long day for me to do in one go.

I had gortex ankle height boots. They were wet inside, but I stuffed them with paper and put them on the radiator and they were fine the next morning... Water was up to my ankles in the lower areas coming into Melide.

Assuming there is no rain in March during Easter is it possible

 

[J Willhaus]

It rains a lot in Galicia in all times of the year although summer is not too bad when I have been there...

 

[J Willhaus]

Possible if you can walk 18 miles in one day. I would prefer to walk less.