Best Albergues? Part one - Camino Frances

There are so many good albergues on the Camino Frances so it is really difficult to choose just one as the best. I found some were the best for some things whilst others were the best for other reasons. 

The first really good albergue that we came across was in Cizur Menor. The family run albergue had a great energy about it, caring hosts, a kitchen that was equipped well enough, plenty of natural space to relax and smaller dormitories with sturdy bunks and firm mattresses. 

At Puente la Reina we checked into a huge albergue with a pool -great for cooling off after a long days walk. The dinner was a shared pilgrims' menu during which we had a bit of a party. A great place if a little too large and impersonal. 

Santo Domingo de la Calzada felt like luxury after a few days of less luxurious places to sleep in. Leather sofas in the shared lounge, shoers to die for and a kitchen and dining room that just about had everything.

Belorado - Albergue los Cuatro Cantones - was perhaps my favourite all rounder. The hospitaleros couldn't do enough for us. The dormitory was homely and cosy. There was a garden that had a great energy, with rabbits and chickens next door and a small pool., and the evening meal was exceptional. 

In Ages we stayed in a tiny albergue which was in the attic with a low roof that reminded us of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Theer was no kitchen but we ate in a small cafe nearby and loved the tiny hamlet.

In El Burgo Ranero we stayed in chalets -two of us in each, so quite and cool in the garden. The kitchen was well equipped and the hopistalera helpful and friendly. 

In Hospital de Orbigo we stayed in a delightful Albergue run by German hospitaleros. The welcoem was exceptional and the courtyard bountiful:

In Rabanal del Camino we checked into the UK run albergue where we had a great dormitory, hospitable hopsitaleros, a great shared dinner, no to forget the afternoon tea, and a communal breakfast before we left. 

Arriving at Mercadeiro after a hard day during which both Jane and I suffered from sore feet we were delighted with the albergue. The dormitory was small. the grounds were beautiful and the food was delicious. 

In O'Pedrouzo, our last night before Santiago we checked onto the 'Porta de Santiago' albergue, with a friendly and helpful hospitalero, sturdy bunks and excellent facilities. 

Want to know more about the places we stayed? 

All of them feature in more detail in my book -

  The Magic of the Camino