Accommodation is one of the most important decisions when planning the Camino de Santiago. Each type has its pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your budget, who you're travelling with, and what kind of experience you're looking for. This guide explains everything.
The three types of accommodation on the Camino
| Type | