In this post, you will find the list of the best albergues in which I stayed during my pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela along the Camino Francés.
What is an Albergue?
Albergue is an Spanish term for hostels, which are affordable places where you can rent beds in shared rooms. These establishments have dormitories where both men and women can stay together. However, bathrooms and showers are typically separate for each gender.
1. Roncesvalles: Albergue de Peregrinos de la Real Colegiata de Roncesvalles
For pilgrims like me who did not start the Camino Francés in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, this albergue will be the best choice.
Upon arrival you will have to wait to receive a Credencial. This is an official document issued by the Cathedral of Santiago. It’s printed on cardboard with sixteen pages that unfold like an accordion. In every new town you visit, you have to get it stamped.
While waiting to receive our credentials, which took about two hours due to the number of pilgrims (I was there in the middle of April), I took the opportunity to capture this picture. It’s important for you to remember the number 112 to dial in case of any emergency you may encounter along the way.
The albergue is extremely comfortable, divided into sections with two bunk beds each, providing a total of 183 spots. When it’s full, they open an annex.
It’s absolutely necessary to make a reservation, especially during the high season. It was sad to see many pilgrims who couldn’t access a place due to a lack of reservations.
As in every albergue along the way, it’s required to bring a sleeping bag with you.
Please note that the 14th-century Santa Maria de Roncesvalles church, next to the Albergue, holds a mass every night. In a beautiful ceremony, all pilgrims receive blessings as they have been given to pilgrims for the last 800 years.
This mass is celebrated every day at 8 p.m. (7 p.m. in winter), except on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays when it is celebrated at 6 p.m.
Next to the church, there is a nice shop. I bought a traditional Iraty cheese made from sheep’s milk and some chocolates for the journey ahead.
Services:
Plugs to charge the batttery, wifi, mobile coverage.
Washing and drying machine (E4 wash and dry), clotheslines.
Hot water, heating, kitchen, coffe machine.
A convenient place to store bicycles.
Open all year round
Hours: from 14:00 p.m. to 22:00 p.m.
You have to leave the hostel between 6:00 and 8:00 the next day.
Pilgrim’s credential required.
Price: €14 (includes disposable sheets).
Address: Royal Collegiate Church of Roncesvalles – Roncesvalles, Navarra.
Telephone: (+34) 948 760 000 / (+34) 948 760 029
Email: info@alberguederoncesvalles.com
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2. Zubiri: Albergue Municipal de Zubiri
This big and comfortable albergue was established in what was once a town school. Zubiri, which means “the town of the bridge,” is named after a medieval bridge that spans the river.
I have very fond memories of this albergue. I had experienced a fall on my way that morning and arrived limping and in pain. The “hospitalero” was incredibly helpful and kind, going so far as to send someone to his house to fetch me an anti-inflammatory medicine. It was a Saturday afternoon, and there were no open drugstores until Monday, and they didn’t have this in their first-aid kit. Please keep this in mind and bring a good assortment of first-aid medicines with you, as in some towns, drugstores may not be open on weekends.
The albergue had ample space with a table and kitchen where people gathered to chat, eat, or wait for their clothes to be washed and dried.
There is also a spacious green area with benches for resting. The albergue is conveniently located right next to the municipal swimming pool, which pilgrims can use in the summer.
Services:
Plugs to charge the battery.
Internet.
Laundry room, washing and drying machine, an outside fountain to wash boots, clotheslines.
Heating, air conditioning in summer.
Open lockers next to the bunk beds.
Kitchen, coffee machine.
A convenient place to store bicycles.
Opens from March to October.
Hours: From 13:30 to 22:00.
72 places.
Pilgrim’s credential required.
Price: €12.
Since most of the Municipal Albergues (which are operated by the Town Hall), reservations are not accepted.
Address: Avda. Roncesvalles, 35 – Zubiri, Navarra.
Telephone: (+34) 848 992 142
Email: concejodezubiri@gmail.com
3. Pamplona: Albergue de Peregrinos Casa Paderborn
We were welcomed to this albergue by a friendly German couple who offered us a glass of lemonade. It’s a charming three-story house with rooms on the second and third floors. In total, there are five rooms available: three with two bunk beds, one with three beds, and another with four.
Services:
Plugs to charge the battery, internet, mobile coverage.
