Casa Avelina, an Unmissable Stop on the English Way

Discover the history of Casa Avelina on the English Way, an emblematic place for pilgrims known for its hospitality and tradition. The article explores its origin, its role on the route, and why it has become a special stop during the pilgrimage to Santiago.

Casa Avelina is one of those must-stop places that enrich the experience of pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. With more than a century of history, this modest roadside bar and tobacco shop has witnessed thousands of stories from locals and pilgrims, earning the title of "temple of hospitality" present on the Jacobean routes. No pilgrim should miss stopping here, where the generosity and warmth of its owners make one feel at home.

After surpassing the highest point of the English Way, Casa Avelina is an oasis for the pilgrim's rest.

Where is Casa Avelina on the English Way?

Casa Avelina is located right on the route in As Travesas (Concello de Carral), precisely at the point where the two itineraries of the English Way converge, whether starting from Ferrol or from A Coruña. This roadside bar, situated at the highest point of the route, in the final stretch of the stage between Betanzos and Hospital de Bruma, is also a tobacco shop (and a bit of an old-fashioned store). Founded in 1917 by the grandparents of the current owners, more than a century later it is still run by their granddaughters, Mari Carmen and Avelina, who have made this modest rural establishment a must-stop on the English Way.

Legendary hospitality: "the lady gives her all"

Upon crossing the door of Casa Avelina, one immediately feels the warmth radiating from its owners. In this village bar, locals (who spend the afternoon playing cards or chatting) coexist harmoniously with pilgrims from all nationalities. The atmosphere is cheerful and welcoming: here the pilgrim feels at home from the very first moment. The hospitality of Mari Carmen and Avelina has become legendary on the English Way, "the lady gives her all for and to the pilgrims," recounted a walker, impressed by the details he witnessed.

Some examples of the extraordinary attention at Casa Avelina:

• If you arrive with a heavy backpack or tired feet, they offer you a stool or bench to rest the weight and stretch your legs.
• If you come in cold or soaked from the rain, they prepare a hot coffee for you on the spot and help you dry your clothes.
• If you have a problem with your footwear, they search among their things for a solution.
• If they see an injury or blister, they take ice from the freezer, wrap it up, and give it to you to relieve the pain.
• And if you want to stamp, they offer a double stamp: their own and that of the Hermitage.

In addition to their own stamp, they offer the stamp of the Hermitage of San Roque

These are just some examples of the personalized attention they provide. At Casa Avelina, there is never a lack of a smile, a kind word, and something extra for the pilgrim: the owner often goes from table to table asking if anything is needed, serves coffees, and even offers cookies, cheese, chorizo, or whatever she has on hand as a gift. All at very affordable prices, far from typical tourist menus, because their priority is to serve and not to do business. It is no surprise that those who stop here remember it as a blessed glory, an oasis of humanity on the Camino.

Sandwiches with love and unforgettable memories

Another reason to stop at Casa Avelina is to fill your stomach. The offer is simple but tasty: cold sandwiches, tapas, and drinks to replenish your strength. The sandwiches at Casa Avelina are made with the same love with which they welcome walkers, the pilgrims assure. In fact, more than one highlights how delicious these delicacies taste when arriving at As Travesas hungry – perhaps because they are "proportional to the affection" that the sisters put into preparing them. A cold soda, a hot coffee, and a good sandwich at Casa Avelina taste like glory for the tired pilgrim.

The size of the sandwiches at Avelina leaves no one indifferent

But if there is something that nourishes the spirit here (besides appetite) it is the memories and tokens of affection accumulated on its walls. The sisters, Avelina and Mari Carmen, treasure in the bar a small pilgrim museum: signed t-shirts, postcards from all over the world, dedicated shells, photographs, and notes of gratitude left by thankful walkers. "We have 7 dedication books and 8 photo albums," Avelina excitedly shared, showing the notebook where everything began in 2017. It was the idea of a pilgrim to inaugurate a guestbook so that those passing by could leave a few words; since then, hundreds of messages have already filled several volumes with experiences and gratitude.

