Best hour to check in at the spanish albergues

[Marco Pereira]

Hi!
Thinking of cycling the portugueses costal way between may, 2 and 6.
Seems that they open at 13pm, with prioraty to on foot pilgrims, and close at 22pm.
Should I arrive at 18, 16pm? Or cycle all morning and stop there at 14pm, taking the rest of the day off?
Many thanks!

 

[Deleted member 67185]

I would cycle your normal distance and time. You will stop either earlier or later based on where your expected destination is. If your budget allows, you will usually have other lodging options -- other than albergues -- if they are completo when you arrive; hostals, rurals, apartments, and hotels are available in most locations as a backup.

My preference is not to let lodging be the focus of my day; I want to arrive where I arrive, when I arrive.

 

[Camino Addict]

The only thing I would add is expect to be turned away from a "public" albergue as a opposed to a private albergue if you want to check in at 1400. As you mentioned, public albergues give priority to the foot pilgrims, and they usually start taking in the cyclists in the later afternoon after the foot crowd has mostly checked in. So if you get into a town early, and you like the sights and vibes there, chill till they let you check in, or if you have the energy, peddle a little further.

 

[crackmrmac]

While walking across bridge to albergue in Ponte de Lima at 17:50 all was well with the world. Entering, I was surprised at number of pilgrims in foyer and reception area. Turns out most were cyclists, some individuals holding a few credentials for others in their group. I was told cyclists must
wait until 18:00 to gain entry.

 

[Deleted member 43780]

I would say... arrive when you arrive. Each A'burg may be different on when you can come in as a cyclist. Normally if late afternoon..no problem. If you arrive at a place check to see if ok to sign in. If not, get a time when to come back.

I have walked three Caminos and biked one. When biking I did not have a problem getting in the A'burg. But, I did stay outside in my tent or hammock at most of them. So was not taking a bed from a walker.

Crackmrmac, I did not stay in the A'burg there. Stayed in private place. I heard far too many negative comments about the A'burg in Pt de Lima.

 

[Thornley]

Hi!
Thinking of cycling the portugueses costal way between may, 2 and 6.
Seems that they open at 13pm, with prioraty to on foot pilgrims, and close at 22pm.
Should I arrive at 18, 16pm? Or cycle all morning and stop there at 14pm, taking the rest of the day off?
Many thanks!

If you stop at 2 pm you will have a very short day.
Most cyclists arrive late in the day/early evening , and
With a smile i write ;
drive the walking pilgrims mad as they try for an early sleep whilst you blokes look and cook for dinner