Thinking of walking the Camino de Santiago and want to stay in a pilgrim’s hostel? Do you know what they’re like and how they work? If you’re planning to pilgrimage and ‘going to hostel-hop’, keep reading; this information will interest you.

Hostels and Hospitality on the Camino de Santiago

The hostels of the Camino de Santiago are the traditional accommodations for pilgrims heading to Santiago. Their origins date back to the very birth of the Camino in the 9th century, and they flourished during the Middle Ages due to the numerous and increasing flow of medieval pilgrims heading to Compostela.

Hospitality to pilgrims, in the Middle Ages, was both a sacred and earthly law.

Originally, these places were called hospitals, but they were not what we understand as hospitals today. Their role was limited to providing hospitality, namely shelter and food, free of charge to the pilgrim – a figure protected by both civil and religious authority for their sacred intentions of pilgrimage. However, many did have infirmaries, as the Camino was long, harsh, and dangerous, and many pilgrims needed medical care (and some died, as evidenced by the numerous pilgrim cemeteries located next to these medieval hostels). This is where the confusion arises.

Hospital medieval Camino de Santiago

What It’s Like to Do the Camino in a Hostel: Pros and Cons

While they used to be free, that’s no longer the case. However, if you’re planning to walk the Camino de Santiago staying in hostels, you should know that hostels are the most economical lodging option.

Specifically created with a preference for walking pilgrims, these hostels typically feature large rooms with bunk beds (rarely single beds), with a capacity that varies but is usually between 6 and 12 beds, sometimes more. Showers and washbasins are shared, as well as the living room and kitchen.

Alberge organizado por literas en el Camino de Santiago

There are three types of hostels and some differences:

  • Publicly-owned hostels, managed by local and regional authorities. They don’t accept reservations and are the most affordable, ranging from 5€ to 8€.
  • Hostels run by associations and parishes, similar to the first type, though some accept reservations and may offer extra services. They cost between 5€ and 12€.
  • Private hostels, operated by individuals or companies. They accept reservations and cost between 12€ and 15€ per night, often offering additional services and amenities like laundry, Wi-Fi connection, kitchen facilities, etc.

Keep in mind that since these hostels are specifically created for pilgrims, you need to prove your status by carrying the pilgrim’s credential, which is mandatory for staying overnight in the hostels, except for the private ones.

Advantages

In addition to being the most authentic way to pilgrimage, other pros of staying in hostels include:

  • Cost: As mentioned, it’s the most economical option.
  • Meeting new people and enjoying the spirit of camaraderie, as you’ll be sharing the space with new individuals from various cultures.
  • The possibility of making reservations in advance, which is only possible in private hostels.

Disadvantages

The most obvious downside: snoring and other nocturnal and early morning noises will always be there, and you won’t always sleep as well as you’d wish. Other cons include:

  • The “first-come, first-served” approach of public hostels, and we emphasize that if you choose a public hostel, your bed is not guaranteed. In fact, many pilgrims wake up very early (more morning noise!) and sometimes there are races to be the first to reach the hostel.
  • Lights out and doors closed at night, with a curfew typically no later than 22:00, although private hostels are more flexible.
  • High occupancy, especially during spring and summer, can mean hostels are often full. You might need patience to use the kitchen, wash clothes, or even use the bathrooms.
  • Comfort, as they offer fewer amenities and sometimes are poorly equipped, not being advisable for older people.
  • No pets allowed, so if you have a pet and want to walk the Camino with your dog, you will need to look for dog-friendly accommodations.

What Else Should I Keep in Mind?

If you’re planning to stay in hostels, heed our advice: don’t risk being left with nowhere to crash after a long day. Reserve in advance at a private hostel. If you have the option to book a bed in a private hostel, do it, as it can sometimes be very challenging to find a spot on the spot if you don’t have a prior reservation.

Grupo de peregrinos con sus mochilas en el Camino de Santiago

Additionally, to ensure the most pleasant stay possible, here’s a checklist of what to include in your backpack when staying at hostels, aside from the necessary equipment and clothing for walking:

  • Padlock to secure your belongings in lockers or cabinets.
  • Sleeping bag, as sometimes the amenities are minimal and blankets may not be provided.
  • Earplugs and an eye mask, if you are sensitive to noise and light.
  • Flip-flops for the shower to avoid catching fungi.
  • Extension cord, which will allow you to charge batteries with just one outlet if you carry multiple electronic devices.

And very importantly, keep your backpack organized to facilitate finding your belongings, especially those you use more frequently. Store your items in plastic bags to protect them from moisture in case of rain.

What is the Perfect Hostel for Me?

We emphasize that nothing should be left to chance on the Camino, at least not where you’ll sleep. Therefore, we always recommend booking a private hostel in advance, as it guarantees you a bed, greater comfort, and services. Besides these and other advantages, such as flexible schedules, private hostels also offer the opportunity to share those endearing and fun communal dinners prepared by you and your new pilgrim friends.

Hostels: Hospitality and Camaraderie

Walking the Camino de Santiago in hostels is an experience that will make you feel like an old-time pilgrim, a unique, exciting, and affordable adventure that brings you closer to other walkers from around the world. If you have in mind to traverse the Camino de Santiago, don’t hesitate to explore the world of pilgrim’s hostels. We can help you, as we know the best private hostels and the kindest hosts on all the Jacobean Routes, from the most popular ones like the French Way or the Portuguese Way, to the less traveled ones like the Finisterre and Muxía Way.

Vistas de la catedral de Santiago desde la plaza del Obradoiro

The atmosphere of camaraderie experienced in hostels is a fundamental part of the Camino de Santiago

Choose your favorite Jacobean route, pack your backpack, and set off to walk the Camino de Santiago, staying in private hostels. In these hostels, you will always have a place for yourself and will share moments with other pilgrims, giving you the opportunity to meet people with fascinating stories and diverse cultures. An unforgettable experience awaits you!