La Pata de Oca

Accommodation en route comes in the form of refugios or albergues. They are either state-run or run by Pilgrim’s Associations or privately financed. They are usually quite basic but on the whole well maintained and run by local or "ex-Pilgrim" volunteers! There is a nominal or donational contribution for a (bunk)bed, a (hopefully) hot shower, somewhere to wash out your clothes, somewhere to prepare and gobble down food and maybe even a friendly chat to console the weary wanderer.

Cyclists may, especially during the busy summer months, be asked to camp, with walkers being given preference for beds. It is generally not possible to book in advance, all that is required is to prove that you are a bona fide pilgrim on the Road to Santiago, i.e. the production of your pilgrim’s passport.

A list of each year’s official refugios should be available and obtained in the tourist office or parish sacristy of whichever town you begin your pilgrimage. There may be changes in this list as new refugios open and old ones close. Last years list may not be accurate for this year. Obtaining this list should be one of the first things you do before you set off.

Refugios are sanctuaries for a weary pilgrim. They should be respected and appreciated as such. They are a gift, not a reward. Town people etc. who offer and run these refugios are not doing so because they have to, they are doing so because they want to. It is therefore, only polite to leave the space you are given in the condition that you would wish to find it yourself. And remember, your donation / contribution is paving the way for the pilgrims behind you!

Alternatively, there are a growing number of private pensions, hostals and hotels along the route that can be booked in advance… should you know your exact rate of progress!! Tourist offices should be able to assist you with finding and contacting these and there are some particularly beautiful establishment along the camino that are well worth checking out.

This is my Hostel : La Pata de Oca en Torres del Río ( Navarra)