Where to sleep if albergues are full?

[Willem]

Hello!

I'm planning to do the Camino Frances in june. I'm looking forward to the trip, but I'm getting quite worried: everywhere is mentioned how busy it will be during this year.

I don't want to be in a hurry to do the stages and I wouldn't like to make fixed arrangements (/reservations) neither.

I could bring a tent, but since I'm not really an experienced hiker I'd like to keep the weight of my pack as low as possible...

So:

- Is there a big possibility that in june I will not find a place to sleep when I arrive in a village?
- What should I do if that's the case?
- Should/could I make reservations in advance?
- Could I sleep outside (maybe without a tent)?

Thanks in advance!

Willem

[walkabout]

Hi Willem,

I am a first time camino walker as well, starting on April 23. I have the same fear about finding a bed, but have decided to trust the camino and stop early enough so that maybe it will be easier to find something. Also, there is a service in Santiago called the Camino Travel Center and they will help you get reservations along the way, at least that is my understanding. Maybe somebody out there can tell us more.

Anyway, good luck, and enjoy!

Buen camino, Dorothy

[Leslie]

hi,

I don't think there will be much of a problem, if any at all if you start in April.

The last time I walked the Camino Frances it was busy, but I alway found somewhere to stay except during the last 100km. I must admit I am not a fan of the last part. Anyway during the last 100km there was a couple of time where we just booked into a pension. However what what I have been reading there will be extra accommodation laid on this year to cope with the crowds.

In the region that covers Leon they will be putting up their tents again I am led to understand - I slept in these before and they are fine. I would advise against carrying a tent - the weight is just too much.

I met people who did sleep outside during their Camino, just for the experience of it. Not my cup of tea. Some had just slept in fields and others in the doorways of churches...

The way the season goes it does get very busy on the route towards the 25th July - the last 100 leading up to that date I would expect to be h*ll...

[walkabout]

Thank you for your input Leslie, it is very encouraging! I also am not one to sleep in a field or the doorway of a church, but if it is possible to get a room in a pension that will be fine. I was just afraid that even those places would be full. I am also exploring prebooking the last 100 km just to be sure, but that does take away some of the magic and spontaniety.

Thanks again and all best wishes, Dorothy

[Willem]

Thanks for the replies, now I'm comfortable with the idea of not booking all my places to sleep. I think I'll just book my first night in Roncesvalles, and from there on just see where the camino takes me.

Thanks!

[Beatrix]

Last year my friend walked the french way and she told me that the locals found a way to accomodate the pilgrims and it was in August.
And I think you would not be alone, if you find yourself without bed. Then you come perhaps group up with others and find a solution. Personaly I wouldn't sleep outside, but rather pay for a hostel. I did sleep outside once, it was fun, but very cold.