- Time of past OR future Camino
- First: Camino Francés 2002; most recent: Norte/Primitivo 2019
Hi all,
My partner Laura and I have been struggling for a while with figuring out how to handle COVID-era accommodation updates on the Caminos in our guides (Norte, Primitivo, Inglés, Mar). With conditions on the ground constantly shifting and few pilgrims on the road, it has seemed almost futile, and we've been grateful to Gronze, Wise Pilgrim, and others for their best efforts.
Now, though, with some genuinely encouraging trends, we wanted to capture a snapshot of conditions on the ground, while doing so in a format that allows for quick and easy updates in the coming weeks. To that end, we've recently sent out a simple survey to accommodations on these routes, asking four questions: a) are they open or do they plan to open soon, b) are they operating at reduced capacity, c) have their prices increased (as a consequence, likely, of reduced capacity and closures), and d) any other advice they'd like to offer 2021 pilgrims.
You can find the results for the Camino del Norte here.
Some key points of note:
One last tidbit from this initial round of communication: 2021 will be the last year for the beloved Casa Belén in Cuerres, as Manfred has decided to "retire" as an hospitalero.
More to come,
Dave
My partner Laura and I have been struggling for a while with figuring out how to handle COVID-era accommodation updates on the Caminos in our guides (Norte, Primitivo, Inglés, Mar). With conditions on the ground constantly shifting and few pilgrims on the road, it has seemed almost futile, and we've been grateful to Gronze, Wise Pilgrim, and others for their best efforts.
Now, though, with some genuinely encouraging trends, we wanted to capture a snapshot of conditions on the ground, while doing so in a format that allows for quick and easy updates in the coming weeks. To that end, we've recently sent out a simple survey to accommodations on these routes, asking four questions: a) are they open or do they plan to open soon, b) are they operating at reduced capacity, c) have their prices increased (as a consequence, likely, of reduced capacity and closures), and d) any other advice they'd like to offer 2021 pilgrims.
You can find the results for the Camino del Norte here.
Some key points of note:
- Public albergues remain closed all along the route. Little cause for hope of short-term or medium-term reopening comes through in the communication from albergues in the Basque Country
- Private albergues are mostly operational, often at 30-50% capacity
- Most hotels are operating as usual, with only some minor restrictions (masks, social distancing, reduced capacity in public spaces)
- Some albergues are still doing meals, but many have stopped for 2021
- Very, very few accommodations have raised prices from 2020. This was a surprise to me
One last tidbit from this initial round of communication: 2021 will be the last year for the beloved Casa Belén in Cuerres, as Manfred has decided to "retire" as an hospitalero.
More to come,
Dave