gregdedman
Active Member
Buenos Dias!
There may already be some posts out there somewhere regarding this, so im sorry if im repeating things but I thought it would be useful to gather together all the little secret gems along the Camino Frances and Camino Fisterra.
Everyone's Camino is different, so of course what is amazing for one pilgrim may not be the same for the next but if you have stayed at an incredible albergue, stumbled upon a great little cafe, recieved humbling kindness from a hospitalero or tasted some amazing Tapas or Chocolate con churros, then feel free to add to this post
So to get the ball rolling here is a list of my secrets!
Cizur Menor - Albergue Roncal - The sweet-heartded hospitalero treated my blisters with love and care. My first real angel on the camino. Gave me tips to prevent blisters that saved my feet!
Logrono - Albergue Parroquial de Santiago at the Iglesia de Santiago el Real. I believe run by the Opus dei, they were only just open when we arrived in 2007, the first to stay. Comfortable dorms, blessing, wonderful meal and an incredible tour of the church bell tower they had just renovated! All they asked was a donation. Incredible human kindness.
Logrono - I forget the name, but there is a scrumptous Tapas bar (has a take-away window on the outside) Lady was a little moody, but her Tapas was to die for.
Granon - Hospital de Peregrinos san juan bautista - Incredible place. Sleep in the rafters of the church, warm hearted, generous hospitalero. Communal meal and pilgrim help. A trunk with pilgrim clothing if you need to take, donation was all they asked. Beautiful.
Ages - Casa Caracol - Beautiful Anya, the hospitalero is so sweet. Her simple home opened up to pilgrims. Beautifully rustic, wonderful communal meal and blister help. A true gem.
Itero Del Castillo - Ermita de San Nicolas - Run by Italian Volunteers. An ancient pilgrims hostel where the hospitaleros bathe the feet of pilgrims and bless them. Communal meal by candlelight. Wonderful kindness.
Carrion de la Condes - Convento Santa Maria - A stand out memory of my Camino! Warm welcome and a group sing-along with the musical nuns. Wonderful hospitality.
Mansilla de las Mules - At the end of July they have a huge medieval festival! The whole town is in on it. The food is hog roast style, the square hosts archery and sword fighting and their jousting event is a real experience!
Rabanal Del Camino - Albergue Guacelmo - The hospitaleros in 2007 were so helpful and friendly. My only rest day was here and they keep a very clean ship! Very efficient and when we drove home from Santiago they made sure we were welcome as we passed by. Im still friends with one of the helpers there. Wonderful gardens, peace and tranquility.
Samos - There is a restaurant, I think it was called 'El Gayo' which served a 'menu of the day' for a cut price but included an incredible amount of steak, sausage, pork and chips! One of the best cheap meals I had along the Camino.
Samos - The monastery was full when we arrived at 4pm. They told us to come back at 10pm for the overflow. Their overflow was a collection of fabulously kitch 70's styled single rooms. We thought we'd get a floor, but we got lucky and a room to ourselves.
Santiago - Had to wait a long time for it but the Chocolate Con Churros here was incredible!
Santiago - Just before you turn to look left at the Cathedral as you enter the square, the right hand road takes you to a wondefully peaceful religious albergue in the hustle of the city. They looked after you and I seem to remember we only gave a donation. Great facilities and you could stay an extra night if you wanted.
There may already be some posts out there somewhere regarding this, so im sorry if im repeating things but I thought it would be useful to gather together all the little secret gems along the Camino Frances and Camino Fisterra.
Everyone's Camino is different, so of course what is amazing for one pilgrim may not be the same for the next but if you have stayed at an incredible albergue, stumbled upon a great little cafe, recieved humbling kindness from a hospitalero or tasted some amazing Tapas or Chocolate con churros, then feel free to add to this post
So to get the ball rolling here is a list of my secrets!
Cizur Menor - Albergue Roncal - The sweet-heartded hospitalero treated my blisters with love and care. My first real angel on the camino. Gave me tips to prevent blisters that saved my feet!
Logrono - Albergue Parroquial de Santiago at the Iglesia de Santiago el Real. I believe run by the Opus dei, they were only just open when we arrived in 2007, the first to stay. Comfortable dorms, blessing, wonderful meal and an incredible tour of the church bell tower they had just renovated! All they asked was a donation. Incredible human kindness.
Logrono - I forget the name, but there is a scrumptous Tapas bar (has a take-away window on the outside) Lady was a little moody, but her Tapas was to die for.
Granon - Hospital de Peregrinos san juan bautista - Incredible place. Sleep in the rafters of the church, warm hearted, generous hospitalero. Communal meal and pilgrim help. A trunk with pilgrim clothing if you need to take, donation was all they asked. Beautiful.
Ages - Casa Caracol - Beautiful Anya, the hospitalero is so sweet. Her simple home opened up to pilgrims. Beautifully rustic, wonderful communal meal and blister help. A true gem.
Itero Del Castillo - Ermita de San Nicolas - Run by Italian Volunteers. An ancient pilgrims hostel where the hospitaleros bathe the feet of pilgrims and bless them. Communal meal by candlelight. Wonderful kindness.
Carrion de la Condes - Convento Santa Maria - A stand out memory of my Camino! Warm welcome and a group sing-along with the musical nuns. Wonderful hospitality.
Mansilla de las Mules - At the end of July they have a huge medieval festival! The whole town is in on it. The food is hog roast style, the square hosts archery and sword fighting and their jousting event is a real experience!
Rabanal Del Camino - Albergue Guacelmo - The hospitaleros in 2007 were so helpful and friendly. My only rest day was here and they keep a very clean ship! Very efficient and when we drove home from Santiago they made sure we were welcome as we passed by. Im still friends with one of the helpers there. Wonderful gardens, peace and tranquility.
Samos - There is a restaurant, I think it was called 'El Gayo' which served a 'menu of the day' for a cut price but included an incredible amount of steak, sausage, pork and chips! One of the best cheap meals I had along the Camino.
Samos - The monastery was full when we arrived at 4pm. They told us to come back at 10pm for the overflow. Their overflow was a collection of fabulously kitch 70's styled single rooms. We thought we'd get a floor, but we got lucky and a room to ourselves.
Santiago - Had to wait a long time for it but the Chocolate Con Churros here was incredible!
Santiago - Just before you turn to look left at the Cathedral as you enter the square, the right hand road takes you to a wondefully peaceful religious albergue in the hustle of the city. They looked after you and I seem to remember we only gave a donation. Great facilities and you could stay an extra night if you wanted.