Sanabres from Ourense in Winter

[ShoshTrvls]

Last winter I did the last 100KM of the Portugues between Christmas and New Year's. I enjoyed it a lot -- Spain definitely does this time of year right, and spending New Year's Eve in Santiago was a lot of fun -- but I confess I was surprised at how few services (accomodations and cafes) were open along the route. I guess I just assumed that enough people do the last 100KM routes year round (and particularly during what would be considered a holiday week) that more would be open. My bad.

I'm getting the itch again, and am considering doing the Sanabres from Ourense that same week this year. Given how little traveled the route is even in season, do you all think this is feasible/worthwhile? If so, where would be best to split my stages so that I have not only someplace to sleep at night (preferably a private alberge or similar), but also hopefully someplace to stop at least for lunch during the days?

 

[Rita Flower]

Once you get to Galicia all the Xunta Albergues are open all year round - on the Sanabres they are new, at times luxurious and generally have good heating (no blankets or kitchen utensils though). You will possibly have them all to yourself at that time of year - or perhaps with one or two others- so no need really to book private accom.
The highest elevation is around 750 metres (check Gronze) so the weather should be manageable (apart from the rain )
There is a beautiful new municipal albergue at Osiera where the monastery is.
Check the towns and accommodation in Gronze. I loved!!!!! this Camino. It’s beautiful.
Buen Camino

 

[dougfitz]

I am of a like mind to @Rita Flower. This is a delightful path. I walked in May, so don't know what will be available in Dec. I stayed in three Xunta albergues, a parochial and in private rooms in two tabernas. While the room in the parochial might have been shared with one other, it wasn't. A couple of quick notes from when I walked that you would need to check to see if this is still the case:

• if you walk to Oseira, there is a bar/cafe that also provides accommodation. I stayed in the albergue, so don't know any more than that. The bar was closed on the Monday, so I needed to resupply the previous night for breakfast, and I got myself a large bocadillo for lunch the next day as well. That said, there is only one place with a cafe along the way to O Castro, at A Gouxa, but you might want to check opening hours for these as well.
• The Xunta albergue at O Castro was still closed for renovations when I walked.