Departing SJPDP May 21 - will I avoid the worse of the May bubble?

[JustJack]

After walking the very quiet VDLP this year I'm planning on returning to the crowded CF next spring.

I know May is a very popular time to leave SJPDP, and in previous years mid-May was the worst of the worst, and starting to walk on a Sunday or Monday was the worst of the worst of the worst, due to Europeans making their way to SJPDP on the weekend to start walking.

So, with all that in mind, I'm thinking of starting to walk from SJPDP on Wednesday May 21. Is my thinking solid here?

 

[RJM]

I say, sure why not?
Though easy to educated guess it's still impossible to predict the pilgrim numbers. I walked last July through August and while I have done it before experiencing a fair amount of pilgrims on the last 100 kilometers or so, this past August the amount was like nothing I have ever seen.

 

[Juspassinthru]

After walking the very quiet VDLP this year I'm planning on returning to the crowded CF next spring.

I know May is a very popular time to leave SJPDP, and in previous years mid-May was the worst of the worst, and starting to walk on a Sunday or Monday was the worst of the worst of the worst, due to Europeans making their way to SJPDP on the weekend to start walking.

So, with all that in mind, I'm thinking of starting to walk from SJPDP on Wednesday May 21. Is my thinking solid here?

I started in SJPP on May 18 in 2017 and it was busy and that was 7 years ago. Personally I’d book through to Pamplona and gauge it from there regarding booking ahead. I walked this year in April/May, joining the CF in Puente la Reina in mid-April, it was very busy with groups and pre-booked beds, in some places most of the available beds so beware. Avoid the common stops and stay behind or ahead of them. Having done the CF previously, it was nice to see some different villages. I would walk through Sarria and not stay there to avoid the masses. Good luck and Buen Camino.

 

[Anhalter]

Yes, no, maybe. Having started twice on the worst of the worst of the worst i never had problems. Others a day ahead or behind might have. No telling until you get on the trail.

 

[trecile]

I know May is a very popular time to leave SJPDP, and in previous years mid-May was the worst of the worst

I'd say that the first two weeks are the busiest.

I joined the Francés from the Aragonés at Obanos, just before Puente la Reina, on May 15th this year, and neither I nor anyone I was walking with had an issue finding beds or rooms. One night in June I was the only pilgrim in the albergue! To be on the safe side I would book up through Pamplona though.

 

[JustJack]

Thanks for the feedback all. I definitely plan to book the first 3-5 nights as soon as my flight is booked, and I'll likely book a few days ahead throughout the entire camino. I hate the stress of competing for beds, whether it's the reality or merely a perception. Knowing I have a bed booked allows me to arrive whenever I choose.

But back to the departure date, I realize it's a crap shoot and no one can predict, but statistically speaking I have to assume that Sunday/Monday would be busier days for departing SJPDP simply because of all the Europeans that will travel to SJPDP on the weekend and begin walking Sunday or Monday. But then again, so many of the Europeans walking caminos are retired, so they wouldn't necessarily be traveling to SJPDP on the weekend... yeah, you're right. There's no way to predict. (Although the data is there - every single mobile phone is pinging the cell towers and satellites, and the telecomms know exactly how many people are arriving and leaving SJPDP every day. Wish we could tap into that data somehow...)

 

[sugargypsy]

So, with all that in mind, I'm thinking of starting to walk from SJPDP on Wednesday May 21. Is my thinking solid here?

I've just had a look at the public holidays next year, i.e. 2025 in Europe, and there seem to be none close to your chosen starting date.

Easter Sunday ist on April 20th
Labour Day on May 01
Ascension Day on 29 May
Pentecost on 8/9 June
Corpus Christi on 19 June.

These dates- shortly before or after - are often chosen by Europeans to save holiday days.

So you are starting somewhere between the typical public holidays on which many Europeans start. You should be probably safe, concerning accommodation.

But who knows what it will look like in 5 months' time ...



PS I also started at this time of the year 4 years ago and everything worked out fine. I never had any problems finding accommodation.

However, I simply stopped walking when I no longer wanted to or could ;-). Though that was only rarely at the typical stops listed in pilgrim guides. But I did not really care ;-).



**

 

[RRat]

After walking the very quiet VDLP this year I'm planning on returning to the crowded CF next spring.

I know May is a very popular time to leave SJPDP, and in previous years mid-May was the worst of the worst, and starting to walk on a Sunday or Monday was the worst of the worst of the worst, due to Europeans making their way to SJPDP on the weekend to start walking.

So, with all that in mind, I'm thinking of starting to walk from SJPDP on Wednesday May 21. Is my thinking solid here?

It is impossible to predict. Two unexpected tour buses full of enthusiastic pilgrims and the quietest day turns into bedlam.

 

[JustJack]

It is impossible to predict. Two unexpected tour buses full of enthusiastic pilgrims and the quietest day turns into bedlam.

Nah, I just stop and let everyone pass me by, and once they are too far ahead to see I start walking again. Or I walk fast until I can no longer see them in my rear view mirror. The chaos does ensue sometimes at bars and cafes along the way unfortunately...

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola, as I see it the real bottleneck is from St Jean to Pamplona, there really aren’t many stage alternatives. However from there on you can pick the stage lengths to suit your desires. If the are carrying your backpack as opposed to having it transported you can those “spur of the moment” adjustments! Buen Camino.