Christmas pilgrims 2024, gather here

[Luka]

I really enjoyed my Christmas Camino last year (Portugués de la Costa) and I just decided that I am going to repeat! I booked a room at San Martín Pinario for the 31st of December and I'll now have to choose between Caminos. It's going to be a short one, but which one?

Camino Inglés (from Ferrol) - totally new to me
Camino Sanabrés (from Ourense) - stranded in O Castro Dozón earlier this year
Camino Francés (from Sarria) - I walked this stretch only once, in 2015

I tend to choose the Francés, because I assume the other Caminos will be (very) quiet and I might quite like the Francés this time of the year.

Anyone else walking?

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Hi Luka, I will not be walking, but do agree that if you want to have some company while walking, then the Frances will most likely be your best bet.
That said, I doubt you will have the "Sarria conga lines, so no worries about that!

 

[Luka]

Hi Luka, I will not be walking, but do agree that if you want to have some company while walking, then the Frances will most likely be your best bet.
That said, I doubt you will have the "Sarria conga lines, so no worries about that!

Yes, that is what I reckon too. However on the Portugués last year (I merged in Redondela) there were quite a few more than I expected. About 30-40 daily? But that is the second most popular Camino of course. I think the number of arrivals at the pilgrims office in Santiago was close to 100 on the 31st.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Yes, that is what I reckon too. However on the Portugués last year (I merged in Redondela) there were quite a few more than I expected. About 30-40 daily? But that is the second most popular Camino of course. I think the number of arrivals at the pilgrims office in Santiago was close to 100 on the 31st.

That's interesting to note...decisions, decisions. I'm on the Ingles right now. Today was my first day out of Ferrol. I saw about a dozen pilgrims total. It would seem December would be even fewer, but what do I know.

 

[Luka]

That's interesting to note...decisions, decisions. I'm on the Ingles right now. Today was my first day out of Ferrol. I saw about a dozen pilgrims total. It would seem December would be even fewer, but what do I know.

I think you are right, the Inglés will be very quiet at the end of the year. Will also be more difficult to find accomodation.

¡Buen Camino!

 

[J Willhaus]

Hi @Luka,
I walked Sarria to Santiago Dec 31 to Jan 7 this year. Although all the Xunta albergues were open, a lot of other businesses were shuttered. Always someplace open to stay, but not always someplace to eat.

 

[Luka]

Hi @Luka,
I walked Sarria to Santiago Dec 31 to Jan 7 this year. Although all the Xunta albergues were open, a lot of other businesses were shuttered. Always someplace open to stay, but not always someplace to eat.

Yes, I remember that! I had a similar experience (regarding food) on parts of the Portugués. I carried a couple of dried meals with me then and I might do that again.

 

[Mackcrabs]

Luka,

I am new to the forum and the Camino. I am thinking about doing the Portuguese Central route over Christmas. My dates are open. I’m just starting to do some research. I am not sure if I will do it alone or maybe hook up with another pilgrim.

What are your thoughts on doing the Portuguese Central route over the holidays?

 

[Luka]

Luka,

I am new to the forum and the Camino. I am thinking about doing the Portuguese Central route over Christmas. My dates are open. I’m just starting to do some research. I am not sure if I will do it alone or maybe hook up with another pilgrim.

What are your thoughts on doing the Portuguese Central route over the holidays?

Welcome to the forum!

It should be perfectly possible. Last year I met about 30-40 pilgrims daily when the Portugues de la Costa merged with the Central in Redondela. But do some research on open albergues (especially on the 25th and the 31st of December), carry extra food in your pack and stock up when possible. Lots of restaurants, bars, albergues and shops will be closed.

 

[ShoshTrvls]

I really enjoyed my Christmas Camino last year (Portugués de la Costa) and I just decided that I am going to repeat! I booked a room at San Martín Pinario for the 31st of December and I'll now have to choose between Caminos. It's going to be a short one, but which one?

