The Art of Sleeping Well on the Camino

Whether you’re a minimalist pilgrim with a backpack held together by rope and duct tape, or someone who believes hiking is best rewarded with Egyptian cotton sheets and a hot shower, the Camino offers a lodging option for every style and budget. Over the years, we’ve stayed everywhere from crowded hostel bunk rooms with symphonies of snoring (and other bodily sounds) to elegant suites in charming villas. On the Camino, we’ve leaned toward a little comfort—namely private rooms with en-suite bathrooms and, at Marcie’s firm insistence, toilets with actual toilet seats. Civilized lodging matters. Albergues (Pilgrim Hostels)Albergues are the classic Camino accommodations, reserved exclusively for credentialed pilgrims. These hostel-style lodgings usually feature large dormitories lined with bunk beds and provide a memorable communal experience.Municipal (Public) AlberguesOperated by local municipalities or councils, these are the most affordable options on the Camino, typically costing…