Easter 2025 is route open as normal?

[Electric Sparrow]

Hey I am just trying to put together a Camino for my family (2 adults & 2 kids <10). I am thinking of doing the Camino Ingles in the Easter holidays next year. Currently researching ferry times V flying & other modes of transport. That make the trip possible. I have also been looking at the route & distances & was thinking/planning on cutting the walking length in ½ so as to double the days to make it a happier trek with kids.

My enquiry here is; is the Camino albergues & the general infrastructure open as normal over the Easter holiday/festival? I am a little more on tender hooks with walking with children - we are looking forward to the risk/adventure of not booking ahead but I would be gutted if towns/services were widely shut.

The time/timetable we have would have us walking over Easter & arriving to SDC a few days after Easter.

Thanks guys...

 

[dick bird]

Gronze (the website) would be your best source of information. They usually have accurate, up to date info on all accommodation along the way. If you access their website via Chrome, it will translate it into English. Cutting the daily distances in two may mean you can´t always stay in albergues. At Easter, places should be open, in fact your biggest problem may be finding places that aren´t full. A Coruña has an international airport, flights can be very reasonable and if you want to start in Ferrol there is a bus or train. Arriving in SdC after Easter makes a lot of sense.

 

[dbier]

If my reading memory serves, the week *before* Easter and Easter tends to be quite busy. Bear in mind that Easter is April 20th in the Western Calendar in 2025.

I also don't know if there are any restrictions on children under 10 in albergues. Check Gronze.

Honestly, though, if you want maximum possibilities and flexibility, why not the Frances from Sarria?

 

[dick bird]

I also don't know if there are any restrictions on children under 10 in albergues. Check Gronze.

There are no restrictions or age limits in albergues.

 

[Electric Sparrow]

If my reading memory serves, the week *before* Easter and Easter tends to be quite busy. Bear in mind that Easter is April 20th in the Western Calendar in 2025.

I also don't know if there are any restrictions on children under 10 in albergues. Check Gronze.

Honestly, though, if you want maximum possibilities and flexibility, why not the Frances from Sarria?

We quite like the idea of walking a brand new route. With the hopes of doing the complete CF either next 2 years or 2038 for a little forward planning

 

[Electric Sparrow]

Gronze (the website) would be your best source of information. They usually have accurate, up to date info on all accommodation along the way. If you access their website via Chrome, it will translate it into English. Cutting the daily distances in two may mean you can´t always stay in albergues. At Easter, places should be open, in fact your biggest problem may be finding places that aren´t full. A Coruña has an international airport, flights can be very reasonable and if you want to start in Ferrol there is a bus or train. Arriving in SdC after Easter makes a lot of sense.

I'll try & find a computer with Chrome. Have mapped out stops that have Albergues & if full/not available we can opt for private hosts. We may have to fly as the ferry is a bit greedy on time although much more in keep with pace

 

[Tandem Graham]

The Camino Ingles in Spain is by no means 'brand new'! Some of the UK components, such as the St James Way in Berkshire/Hampshire have only recently been officially designated as Camino Ingles, but the Camino Ingles in Spain has mediaeval heritage and has been promoted actively by local authorities and Santiago's various bodies for more than two decades.

 

[J Willhaus]

With a family of 4 it may be more economical to engage a room for your family instead of albergues.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

@Electric Sparrow, I walked the Inglès during Semana Santa ( the week leading up to Easter) last year.
It was VERY full. The week prior forum members were reporting meeting 10 or 12 fellow pilgrims per day. I started on the Monday with approximately 100 - 120 fellow pilgrims. Fortunately I had pre-booked everything, both at Pontdeume and Bruma those who had not and who arrived a little later in the day (after 14.00) struggled to find beds. In Bruma many had to taxi or walk an additional 10 kilometers, the que outside the municipal exceeded capacity at 11am. It's a very well known pinch point and options are limited. The hospitalero in Bruma advised me that it is the busiest period outside of the middle of July.

I'm not trying to scare you, just make you aware. If you were to walk the week afterwards you would almost certainly not need to book. Although as Janet mentions, booking a private room maybe more economical.

The vast majority of the pilgrims were Spanish, and looking to reach Santiago on Easter Friday. I met approximately 20 individuals over the four and a half days that spoke reasonable/ fluent English, 10 of whom were Portuguese, German, Dutch and Israeli.

The parade in Ferrol on Sunday evening was amazing, all of the pilgrims were in high spirits, and arriving into Santiago with all of the celebrations was extremely memorable.

All accommodation, cafes and restaurant options were open (it's a busy week for them).

