Conflict of information on Albergues - Wise Pilgrim/Gronze/Village to village guide

[KerryW]

I'm wondering whether anyone can confirm some information for us - Is Convento de San Jose, Zumaia open late May/early June, or not. Gronze says yes - Wise Pilgrim no - Village to Village says yes. Putting final plans in place for our Camino del Norte from May 25, so wondering

 

[Tincatinker]

I would try asking the horse: email turismoa@zumaia.eus

 

[Bradypus]

Or phone them on the number on the website?
https://zumaia.eus/en/tourism/where-to-sleep-and-eat/san-jose-komentua

 

[Texas Walker]

I'm wondering whether anyone can confirm some information for us - Is Convento de San Jose, Zumaia open late May/early June, or not. Gronze says yes - Wise Pilgrim no - Village to Village says yes. Putting final plans in place for our Camino del Norte from May 25, so wondering

When you get there, go to the Turismo and ask. They will have the most up to date info. (We hit Zumaia at about breakfast time--0900--and enjoyed tortilla de patata and cafe leche.) In 2017 when we started this route, we stayed in Zarautz (two towns back) at a pension referred by the helpful fellow at the Turismo there. In 2018 when we completed it, we stayed in Getaria (one town back) and after my morning foot taping we probably hit the trail about 0640.

Most of the Turismo folks are happy to tell you of places to stay. The only one we encountered that wanted to actually make the (same day) reservation for you was in San Sebastian. The others just gave a list and map.

I see by your self description on the left that you're familiar with a lot of this stuff, so my remarks are probably more useful to lurkers who are newer to it.

Semi off topic comment: I know it's the fashion in some circles to make reservations for lots of nights even before arriving on the scene. As General McArthur is supposed to have said, "no battle plan survives first contact with the enemy." In this case, the "enemy" would be the weather, how the body reacts to the trail, etc. etc. We personally only reserve for Santiago, where there can be a crush on any weekend, or if it turns out we're hitting a place on a "hot" date.

Trust is part of this Camino game, in our opinion. St. James looks after his visitors.

If you get there and discover that the carefully planned schedule isn't working out as expected, please, please notify the places that are not going to see you after you had reserved a spot. /semi off topic comments.

Buen camino

 

[KerryW]

When you get there, go to the Turismo and ask. They will have the most up to date info. (We hit Zumaia at about breakfast time--0900--and enjoyed tortilla de patata and cafe leche.) In 2017 when we started this route, we stayed in Zarautz (two towns back) at a pension referred by the helpful fellow at the Turismo there. In 2018 when we completed it, we stayed in Getaria (one town back) and after my morning foot taping we probably hit the trail about 0640.

Most of the Turismo folks are happy to tell you of places to stay. The only one we encountered that wanted to actually make the (same day) reservation for you was in San Sebastian. The others just gave a list and map.

I see by your self description on the left that you're familiar with a lot of this stuff, so my remarks are probably more useful to lurkers who are newer to it.

Semi off topic comment: I know it's the fashion in some circles to make reservations for lots of nights even before arriving on the scene. As General McArthur is supposed to have said, "no battle plan survives first contact with the enemy." In this case, the "enemy" would be the weather, how the body reacts to the trail, etc. etc. We personally only reserve for Santiago, where there can be a crush on any weekend, or if it turns out we're hitting a place on a "hot" date.

Trust is part of this Camino game, in our opinion. St. James looks after his visitors.

If you get there and discover that the carefully planned schedule isn't working out as expected, please, please notify the places that are not going to see you after you had reserved a spot. /semi off topic comments.

Buen camino

thank you! We actually like to 'wander and not worry about booking' - but it's helpful to have an idea as to when you need to be at a place to aim to get a bed (Such a joy not having to book the whole camino!)

 

[KerryW]

Or phone them on the number on the website?
https://zumaia.eus/en/tourism/where-to-sleep-and-eat/san-jose-komentua

thank you great idea have tried that, so thought I'd go to the next authority ... wise pilgrims on this site!!

 

[trecile]

According to the Buen Camino app they are open March 24 - October 15.

 

[lt56ny]

I'm wondering whether anyone can confirm some information for us - Is Convento de San Jose, Zumaia open late May/early June, or not. Gronze says yes - Wise Pilgrim no - Village to Village says yes. Putting final plans in place for our Camino del Norte from May 25, so wondering

I think you already know it is a day to day proposition. I walked the Norte when it was, I am sure less crowded. In the fall. If you do not already just get a new SIM card from Movistar or Orange. I happen to like Orange because it gives you alot more data (10 Gigis) than Movistar does. But only 80 minutes of calling for a month. I do not call too often but I use the data for calling my wife and kids on Wattsapp. It is only 20 Euros and it is good for a month and then if you are still walking you can get another month. If someone knows better than me, please correct me but I doubt you will need to call any later then the evening before or the morning of if you want to make a reservation. But I am sure pilgrims who have walked during your time frame would know better.

 

[Iriebabel]

I'm wondering whether anyone can confirm some information for us - Is Convento de San Jose, Zumaia open late May/early June, or not. Gronze says yes - Wise Pilgrim no - Village to Village says yes. Putting final plans in place for our Camino del Norte from May 25, so wondering

It was not open when I passed there. I stayed at casa rural Santa Klara on the hill above the town on the camino wire reservations . Was told by locals the albergue open in the summer.