Holy Year
A Holy or Jubilee year is every year that St James Day (25 July) falls on a Sunday. This occurs every six, five, six and 11 years. The next will be in 2021, then 2027 and 2032. During a Holy year, the Holy Door (Porta Santa) of Santiago Cathedral is opened and pilgrims may pass through it.
Accommodation
As a general rule, all accommodation except albergues can be pre-booked and phone numbers/websites are listed in this guide where available. However, the listed options are not exhaustive, and additional accommodation can be found through websites such as www.booking.com as well as local tourist offices (see Appendix C). During peak holiday/festival times and summer, expect small towns and coastal towns along the Coastal Camino to book up.
Albergue
This is accommodation often run by a pilgrim organisation/church/municipality, available only for pilgrims carrying the credential. Albergues usually feature dorm-style accommodation (bunk beds) with communal bathrooms, a place to hand-wash clothes (although increasingly they have washing machines), and most have kitchen facilities. Disposable sheets may be provided and sometimes a pillow, but you are expected to bring a sleeping bag.
Unless privately owned, bookings are not permitted and beds are allocated on a first-come basis. ‘Lights-out’ is 9 or 10pm, depending on the season, and you are expected to leave by 8am. Some operate on a ‘donativo’ (donation) basis, in which case a minimum donation of €5 is appreciated. Others may be from €5–15, depending on whether they are run by the council or private. Staying in albergues is a great way to get to know your fellow pilgrims and lasting memories can be made through cooking and sharing meals together.
Bunks in an albergue at Rubiães (Central Camino Stage 19)
Albergue de Peregrinos in Alpriate (Central Camino Stage 1)
Hostel
These are privately run, often with private rooms in addition to dorm-style accommodation, with communal facilities. They are not exclusive to pilgrims. Prices generally start from €10 and bookings are permitted.
Pousadas de Juventude
Not to be confused with Pousadas (see below), these are youth hostels and are often in great locations, with terrific facilities. They can be used by people of any age or nationality. Prices range from €8–15pp for dorm rooms and some offer discounts to pilgrims with a credential; see www.pousadasjuventude.pt.
Pensão and residencial
Low-budget private accommodation (sometimes rooms in a house or apartment), often with communal bathrooms. Prices vary from €15–30 per room, depending on location.
Bombeiros Voluntários (Volunteer Firefighters)
As pilgrim numbers increase, this service has been declining; however, some fire stations still allow pilgrims to use their lodging overnight. Facilities may be basic and/or you may need your own mattress. Enquire at the local tourist office for details. Beds may be free of charge or offered on a donation basis.
Quinta
A quinta is a large country house that has accommodation, often similar to a B&B. Prices tend to start from €30 per room.
Pousada and Parador
At the top end of the scale is the restored luxury accommodation in historic castles, convents or palaces. These are called Pousadas in Portugal (www.pousadas.pt) and Paradors in Spain (