Laundry room, clotheslines. Washing and drying machine.
Heating.
No lockers available.
Kitchen only for the use of the staff.
Breakfast available.
Refrigerator, coffee machine.
Dining room.
Terrace with garden.
A convenient place to store bicycles.
Opens from March to October.
Hours: From 13:30 to 22:00.
26 places.
Pilgrim’s credential required.
Price: €7 Including breakfast: €10
Reservations are not accepted
Address: C/ Playa de Caparroso, 6 – Pamplona, Navarra
Telephone: (+34) 948 395 423
Email: jakobuspilger@paderborn.com
4. Castrojeriz: Albergue Rosalía
In this charming town, with a population of fewer than 1000 residents, the Albergue Rosalía operates within a historic building known as Casa del Cordón, which can trace its origins back to the 16th century.
The establishment is managed by a group of delightful local women. They shared with me the fascinating history that connects this house to the visits of Spanish monarchs, including the Catholic Monarchs, who often selected this very residence for their accommodation during their journeys through Castrojeriz.
I truly enjoyed the atmosphere of this albergue. Pilgrims gather in a garden equipped with sinks for washing clothes, as well as tables and chairs.
Those who wish to have lunch or dinner need to make a reservation in advance. It’s lovely to gather around the large table in the dining room and meet people from different countries, sharing their Camino experiences. I paid €12 for dinner and was served pasta salad, hummus, bread, mushrooms, and chocolate mousse. This was my vegetarian option, while there were chicken dishes available for non-vegetarians.
Services:
Plugs to charge the battery, internet.
Laundry room, clotheslines.
Washing and drying machine (€4 each one.
Heating and air conditioning.
Hot water, 6 showers, 5 toilets.
Water and snacks machine.
Kitchen, refrigerator and dining room.
Teerrace with tables.
Lockers with key.
A convenient place to store bicycles.
Opens from April to October.
Hours: From 12:15 to 22:00.
34 places, from which 30 are individual beds. Each bed has its own plug and a little table.
Pilgrims’ credential is not required.
Price: €13 in shared room. €32 in private room with two beds and shared bathroom
Buffet Breakfast: €4
Community dinner: €12 (vegan and celiac option)
Address: C/ Cordón, 2 – Castrojeriz, Burgos
Telephone: (+34) 947 373 714 (+34) 637 765 779
Email: info@alberguerosalia
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5. Frómista: Albergue de Peregrinos Betania
A very kind Spanish lady named Lourdes welcomes pilgrims to this albergue, which operates within an apartment she owns with her husband. There are two rooms available: one with three bunk beds, and the other with a single bed. Additionally, there are two full bathrooms, a kitchen, and a table where pilgrims can prepare and enjoy their meals.
Services:
Plug to charge the battery.
Washing machine, clotheslines.
Heating.
Hot water.
Kitchen, refrigerator, classic coffee machine.
Dining room.
No internet service.
A convenient place to store bicycles.
Opens sporadically from October to May when other albergues are closed in the town. Closed from June to September.
Hours: No restriction
Places: 7
Pilgrim’s credential required.
Price: There is not a fix price. Every pilgrim privately deposits a donation on a box.
Address: Av. Ejército Español, 26 – Frómista, Palencia.
Telephone: (+34) 638846043 It’s adviseable to reconfirm your reserve the day before.
Email: betanisfromista@gmail.com
6. Carrión de los Condes: Albergue de Peregrinos del Espíritu Santo
This albergue is owned and managed by the sisters of the Community of Saint Vincent de Paul. It’s quite spacious and operates within what used to be a school.
The sisters warmly welcome each pilgrim, stamp their credencial, and then assign them a room on the second floor. Each room is quite spacious and bears the name of a continent, while others are named after African cities where the sisters have worked in the past.
On the first floor, there’s a large courtyard with tables and chairs, as well as an area for washing and drying clothes, and a kitchen. An elevator is also available for disabled individuals to access the second floor.
Every evening, at 5:30 pm in the summer, the sisters organize a prayer session and deliver a brief message in a designated prayer room. It’s a lovely moment for Catholics to come together, pray, and share their experiences along the way. In the winter, this gathering takes place at 4:30 pm.
Services:
Plugs to charge the battery, wifi and two laptops available in case of need.
Washing and drying machine: €3,5 each.
Laundry and clotheslines.
