Avoiding the Crowds on the Camino de Santiago

[@robscamino]

Are you on the Camino Frances or another route now? What's your experience of finding accomodation? Hard to get?

[@encouragesolutions2595]

I went on the Frances last June. I left SJPDP on a Tuesday as I had a theory that people would finish work on a Friday, travel on Friday night/Saturday and be ready to start on Sunday/Monday. It worked for me. Never had a problem and got accommodation easily. Occasionally the "weekend starters" would catch up but were never in numbers that made a difference.

[@robscamino]

Good tip. I used to do that on the Frances. Seems to help.

[@PaulNelson392]

Another Camino KZbin channel I follow is the Camino Tellers. They are currently on the Camino Frances on the Meseta somewhere (they’ve been doing a 10 minute live stream each day). Their goal is to stay off stage and not pre book anywhere. So far they have found beds every day without any issues.

[@robscamino]

Good to hear. The problem comes about when people want to walk the most popular route, at the most popular time, staying at the most popular accommodation types, at the most popular budget point, in the most popular towns and villages......... So it just makes sense...............not to! 🙄

[@neilpresland3606]

Hello Rob. Thank your videos. A video for booking accommodation would be very useful. Keep up the good work. Your channel is very informative.

[@robscamino]

Sure thing. I'll show you how I do my bookings.

[@marieduprat7206]

I started from St Jean on May 3rd this year. St Jean was full and lots of pilgrims told me (they were passing me as I was slow) that it was the same from around the start of the month for a week. In Roncesvalles, I saw so many taxis taking pilgrims to Pamplona as there was nothing in between. Lots of pilgrims were trying to help people. I was fortunate as I had booked a private room and then let two younger pilgrims share as they helped me when I was struggling. I think a lot of the issues come when so many choose the start of the month to start. There were so many groups who started the same time as me. This also made it harder to meet people as they often stayed within their groups. I saw a group of 40 or so from Korea and a similar sized group from Germany. Their nice tour bus fed me and gave a cold drink going into Maneru as I had given some water to some ladies who ran out. It eased so much after Logrono as I deliberately slowed down to let them all go ahead. The whole dynamic changed and it was a nicer vibe as it was solo pilgrims and couple/pairs. Next year I am leaving a week later.

[@robscamino]

Yes, sadly the Frances route continues to grow in popularity, but we 'repeat' Pilgrims also contribute to the problem. I find the Frances just too busy now. I last walked from St Jean in 2018 and it was getting busy then. Last year I walked a few sections of it (Astorga-Ponferrada) and it was really busy! Maybe we need to promote other routes more, to take the pressure off? Can I ask what type of accommodation you were using? I used Albergues last year and didn't have any issues on those few stages. I think for those seeking private accomodation it's much harder.

[@robscamino]

You could always try a different route? I don't think I will ever repeat a route now. I like the excitement of not knowing what's coming. Having walked the Frances two and a bit times I feel like I almost know what's around every corner. Last year I tried three new routes (for me). VdlP, Invierno, Fisterra/Muxia. Each very different but each wonderful.

[@marieduprat7206]

I stayed at a mixture of private albergues and private rooms. I am unable to climb into a top bunk as arthritis (you have to love old age) means I just am unable to climb up. I am only just becoming brave enough to walk on my own after loosing my husband in September 22. I had thought of other routes. I do need luggage transfer, even though it’s a small bag as again the confounded arthritis makes it necessary. The Frances wasn’t too bad until Astorga after Burgos and then it was very busy. If you have any ideas, I’m always open to hear. Marie

[@robscamino]

@@marieduprat7206 totally understand the ageing bit!! How many days do you want to walk?

[@PuncturedBicycle-wy4po]

I am so laid back I’d be inclined to have a full cooked breakfast start around 10:30am and come in at sunset. I travel alone so the cost of an odd taxi to the next town or a single room in a hotel is something I’m used to. I reckon I’d love the Frances, even with all the people, it’s a blessing if I can take that first step

[@robscamino]

My wife Pat is a bit like that 🙂 I'm lucky if I can get her walking by 9 am... Snacks along the way. Long lunch........ But hey, there's no rush.

