One of the things that makes the Camino truly special for me are the albergues.

Albergues are more than just places to sleep—they are part of the unique fabric of the Camino experience, offering a mix of hospitality, connection, and sometimes even a touch of magic. There are three main types of albergues you’ll encounter along the way:

1. Municipal Albergues

Owned and managed by local towns or districts (like the Xunta in Galicia), these albergues are typically simple and affordable, ranging from €7 to €15 per night. Some are small and intimate, while others, like the large municipal albergue in O Cebreiro, can accommodate many pilgrims. They’re often run by volunteers and operate on a first-come, first-served basis—you can’t book them online, but I’ve always managed to find a bed.

2. Private Albergues

Privately owned and run, these albergues often reflect the personality of their hosts. They tend to be a bit more expensive but offer added comfort, thoughtful touches, and sometimes extra services like meals or laundry. Many can be booked online through platforms like Booking.com or by sending a WhatsApp message to the owner.

3. Donativo Albergues

These are donation-based and run by volunteers, often with a spiritual or community-focused atmosphere. Like municipal albergues, they don’t usually take bookings or have websites, but they’re well-documented on platforms like Gronze. The donation system allows pilgrims to contribute what they can, making these albergues accessible to everyone.

Of course, there’s also other accommodation along the Camino, from charming rural hotels to extraordinary stays like the luxurious Paradors.

My Favorites

I have a soft spot for albergues in smaller towns and villages and those that offer communal meals that bring pilgrims together.

Here’s my list of 10 of my favourite albergues on the Camino Francés. The list follows the route from the start of the Camino to Santiago, and are just a few highlights, I’m working on a complete guide that will include all my top recommendations.

The albergues in this list are places where I’ve felt welcomed, inspired, and truly at home—an essential part of what makes walking the Camino unforgettable.

So let’s get started.

This Albergue, or Gîte as you are still in France, is an institution of the Camino de Santiago. It’s an 8 km hike up a steep hill from St. Jean Pied de Port. Many pilgrims choose to start with a short first day and stay here.

The Albergue has about 40 bunk beds and also a couple of private rooms. Orisson is renowned for its communal dinners, where each guest introduces themselves and shares why they are walking the Camino. You will make friends here whom you will cross paths with for the rest of the Camino and even longer.

This privately run albergue costs more than most others you’ll stay in, partly because you’re still in France. It’s about €50 for a bed and dinner, or €120 if you want to treat yourself to a private chalet instead of a dorm.

Booking ahead is essential — even months in advance — as it fills up very quickly. If Orisson is full, there is another Albergue, Borda, just 1 km further up the hill, I haven’t stayed there but its meant to be amazing too.

One of the best parts is the deck out front with stunning views of the valley below. Even if you keep going to Roncesvalles instead of staying the night, you’ll probably still stop here for a café con leche and a croissant while soaking in the epic views.

I love the village of Roncesvalles. It’s basically just a monastery with a couple of bars, but it has such a special vibe. The Albergue is inside the monastery and has been looking after pilgrims forever, it’s now run by a Dutch confraternity. It was modernized about 10 years ago, so it’s really clean and comfortable now, with around 250 beds arranged in cubicles.

Ronsavlles can be very busy, and even with so many beds, I’ve heard it can fill up at certain times of the year. That said, the hospitaleros will always make sure you have a place to sleep — even if they can’t find you an actual bed.

You can book online and it’s €15 for a bed and an additional €14 for dinner, which is served in one of the bars. Honestly, I’d skip that dinner because the food in the other bar is better. Mass is held every evening in the church next to the albergue, and there’s a pilgrim blessing afterwards. Even if you’re not very religious, it’s a lovely experience and worth going to.

Also next morning, at about 6 am I was woken up by hospitaleros walking through the dorms ringing bells and singing — maybe not for everyone, but it definitely put a smile on my face!

The Albergue Parroquial in Grañón is without a doubt one of my favourite places to stay on the Camino Francés. I did my first Camino on a bike and stopped in the village early in the day, chatted with some people for a bit, then hopped back on my bike and kept going since it was still morning. But there was something special about the village that really stuck with me. When I got home, I couldn’t stop thinking about the place, but couldn’t remember the name. Determined to find it so I could go back, I turned to Google Street View. I had a rough idea of the area, so I slowly followed the Camino route online until I finally found it.

The next year, when I walked the Camino, I planned my whole route around staying in Grañón. When I arrived, I scouted around for somewhere to stay and found the Albergue Parroquial, which is part of the church. You could easily miss it since you need to walk around the back to get in. But wow, it’s incredible. You climb up this old spiral stone staircase — feels like a castle — and step into the albergue.

The welcome is unforgettable. There’s always soup simmering on the stove, and you’re offered tea as soon as you arrive. You’re given a mat and can just pick a spot to sleep either in the attic above the kitchen or down in the cozy basement.

Dinner is a beautiful communal experience where everyone pitches in. There’s plenty of wine flowing, and if the weather’s nice, the meal is served in the small garden outside, which just makes it even more magical.

After dinner, we were all invited to a special candlelight reflection in the upper church choir loft. It was such a peaceful moment, giving everyone a chance to share their thoughts, experiences, and intentions. It really brought people together and made the whole experience feel even more meaningful.

