Some albergues supply clothespins but its a good idea to have a few of your own or to use safety pins. Wring out each item thoroughly and place on the line to dry. Next, drain the sink and refill with clean water. If there is a scrubbing board, rub each item vigorously against the board. Put your dirty clothes in and knead them against each other like kneading bread. Most albergues have large sinks for laundry, sometimes with a bumpy scrubbing board that you can press clothes against to agitate.įirst, fill the sink with warm water and add some detergent. While an increasing number of albergues offer the option of a machine washer, you will at least occasionally need to wash some clothing by hand. Camping will be easier if you speak some Spanish and can ask for permission to camp in a given area. If you choose to rinse off or rinse your clothing in any natural water sources, such as rivers, lakes or streams, please do not use any soap as it may contaminate the water and be unhealthy for wildlife (even biodegradable soap). It’s hard to beat €5-10 for a hot shower and bed! If you are adamant about camping, consider carrying a very lightweight tent (we recommend Tarp Tent), sleeping pad (for warmth and comfort), and sleeping bag with an appropriate warmth rating to your hiking season.Ĭampsites should always be 120m/200ft away from roads, walking trails, water sources, towns/inhabited areas and historical sites. Legitimate campsites with showers and services are often located quite far off route and usually cost more than albergues per night! While it is possible to “stealth camp” in natural areas, most people utilize the albergue system. With the extensive network of inexpensive pilgrim albergues, camping is really not necessary along the main Camino de Santiago routes. (“The tourist demands, the pilgrim appreciates.”) A popular maxim posted in some albergues is: El turisto exige, el peregrino agradece. It’s a tiring job, so it’s no wonder that most pilgrims have at least one experience of a grouchy or dogmatic hospitalero/a. Be polite and express gratitude to hospitalero/as whenever possible and respect rules even if they don’t make sense to you. This position can be staffed by a local Spaniard, international volunteers, nuns, and monks, often staying for a few weeks or months. This is the Spanish term for the person in charge of an albergue. Some private albergues have banded together to form a network with certain standards, these are known as “network albergues.” Hospitalero/a Some private albergues are owned by former pilgrims and have a cozy feel, others have more of an impersonal hotel feel. While the price is sometimes higher (average €12-15 per night), the satisfaction of supporting a local business is priceless. Private albergues often offer more comfortable accommodations with “extra” offerings such as meals, wash/dryer, internet, wifi, etc. Private albergues are owned and run by private individuals or group. Association albergues are supplemented by donations, so are often offered on a donation basis or a low fee. They are often staffed by volunteers who have done the Camino before so have a good sense of what pilgrims need. Many of these accommodations are offered on a donation basis ( donativo) or for a low fixed price.Īssociation albergues are operated by various pilgrim associations from around the world. They tend to be simple, but offered with a lot of care by volunteer caretakers. Parochial albergues are operated by religious institutions such as monasteries, convents or local churches. Overflow in the busy summer months can sometimes be accommodated in public sports buildings known as “ polideportivos” in Spanish. Some municipal albergue are housed in former schoolhouses or other repurposed buildings. These are often the most inexpensive albergues, but are in varying stages of repair or disrepair and may not be the most comfortable. Municipal albergues are sponsored by local government bodies and often staffed by volunteers. There are several types of albergue available. The person in charge of an albergue is known as the “ hospitalero” (man) or “ hospitalera” (woman), see below. Most albergues are offered on a “first come, first serve” basis and cannot be reserved in advance, with the exception of some private albergues. On the Francés route, these accommodations are very frequent, with as little as 5km between albergues and only a few stretches of up to 15km between albergues. The system of pilgrim hostels (known in Spanish as “ albergues”) are a unique feature of the camino, especially the Camino Francés, which allow pilgrims to sleep in dormitory-style accommodations for arou d €8-20 per night. Pilgrim Associations & Online Resources.
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