You hear and read about albergues again and again in connection with the Spanish Way of St. James. But what exactly is that? First of all, one has to distinguish between private (Albergue privado) and public (A. público) - i.e. either run by church institutions (Albergue parroquial) or by the public (Albergue municipal) - hostels. Real pilgrim hostels (albergues de peregrinos) can be found in monasteries or attached to parishes. If you want to spend the night in one of these, you must present a valid pilgrim ID card. In most cases, more or less strict house rules apply; we often cook together and have a prayer service. The prices are rather cheap, or the whole thing is done on a donation basis (donativo) anyway, i.e. somewhere in the house there is a donation box in which you leave a certain amount before leaving the hostel.

Like with us, in the Albergue Parroquial! ​

Reservations are not possible in public hostels - with very few exceptions. Beds will be assigned in the order pilgrims arrive. The best way to find out about details, e.g. acceptance of cyclists, availability of washing machine and dryer, suitability for people with special needs (disabled-accessible washing facilities) is on the Internet.