Compared to the
Camino Frances, yes, the difference is huge! In Merida, though, the albergue was full. There are less walkers but more cyclists, for sure. When I walked the Frances, I too had time to walk alone, especially since I left later than most and was not in the crowd, until I reached the albergues. You are obviously the best person to decide whether to walk it or not, since my input is about my personal experience, one which I enjoyed. Different caminos, different experiences.
Definitely less people on the Via, but every pilgrim that I saw became part of that day's intimate group. We ate and drank wine together in the evenings. Occasionally I walked with someone, but that was few and far between.
I do think there are more people this coming year, like I said, due to the popularity of the camino and with the Frances being so crowded, many are looking at alternative routes.
After I arrived in Santiago, I walked to Finisterra. At one of the stops, I was the first person there, the albergue was closed, so I stayed in a little cafe for a few hours, until it was time to get back to the albergue. Much to my surprise there were dozens of people and backpacks all lined up in a row. I had never seen that before in both of my caminos. I was so surprised!! So I put mine on the end and got tsk-tsked. Apparently I put mine at the beginning and not the end. I had no idea hot it worked!
So I moved it to the other end and luckily I got the last bed. Phew!! I just would hate to have that happen often, that uncertainty of getting a bed. Not an issue on the Via.
Being part of small groups, I felt that even the hospitaleros were more attentive as well. They have hard work dealing with peregrinos day in day out and I imagine some might not be as hospitable after a while, but on the Via all were incredibly wonderful.
And yes, I was alone in the albergue a couple of times, but I am so fine with that. I tended the gardens of one, picking weeds, deadheading the flowers, watering and decorating. Had a sweet time. So, we are individuals and what works for one, doesn't for others.
It's just that it is so beautiful along the Via, and the cities you go through are so historical. Santiponce/Italica with its Roman ruins, Merida, Caceres with its old town preserved so that it feels like it must have hundreds of years ago, Salamanca with its university and tourists, Zamora, my favorite, during their patron saint's festivities. Walking in Galicia, mountains, castles....Got to look at that as well. All parts of the experience.
No fear!
Lillian