Where to walk for 10 days in May?

[aurorateacher]

I'm arriving in Madrid on May 25th and plan on hiking for 10 days along the Camino. I had thought Sarria to Santiago but am now questioning that busy route. I do want to stay in places I have booked ahead as I am going alone and also would like a private room. Is there one travel company that you would recommend to arrange this?

 

[StephenHLanark]

On here you’ll be told not to book ahead as a ’real’ pilgrim should sleep in communal areas. There are plenty of other pilgrims who don’t do this for many reasons. I can recommend’Walk the Camino’ but there are many others.
enjoy your trip

 

[alexwalker]

On here you’ll be told not to book ahead as a ’real’ pilgrim should sleep in communal areas. There are plenty of other pilgrims who don’t do this for many reasons. I can recommend’Walk the Camino’ but there are many others.
enjoy your trip

This is simply not true. Each member in here is free to give their opinions, based on their preferences: Some rely only on prebooked hotels, some walk in solitude, others participate joyfully in communal or private albergues, some sleep outdoors. I myself mostly prefer albergues, sharing dinners with others and socialise, but I take the occational hostels/hotels for peace and quiet. And based on traffic, I may book ahead. Each to his/her own.

After 15+ years on foot on different Caminos, I think I have a voice.

Whatever you choose is OK. It is yours, and only yours, Camino.

Edit: It is not necessarily a "trip". For many it is an inward journey, for various reasons. For many others, their "trip" becomes that journey after many days of walking and self-insight.

 

[trecile]

On here you’ll be told not to book ahead as a ’real’ pilgrim should sleep in communal areas

Not on this forum. There's even a rule about disparaging others for their choices.

3) No arguments about who is a tourist and who is a “real" pilgrim. The forum is intended for all who are interested in the Camino. Please do not challenge the sincerity, intentions, or authenticity of another person’s Camino

 

[C clearly]

On here you’ll be told not to book ahead as a ’real’ pilgrim should sleep in communal areas.

Why would you say this, misinforming a new member, when it isn't normally true? I challenge you to find such a statement. If you find one, look to see how the majority of members shoot it down.

 

[Charlotte Helbig]

I'm arriving in Madrid on May 25th and plan on hiking for 10 days along the Camino. I had thought Sarria to Santiago but am now questioning that busy route. I do want to stay in places I have booked ahead as I am going alone and also would like a private room. Is there one travel company that you would recommend to arrange this?

If you want a route that is less busy you might consider the Camino Ingles. It is 5 days from Ferrol to Santiago. It is another 4 days or so from Santiago to Finisterre/Muxia AND it is a beautiful walk. Or you could do part of the Portuguese. You don't need to use a travel company--you can do the same yourself with less expense. Look at gronze.com--pick the route you want and there are a variety of booking options in each location. And go ahead and book away--it is YOUR Camino.

 

[C clearly]

Back to the OP's question....

Starting in Sarria on May 25, you should be just ahead of the many people who start in St Jean Pied de Port or Roncesvalles in early May. For Sarria-Santiago, the biggest crowds are in July-August.

You should have no trouble achieving whatever degree of solitude or company you like.

It is very simple to do the bookings yourself by consulting one of the popular guide books or apps. Gronze.com also has all the information for contacting a great assortment of lodgings along the route.

P.S. Welcome to the forum!

 

[Tincatinker]

I'm arriving in Madrid on May 25th and plan on hiking for 10 days along the Camino. I had thought Sarria to Santiago but am now questioning that busy route. I do want to stay in places I have booked ahead as I am going alone and also would like a private room. Is there one travel company that you would recommend to arrange this?