Tosantos is another donativo albergue about 25 km walk from Grañón, offering a very similar experience. It’s run by Father José Luis, who is passionate about keeping the original spirit of the Camino alive.

Like Grañón, there are no beds, just mats on the floor in the old building. Before dinner, we were given a fascinating tour of the church built into the caves overlooking the village.

After the tour, everyone was invited to help prepare the communal evening meal—a simple affair with no wine but full of shared effort and conversation. After dinner, we gathered for a heartfelt reflection, a sort of small prayer circle. We each wrote messages on cards, sharing why we were walking the Camino or expressing personal challenges we were facing. These cards were then stored away, and we drew messages written by past pilgrims, people we had never met. Reading their words aloud was incredibly moving—there were tears, comfort, and a deep sense of connection among all of us.

San Nicolas is a donativo albergue in a remote part of the Meseta, run by an Italian fraternity. It’s a really special place with just eight or so bunk beds in an old church, no electricity, and a beautifully simple atmosphere.

The communal meal was amazing, the Italians sure know how to cook! After dinner, there was a feet-washing ceremony that made the experience even more memorable. Eating by candlelight with no Wi-Fi felt like the perfect way to disconnect from the usual hurried pace of life.

If you’re into stargazing, this is the spot. On a clear night with no moon and zero light pollution, you can see the Milky Way in its full glory. It was one of the most peaceful, unforgettable stays I’ve had.

San Bol is another albergue in the middle of nowhere on the Meseta. There’s nothing around for miles, which makes it feel extra special. We had an amazing meal served around a big round table, creating such a cozy atmosphere. The albergue sleeps about 10 people, and I don’t think you can book it online—just show up. It’s on the road from Hornillos to Hontanas; you take a left off the path and walk about 200 yards.

There’s a pool where you can soak your feet, and legend has it if you soak your feet here, you won’t get blisters. Didn’t quite work for me, but it felt incredible on a scorching hot day. The water, which seems to come from an underground well, was insanely cold and refreshing. I ended up sitting there for ages, just enjoying the coolness while the sun blazed.

Definitely recommend staying here, especially if you’re into stargazing. The isolation makes for some unforgettable night skies.

The Albergue at the ruins of San Antón on the Camino Francés is one of the most unique and magical places to stay along the route. Nestled among the hauntingly beautiful remains of a 14th-century monastery, the albergue offers a rare chance to sleep beneath ancient stone arches, surrounded by history. It’s a small, rustic, and donation-based albergue with only about 10 beds. There’s no electricity or Wi-Fi, adding to the peaceful, timeless atmosphere.

Pilgrims share a simple communal meal by candlelight, often bonding over stories and the quiet beauty of the ruins. Passing through the ancient stone archway as part of the Camino itself is an unforgettable experience. If you’re looking for a stay that feels truly spiritual and connected to the history of the Camino, San Antón is a must.

Albergue Parroquial Casa Rectoral is in a charming 17th-century building located at the end of the quaint village of Bercianos del Real Camino. On previous Camino walks, I missed staying here due to taking the alternative route along the old Roman road, but after hearing great things about it, I made it a mission to stop and stay during my last Camino.

This donativo albergue—you might notice a trend here, embodies the true spirit of the Camino. The simplicity of the old building adds to its charm. We all pitched in to prepare dinner—a hearty soup with beans and chorizo—served around a large communal table. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming a very memorable experience.

In the evening, there’s an invitation to a reflection or prayer session in the on-site chapel, enhancing the communal and spiritual experience.

Albergue Verde, located on the edge of Hospital de Órbigo, is a true oasis on the Camino. This private albergue exudes a hippy-chic vibe.

The communal dinner is a highlight—imagine dining under the trees at a long table, enjoying a delicious vegan meal. Freshly baked bread, veggie paella, and just-out-of-the-oven brownies are some of the delights, with much of the produce sourced from their own organic garden. The staff even sing a blessing before the meal, adding to the special atmosphere.

For those interested in wellness, there’s a yurt dedicated to yoga and meditation, offering free classes to help rejuvenate both body and mind.

The Albergue offers 26 beds in shared accommodation, with prices around €16 per night

Just keep in mind, Albergue Verde is strictly vegetarian, so don’t sneak in any ham rolls.

I’ve saved one of my absolute favourites for last: Albergue Ave Fénix in Villafranca del Bierzo. It’s hard to describe—unique, weird, a bit wild, and definitely memorable. You’ll find it on the left just as you arrive in town. And speaking of arriving, the walk into Villafranca through the vineyards is absolutely stunning

The Fénix albergue has serious hippy vibes, is a little chaotic, and honestly not the cleanest. But it’s full of charm and character. After a long day walking, we were happy to grab our bunks and spend the afternoon chilling in the garden.

Dinner turned into a raucous affair that escalated into a full-on party. After dinner the hospitalero, Jesús Jato, (he reminded me of a kind-hearted Gargamel from the Smurfs) led a ceremony that felt a bit mystical, kind of occult, but in a fascinating way.

If you don’t mind a place that’s rough around the edges and want a Camino stay you’ll never forget, this is the spot for you.