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Welcome Atatl! This is a great group! and Buen Camino- you will be on the road soon.Hello! I'm new to the Camino and to solo traveling as a whole and have some questions. I'd love to "let the Camino provide" but would like to understand a litte more about albergues/hostels in general.
1.) What time do they typically open? How early should you get there?
2.) I've seen pictures of people lining up their shoes/bags outside before opening... how do you secure your spot in an albergue?
4.) If you've got a spot, is it safe to leave your belongings there while you go to dinner or around town that evening?
5.) If you arrive and it's full what's usually your next best option?
I start in Porto in just a few weeks and am getting a little nervous about the logistics so any advice or insights help!
Let me second what @Albertinho mentioned about Casa da Fernanda. I phoned ahead and was able to easily reserve with her. As few people were there the early spring day we arrived, she offered us her one private room. On no other Camino have I met such a warm and welcoming host. Staying at Fernanda’s was the highlight of our CP. Do try to stay there if you can. Her hospitality is second to none.Casa da Fernanda is very popular and phone ahead or send me a personal message ( I am in contact with Fernanda ‘s husband via Whatsapp for reservations several times a week)
The only place I remember backpacks lining up on the Portugues was in Ponte de Lima where the albergue opened unusually late (4 pm if my memory serves). Rubiães has both municipal and private albergues.In Portugal most of albergues are privat so you could ring in advance if they have a bed available for you
In Spain lots are municipal ones but also privat ones
One for example is o Refúxio de la Jerezana in Cessantes, 3 kms beyond Redondela.
Other one is o Cruzeiro in Caldas de Reis
It’s a hotel with albergue facilities
Depending on what your itinerary is
Out of Porto, o Mosteiro de Vairão is privat
São Pedro de Rates too
In Barcelos are two albergues
One before the bridge in Barcelinos and one in town
Casa da Fernanda is very popular and phone ahead or send me a personal message ( I am in contact with Fernanda ‘s husband via Whatsapp for reservations several times a week)
In Ponte de Lima , Rubiães and Valença I do not know if they are privat or municipal
Maybe others here on the forum know the answer
I stayed there in hostals .
I am starting my first Camino (Portugues Central route, but starting Day 1 going along the coast to Labruge and then crossing over to the Central on Day 2). I also have a few questions:In Portugal most of albergues are privat so you could ring in advance if they have a bed available for you
In Spain lots are municipal ones but also privat ones
One for example is o Refúxio de la Jerezana in Cessantes, 3 kms beyond Redondela.
Other one is o Cruzeiro in Caldas de Reis
It’s a hotel with albergue facilities
Depending on what your itinerary is
Out of Porto, o Mosteiro de Vairão is privat
São Pedro de Rates too
In Barcelos are two albergues
One before the bridge in Barcelinos and one in town
Casa da Fernanda is very popular and phone ahead or send me a personal message ( I am in contact with Fernanda ‘s husband via Whatsapp for reservations several times a week)
In Ponte de Lima , Rubiães and Valença I do not know if they are privat or municipal
Maybe others here on the forum know the answer
I stayed there in hostals .
1. 300 should be plenty for 6 days if you are staying at albergues and are not extravagant. But I wouldn't be stingy with your donations at donativo albergues. It is what you donate that determines what they can offer to tomorrow's pilgrims.I am starting my first Camino (Portugues Central route, but starting Day 1 going along the coast to Labruge and then crossing over to the Central on Day 2). I also have a few questions:
1. I read on another thread that there is a 13% fee for Portuguese ATMs. I went to the bank and I will be taking a little over 300 Euros with me. Is that enough cash to get me through the Portuguese part of the Camino or should I bring some more? I'm anticipating 6 days along the Camino in Portugal. I was hoping to stay mostly in municipal albergues in Portugal that would only require a small cash donation. The only private albergue I have planned for sure is Casa Fernanda. Assuming Spain doesn't have the same ATM markup fee of 13%, I figured I can get more cash in Spain if necessary.
2. I'm planning my Portugues Camino from June 10-22. Do you think that I will need to worry about "the bed race" or is that more of a worry on the Camino Frances?
3. I'm starting my Camino on June 10th, which I have realized is a national holiday. What can I expect? Will businesses be open? Will streets be shut down for parades and such?
Thank you for your help!
Yes I was planning on switching over at Vila do Conde. As for Casa Fernanda, I already made a reservation back in March, but I will send you a PM because I would appreciate it you could reach out to double check the reservation.There was another post from yesterday or the day before about cutting the coastal from Labruge to the central .I do not know where this comes from so suddenly. I answered it yesterday. You better can cut this in Vila do Conde what is 4 kms further on. Is better for your health to do that. However there is a road from Labruje but without footpath and only a hard shoulder . From Vila do Conde it is safer.
Casa Fernanda. As the family Rodrigues are friends and I am in contact with them several times a week by Whatsapp ( secret number by the way-I do not publish it) I can tell you that it is very busy at the moment and every day they are complete.
If you send me a pm ( click on my avatar) and write me your name and from what country you are and the date you think you will arrive there, I’ll send a whatsapp message to Fernanda’s husband and regulary he lets me know the same day or day after if there is place or not.
Thank you! I ordered more Euros just in case because I’m also waiting on a new debit card to come in, but I appreciate all of your help.1. 300 should be plenty for 6 days if you are staying at albergues and are not extravagant. But I wouldn't be stingy with your donations at donativo albergues. It is what you donate that determines what they can offer to tomorrow's pilgrims.
2. I would not worry about a bed race on the Portugues. But I would reserve ahead for Casa da Fernanda (and be generous with your donation there).
3. This one I can't speak to.
I believe that is the "courtesy" conversion rate that the ATM offers you. You can remind the automatic conversion and let your bank do the conversion for you.I read on another thread that there is a 13% fee for Portuguese ATMs.
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