Heating.
Hot water.
No kitchen but a microwave and a refrigerator.
No lockers.
A convenient space to store bicycles
Opens all through the year.
Hours: 12:00 to 22:00.
Places: 96, distributed in 7 bedrooms of 12 beds each.
Pilgrim’s credential required.
Price: €10
Address: Plaza de San Juan, 4 – Carrión de los CondesPalencia.
Telephone: (+34) 979 880 052
Email: espiritusanto@hijasdelacaridad.org
7. Sahagún: Albergue de Peregrinos de la Santa Cruz
This is one of the loveliest albergues I stayed in along the Camino. It’s a Catholic albergue that operates within a monastery and is managed by Marist Fathers with the assistance of foreign volunteers.
Every day at 5:00 pm, they organize meetings where pilgrims have the opportunity to share their experiences with other travelers, as well as enjoy some tea and pastries.
Breakfast is served in the morning, for which each pilgrim deposits an amount in a box. Dinners are also organized in a way that allows each pilgrim to contribute some food, while the first course is provided by the Fathers.
In addition to the shared rooms, there are ten private double rooms, which are a real luxury for pilgrims. The cost of each room is €20.
Services:
Plugs to charge the battery.
Internet.
Laundry and clotheslines in a terrace, with tables and chairs.
Washing and drying machine (€5 each).
Heating, hot water.
Kitchen and refrigerator.
A convenient space to store bicycles.
Opens from 15th March to 15th November
Hours: 12:30 to 20:00
Total places: 58: 38 in shared dormitories + 20 in private rooms.
Distribution: 8 bedrooms for 4 people and one for 6, all with an interior bathroom, and 10 double rooms with a private bathroom.
Pilgrim’s credential required.
Price: €7 in shared rooms €20 in double room with private bathroom
Address: C/ Antonio Nicolás, 40 – Sahagún, León
Telephone(+34) 650696023
Email: hospederiasantacruz@hotmail.es
8. Villadangos del Páramo: Albergue de Peregrinos Municipal
This albergue is situated at the entrance to the town, right by the highway. I also have fond memories of this place and its hospitalero, Raymundo. He told us that he had already retired from his job and was now fully dedicated to volunteering at the albergue. He single-handedly managed everything while also providing breakfast and dinner, which depended entirely on the pilgrims’ donations.
The place is pleasant and features a long garden in the back. The kitchen was well-equipped with everything you might need to prepare your own meals.
Services:
Each bed has its own plug and invidual light.
Internet, wifi.
Laundry and clotheslines.
Washing and drying machine (€3 each).
Heating, hot water.
Kitchen and refrigerator.
Coffee dispensing machine.
Water and soda dispensing machine.
Dining room.
Individual lockers with key.
Terrace and big garden.
A convenient space to store bicycles.
Opens all through the year. In winter it opens with prior contact.
Hours: 11:30 to 22:00.
Total places: 54.
Pilgrim’s credential required.
Price: Leave a responsable donation for bed and breakfast.
Address: Cr. a Villadangos del Páramo 120 – Villadangos del Páramo, León
Telephone: (+34) 987 394 624
Email: alberguevilladangos@outlook.es
9. Hospital de Órbigo: Albergue Verde
This private albergue proved to be an excellent choice on my journey. It warmly welcomes pilgrims and other travelers.
While it’s not directly on the French Way route, getting there involves making a left turn near the Town Hall to reach the main road. From there, you’ll continue toward Astorga and make a right at the first roundabout.
The place features a spacious and serene garden, where you can enjoy the sun or relax on deck chairs and hammocks, in the company of three adorable little dogs. The albergue is entirely managed by volunteers who make you feel at home from the moment you arrive.
Breakfast and dinners are prepared with the produce from their own ecological garden. On the night I stayed there, two volunteers sang some songs accompanied by a guitar for the group in the dining room. We were served a salad with garden vegetables, quinoa, and other vegetarian dishes, as well as apple cake. Earlier in the day, at 6 pm, we had a yoga lesson in a large space equipped for that purpose. Both yoga lessons and meals are based on donations.
Services:
Plugs to charge the battery.
Internet.
Laundry and clotheslines.
Washing and drying machine (€3 each).
Biomass heating.
Hydromassage showers.
Microwave.
A convenient space to stre bicycles.
