Zabaldika donativo

[WalkingJean]

I read a thread about the alternate route from Lintzoin, which I am interested in doing when we walk in September. Then I looked for information on the donativo in Zabaldika on Wise Pilgrim and found a comment dated March 2024 that the sisters have stated that they don't take reservations and asked that Wise Pilgrim remove that from Services.
Can Wise Pilgrim or anyone confirm this?

 

[Rebekah Scott]

Yes it's true. Like most non-profits and donativos, and they don't accept reservations. Other guidebooks and apps will confirm that, too.

 

[J Willhaus]

Doesn't mean they don't accept pilgrims, only that they like many albergues don't take reservations or luggage transfer. It is special place.

 

[Kirkie]

I asked our wonderful @wisepilgrim member to note that indeed, Zabaldika does not accept reservations. Above comments confirm the fact. It is part of the Donativo element of the Camino network.
If you arrive in time, you will be lucky, and blessed, whatever that means to you, to enjoy a space and an experience that is special. (In my opinion, humble or however you choose to express it!)
The village has very few homes, perhaps five residents at peak season! No anything, just the beauty of the place, and the experience of sharing the space with other pilgrims. If you need buzz, keep going.
In time means before the albergue opens for the day. The hospitaleros close at 8 am and clean, go shopping, have their own time for lunch etc, then open the doors to welcome 18 fortunate pilgrims.
Anyone who arrives later can be directed onwards the further 3km more or less to the next wonderful Trinidad de Arre albergue. It has its own charm, and has more attractions, being in a town. They, Trinidad de Arre, have a facebook presence, and places can be reserved.
Pilgrims who arrive later to Zabaldika, and really need help, can be offered transport to Trinidad de Arre. No chancers!
If you can walk, it is only about 3km, and along a beautiful mountain shoulder...if you want peace, and quiet, go ahead, aim for it
I know the score rather well, from experience as hospitalera, as well as being one of the members of the international community of sisters who run the church side of things. I am sorry to miss being there this year as I have other commitments at home, here in Ireland.
Buen camino, peregrinos.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

Zabaldika is a very special albergue, if you want a great experience then I recommend it to you.

 

[Kirkie]

It is true that luggage transfer is not accepted as a token of reservation. Luggage is picked up using the local agency, and left there as well. But it does not mean you have a bed booked. Nor do the hospitaleros accept responsibilty. That is your privilege. Your luggage can sit happily outside waiting for your arrival and if you are on time to get a bed, magnifico!

 

[WalkingJean]

I hope it will be available to us when we walk in September- thanks to everyone for your comments

 

[Hound-of-Ulster]

De

I read a thread about the alternate route from Lintzoin, which I am interested in doing when we walk in September. Then I looked for information on the donativo in Zabaldika on Wise Pilgrim and found a comment dated March 2024 that the sisters have stated that they don't take reservations and asked that Wise Pilgrim remove that from Services.
Can Wise Pilgrim or anyone confirm this?

Definitely a special place to stay… we walked in 2018, I know things have changed, but you don’t really need to book anywhere unless it’s the like of Orrisson at the start of the French Way. Hope to be back next year…..

 

[Anthony Rocco]

I hope it will be available to us when we walk in September- thanks to everyone for your comments

I'm confident that it will be. Why do I say this? When we showed up, we were among the first. Then more and more and more came. They simply put down mats for all the newcomers. It was a packed room. After a very simple communal meal in their kitchen, we gathered in the 12th century bell tower for a discussion and prayer service. Again...packed in like sardines. Then there was thunder and lightning as if on cue when we bowed our heads and the elderly nun said a prayer for us. In the end, we all had an unforgettable experience while bonding early on with a group of peregrinos we kept bumping into all the way to Santiago.

 

[DuncanG]

I know the score rather well, from experience as hospitalera, as well as being one of the members of the international community of sisters who run the church side of things. I am sorry to miss being there this year as I have other commitments at home, here in Ireland.

Thank you to you and your sisters, as well as the hospitaleros/hospitaleras for your wonderful albergue, it is one of the most special on the Camino Francés.