Cobreces has an albergue (didn't care much for the lodging but it was OK), they also have rooms I think) and you can attend services with them; in 2012 the email was
ocsoacv@planalfa.es; they may also have rooms for males where the monks live--for obvious reasons I didn't ask;
the Convent of St Francis in Loredo was nice, i think they have dorms and rooms for both genders, I stayed in a room for females only in a different section. The guest house might have been a better idea, I was kind of locked in...the phone then was 942 606600 and 942 606141, fax 942 606600,...don't know if you can attend services, I arrived late in day and left early
Most, including me, walked through Noja in favor of getting to Guermes (I decision I would do over but I am in a tiny minority)...in Noja the Convento Santa Maria de la Merced, tele 942 630 086
In Ziortza, the monastery has an albergue...there were only five monks in 2012 so don't know if it is still there, but the best night I had in 90 days of caminos; welcome to join their services
if you are taking the turn to oviedo, the monks at Valdedios have (had) both albergue and private rooms, I don't know the albergue side but with the room I was welcomed to join meals and services (no one was in the albergue then). I think they may also have something for males only on their side of the monastery (I was bouncing around an empty other side), although I was allowed into the more 'common' areas like the chapel, cloister, etc, there was some off-limits areas for me as a female
these are the Norte ones off the top of my head, if I think of more I"ll add them
Buen Camino
edit: I feel compelled to edit to expand on my CObreces comment. The albergue was pretty dusty, and what I should have done was asked for some cleaning supplies. I think they don't have many monks still living in most of these huge, huge places, and upkeep for them (especially since many are aging) is probably a never ending task. I did clean a bit in Ziortza (there were some supplies in the room, and the room was clean, perhaps from monks, or from prior pilgrims)...even if you don't stay there you will pass by and you will see what I mean about just too much for five elderly men to handle on their own.
Does anyone have experience or/know of monasteries or convents that welcome male pilgrims, or of quiet, traditional Albergues on the El Camino del Norte please? Any advice or recommendation welcome. I plan to take my pilgramage in 2017. Many thanks. Keith.