As to lengthening the route you may find this helpful: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/lengthen-camino-ingles.79846/post-1125740

 

[Samos]

Hi, I agree with J Wilhaus, it may be more economical to look at rooms vs albergues. I have found that even with just my husband and I, or when our friend comes with us, that many times it is much cheaper to book an airbnb type accommodation...there are lots of choices, including affordable rooms in private homes that may include breakfast (we have had some great experiences with these, meeting locals, many also will share their kitchen, laundry machine, etc). We are also walking a pilgrimage in France during Easter next year and I am booking Holy Week/Easter accommodations ahead of time - don't forget that many times the Monday after Easter can also be a holiday.

Do a little research and see what works best for you - there is lots of great info here.

 

[Electric Sparrow]

The Camino Ingles in Spain is by no means 'brand new'! Some of the UK components, such as the St James Way in Berkshire/Hampshire have only recently been officially designated as Camino Ingles, but the Camino Ingles in Spain has mediaeval heritage and has been promoted actively by local authorities and Santiago's various bodies for more than two decades.

Hey - I didn't think/mean the route was brand new but the route is brand new to me & my feet. Rather than repeating the last 100km of CF, esp if we get to do the CF in full SJPP-SDC one day (romantic thought)

 

[Electric Sparrow]

@Electric Sparrow, I walked the Inglès during Semana Santa ( the week leading up to Easter) last year.
It was VERY full. The week prior forum members were reporting meeting 10 or 12 fellow pilgrims per day. I started on the Monday with approximately 100 - 120 fellow pilgrims. Fortunately I had pre-booked everything, both at Pontdeume and Bruma those who had not and who arrived a little later in the day (after 14.00) struggled to find beds. In Bruma many had to taxi or walk an additional 10 kilometers, the que outside the municipal exceeded capacity at 11am. It's a very well known pinch point and options are limited. The hospitalero in Bruma advised me that it is the busiest period outside of the middle of July.

I'm not trying to scare you, just make you aware. If you were to walk the week afterwards you would almost certainly not need to book. Although as Janet mentions, booking a private room maybe more economical.

The vast majority of the pilgrims were Spanish, and looking to reach Santiago on Easter Friday. I met approximately 20 individuals over the four and a half days that spoke reasonable/ fluent English, 10 of whom were Portuguese, German, Dutch and Israeli.

The parade in Ferrol on Sunday evening was amazing, all of the pilgrims were in high spirits, and arriving into Santiago with all of the celebrations was extremely memorable.

All accommodation, cafes and restaurant options were open (it's a busy week for them).

As to lengthening the route you may find this helpful: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/lengthen-camino-ingles.79846/post-1125740

Thanks so much for the insight. I think we would be walking over the holiday time rather than arriving in SDC for the festivites. I think we would be starting mid week before the Easter weekend & finishing mid to late week following Easter. So maybe we would be in th ewake of the big numbrs? Last time I was in a party of 2 adults (in September) & it feels like I just want to prep a little with 4 of us & 2 small ones. I'll take a look at the link now...

 

[Electric Sparrow]

With a family of 4 it may be more economical to engage a room for your family instead of albergues.

Thanks - I never thought of that or that it maybe a more economical option. I would love if we could be flexable on the length of the walking days - so not booking ahead & having a little feeling of adventure too...

 

[Electric Sparrow]

Hi, I agree with J Wilhaus, it may be more economical to look at rooms vs albergues. I have found that even with just my husband and I, or when our friend comes with us, that many times it is much cheaper to book an airbnb type accommodation...there are lots of choices, including affordable rooms in private homes that may include breakfast (we have had some great experiences with these, meeting locals, many also will share their kitchen, laundry machine, etc). We are also walking a pilgrimage in France during Easter next year and I am booking Holy Week/Easter accommodations ahead of time - don't forget that many times the Monday after Easter can also be a holiday.

Do a little research and see what works best for you - there is lots of great info here.

Thanks - I am busy looking into as much as I can...

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Thanks so much for the insight. I think we would be walking over the holiday time rather than arriving in SDC for the festivites. I think we would be starting mid week before the Easter weekend & finishing mid to late week following Easter. So maybe we would be in th ewake of the big numbrs? Last time I was in a party of 2 adults (in September) & it feels like I just want to prep a little with 4 of us & 2 small ones. I'll take a look at the link now...

Indeed, you may well be travelling in the wake of most. Whilst many Spaniards have that entire week off ( until the following Monday), and could theoretically be walking the same time as you, I believe that the majority would prefer to arrive for Easter Friday.
Hopefully some of the forum members who live in Spain can give you a more informed opinion.
Whilst it is generally wise to book Bruma during busier periods you could consider staging over there, or perhaps just booking nearby a day or two ahead. Worst case, taxing two and fro for that day.
Hopefully with the rest you will be able to be able to be a little more spontaneous.

