It’s important to note that municipal albergues do NOT accept reservations.
#CAMINO DEL SANTIAGO HOW TO#
How to Book Albergues on the Camino de Santiago Rather than trusting a spray, you’re better off learning how to identify a bedbug infestation with the tips above. Some pilgrims swear by bedbug spray, but personally, I don’t think it works. Even if I don’t think I have bedbugs, I quarantine all my stuff just as a precaution.After your Camino, put everything in a garbage bag and leave it for 30 days (the longer the better).Wash everything that can be washed in hot HOT water.This is the number one way bedbugs are spread.Look for rusty red/black residue aka bedbug poop.That’s where bedbugs tend to hide out during the day. Feel along the seams of your mattress.Knowing how to identify a bedbug infestation is one of the things you must know before walking the Camino. You could stay in 5-star hotels and still get bedbugs, so rather than forgoing the essential pilgrim experience that is staying in an albergue, there are a few precautions you can follow to protect yourself. Learn how to identify a bedbug infestation. However, just because you avoid staying in albergues doesn’t mean you won’t get them. I wish I could say it’s not an issue, but it is. Many pilgrims are scared to stay in Camino de Santiago albergues for the fear of getting bedbugs. Personally, I think one of the keys to an enjoyable Camino is staying in a mix of public and private albergues. You can also find them on websites like. Often, private albergues are cleaner and quieter than municipal albergues.Īnywhere there is a municipal albergue, private albergues are nearby.
#CAMINO DEL SANTIAGO UPGRADE#
They usually cost $5-10 USD more than municipal albergues.įor a few extra bucks, you get a significant upgrade in comfort.Īmenities at a private albergue can include a private room, private bathroom and, my personal favorite, actual sheets on your bed. You guessed it, private albergues are privately-owned. In addition to government-run albergues, there are private albergues along the Camino de Santiago. However, it’s not the only type of Camino de Santiago albergues. It’s the best environment to meet other pilgrims. Many pilgrims, myself included, think staying in a municipal albergue is an essential Camino experience.
Other essentials for making your albergue experience as comfortable as possible are a compression pillow, waterproof sandals, ear plugs and an eye mask. Municipal albergues rarely have sheets on the bed, which is why if you plan on staying in them you need to include a sleeping bag on your Camino packing list. There are separate bathrooms for men and women, but the sleeping accommodation is mixed. I’ve stayed in ones with 20 beds and others with 80 beds.
On the Portuguese Way, pilgrims hostels cost between $5-9 USD per night. On the French Way, municipal albergues cost as little as $5 USD per night. Municipal albergues are the cheapest accommodation on the Camino. Psst…Don’t forget to SAVE this post for later! You’ll also need it to get your compostela (certificate of completion). You can purchase the credential online or at numerous places along the Camino.īecause you need a pilgrim’s passport to stay in an albergue, you should buy one either before starting your Camino or on the first day. In order to stay in an albergue, you need to have a pilgrim’s passport (find more info on Wikipedia). What is an albergue?īasically, an albergue is a hostel specifically for pilgrims.įor English speakers, it’s pronounced: al-BEAR-gay. Knowing exactly what to expect from albergues will help you prepare for the Camino.
#CAMINO DEL SANTIAGO FULL#
Please see my full disclosure policy for details. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you). This is a municipal albergue on the Portuguese Way of the Camino de Santiago.