Camino Inglés (from Ferrol) - totally new to me
Camino Sanabrés (from Ourense) - stranded in O Castro Dozón earlier this year
Camino Francés (from Sarria) - I walked this stretch only once, in 2015

I tend to choose the Francés, because I assume the other Caminos will be (very) quiet and I might quite like the Francés this time of the year.

Anyone else walking?

It was a nice Christmas Camino, wasn’t it?

I just did the Ingles in August, and really enjoyed it. Not sure how well-supported it would be in winter, but I highly recommend it!

 

[Luka]

It was a nice Christmas Camino, wasn’t it?

I just did the Ingles in August, and really enjoyed it. Not sure how well-supported it would be in winter, but I highly recommend it!

Definitely! And that is great to hear. I think I'll save the Inglés for a different season.

 

[Mackcrabs]

Welcome to the forum!

It should be perfectly possible. Last year I met about 30-40 pilgrims daily when the Portugues de la Costa merged with the Central in Redondela. But do some research on open albergues (especially on the 25th and the 31st of December), carry extra food in your pack and stock up when possible. Lots of restaurants, bars, albergues and shops will be closed.

Thanks for the advice. Being my first time, maybe I'll wait until all the services are open (lodging, restaurants, etc.)

If I decide not to trek over the holidays, I'll probably do the entire Frances before the masses spring '25.

Thanks Luka for the tips!

 

[Luka]

No one else walking at the end of the year?

 

[ShoshTrvls]

No one else walking at the end of the year?

Ellery and I are walking ... but in Malta and Gozo this year.

 

[CWBuff]

I really enjoyed my Christmas Camino last year (Portugués de la Costa) and I just decided that I am going to repeat! I booked a room at San Martín Pinario for the 31st of December and I'll now have to choose between Caminos. It's going to be a short one, but which one?

Camino Inglés (from Ferrol) - totally new to me
Camino Sanabrés (from Ourense) - stranded in O Castro Dozón earlier this year
Camino Francés (from Sarria) - I walked this stretch only once, in 2015

I tend to choose the Francés, because I assume the other Caminos will be (very) quiet and I might quite like the Francés this time of the year.

Anyone else walking?

Dang!
For a moment there I thought you were inviting everyone to come to your house for Xmas!

 

[suseia]

Yes, that is what I reckon too. However on the Portugués last year (I merged in Redondela) there were quite a few more than I expected. About 30-40 daily? But that is the second most popular Camino of course. I think the number of arrivals at the pilgrims office in Santiago was close to 100 on the 31st.

Good idea! It is even more fascinating walking the camino during the winter.. I think I would choose the Francès from Sarria .... in any case 100 hundred on the 31st is really much more than I thought.. buen camino!!

 

[FrozenSwims]

I'm doing the Portugues central starting December 8th and flying home in time for Christmas. Looking forward to it.

(I was considering the spiritual variant but suspect I may need to wait for a different season as I know the monastery is closed and the boat doesn't run in bad weather - happy to hear if anyone has done it in winter).

 

[Takahiwai]

No one else walking at the end of the year?

I would love to do another camino involving Christmas (I was walking back from SdC over Christmas, 1998). I was worried about what might be open, so asked if I could stay two nights at Mansilla de las Mulas. Stocked the fridge in case of other pilgrims arriving, and had a great night on the town with the hospitalera. Unfortunately, my holiday runs from mid-February, so it's a little early for me this time. Buen camino, whichever route you decide upon!

 

[ShoshTrvls]

I'm doing the Portugues central starting December 8th and flying home in time for Christmas. Looking forward to it.

(I was considering the spiritual variant but suspect I may need to wait for a different season as I know the monastery is closed and the boat doesn't run in bad weather - happy to hear if anyone has done it in winter).

The boat issue is a problem. When I walked last year I contacted several private boat owners and none would go with less than 5 people. I kept in touch with them during the walk but none had enough interest. (All the better for me, though, as I ended up walking with @Luka for much of the time).