This albergue is open all year round.
Hours: From 10:00 to 22:00
Total places: 28
Distribution: 2 bedrooms with 13 bunk beds each and 1 private room with bathroom.
Pilgrim’s credential is not required.
Price: €11 in shared rooms, €30 in double room for individual use, €35 in double room for two persons.
Address: Av. Fueros de León, 76 – Hospital de Órbigo, León
Telephone: (+34) 689 927 926 / (+34) 507 671 670
Email: oasis@albergueverde.es
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10. Astorga: Albergue de Peregrinos Siervas de María
This albergue is situated in a vast building that was a convent until about twenty years ago. I was informed that a thousand years ago, it was already a place to welcome pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela.
The place is fully equipped, even featuring a special bedroom with the capacity to accommodate six disabled individuals and an adapted bathroom.
The terraces and gardens for hanging laundry are located downstairs, offering a beautiful view of the fields of Astorga.
Just a few steps away from the albergue, I stumbled upon an archaeological site by chance. It’s evident that archaeologists have excavated an ancient Roman noble family’s house, known as a “Domus.” A portion of the excavation can be observed, shielded with glass. This ancient house extends beneath a convent that stands there today.
Services:
Plugs for charging battery, internet.
Laundry area and clotheslines.
Washing and drying machine (€3 each).
Kitchen, refrigerator.
Dining room.
Terrace and gardens.
No lockers.
A convenient space to store bicycles.
Opens all year round.
Hours: From 10:30 to 22:00.
Total places: 156 distributed in several bedrooms.
Pilgrim’s credential is required and you can obtain one here.
Price: €7
Address: Plaza San Francisco, 3 – Astorga, León
Telephone_ (+34) 987 616 034 / (+34) 618 271 773
Email: asociacion@caminodesantiagoastorga.com
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11. Ponferrada: San Nicolás de Flue
This was the largest albergue where I stayed during my Camino and appears to be particularly popular among young people.
There’s a lovely garden with a fountain on one side and an open-air chapel on the other. Behind the chapel, there are showers and restrooms that pilgrims can use while they wait for the hostel to open.
This albergue is equipped with toilets and showers adapted for disabled pilgrims.
Services:
Plugs to charge the battery, internet.
Laundry and clotheslines.
Washing and drying machine (€3 each).
Heating and hot water.
Kitchen and dining room.
Coffee dispensing machine.
Water and soda dispensing machine.
Meeting room.
Terrace.
A convenient space to store bicycles.
Opens all through the year.
Hours: Depending on the season, between 13:00 and 15:00 up to 22:30.
Total places: 186 distributed in 7 dormitories.
Pilgrim’s credential is required.
Price: Donation
Address: C/ De la Loma, s/n. – Ponferrada, León
Telephone: (+34) 987 413 381
Email: peregrinosflue@terra.es
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12. Villafranca del Bierzo: Albergue Leo
The Albergue Leo is another jewel I found on the way. Located in a narrow medieval street of the town, this historic house has been fully refurbished into a pilgrim’s hostel.
Every detail, with very good taste, ensures a comfortable stay. I strongly recommend reserving in advance if you are the type of pilgrim looking for not only a quiet but also a beautiful environment to rest.
Services:
Plugs to charge the battery.
Internet.
Kitchen, refrigerator and dining room.
Meeting room, terrace.
Heating.
Hot water.
Laundry, clotheslines.
Washing and drying machine (€3 each.)
A convenient space to store bicycles.
Opens from March to November
Hours: From 12:00 to 22:30.
Total places: 24 distributed in 7 rooms with capacities for 2, 4 and 6 persons.
Pilgrim’s credential is required.
Price: € 12. Breakfast is served for €2.50
Address: C/ Ribadeo (Calle del Agua), 10, Villafranca del Bierzo, León.
Telephone: (+34) 987 542 658 / (+34) 658 049 244
Email: info@albergueleo.com
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13. Triacastela: Albergue Aitzenea
This is another historical jewel on the way. Albergue Aitzenea functions in a 17th-century house, the interior of which is fully adorned with antique decor. The hospitalero, Manu, was very attentive to the needs of every pilgrim, making everybody feel at home all the time.
There is a spacious dining room in the entrance and a fully-equipped kitchen on the second floor. Additionally, there are some tables and chairs outside the albergue.
