Are you thinking about walking the Camino in Christmas?
Here you have a compilation of the most asked questions about walking the Camino in Christmas
There is an increasing number of pilgrims who plan to walk the Camino de Santiago in Christmas. Although weather conditions might not be the best for walking or cycling, it can be organized for those who are not afraid of the cold or the rain. If you are one of those adventurous, or simply curious about walking the Camino in Christmas, just keep reading.
Best Camino de Santiago routes to walk in Christmas
There are some particular sections of the Camino de Santiago that can’t be walked or cycled in winter. For example, the first stretch of the French Way, from St-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles, or the area of O Cebreiro in Galicia. This is because of the snow, that can make the route very dangerous.
There are other routes that we would not recommend, because most of the accommodations close during low season. For example, the most isolated areas of the Primitive Way or the Northern Way (in Asturias region for example).
If you are planning to walk the last 100 km of the French Way, from Sarria to Santiago, that would be no problem at all to organize it. Even if some of the accommodations close in winter, there are many alternatives along the way. With some time and preparation, it can be perfectly organized.
Another option for those planning to walk the sections before Sarria, but to skip O Cebreiro because of the snow, is the Winter Way. If you are looking for a quiet path, but with amazing landscapes and traditions, it is the perfect route.
Other popular options to walk the Camino de Santiago in Christmas, and finish in Santiago de Compostela are the last 100 km of the Portuguese Way, the Portuguese Coastal Way or the English Way. If you prefer to start in Santiago instead, we would recommend the Finisterre Way. Just remember to leave us some time to organize everything!
Weather in Christmas
As we were previously saying, w
eather on the Camino de Santiago can vary depending on each route. Some particular areas can even be dangerous because of the snow. The section from St-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles, is even closed during this period of the year.
In other sections, you must be ready for the rain and the cold. But it is not risky to walk them with proper shoes and a good raincoat. That would be the case of any of the last 100 km of any of the Camino de Santiago routes, finishing in Santiago de Compostela.
Weather in Northern Spain, particularly in Galicia region, is unstable, even in summer!
When to book my Camino in Christmas
As many accommodations and luggage transporters stop their activity in winter (from November to March) we strongly recommend to book in advance if you are planning to walk the Camino in Christmas. This will leave us enough time to contact all suppliers, inform you, and avoid any kind of issue related to availability.
It is not a problem to find accommodation on the bigger towns like Santiago de Compostela, Ferrol or Vigo. The issue could be on the small rural areas, where accommodation is limited.
Christmas on the Camino
Christmas period in Spain starts on the 24th of December, and finishes on the 6th of January. The most popular days of this period are:
Christmas Eve: 24th of December
Christmas Day: 25th of December
Day of the Holy Innocents: 28th of December
New Year’s Eve: 31st of December
New Year Day: 1st of January
The Wise Men Day: 6th of January
Opening Hours in Christmas
Our office will be open, as usual, from Monday to Friday (from 9:00 am to 19:00 pm), Spanish local time. Except for:
24th of December: Open from 09:00 to 14:00
25th of December: closed
31st of December: Open from 09:00 to 14:00
1st of January: closed
6th of January: closed
If you are thinking about walking the Camino in Christmas, or in any other period of the year, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will get back to you with a tailor-made proposal.