- Time of past OR future Camino
- December 2022
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I believe the monastery will be open in Roncesvalles and one alberque in Zubiri ..you have a tent ??? Buen Camino whatever you decide as it be a challenge in itselfI’ve been looking here for a while so not completely clueless but I just signed up to ask these questions.
I’m debating starting Camino Frances in a few weeks doing the 800 Km from SJPP.
I feel a call to do this. This timing fits into my life. But I haven’t committed because I realize December is not the best time and also the holiday season is not the best time.
My concerns are pretty basics. I guess centering around food and lodging as well as traveling alone.
I am well traveled in general, I have done several big hikes, I’m used to being outside in all weather, not in the best shape but fit enough.
I know people do the Camino in winter but it seems it will be very challenging just to find lodging. Case in point, someone last week posted here looking for recommendations for lodging in SJPP and I was curious so looked at these places and they were all closed for winter. I get that not every Albergue or hotel will be open but will I be able to find places at the recommended overnight towns? And same for restaurants especially with vegetarian requirements.
And I hear walking over Christmas makes it more difficult with even more places closing for the holiday.
I understand there is no correct answer but I would appreciate your insights to help with my last minute decision.
Thank you in advance
Gronze does not have a specific site for winter albergues. They do show the opening/closing dates to the best of their knowledge. Gronze is only in Spanish but if you use the Chrome browser it will automatically translate to English or the language of your choice.Can someone help me find the Gronze site for winter albergues?
If you do decide to go, this website maintains a list of albergues that are open in the winter:
Not sure you'd want to be camping in December.I believe the monastery will be open in Roncesvalles and one alberque in Zubiri ..you have a tent ??? Buen Camino whatever you decide as it be a challenge in itself
Yes about 10c in the day and maybe down to 4c at night like what it is here in Wales at the present time , only suggestion I would have is double check what is open and maybe compare with Booking.comNot sure you'd want to be camping in December.
Thank you for this resourceIf you do decide to go, this website maintains a list of albergues that are open in the winter:
Thank you for sharing your tips and personal experiencesI have enjoyed walking in winter but it is definitely not as easy as in the normal "season ". I walked solo but met up with others, and found that I had more interactions with locals. There will be less bars etc open an it is very wise to carry food to cover lunch, dinner, breakfast eg dried soup, nuts, crackers, cheese.
There are lots of threads labelled with winter for advice and you should read these. In many cases you will need to ring/message ahead to book accommodation, and for Christmas etc you need to have a plan in place in advance. And having some extra money for a hotel or taxi is necessary. This website is invaluable as a starting point to what albergues are open http://www.aprinca.com/alberguesinvierno/
I love walking the camino in winter, but it is different to what the CF is in season. I am heading back to finish the Via Bayona in January for a week, and very excited!
Thank you for sharingI have volunteered at 2 albergues over the holiday season and it was a lovely experience. These albergues were open all year round. My husband did some walking before Dec 15 and had no difficulties finding food or lodging.
We also did some walking between Jan 1 and Jan 8. one year. Be prepared that you may need to bus or taxi ahead or behind to find lodging in some areas on the CF. Also be prepared that some albergues may be quite cold as heat may not be on at night.
We used the Gronze site and the winter albergue site mentioned above to find lodging and I recommend you call ahead to let the hospitalero know you are coming. Usually just one day ahead is enough, and you may want to reserve a bed or room for holidays such as Dec 24 or 25, 31, Jan 1 and Jan 5, 6.
Many if not most communities will have celebrations during this holiday season and that can be a lot of fun if you take the time to participate.
I have read this. Thank you for reminding me@Willdtrout : You have expressed above your intention to begin your camino in SJpdP in December. I am hoping that you are aware that it is not permitted to walk the Napoleon route over the mountain in December. To do so is both dangerous and forbidden. It could cost you your life or a major fine if the bomberos have to rescue you, or try to. Buen (safe) camino.
I don't think it's a good decision to run over Christmas and the New Year, unless you are willing and able to run longer distances, even with plenty of snow, because many hostels are closed at Christmas/New Year.I’ve been looking here for a while so not completely clueless but I just signed up to ask these questions.
I’m debating starting Camino Frances in a few weeks doing the 800 Km from SJPP.
I feel a call to do this. This timing fits into my life. But I haven’t committed because I realize December is not the best time and also the holiday season is not the best time.
My concerns are pretty basics. I guess centering around food and lodging as well as traveling alone.
I am well traveled in general, I have done several big hikes, I’m used to being outside in all weather, not in the best shape but fit enough.
I know people do the Camino in winter but it seems it will be very challenging just to find lodging. Case in point, someone last week posted here looking for recommendations for lodging in SJPP and I was curious so looked at these places and they were all closed for winter. I get that not every Albergue or hotel will be open but will I be able to find places at the recommended overnight towns? And same for restaurants especially with vegetarian requirements.
And I hear walking over Christmas makes it more difficult with even more places closing for the holiday.
I understand there is no correct answer but I would appreciate your insights to help with my last minute decision.
Thank you in advance
oh, where you get the information, that weather ist good early December and worser later the month?. That is realy unseriousEarly December is GREAT for walking the Camino! The weather tends to turn bad later on in the month.
@Rebekah Scott lives in Moratinos on the Meseta, so I'd assume that it's from personal experience.oh, where you get the information, that weather ist good early December and worser later the month?. That is realy unserious
Aha, then you can also tell me what the weather will be next year at the end of April 7 - beginning of May on the route from Burgos to Astrorga, including the Meseta. I have only hiked 11 times in Spain at this time and have experienced 3 weeks of continuous rain, 3 weeks without a drop from above, and often a mixture of both. My crystal ball and weather frog refuse to give me a forecast.LOL. Not very scientific, but I have walked the Camino in December two times, and have lived on the Meseta in December 14 times. I kinda notice.
I can tell you what's happened in the past, but the Future's Not Ours to See.Aha, then you can also tell me what the weather will be next year at the end of April 7 - beginning of May on the route from Burgos to Astrorga, including the Meseta. I have only hiked 11 times in Spain at this time and have experienced 3 weeks of continuous rain, 3 weeks without a drop from above, and often a mixture of both. My crystal ball and weather frog refuse to give me a forecast.
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