How to Avoid the Crowds on the El Camino de Compostella
Approximately 400,000 people do the El Camino each year. The French Way is the most popular of the routes to Santiago in Spain, where the relics of Saint James are said to be buried. About 180,000 ‘Pilgrims’, as the Camino walkers are referred to, choose the French Way. The second most popular route is the Portuguese Way, with 30,000 pilgrims/year.
In order to receive the Certificate of Completion of the El Camino, you must walk the final 100 km/60 miles from any of the many routes. Thus, the last section of the French Way in particular, is incredibly crowded, especially in the busy summer months.
Ways to Avoid Crowds on the El Camino
There are a few strategies you can use to avoid the crowds on the El Camino:
- Choose a less popular route, like the Camino Primitivo or Camino del Norte. The busiest El Camino is the Camino Frances, or French Way, and the Portuguese Way inland route.
- Go in the shoulder or off season (when possible)
- Choose an earlier section of the Camino, far away from the last 100 km/60 miles (but you’ll forgo the Certicate). This is what David did. Hear his story HERE.
I recommend using my affiliate Follow the Camino to plan your Camino. Use Promo Code ATA5 to get 5% OFF!
Walking the First Section of the French Way IN Season to Avoid Crowds
On today’s podcast, David tells us about walking the Camino Frances during July, the BUSIEST month for doing the El Camino on the most popular route.
We learn that while there were people to meet and walk with, it was nothing like what I experienced in the shoulder season (May), when my Camino Primitivo joined up with the French Way on the last few days. If you missed that show, you can listen to it HERE.
David avoided hectic crowds and enjoyed the beautiful summer weather in the Pyrenees by starting in Saint Jean Pied de Port and walking to Logrono, completing the first two stages of the Camino Frances : just over 100 miles and 167 km. You can listen to David’s story below:
Follow the Camino
David went with my affiliate, Follow the Camino. FTC makes all the arrangements for your self-guided Camino, including lodging and daily luggage transport so you only need to carry your daypack. Their handy app plus a physical map make it easy to navigate. And their 24/7 support is there if you need assistance or have questions. Use my exclusive Follow the Camino Promo Code ATA5 to get 5% OFF any FTC booking!
When to Do Your El Camino
The busiest time is the summer months, in particular July and August, when school is out. To avoid Camino crowds, try to go in April, May or June, or September/October. The off season is possible on some routes (although many restaurants and lodges and alburques may be closed). Follow the Camino can advise you.
If you choose to go during the summer, I highly recommend that you choose sections far away from the last 100 km/60 miles to avoid crowds. Regardless, you should always book your lodging in advance as the small villages may not have room for you when you arrive, requiring you to walk to the next village in hopes of finding a bed. Alburques do not let you book in advance. Many doing the Camino along side me in May on one of the least traveled routes would get up at 4 am so they could race to the next village to get a bed – not fun!
Other El Camino Episodes
Other Shows You Might Be Interested In:
Walking Holidays with Margaret
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