pretty crowded in Pamplona

[1mike12]

Just wanted to give you guys a heads up, I got to Pamplona yesterday at 1730 and almost all the alburgues were full. Luckily there were a few spaces at the alburgue ciudad 7.

It's the first alburgue I've been to, but it was extremely clean and the staff super nice, and would I would assume it's one of the better ones around.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Yes. I'm also in Pamplona now and it is very crowded. Not a lot of private lodgings available at affordable prices, partially because it is the weekend, partially because of the wave of pilgrims.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

almost all the alburgues were full. Luckily there were a few spaces at the alburgue ciudad 7.

There are over 300 albergue beds in Pamplona, and you only need one! It is good that you found it. Buen camino.

 

[Older Guy]

Interesting. Two nights ago in Santo Domingo, I arrived about 3 PM and 2 Albergues were full and a private hostal. I opted to pay a little more and go to the hotel run by the nuns. It was very nice. Last night no problem getting an Albergue in Ages.

 

[Wildflower Woman]

My son is walking with his fiancé right now, and we walked together in June/July of 2014 with little issue of finding a bed and having the luxury to be totally spontaneous as to stopping. Now he said it's a totally different experience out there, lots of bed chasing, reservations, and hurry. Wonder if it's the month, or are there that many more pilgrims? Buen Camino to all, and may you have a beautiful experience whatever you may encounter.

 

[AlwynWellington]

I was passing through Pamplona on Thursday en route from Zabaldika.

My impressions of Pamplona in that capacity were "wow, what a great town." I was particularly impressed with the way people and motor traffic seemed to peacefully coexist in the "old town" and how all from Trinidad to the University, including the old town, seemed to have been built in relatively recent years. Not to mention the big "bendy" buses.

As I walked to Cizur Meno, I was mentally preparing how to transfer myself to that place.

 

[bsewall]

To add to the data - I'm in Puenta la Reina tonight and the hospitalera reported the town was completo. Reservations are becoming a necessity.

 

[jimb01930]

Los Arcos was completely full yesterday at 16:30,all 4 albergues. We are in Viana and had to book hotel for Logrono. Not much fun racing for beds. This is our 5th camino so believe me when I say this is a different year! One advice, take care to make reservations in large cities on Saturdays . Try to avoid place like Logrono on Saturday night.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

Like I've said many times before, the camino traffic rolls along in waves. You find yourself struggling to get a bed, slow down or speed up, escape the big wave of people. There are real troughs a day or so on either side.

 

[LizC-S]

I am (hopefully) avoiding the cities at weekends due to overcrowding from both Pilgrims and "home tourists". All accommodation will be in high demand, plus prices are hiked up due to supply v demand. APOLOGIES, I am no plugging my own business, but I own a backpacker's hostel in London and know many places will try and rip people off at busy times.

 

[fraluchi]

Like I've said many times before, the camino traffic rolls along in waves. You find yourself struggling to get a bed, slow down or speed up, escape the big wave of people. There are real troughs a day or so on either side.

Advice from a profi!Ask your hospitalera/o where you stay the night, what the situation (sic) is at your next destination. Often it helps to let the wave pass (i.e. stay where you are for a day or so if you can) before carrying on.

 

[JillGat]

I will be in Pamplona tomorrow. Any recommendations for a reasonable pension/hotel in an interesting part of town? I might stay two days. Thanks!

 

[Anniesantiago]

I will be in Pamplona tomorrow. Any recommendations for a reasonable pension/hotel in an interesting part of town? I might stay two days. Thanks!

What is reasonable. I like Eslava but it is €38 for a single.

 

[Travelchick]

Just wanted to give you guys a heads up, I got to Pamplona yesterday at 1730 and almost all the alburgues were full. Luckily there were a few spaces at the alburgue ciudad 7.

It's the first alburgue I've been to, but it was extremely clean and the staff super nice, and would I would assume it's one of the better ones around.

Don't forget, this is a holy year so things will probably be more crowded than usual.

 

[Anniesantiago]

It is also a weekend.

 

[long trails]

Is there a worthwhile app for booking accommodation along the Camino, aside from the usual suspects like booking com?

 

[James R B]

I used booking.com for a few reservations.I like not having to pay up front and the free cancelling.I hate giving my card # everytime I book though.

 

[JillGat]

The way i am handling a potentially crowded Pamplona is staying 10 kilometers before it at Zabaldika. A real gem! I will get to Pamplona early, just after peregrinos have vacated.

For the record, I have had no trouble with crowds. If there is a clump on the trail, I step aside and let them pass. Spent much of yesterday and today alone, walking through stunning landscape. Also have met very interesting people. Haven't had to book ahead anywhere.

 

[fraluchi]

Is there a worthwhile app for booking accommodation along the Camino, aside from the usual suspects like booking com?

If there is an App there will be a commercial interest. Many albergues don't take bookings because of their principles. Private albergues do, but are often part of an association and don't appear on Bookings.com or other commercial engines. The same applies to many hostels and apartments (homes, rooms, etc.). It's also a cost factor. There always is a bed available, but rarely on a "donation" basis.

 

[Irish Bernie]

I am (hopefully) avoiding the cities at weekends due to overcrowding from both Pilgrims and "home tourists". All accommodation will be in high demand, plus prices are hiked up due to supply v demand. APOLOGIES, I am no plugging my own business, but I own a backpacker's hostel in London and know many places will try and rip people off at busy times.

Can you message me the name of your hostel and where it is please,thank you.