 

[Vacajoe]

As much as you’d not like to book ahead, Easter Week is always peak walking time, especially within 100kms of SdC. Additionally, Easter falls a bit later in the month which will add to the crowds. I rarely book ahead, but I would with your plan

 

[Barbara]

I'll try & find a computer with Chrome. Have mapped out stops that have Albergues & if full/not available we can opt for private hosts. We may have to fly as the ferry is a bit greedy on time although much more in keep with pace

Are you at home? Just load it on to your computer. It's only a browser.

 

[Walkalong]

Not sure what it's like on the Ingles but on the Portuguese places are heavily booked 2-3 days from SdC on Good Friday, Saturday and Easter Sunday. Had a great time at the festival in Padron on Saturday. Met folks who planned to party all night before attending Easter Sunday Mass in SdC, before heading home on Monday.

Stock up on fruit, juice, and other snacks for kids on Saturday. Finding places open on Easter Sunday may be challenging.

 

[muddy-mama]

I walked the English way ,with a friend, this September. it is possible to cut the stages in half, we did.

I usually book a day in advance or stay in municipals but having seen in May that the albergue we wanted to stay at in Pontedeume was fully booked we decided to book in advance.

We walked the first day to Neda, the second to Pontedeume, then we walked the 20k to Betanzos this could have been shortened by staying in Mino. from there we walked to Le Beche where we stayed in 1 of 4 cabins, expensive but well worth it. This gave us a short day into Bruma and also meant we did the big hill over 2 days. The private hostel here was fully booked when they opened and the municipal was full by 12.00.
The next day we walked to O Outerio and stayed at the Anton Veiras then into Sigueriro for the night before the last day walking into SDC.

I also used Gronze.com for my research. I hope this is some help to your planning You and your children will enjoy this route.

 

[Barbara]

I don't remember a big hill on the Ingles. Where is it?

 

[Electric Sparrow]

Not sure what it's like on the Ingles but on the Portuguese places are heavily booked 2-3 days from SdC on Good Friday, Saturday and Easter Sunday. Had a great time at the festival in Padron on Saturday. Met folks who planned to party all night before attending Easter Sunday Mass in SdC, before heading home on Monday.

Stock up on fruit, juice, and other snacks for kids on Saturday. Finding places open on Easter Sunday may be challenging.

Thanks for this info. The biggesst thing I am struggling with atm is - is there anyway I can get a taxi on the Good Friday? One of the bookable accommodations is 15 minute taxi journey away. There is only one albergue in the stop & I am worried for the kids if there was no room! So thought booking at the other suggested one would be an option until I realised it was on Good Friday. Argh...

 

[dbier]

TBH, it's a little unlikely that you would be able to get a taxi on Good Friday. Your best bet is:

See from Gronze or Wise Pilgrim or Buen Camino what taxi companies work in the area, and in what timeframes.

Download WhatsApp.

Look up the company (ies) on WhatsApp.

Translate your inquiry (Are you working/accepting bookings on Friday 18 April 2025?) into Spanish.

Text that to them ( if they're open - frankly, this is the most doubtful part).

Buena suerte.

 

[muddy-mama]

I don't remember a big hill on the Ingles. Where is it?

Not a massive hill but it goes up 400 metres in 14k. I was glad of the break in such lovely surroundings. The following day was a semi rest day

 

[Barbara]

Not a massive hill but it goes up 400 metres in 14k. I was glad of the break in such lovely surroundings. The following day was a semi rest day

Yes, you would notice that on a bike.

 

[Walkalong]

Thanks for this info. The biggesst thing I am struggling with atm is - is there anyway I can get a taxi on the Good Friday? One of the bookable accommodations is 15 minute taxi journey away. There is only one albergue in the stop & I am worried for the kids if there was no room! So thought booking at the other suggested one would be an option until I realised it was on Good Friday. Argh...

You could just ask the accommodation operator for the name and number of a reliable local taxi for Good Friday. The taxi drivers I know are usually very busy around holidays and festivals.

The Padron partying peregrinos had walked half way to SdC, took a taxi back to the festival and were planning to take a taxi back to their accommodations in the wee hours of Easter Sunday morning.

My thought was of kids snacks. It was not easy, but it was possible to find a coffee or beer on Sunday, but finding a healthy snack or a diaper was much harder. I think a bar maid eventually found some diapers for the peregrina.