Where to stay on the Camino de Santiago?

Reserving with specialised agencies on the Camino de Santiago

If you decide that you would like to have the support of a specialized agency on the Camino de Santiago, you can book at any time, even just a few days in advance. In high season (July to September) it is recommended to make reservations a little earlier, as there are more pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago.

However, since the specialized agencies on the Camino have a wide range of collaborators, even booking a few days before, it will suffice. However, as long as it is an agency specialized in pilgrim routes. Those of Spanish origin have the largest number of resources.

If this is your case, of course, count on us. You won’t find a more specialized agency on the Camino de Santiago than us! For this reason, they call us “Camino Lovers”.

If you feel like making a pilgrimage to Compostela and still haven’t decided which route to take, we recommend the Camino de Santiago from Sarria. Tell us your possible dates and let us organize this adventure for you.

Types of accommodation

The first establishments to host pilgrims

When talking about accommodation options it is essential to go back to the origins of the pilgrimage routes, in particular to the period between the 11th and 13th centuries, when pilgrimages took on special significance. Pilgrims were welcomed by the Cluny monks in their monasteries and by a network of hospitals founded by the nobles, kings and gentry, where health and spiritual care was provided.  

Hostels

Hostels are perhaps the places that have most preserved the spirit of welcome and hospitality of the pilgrims’ hospitals. There are two types: public and private.

Public hostels belong to a public administration, i.e. a city council, an autonomous community, etc., or belong to a religious entity or a non-profit association.

They are characterised by the fact that they are affordable for everyone, as some only ask for a donation and others have prices that range between €8 and €10, as they are run by volunteer hosts.

As the cheapest option, there are some limitations. The rooms are shared, the bathrooms and showers are for common use and, depending on the hostel, there may be spaces available to pilgrims such as kitchen, living room and laundry.

Given that they are usually very small, groups of many people are not accepted and do not allow prior reservation. To access these establishments, it is necessary to have the Pilgrim’s Credential, places are given on a first-come, first-served basis and priority is given to pilgrims travelling on foot. This can be a bit of a problem, especially in high season, when there is a large influx of pilgrims.

With the pandemic, these sites had to relax some aspects of their philosophy and began to accept reservations in order to comply with biosecurity and capacity requirements. This has meant that many pilgrims who opted to simply walk and look for a hostel to stay at the end of the day, now have to find alternatives and worry about researching in advance which places are open and if they have places available. 

Private hostels, on the other hand, do allow pre-booking and can accommodate large groups if they have the capacity. For the same reason, prices are a little higher and can range from €8 to €20 and the type of room and facilities will depend on the hostel.

This is a good option for those who want to have more comfort and sleep more peacefully.

Hostels and guesthouses

The ever-increasing number of people walking the Camino de Santiago has motivated the inhabitants of small towns to open establishments that allow pilgrims who are willing to pay a little more to spend a night with certain comforts.

Hostels offer single and shared rooms, so you have the possibility to enjoy a little more privacy. This type of accommodation costs around €20 a night.

Guesthouses are a little cheaper than hostels, around 15€ per night, and offer the option of staying in a single room, with a private or shared bathroom, depending on the price.

Hotels and country houses

If you want an experience that brings you even closer to the traditional lifestyle of the towns along the Camino de Santiago, country houses are an excellent option, as they are generally old houses that have been refurbished to offer pilgrims comfort after a day’s walk. They offer private double rooms with ensuite bathrooms and the price is approximately €50 per night. 

Hotels are often a very good alternative for a restful night’s sleep and a variety of services are available, the most common of which include breakfast and laundry services. 

Prices vary according to the number of stars and the location, but there are a number of hotels that offer very good value for money.

Santiago Ways only works with hotels, country houses and charming manor houses, as these establishments have rooms with private bathrooms and ensure a comfortable and quiet stay for pilgrims. In addition, with the arrival of COVID-19, they have become an excellent option for carefree travel, with the security of knowing that you will arrive at accommodation where you will not have to share your bedroom with other people.

By contracting with Santiago Ways, you won’t have to waste time planning your trip and looking for accommodation options, we will take care of all the arrangements for you. We have the necessary experience to choose the best providers, without resorting to intermediaries. You will only have to walk, with no worries and without the prospect of where you will sleep and if there will be any places.