Where do you sleep on the Camino de Santiago? Obviously in the hotels for pilgrims, hostels that cost around 6 euros per night, here's how to find them and how to eat on the way.
Yes, walking, but you must also think about rest, especially after many hours of fatigue. And what's better than a comfortable bed and a good meal? So here is our experience with regard to food and lodging along our small part of the Santiago's walk
Where to sleep on the Camino de Santiago
Assuming that our idea was to try to hear each other 100% pilgrims we opted for the "pilgrim hotels", Or cheap hostels.
You are probably wondering where we got the information for accommodation.
The answer is very simple: at the airport in Santiago.
Once we landed we went to the information point and we got a map of the route. This one had the whole French way, a small map with the other ways and, being in Galicia, the expected kilometers in this region.
It also indicated the peregrino's albergues. So our daily stops were based on being able to sleep in these hostels. Normally there are at least twenty kilometers to travel and there is one in every city.
The cost of these hostels is 6 €, and you can only spend one night there. The only exception is the one in San Lazaro, right at the entrance to the city of Santiago. This costs € 10, and you can spend up to a maximum of 3 nights.
The hostels are run by volunteers and open at 13pm. Once you arrive you must always show your credentials, without which it is not possible to stay in these structures.
Each pilgrim is provided with a small kit which includes: the mattress cover and the disposable pillow cover.
At 22pm the doors of the hostel close. L'hour of silence starts at 22.30 and in the morning you have to leave the hostel by 8.
They are very comfortable hostels: all equipped with shared bathrooms with hot water. In the rooms there is the heating in case it gets cold. Those scattered in the last 120 kilometers have a flaw: the kitchens are not equipped with dishes and pots.
We know that the pilgrim goes to savings, so usually we shop at the supermarket and then cook our meals. But not having the opportunity, you have to consider eating lots of “do-it-yourself” sandwiches or spending some extra money.
Also, once you arrive, if you are too tired and don't want to wash your clothes by hand, all hostels provide the washing machine, for a fee. And to dry if it rains? Do not worry, always for a fee there is the possibility to use the dryer. Problems with money? Again, you will certainly find some pilgrims willing to share the laundry costs with you.
Do you want some more comforts? You can always opt for the various private hotels scattered around the villages you will encounter along the way, which you can also book through the various sites that offer accommodation. Obviously, expect to spend a lot more. On the other hand, you can have a room all to yourself and maybe even the wi-fi, if you want to stay in touch with the rest of the world.
Where to eat on the Camino de Santiago
Once settled, it's time to think about filling your belly after the daily fatigue. As mentioned, many opt for shopping at the supermarket, but since there are no basic things to cook, they either opt for a nice sandwich or buy something from heat in the microwave.
So I recommend that you bring a portable and lightweight cutlery set.
Nobody forbids you, of course, from go to the restaurant.
Along the Way various places offer the pilgrim's menu, usually consisting of: first course, second course, dessert and drink. The price for all this goodness is between 8 and 12 euros. I would say nothing too excessive.
If you don't opt ​​for the menu I recommend you try it house specialties: el pulpo in la gallega. This dish consists of boiled potatoes and chopped octopus. In some cases they cook it a little spicy. So if you are not a chilli pepper lover, ask first and in case you don't put it.
Another dish to try is the "Tarta de Santiago", or one almond cake, really tasty.
What can I say, it's time to get on the Way and feel a little pilgrim.
