Looking at my 3rd CF this year. In 2016 and last year, I often stayed in the same villages/towns/cities, mostly because I enjoyed them the first time. For me, at least until I hear other opinions, there are certain overnight stops I feel like I can't miss.
At the larger city level, Pamplona, Logrono, Burgos and Leon seem like must-stays to me.
The next level of can't miss overnights for me are Estella, Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Astorga, Foncebaddon, Villafranca del Bierzo, Ponferrada, and Portomarin.
Here's an example of the kind dilemma I'm having. In my two previous CF's, I have stayed in Foncebaddon both times--a days walk from Astorga and a days walk to Ponferrada. The atmosphere in Foncebaddon seems mystical to me, and I am energized just being there. But, Rabanal and Molinaseca (before and after Foncebaddon) are so charming I am sorely tempted. I suppose I could just walk shorter segments and thereby more overnights, but I tend to want to complete the walk in 30-33 days.
After Villafranca del Biezo, I'm not wedded to or particularly charmed by any town from Sarria onward, although last year I took a friend's recommendation and stayed at the Pazo Sedor which is slightly off the Camino just past Casteneda. Pazo Sedor is located off by itself, but what a wonderful splurge.
So, which towns/hamlets would you say are your favorites--favorite enough that you would tend to stay in the town/village time and time again.
Depends what you are looking for?
Estella, VillaFranca del Beirzo and Ponferrada I have tried.
Personally I wouldn't stay at those again.
Foncebadon I love because it gives me a chance to be at the Cross early.
I'm not sure I would go out of my way to stay in the same places again really.
There are too many great places to experience. So I try to avoid places I have been before.
What makes a place great? So many factors.
The place itself, the beauty, the history.
The accommodation I used.
The people I met.
The meals I had.
It's proximity to the next place I wanted to reach........
So it's always a gamble recommending places.
But here goes:
Los Arcos. Lovely town, church, town square, places to eat.
Vianna. Same.
Logrono. Tapas!
Navarrette. Lovely village, church, town square, places to eat.
Villafranca Montes de Orca. The big old Hotel above the church. Like a Parador almost.
Hornillos. Just to stay at Casa Rural del Abuelo, run my Maria.
Carrion. Just to stay at San Zoilo
O'Cebriero. What's not to love! Buildings, views.....
For the last 100kms the only stand out for me is Portomarin.......just to have lunch at O Mirador