Sorry, what was the question? Do you want to walk a Camino? Do you want to make pilgrimage to Santiago? Do you want a nice walk in nice countryside with nice people? Do you want us to sort it out for you or do you just want some help sorting it out yourself?
There are lots of companies who will sell you a camino trip. A simple google search will expose them. You’re flying into Madrid. You’ll need at least a day to travel to, say, Sarria and at least a day to return to Madrid. You’ve got 8 days. Say 5-6 walking and some time in Santiago. So, yes, Camino Frances, Camino Ingles from Ferrol. The Portuguese routes are out because of the logistics from Madrid, Ourense to Santiago would be doable.

Happy planning, but do decide what you’re planning

 

[Anhalter]

As @Tincatinker put it, it really depends on what you want to do/achieve. Is arriving in Santiago important or not? If not, i would chose something else than the way from Sarria. If it is, i would maybe chose something else as well. Then it depends how much distance you want to cover in those days and what kind of infrastructure and surroundings you want to have.

The camino can be a bit confusing at first, we all been there. And i guess we'll gladly help you if you provide a little more information.

 

[Roland49]

Starting in Sarria on May 25, you should be just ahead of the many people who start in St Jean Pied de Port or Roncesvalles in early May. For Sarria-Santiago, the biggest crowds are in July-August.

I've walked the CF towards the End of July from Sarria to SdC and it was not crowded.
Yes there are more walker and pilgrims on that part of the route, but I did not felt overwhelmed.

HTH
Roland

 

[David Tallan]

On here you’ll be told not to book ahead as a ’real’ pilgrim should sleep in communal areas.

If someone tells you on these Forums that you are not a 'real' pilgrim, feel free to report the post as a violation of Rule 3.

 

[David Tallan]

I will be walking for 10 days this May (starting a bit earlier in the month). It is her first Camino. We are starting from Villafranca del Bierzo, for what its worth. I wouldn't worry too much about it being too busy. The busy season for the stretch from Sarria to Santiago is July and August. It shouldn't be too crowded when you walk it. If you are really concerned, you can book your private rooms in towns or villages "between stages" (that is, between the towns that the popular guide books choose as stage end points). I did so this past July, the busiest season, and had plenty of time when I was walking in solitude with no other pilgrims in sight and very very few times when there was anything approaching a "crowd". But before going that route, I would humbly suggest that you not dismiss the opportunities to meet and interact with your fellow pilgrims so quickly. Many find the interactions with their fellow pilgrims to be a highlight of their Caminos.

I can't speak to an organizing company. I've always booked my rooms, when doing so, myself. Apps like Wise Pilgrim and Buen Camino or sites like Gronze.com (in Spanish, but easily translated by your web browser if you don't want to practice your Spanish) have excellent listings of accommodations options, including private rooms, and contact information for them. The Wise Pilgrim app will even compose a WhatsApp message in Spanish asking for a reservation on your behalf.

 

[naplesdon]

I would overwhelming recommend the Ingles at that time of year. I am not sure about how I would get from Madrid, other than the overnight sleeper train via Coruna.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

@aurorateacher , I’m with @Charlotte Helbig on this - the Inglés and then on to Finistere. Beautiful, quieter ( but still giving you opportunities to meet people should you wish). It’s also very well marked, a good mix of terrain, good accommodation options along the way - for the Inglés I mainly used Booking.com, but that’s because I don’t have Gronze etc loaded.

I personally think the booking operators are too expensive for what they do, but that’s just me. I appreciate that you may wish to use one to eliminate any potential ‘hassle’.

As you’ll see above, you’ve got another couple of great options in the last stretch of either the Portuguese or the Frances.

Bag transfer is available on all three options if required.

A beautiful time of year- Buen Camino!

 

[aurorateacher]

This is simply not true. Each member in here is free to give their opinions, based on their preferences: Some rely only on prebooked hotels, some walk in solitude, others participate joyfully in communal or private albergues, some sleep outdoors. I myself mostly prefer albergues, sharing dinners with others and socialise, but I take the occational hostels/hotels for peace and quiet. And based on traffic, I may book ahead. Each to his/her own.

After 15+ years on foot on different Caminos, I think I have a voice.