The Hermitage of San Roque and the embrace of the tree

In front of Casa Avelina, across the road, there is a small historic chapel: the Hermitage of San Roque. The sisters, who are the guardians of the key to this 18th-19th century hermitage, do not hesitate to invite pilgrims to visit it. They open the doors of the chapel for anyone who wants to enter to pray or simply to explore, and they explain its history: it was built between 1773 and 1866 thanks to the donations of neighbors and pilgrims, and even today its maintenance depends on the charity of visitors.

Female pilgrims visiting the interior of the Hermitage of San Roque, with Avelina as a guide

Mari Carmen and Avelina encourage embracing the centenary oak that grows next to the temple – they say that this way one absorbs its positive energy – and they allow touching the ancient bell of the hermitage, a symbolic gesture that many pilgrims enjoy as a blessing on the Camino. Next to the chapel, there is also an old cruceiro and a fountain known as Fonte de San Roque, where it is possible to refill water bottles.

Before resuming the march towards the Hospital de Bruma (the shelter for pilgrims is just 2 km from Casa Avelina), the owners usually give a small religious card to those who wish. Talking with Mari Carmen and Avelina, taking photos with them (you won't leave without taking a picture with the lovely Avelina!) or simply listening to them often makes the pilgrim forget the clock and lose track of time.

Before leaving Casa Avelina, you must visit the Hermitage and the Centenary Tree.

International fame and illustrious visits

Word of mouth and social media have spread the fame of Casa Avelina throughout the pilgrim world. Many travelers highly recommend this stop; even in the previous stage, some warn: "don't hesitate to stop there, they will treat you wonderfully." The hospitality of Mari Carmen and Avelina has been highlighted in guides and forums, and pilgrims from all five continents have come to meet "the two hearts" of Casa Avelina.

Among the anecdotes that make the owners most proud is the visit of Julia Baird, John Lennon's sister, who pilgrimaged along the English Way and stopped to share some time with them. They also fondly remember some Spanish actors and politicians who have passed through their establishment during the Camino. The sisters keep photos with many of these special visitors in their albums, but they treat everyone equally: whether it is a village neighbor, an anonymous walker, or a famous personality, each person is welcomed with warmth and generosity.

Avelina and Mari Carmen enliven As Travesas by teaching pilgrims about the Hermitage of San Roque.

Recognitions for exemplary work

The impact of Casa Avelina on the experience of the English Way has been such that not only do pilgrims praise it: it has also received awards and official recognitions. In 2022, Guía Repsol included Casa Avelina in its "Road Sun Awards", highlighting it as a recommended bar for travelers due to its authenticity and good service. And at the end of 2022, it was announced that this humble establishment had been one of the highest rated in the "Stellar Network" (a network of establishments with excellence on the English Way) promoted by the Association of Municipalities of the English Way.

In addition to the affection from the pilgrim community and these awards, the dedication of Casa Avelina has also resonated in religious circles: its welcoming work has been praised by the local Church and even from areas of the Camino linked to the Cathedral of Santiago. There is no doubt that the sincere hospitality of Mari Carmen and Avelina transcends borders and has left a mark on all who pass through their home. As a pilgrim summarized in a forum: "People like Avelina make the Camino a world apart, they give everything without asking for anything in return and will always remain in our hearts."

Mari Carmen embraces you in a very special way, and she will always ask for a photo with her.

A heartfelt stop on the English Way

Casa Avelina is a symbol of Jacobean hospitality that you can find on the map of the English Way. Every pilgrim who passes by should treat themselves to a few minutes in this unique corner, as the stop will not only provide a physical respite with homemade food and rest, but also an emotional boost to keep going. Among anecdotes, photos, hugs, laughter, and perhaps a tear of emotion, every visitor understands why Casa Avelina is so special. It is a place where the body and soul are nourished equally, and where the essence of the Camino, solidarity, humility, and sharing, comes to daily life. For all these reasons, Casa Avelina has rightfully earned the title of a must-stop: those who walk the English Way and do not stop here are missing out on an unforgettable experience. From here, we send you a warm greeting and long live Casa Avelina!