Casa Avelina is one of those must-stop places that enrich every pilgrim’s experience on the Camino de Santiago. With over a century of history, this modest roadside bar and tobacconist has witnessed thousands of stories from locals and pilgrims alike, earning its well-deserved title as a “temple of hospitality” along the Jacobean routes. No pilgrim should pass by without stopping here, where the generosity and warmth of its owners make you feel right at home.
After crossing the highest point of the English Way, Casa Avelina is an oasis of rest for pilgrims
Where is Casa Avelina on the English Way?
Casa Avelina is located right along the route in As Travesas (Concello de Carral), exactly where the two itineraries of the English Way merge—whether starting from Ferrol or A Coruña. This roadside bar, situated at the highest point of the stage between Betanzos and Hospital de Bruma, is also a tobacconist (and a bit of a classic local shop). Founded in 1917 by the grandparents of the current owners, it’s now run by their granddaughters, Mari Carmen and Avelina, who have made this humble rural spot a must-stop on the English Way.
Legendary hospitality: “the lady gives it all”
As soon as you walk through the doors of Casa Avelina, you’ll feel the love radiating from its owners. In this village bar, locals (who spend the afternoon playing cards or chatting) share the space harmoniously with pilgrims from all over the world. The atmosphere is cheerful and welcoming: pilgrims feel at home from the very first moment. The hospitality of Mari Carmen and Avelina has become legendary along the English Way: “the lady gives it all for the pilgrims,” one walker shared, impressed by the small, meaningful gestures he witnessed.
Some examples of the exceptional care at Casa Avelina:
- If you arrive with a heavy backpack or tired feet, they’ll offer a stool so you can rest and stretch your legs.
- If you come in cold or soaked from the rain, they’ll prepare a hot coffee right away and help dry your clothes.
- If your footwear is giving you trouble, they’ll look for a solution among their things.
- If they see you have an injury or blister, they’ll get ice from the freezer, wrap it, and hand it to you to ease the pain.
- And if you want to get your stamp, they offer two: their own and the one from the Hermitage.
In addition to their own stamp, they offer the Hermitage of San Roque’s stamp
These are just a few examples of the personalized care you’ll find here. At Casa Avelina, there’s always a smile, a kind word, and a little something extra for the pilgrim: the owner often goes from table to table asking if anyone needs anything, serving coffee, and even offering cookies, cheese, chorizo, or whatever she has on hand as a gift. All at very affordable prices, far from tourist menu standards, because their goal is to serve, not to profit. No wonder those who stop here describe it as a blessing, an oasis of humanity on the Camino.
Sandwiches made with love and unforgettable memories
Another great reason to stop at Casa Avelina is to fill your belly. The offering is simple but tasty: cold sandwiches, tapas, and drinks to recharge. The sandwiches at Casa Avelina are made with the same love they show pilgrims, say many walkers. In fact, more than one has remarked how delicious everything tastes when you arrive in As Travesas hungry—perhaps because it’s “proportional to the care” the sisters put into making them. A cold drink, a hot coffee, and a hearty sandwich at Casa Avelina are pure bliss for a tired pilgrim.
The size of Avelina’s sandwiches doesn’t go unnoticed
But what truly nourishes the soul here (besides food) are the memories and affection displayed on the walls. Avelina and Mari Carmen have created a small pilgrim museum inside their bar: signed t-shirts, postcards from all over the world, dedicated scallop shells, photos, and thank-you notes from grateful walkers. “We have seven guest books and eight photo albums,” Avelina proudly said, showing the notebook where it all started back in 2017. It was a pilgrim’s idea to start a guestbook, and since then, hundreds of heartfelt messages have filled the pages.
The Hermitage of San Roque and the embrace of the oak
Across the road from Casa Avelina stands a small historic chapel: the Hermitage of San Roque. The sisters, who are the keepers of the key to this 18th–19th-century chapel, often invite pilgrims to visit. They open its doors to anyone who wants to pray or simply take a look inside, and they explain its story: built between 1773 and 1866 thanks to donations from locals and pilgrims, the chapel’s upkeep still depends on the generosity of visitors.
Inside the Hermitage of San Roque in As Travesas, with Avelina
Mari Carmen and Avelina encourage pilgrims to hug the ancient oak tree that grows beside the chapel—they say it helps absorb positive energy—and they let people ring the old chapel bell, a symbolic gesture many enjoy as a Camino blessing. Next to the chapel, you’ll also find an old stone cross and a spring known as Fonte de San Roque, perfect for refilling your bottle.
Before setting off again toward Hospital de Bruma (the pilgrims’ hostel is just 2 km from Casa Avelina), the sisters often hand out a small prayer card to those who want one. Chatting with Mari Carmen and Avelina, taking pictures with them (you won’t leave without snapping one with sweet Avelina!), or just listening to them often makes pilgrims lose track of time.
Before leaving Casa Avelina, make sure to visit the Hermitage and the ancient oak
International fame and special guests
Word of mouth and social media have spread Casa Avelina’s fame throughout the pilgrim world. Many recommend stopping here—and even during the previous stage, some will say: “don’t hesitate to stop, they’ll treat you wonderfully.” The hospitality of Mari Carmen and Avelina has been praised in guides and forums, and pilgrims from five continents have come to meet “the two hearts” of Casa Avelina.
Among the stories that make the sisters proud is the visit from Julia Baird, John Lennon’s sister, who walked the English Way and stopped in to spend time with them. They also fondly recall Spanish actors and politicians who’ve passed through during their pilgrimage. The sisters keep photos with many of these guests in their albums—but they treat everyone the same: whether it’s a village neighbor, an anonymous pilgrim, or a famous figure, each person is welcomed with kindness and generosity.
Avelina and Mari Carmen keep As Travesas lively by guiding pilgrims through the Hermitage of San Roque
Recognition for outstanding service
Casa Avelina’s impact on the English Way has gone beyond the love of pilgrims: it’s also earned official awards and recognition. In 2022, Repsol Guide included Casa Avelina in its “Roadside Soletes,” highlighting it as a recommended stop for travelers due to its authenticity and excellent service. Later that year, it was also named one of the best-rated spots on the “Red Stelar” (a network of standout places on the English Way) promoted by the Association of English Way Councils.
Beyond the affection of the pilgrim community and these awards, Casa Avelina’s devotion to hospitality has even reached religious circles: their work has been praised by the local Church and by groups linked to the Cathedral of Santiago. Without a doubt, the sincere hospitality of Mari Carmen and Avelina transcends borders and leaves a lasting mark on everyone who stops by. As one pilgrim wrote in a forum: “People like Avelina make the Camino a world of its own; they give everything without expecting anything in return and will forever stay in our hearts.”
Mari Carmen gives the warmest hugs, and she’ll definitely ask for a picture with you
A heartfelt stop on the English Way
Casa Avelina is a true symbol of Jacobean hospitality and can be found on the map of the English Way. Every pilgrim should treat themselves to a stop here—it offers not only homemade food and a moment to rest, but also an emotional boost to keep going. With stories, photos, hugs, laughter, and maybe even a tear or two, each visitor understands why Casa Avelina is so special. It’s a place where both body and soul are nourished equally, and where the essence of the Camino—solidarity, humility, and sharing—comes to life every day. For all this, Casa Avelina has truly earned its reputation as an unmissable stop: if you walk the English Way and don’t stop here, you’re missing an unforgettable experience. From all of us, heartfelt thanks and long life and buen Camino to Casa Avelina!
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