Whatever you choose is OK. It is yours, and only yours, Camino.

Edit: It is not necessarily a "trip". For many it is an inward journey, for various reasons. For many others, their "trip" becomes that journey after many days of walking and self-insight.

Thank you.

 

[aurorateacher]

If you want a route that is less busy you might consider the Camino Ingles. It is 5 days from Ferrol to Santiago. It is another 4 days or so from Santiago to Finisterre/Muxia AND it is a beautiful walk. Or you could do part of the Portuguese. You don't need to use a travel company--you can do the same yourself with less expense. Look at gronze.com--pick the route you want and there are a variety of booking options in each location. And go ahead and book away--it is YOUR Camino.

Great information! Thank you.

 

[aurorateacher]

@aurorateacher , I’m with @Charlotte Helbig on this - the Inglés and then on to Finistere. Beautiful, quieter ( but still giving you opportunities to meet people should you wish). It’s also very well marked, a good mix of terrain, good accommodation options along the way - for the Inglés I mainly used Booking.com, but that’s because I don’t have Gronze etc loaded.

I personally think the booking operators are too expensive for what they do, but that’s just me. I appreciate that you may wish to use one to eliminate any potential ‘hassle’.

As you’ll see above, you’ve got another couple of great options in the last stretch of either the Portuguese or the Frances.

Bag transfer is available on all three options if required.

A beautiful time of year- Buen Camino!

Thanks!!!

 

[aurorateacher]

Sorry, what was the question? Do you want to walk a Camino? Do you want to make pilgrimage to Santiago? Do you want a nice walk in nice countryside with nice people? Do you want us to sort it out for you or do you just want some help sorting it out yourself?
There are lots of companies who will sell you a camino trip. A simple google search will expose them. You’re flying into Madrid. You’ll need at least a day to travel to, say, Sarria and at least a day to return to Madrid. You’ve got 8 days. Say 5-6 walking and some time in Santiago. So, yes, Camino Frances, Camino Ingles from Ferrol. The Portuguese routes are out because of the logistics from Madrid, Ourense to Santiago would be doable.

Happy planning, but do decide what you’re planning

That is precisely what I am doing.

 

[aurorateacher]

I will be walking for 10 days this May (starting a bit earlier in the month). It is her first Camino. We are starting from Villafranca del Bierzo, for what its worth. I wouldn't worry too much about it being too busy. The busy season for the stretch from Sarria to Santiago is July and August. It shouldn't be too crowded when you walk it. If you are really concerned, you can book your private rooms in towns or villages "between stages" (that is, between the towns that the popular guide books choose as stage end points). I did so this past July, the busiest season, and had plenty of time when I was walking in solitude with no other pilgrims in sight and very very few times when there was anything approaching a "crowd". But before going that route, I would humbly suggest that you not dismiss the opportunities to meet and interact with your fellow pilgrims so quickly. Many find the interactions with their fellow pilgrims to be a highlight of their Caminos.

I can't speak to an organizing company. I've always booked my rooms, when doing so, myself. Apps like Wise Pilgrim and Buen Camino or sites like Gronze.com (in Spanish, but easily translated by your web browser if you don't want to practice your Spanish) have excellent listings of accommodations options, including private rooms, and contact information for them. The Wise Pilgrim app will even compose a WhatsApp message in Spanish asking for a reservation on your behalf.

Thank you. I am very much looking forward to meeting all the journeyers along the way!

 

[LindaGRobert]

I'm arriving in Madrid on May 25th and plan on hiking for 10 days along the Camino. I had thought Sarria to Santiago but am now questioning that busy route. I do want to stay in places I have booked ahead as I am going alone and also would like a private room. Is there one travel company that you would recommend to arrange this?

When I walked the Del Norte, I booked with Galiwonders and really appreciated their service.

 

[HeidiL]

If you need a place to sleep in Madrid before you start, I am among the many fans of Hostal Viky. They do free pick-up and delivery at the airport...