Is Granon and Tosantos open year round?

Well Renshaw I am just a bit biased :wink: but I would not pass up Grañón! I was there as a pelegrina in 2010 and returned this July for 2 weeks as a hospitalera - one of the best experiences that I have ever had. I then took a bus to Burgos and walked to Bercianos (5 days but you would need more). I just love this section, especially around Castrojeriz.

Grañón is open all year round (has a fireplace) but as far as I know Tosantos is not. We hospitaleras went over to visit them this summer and when I asked about them being open in the winter I was told no.

Jesús the priest in Grañón said that is is VERY quiet in the winter. I think that it would be magical though cold.

Good luck planning! But be sure to check guides, mundicamino or eroski sites to see which albergues are open in November.

Cheers,
LT

Indeed Granon is always open and very special. The sign reads “Welcome pilgrim make this your home”. The handsome common room has a fireplace and comfortable furnishing. Everything is done with overwhelming kindness to make each pilgrim feel at home. The hospitaleros are always kind and helpful while the communal meals are most pleasant. This is authentic caritas. Long may it last.

Remember, however, that the Granon albergue is located within an uninsulated stone church tower and generally unheated other than by the fireplace. Pilgrims sleep on mats spread across the balcony floor. Late last October it was very cold; other years in January and February it was FRIGID. Be prepared!.

Margaret

Totally agree Renshaw! Viana is on my list too (although it is the luck of the draw - guess that I was just lucky).

But as I hope/plan to finish the VdlP next summer from Zamora through Ourense to Santiago I might just check out possibilities there. The Spanish Federation (hospitaleros supplied by HOSVOL) is also responsible for the pilgrim albergues in Alcuéscar, Salamanca and Zamora although the last 2 can not at all be compared with the parish albergues such as those in Viana, Grañón, Tosantos or Bercianos.

Let us know what you decide!