Lodging on the Camino - Part II

Albergues

The term 'albergue' comes from the Spanish verb 'alborgar' which translates as 'to support'.

Community Experience

Private

These albergues are run as a business by individuals, families or groups. You can expect extras e.g. meals, wash/dryer, internet, wifi, etc. Prices will be higher ( €15 per night). There may be less of the community feel of the pilgrimage, but you are more likely to get a private room, or room with fewer beds in it. The atmosphere can range from cozy to impersonal.

Ermita Nuestra Senora de Belen, Pueblo de Sancho Perez, Extremadura

Association

The albergues are operated by various pilgrim associations from around the world. You can expect to meet other pilgrims who have completed or been on the Camino in their past. The staff are experienced in the needs and desires of pilgrims at the end of long day of walking. The albergues use donations to provide services to pilgrims.

Association Albergue in Fuenterobles, Castile y Leon

Parochial

These albergues are maintained by religious institutions such as monasteries, convents or local churches. Expect a more spiritual and community-based experience. Don't worry about attempts to convert you or force religious views on you.

Do be prepared for expectations that you will join the community dinner, help out beforehand and after and have a curfew. If you are not back when the doors are closed, you won't get back in until the next morning.

If a simple, but very supportive environment appeals to you, the volunteer caretakers are ready to provide it. These kinds of albergues are usually offered on a donation basis 'donativo' or for a low fixed price. Don't cheat them by not leaving a donation. Consider 10 euros.

Municipal

As the name suggests, the local government maintains the facility. The support folks will not be on-site. When you arrive in the town, you may need to phone the staff. Municipal albergues generally are inexpensive, often less than 10 euros for the night.

Correspondingly the services are minimal: dormitory style with community bathrooms. Many time the albergue is a re-purposed schoolhouses or community center, and may be attached to the community public sports buildings 'polideportivos'. Be prepared for lots of noise during sports season.

Municipal Albergue in Calzadilla de Tera, Castile y Leon

Camping

Pretty much forget about it. Most of the camino is on easements (private land made accessible to pilgrims), and such types of arrangement do not allow for camping.