[@gregoryhageage6362]

Thank you Rob. I certainly appreciate and respect your views in response to my question. You provide much food for thought and I will put it to good use as I continue my Camino‘s planning stage. And the planning just adds to the excitement of the whole experience. I look forward to your next episode🤙🏽

[@robscamino]

I enjoy the planning almost as much as the Camino! Well, maybe not quite that much........ 🙂

[@marieduprat7206]

This year it was 50 days. Next year, around 42-49 days. I have to walk from early May to fit around everybody else’s schedules at home, which is fair as I go for quite a while.

[@robscamino]

Ah OK. So most of the 'popular routes will be busy. You could do the VdlP maybe Merida to Santiago? Might be warm though.

[@marieduprat7206]

I had thought of this, then walking to Ponferrada and onto the Invierno. I would love to go earlier but I promised a good friend I would see him perform in the Wizard of Oz. I’m rubbish with heat. Being from Wales, I call 20C too hot. My umbrella earned its keep this year. What was the Invierno like? I was thinking this could be a nicer option to go into SDC

[@katewill7302]

One suggestion I have heard is to start you Camino on the 2 week or the 4 week of the month. Also starting to walk on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday keeps you out of the wave of people starting at the weekends. This makes total sense to me… 🥾🥾

[@robscamino]

Yes, good tips! 🙂 In the past I have left St Jean on a Tuesday for that reason.

[@samuelmcgovern]

Thanks for the videos, Rob - they've been a great help. Re: origins, I recently completed the Camino Primitivo (Original Way). It's the route Alfonso II walked in 813 to verify that the remains that were found in Northwest Spain were that of Saint James, which created the Camino de Santiago. The French Way became the traditional route centuries later. Known as one of the quieter ones, myself and others were surprised at how many people were doing the Primitivo (it was May). Still ample opportunities to walk alone, though, despite its rise in popularity. I'm with you on not adhering strictly to the guidebook. I flew into Oviedo on a Friday and started walking on Sunday, which a lot of people did. My advice to avoid crowds would be to start walking earlier in the week, if you can swing it with work etc. Although the Primitivo is also said to be the most difficult route as it's the most offroad (mountains, forests and varying gradients), I hope you get to do it at some stage, Rob. Would love to hear your thoughts.

[@robscamino]

Yes, it's a route I would certainly love to try......

[@julianlord5366]

The busiest periods generally on the Francès are April-May and September to mid-October -- but as to Sarria > Santiago it's between April and mid-October, including the Summer months.

[@robscamino]

Good point Julian. How many times have you walked that section from Sarria? I few I'm sure!

[@johnavery5384]

Thanks for this. A balanced approach I think and it’s given me some strategies to try, particularly actually doing a bit of planning and thinking. Up to now I have really just turned up and wandered off but if the trend continues then that will need to change. The reality is that using my vagabond approach I have never had to sleep under the stars so it’s not that bad.

[@robscamino]

THere are so many routes and so many accommodation options........

[@stinaolsen6909]

I do agree with your strategies! Its also a "I cant get a bed for the price I want" question. Of course its nice to pay only 10euros per night, but when the albergue is full, there is "almost always" more available beds around, but they do cost more... If you are on a real tight budget, you might want to wait and save more money before you travel...? Its also different prices on the different Caminos, because some have very few Municipal Albergues for 10€ pr night...

[@robscamino]

I think we often hear the lack of beds issue coming from those who want private rooms.......

