Camino Frances - Overpopulation in April/May?
Replies: 10 - Last Post: Dec 12, 2012 1:53 PM Last Post By: lindseh
jump to
Camino Frances - Overpopulation in April/May?
Hi Thorntree-ers,I can't seem to find much info about this.
I'm considering walking the Camino Frances (beginning in Pamplona) over April/May.
From what I can gather, this time of year will be OK from a weather point of view (perhaps a little wet) but correct me if I'm wrong.
Like all of Europe, August is hellish with tourists, but will the Camino Frances also be completely overcrowded in April/May?
I'm not expecting to be alone of course but I don't like the idea of needing to 'race' for your hostel bed.
Also, I haven't looked into this yet, but I'll be needing a train from Santiago back to Pamplona at the end - I'm assuming this will be straightforward?
Cheers
Nicola
Edited by: nicola_a
1
Sorry, I do not have personal experiences, but the temperatures on the northern Meseta between Burgos and Astorga, about 200 km apart, can run in the high 30's in the summer and walking that part is not a nice thing to do. I therefore have the idea that it is exactly the spring and the fall, which draw most pilgrims to the Camino Francés. You could of course decide to walk one of the other caminos, such as the northern one, along the coast, which will be much less crowded, less hot, but probably wetter than the camino francés.3
HelloAt this time of the year, you won´t have much trouble about hostels and so on, About being alone, there´s not much people during the spring, much more in summer, but you´ll find most probably someone around.
About the train Santiago-Pamplona, there is one train daily at 8.42, arriving in Pamplona at 17.08h. At least until dec 2012, after that, no more info in the web, but I suppose it´s just because it´s too soon.
Enjoy
4
At least until dec 2012, after that, no more info in the web, but I suppose it´s just because it´s too soon.Train schedules are published twice a year (one in June and another one in December). The schedules from Dec 8th onwards aren't know yet (for any RENFE route). If, by chance, the direct train isn't running next year, come back and we'll provide you the best option changing trains.
9
Setting off in Pamplona the route will be a little quieter than it will be as you get nearer to Santiago de Compostela – But it is the most popular and therefore the most crowded of all the Camino routes !!The train journey back from Santiago de Compostela to Pamplona, although I prefer to travel by train myself, this is a long a circuitous trip so if you want to get there quicker a bus might well be the quicker option.
The weather should be OK in April / May
You also might like to read my own trip report on Walking The Camino’s
Best Regards
Rob
10
My last camino I started about April 24 and finished may 28, the only part that was busy was about the last week because a lot of people jump on near the end, particularly locals. As for weather, in the month+I was there, I had about a day and a half of rain. By the end of may it was starting to become uncomfortably hot to walk, so I really do think it's the perfect time of year to do it. However if you start early April count on some uglier weather, possibly even some snow! Heading there myself again in April... See you there!
