Starting the Camino del Norte at the end of August

[NickJM]

I'm starting the Camino del Norte at Irun in the last week in August and planning to do easy stages of 15-20km daily, finishing up in Ribadeo in early October (and then do the other half to Finisterre in spring 2022). My walking companion has had to pull out at the last minute so I'll be going solo. Wondering how busy the Camino is in late summer/early Autumn - nice to have company along the way. Any tips and advice welcome. Thanks.

 

[Former member 95219]

I'm starting the Camino del Norte at Irun in the last week in August and planning to do easy stages of 15-20km daily, finishing up in Ribadeo in early October (and then do the other half to Finisterre in spring 2022). My walking companion has had to pull out at the last minute so I'll be going solo. Wondering how busy the Camino is in late summer/early Autumn - nice to have company along the way. Any tips and advice welcome. Thanks.

Hi there. Currently on the Norte about 12 days in. Been fantastic and very straightforward so far with good weather. I am a solo traveller (from UK) but have connected with quite a few people from various countries including USA, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Germany, France, Italy and Spain. Life’s feels very normal again and the cities and towns are very busy esp. the bars, restaurants and beaches!

 

[NickJM]

Hi there. Currently on the Norte about 12 days in. Been fantastic and very straightforward so far with good weather. I am a solo traveller (from UK) but have connected with quite a few people from various countries including USA, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Germany, France, Italy and Spain. Life’s feels very normal again and the cities and towns are very busy esp. the bars, restaurants and beaches!

Thanks Chef66....good to know. Looking forward to starting. Rgds, Nick

 

[Lucy Keenan]

Hi there. Currently on the Norte about 12 days in. Been fantastic and very straightforward so far with good weather. I am a solo traveller (from UK) but have connected with quite a few people from various countries including USA, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Germany, France, Italy and Spain. Life’s feels very normal again and the cities and towns are very busy esp. the bars, restaurants and beaches!

Interesting. What sort of accommodation are you staying in?

 

[Maggie Y]

It's absolutely beautiful. You won't regret it

 

[Irina Canada]

It's absolutely beautiful. You won't regret it

Where did you start it? In Irun?

 

[NickJM]

Interesting. What sort of accommodation are you staying in?

Yes, any advice on accommodation, etc. much appreciated. Thank you.

 

[seashell]

Hi there. Currently on the Norte about 12 days in. Been fantastic and very straightforward so far with good weather. I am a solo traveller (from UK) but have connected with quite a few people from various countries including USA, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Germany, France, Italy and Spain. Life’s feels very normal again and the cities and towns are very busy esp. the bars, restaurants and beaches!

Hi, my wife and I are flying out to Madrid on the 20th, have booked a train to Burgos in order to walk the Frances to Santiago but are seriously thinking of staying on the train to San Sebastián and walking the Norte instead. We’ve been concerned about the possible lack of accommodation. We do try to stay in a double rooms in albergues if possible, though in private hostels if not. What’s your view on the accommodation situation at the moment? Cheers.

 

[trecile]

Hi, my wife and I are flying out to Madrid on the 20th, have booked a train to Burgos in order to walk the Frances to Santiago but are seriously thinking of staying on the train to San Sebastián and walking the Norte instead. We’ve been concerned about the possible lack of accommodation. We do try to stay in a double rooms in albergues if possible, though in private hostels if not. What’s your view on the accommodation situation at the moment? Cheers.

I would be prepared to spend more on the Norte in the summer, since the northern coast of Spain is a popular holiday destination. Also I would plan to book a couple of days ahead. But I think that you will love it.

 

[Donny Camino]

We arrive in Irun August 15th to walk full Norte including Finisterre. Originally scheduled for July 24 but postponed out of Covid caution. Hopefully all OK by then. I will follow this post as we get closer.

 

[NickJM]

We arrive in Irun August 15th to walk full Norte including Finisterre. Originally scheduled for July 24 but postponed out of Covid caution. Hopefully all OK by then. I will follow this post as we get closer.

Thanks Donny, I think i'll be about 10 days behind you....interested to read your thoughts along the way. Nick

 

[Luka]

Hi, my wife and I are flying out to Madrid on the 20th, have booked a train to Burgos in order to walk the Frances to Santiago but are seriously thinking of staying on the train to San Sebastián and walking the Norte instead. We’ve been concerned about the possible lack of accommodation. We do try to stay in a double rooms in albergues if possible, though in private hostels if not. What’s your view on the accommodation situation at the moment? Cheers.

Book ahead. You are competing with tourists and there are a lot of them at the northern coast at the moment. Why don't you right now try to find places to stay for your fist 2 or 3 stages or so? Then you will get an impression of how difficult (and how expensive) this might get and make up your mind.

 

[Donny Camino]

In our case, we are using CaminoWays to pre book the whole thing. A little spoiled perhaps. I'll update here once we start walking.

 

[Former member 95219]

So about 20 days into the Norte. No real issues re accommodation . I tend to look first at booking.com and then work from there. Mainly Hostels from either booking.com, hostels calling ahead to next destination, a couple of private rooms and a couple of donativos. Asturias feels the trickiest but should work out. Quite a lot of pilgrims most of who just turn up of day and not heard of any issues. guess I have stayed in at cities...Irun, San Sebastián, Santander and Gijon and a few tourist destination so always going to be space there. Currently at donativo at San Martin de Lapspra.

 

[NickJM]

Thanks a lot, Chef66 - really helpful info.

 

[Former member 95219]

Stayed at the Municpal at Soto de Luina last night! Lots of pilgrims but thankfully more than enough beds. 8 euro.