[@stinaolsen6909]

@@robscamino Ok, I guess its "all kinds of people then". I have the experience of people who cant find a bed because the municipal albergues are too few/too many pilgrims at the same place the same time... It always turns out ok in the end anyway, maybe not as we plan, but its all part of the experience 😉

[@robscamino]

I agree. I often have 'plans' to stay at a certain place and I might find I want to walk lessor further, or the place is full...... And always.......... I sense that I am being gently guided to stay somewhere else. And always......... I meet someone special, or stay somewhere amazing, or get to help a fellow Pilgrim. There is always a silver lining, so when plans change, I just smile and look for what's coming my way. 🙂

[@davidobyrne9549]

A possible avoidance strategy on Camino Frances might be to walk it 'out of season' Rob. It seems to me that the Spring into Early Summer is chosen by most people, how about doing it in late Autumn/Fall. Yes the weather would be more changeable, sometimes cold and wet, but not to the extent of preventing the walk. Your views on this might be appreciated.

[@robscamino]

Indeed, the issue of crowds comes about because many people want to walk in peak season. The peak season on the Camino Frances is May/June and Sep/Oct, though it is is fairly bust through the summer. From a personal perspective, if I wanted to avoid crowds on the Camino Frances, I might start early April or early October. But the weather would be cooler and wetter, which may or may not suit you. Also if starting from St Jean, the Napoleon route might be closed. If I really wanted to avoid crowds? I would walk another route.......there are plenty of options. The Frances right now is very popular.

[@GT-bq9oj]

Love your videos - if it were possible, would you consider showing on a map, the locations you are talking about?

[@robscamino]

The places I mentioned are easily found on Gronze. I was talking mainly about these sections on the Camino Frances. 1A, 2, 3, 4, 11, 12 www.gronze.com/camino-frances

[@GT-bq9oj]

@@robscamino thankyou what a fabulous resource. Love your work. Fellow Australian

[@robscamino]

My pleasure. This is the only way I can get to talk about the Camino endlessly LOL

[@thecrazyenglishman1066]

Hi Rob Hi Rob I intend to take a light weight sleeping bag ( will go hopefully about start of June) I want to go with the attitude that the Camino will provide, So.what is your thoughts on very worst case scenario, of maybe rough sleeping under a shelter or something like that?.I know it sounds crazy, and I am no spring chicken, but I don't think it will kill me. I just don't want to stress about accommodation. I would value your thoughts.

[@robscamino]

I have never slept outside and don't know anyone that needed to. Of course a few do camp out of choice. I would like to say that you will always find a bed. And you should, if you are not fussy about the type of premises and location. But I'm hearing reports of people sturuggling to find a bed on the Frances. Honestly. I think if you are prepared to take whatever there is, you'll find a bed. Though if walking the Frances from St Jean, in peak season, May-Sep, do book your beds as far as Pamplona before you start. If you think you are faced with sleeping outside, there are usually options. Taxi to another place etc. (maybe keep an emergency 20 euro for a taxi)

[@abukyle1999]

You are not in traffic, you are traffic.

[@robscamino]

So True!

[@Irishpewtuber]

I didn't avoid them. I called it quits at Sarria and went home.

[@robscamino]

I guess that's one solution....... Have you walked a few Caminos before? I'm not sure I could walk that section from Sarria again. I would probably switch to another route.

[@Irishpewtuber]

@@robscamino it was a bit rash I suppose , on reflection I should have got a train to Logrono and walked back to St. Jean. Navara is definitely my favourite stretch

[@robscamino]

@@Irishpewtuber If you do another one, maybe pick a different route. Or switch to a different route as you near Sarria. The Invierno from Ponferrada is superb!

[@robscamino]

@@Irishpewtuber I love Navarre too. So many wonderful landscapes on the different routes. I really enjoyed the mix last year. The mostly wide open landscapes of the VdlP, rather like the Meseta on the Frances, and then the hills and valleys of the Invierno.

[@frankfurtonfoottours2361]

That is too bad. There are plenty of smaller towns you can stay in that have no crowds at all. Leaving at sunrise, I often walked alone last year for several hours. By the time I met others, they were not in crowds, but spread out. Only the last day was crowded, but that was pure fun, as everyone was excited about getting to Santiago. I didn't care about the noon mass, so took my time, stopped at every cafe to stretch the last day out. With some of the large groups, they were joyful, excited about being on the Camino and I enjoyed seeing them. The senior Spaniards especially. They were having such a good time.