Sleep on the Camino de Santiago
Staying in Albergues is very much much part of the Camino experience. Albergues are basically cheap hostel that are comprised of dorimitory rooms. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some are very modern, with flash pod like beds and privacy curtains. Others are housed in old buildings with creaky old metal bunk beds and cost less than 10 Euros!
Starting from the cheapest, here are your Camino accommodation options…
Camino Albergues – Municipal, Parish and those run by the Church
The most basic albergues are those run by public services. These generally cannot be booked ahead of time. If you are walking during the busy period, then you would probably have to leave early in the morning to secure a bed, particularly in August and around Easter.
Albergues – Privately run, also referred to as hostels or backpackers
Very popular alternatives to the more basic albergues above, privately run hostels pretty much offer the same, in terms of bunk beds in shared rooms, but will often been more modern. Some places will also have private rooms too. The most important difference is that they can be booked ahead of time, either online or by calling ahead.
You can book many albergues and hostels using Booking Com website or App
Cheap Hotels, Hostals or Pensions
These are next level up from shared accommodation. There are many guesthouse style places to stay along the Camino and will either offer an ensuite room with private bathroom or will be a basic room with shared bathroom facilities.
The price range can vary wildly, depending on the location, time of year or even day of the week. Accommodation in Spanish cities tend to get pretty booked up most weekends, particularly in the towns of Burgos, Pamplona, Leon and Santiago de Compostela.
You can search for private rooms using Booking Com website or App
Hotels, AirBnbs and Casa Rurals
Now we come to the most expensive end of the Camino Accommodation scale. Most cities and towns on the Camino will have some business hotels that offer more luxury and ensuite rooms, tea and coffee making and restaurants.
Casa Rurals are countryside houses that will often be rented out as a whole unit or just a room. These can sometimes be even cheaper than a typical guesthouse. Finally there is always AirBnB too.
Casa Rurals and hotels will be listed on Booking Com website or App