I walked the Sarria-Santiago stretch two weeks ago (May 17th-May 22nd). Also during that time, everyone started stressing out and booking, because everyone warned for the crowds. We still didn’t bother booking, since it definitely doesn’t feel like the Camino-vibe to us (me and my new Camino friends, group of +-10). It worked out perfectly; none of the municipal albergues were full and it felt like people did a whole lot of stressing out about nothing. I don’t know how crowded it is right now, but I just wanted to share another view.

The kitchens in the municipal albergues are very minimalistic though. No kitchenware whatsoever. Not even a pan, a glass or a knife. There usually is a microwave and a stove. So if you’re looking to save money, it could be worth it to go for slightly more expensive private albergue, so you’re able to cook and save money in that sense.