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Start on Friday or Saturday (del Norte)

FourSeasons

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Time of past OR future Camino
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Hi, is it best to start walking out of Irun on a Friday or Saturday? Are shops closed on Saturday? Do they open late, close early? What would be the pros and cons? Does it really matter? Time frame will be the first week in July.

Thanks for your input
 
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You should not have a problem with shops on either Friday or Saturday. Shops tend to open later in the morning in Spain but Irun is busy on the weekends. The only concern I would have about starting on Saturday is competing with tekkers who are out for a weekend walk.
 
Agree with Biarritzdon. Shouldn't matter.

Where are you staying at?

I have stayed at (https://www.booking.com/hotel/es/pensia3n-bowling.html) Pension Bowling twice. Simple, clean, nice place.

Many walkers stay there.

Woman who works there will make you a very nice salad or meal. She is so nice.
Gave me free ice cream after meals.

Weird name for the place. Has nothing to do with bowling.

When on the main road you have to walk down the steps to get to the place.
By the train tracks. Stores close by.

There is a small store close by. Ask for directions. There is a larger store no far from the TI office. Other stores in town as well.

The TI in Iran is worth a visit. Very helpful.

First day out you will go by a church up on the hill. Stop in for a visit.

Good luck.
 
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yes you should get a free ice cream after the heafty price for a room. I checked they want 60 dollars Canadian for a room outrageous.
 
nathanael said:
yes you should get a free ice cream after the heafty price for a room. I checked they want 60 dollars Canadian for a room outrageous.
Click to expand...

Don’t recall paying such.

Guess she liked my wonderful looks and charm.

Gonna check what I paid. Will post later
 
martyseville said:
Don’t recall paying such.

Guess she liked my wonderful looks and charm.

Gonna check what I paid. Will post later
Click to expand...

I paid about 39 CAD per night

There is a super cheap place closer to the bus/train station.
It is dirty, smoky, bad folks hanging around. Smells horrible and a fire trap.
Overall a real dump.

I first had reservation there. Saw the place and room. Immediately got out of there. Lost one nights cost. Didn’t put bag down. Nasty owner made me pay for one night.

We then went to Bowling.

World of difference.

Each to their own. Regardless of how cheap the price, certain places not worth staying in.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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nathanael said:
yes you should get a free ice cream after the heafty price for a room. I checked they want 60 dollars Canadian for a room outrageous.
Click to expand...

Offered help. A recommendation for clean place to stay.
No one has to take it.
 
nathanael said:
yes you should get a free ice cream after the heafty price for a room. I checked they want 60 dollars Canadian for a room outrageous.
Click to expand...
I pulled it up on Booking.com its showing $45 US. That’s not too bad especially if I get free ice cream.
 
FourSeasons said:
I pulled it up on Booking.com its showing $45 US. That’s not too bad especially if I get free ice cream.
Click to expand...

Irun is actually not that cheap of a place.
Being so close to San Sebastián (Donostia), does not help.
Donostia is now one of the most expensive places in Spain.
 
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martyseville said:
Irun is actually not that cheap of a place.
Being so close to San Sebastián (Donostia), does not help.
Donostia is now one of the most expensive places in Spain.
Click to expand...
In my most recent searches for a place to stay in Irun I have to say the one you suggested is definitely a good price. I booked one night, I can always cancel if I find something else. I really wanted to stay in the alburgue but afraid it will be completo, besides with a reservation there is no need to rush from Paris. Thank you for the suggestion. I’ll try to stop in at the church on the hill to say hi.
 
Irun and Hendaye are contguious beach front communities, and very popular for tourists. Hendaye is mostly up market while Irun a little more industrial strength.
 
That first day has so many hills and for me was so tough I doubt anything would have distracted me!
 
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As said before it will not matter unless of course it is a holiday and very little is open. You should be fine. There is only one municipal albergue but it is pretty big. It was a little crowded but I think there were plenty of beds when I started in late September 2018. Don't forget to stop at Gelateria Boulevard in San Sebastian if you want to taste some of the best ice cream anywhere!!!!
 
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