starting June 15th- what do I have to expect? crowds?

[zammy]

We will look for accomodations in Ponferrda june 15th, and Villafranca on the 16th- can I count on the municipal albergues or book on the private ones to be sure?
Does anyone know what's the situation in the albergues now on the Camino between Ponferrada and Santiago?
Are there any problems getting food in restaurants or shops because of big crowds?
Thank you

 

[Deleted member 3000]

The albergue in Ponferrada probably will not let you stay there, since you have not walked in. Two of the albergues in Villafranca del Bierzo are located on the entry to the town, and fill up fast. With over 1,000 pilgrims per day arriving in Santiago (probably 70% on the Camino Frances) there will be a lot of demand. The albergues in town in Villafranca have several hostals nearby. It may be prudent to book one of them in advance. Try the internet (Google maps shows the hostals). There is also a Parador hotel.

Good luck. Have fun!

 

[zammy]

We will walk in from Foncebadon, I understand it's quite a big albergue, in Ponferada. In the mean time we have decided to book ahead all the way to Santiago, it's getting along quite good BUT I hope they understood my request, my foreign name. I wouldn't want to arrive and they won't find my "real" name...
And for all you people, FYI -we have managed to find beds nearly everywhere I called, private albergues that is.Prices are not that high and I think we have made the right decision. Now we'll be able to walk leisurely after mid day when the trail is almost empty, after almost every body will have stopped at their albergues (I guess there are about 2,349 other pilgrims that think so too, see you then...)