It’s recommended to book in advance.
Services:
Plugs to charge the battery.
Internet.
Laundry and clotheslines.
Washing and drying machine (€4 each).
Heating, hot water.
Coffee dispensing machine.
Kitchen, kitchenware, microwave.
Dining room, terrace.
A convenient space to store bicycles.
Opens from 15th April to 15th October.
Hours: 11:00 – 22;30.
Total places: 38 distributed in 3 rooms.
Pilgrim’s credential is required.
Price: € 9
Address: Plaza Vista Alegre, 1 – Triacastela, Lugo
Telephone: (+34) 982 548 076 / (+34) 646 565 670
Email: info@aitzenea.com
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14. Palas de Rei: Albergue Outeiro
This private albergue was another excellent find on the way. It’s spacious and modern with ample terraces offering great views. In the entrance, there is a large area with sofas, a dining room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a refrigerator. I particularly appreciated the height of the bunk beds, as for the first time, I was able to sit on the bed without hitting my head.
Services:
Laundry and clotheslines.
Washing and drying machine (€ 3 each).
Plugs to charge the battery.
Heating in common areas.
Hot water.
Hair dryers in the showers.
Private lockers.
Fully equipped kitchen.
Refrigerator.
Water and soda dispensing machine.
Coffee dispensing machine.
Dining room.
Living room with sofas and TV.
Big garden with BBQ tables.
A convenient space to keep bicycles.
Opens from March to October. The rest of the year it opens upon previous reservation.
Hours: 11:30 – 23:00
Total places: 64 distributed in 6 dormitories, starting from 2 places each.
Pilgrim’s credential is not required.
Price: € 10
Address: Plaza Campo da Feira, 25 – Palas de Rei, Lugo
Telephone: (+34) 982 380 242 / (+34) 630 134 357
Email: info@albergueouteiro.com
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15. O Pedrouzo: Albergue Cruceiro de Pedrouzo
At this point on the road, and with only one stop before reaching Santiago, it was great to find this hostel. It offered absolute comfort for resting, including bunk beds with private lockers, individual lights, and plugs. There were also individual shoe lockers with mechanical ventilation. Additionally, there were great showers, a fully equipped and spacious kitchen, a big dining room, sofas with a TV, and two large terraces.
Services:
Laundry and clotheslines.
Washing machine (€ 3) and drying machine (€ 4.)
Heating.
Hot water.
Individual lockers.
Fully-equipped kitchen.
Refrigerator.
Water, soda and snacks dispensing machine.
Coffee dispensing machine.
Living room with sofas and TV.
Dining room.
Internet.
Plugs to charge battery.
A convenient space to store bicycles.
Opens from March to November. The rest of the year for groups upon previous reservation.
Hours: 12:00 – 23:00
Total places: 94
Pilgrim’s Credential is not required.
Price: € 12 from July to middle September. € 10 the rest of the year.
Address: Avenida de la Iglesia, 7 – O Pedrouzo, La Coruña
Telephone: (+34) 629 518 204 / (+34) 981 511 371
Email: reservas@alberguecruceiropedrouzo.com
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16. Santiago de Compostela: Albergue La Credencial
This albergue is conveniently located on the way as you arrive in the city, allowing pilgrims to leave their backpacks here and continue to the Cathedral. It’s important to note that nobody is allowed to enter the Cathedral with backpacks, so reserving the albergue in advance is advisable.
This was my last stop on the way, and I liked it because it’s not very big, making it quieter. In addition, the curtains covering the bunk beds and the individual lighting provide a good rest and privacy.
Services:
Laundry and clotheslines.
Washing and drying machine (€ 4 each).
Heating.
Hot water.
Internet.
Plugs to charge the battery.
Meeting room.
Dining room.
Kitchen with refrigerator, microwave and coffe making machine.
Private lockers.
A convenient space to store bicycles.
Opens from March to November. The rest of the year upon reservation.
Hours: 09:00 – 21:00.
Total places: 36, distributes in groups of 4 bunk beds each.
Pilgrim’s credential is not required.
Price: It varies between € 14 and € 20, depending on the season.
Address: C/ Fonte dos Concheiros, 13 – Santiago de Compostela
Telephone: (+34) 981 068 083 / (+34) 639 966 704
Email: reservaslacredencial@gmail.com
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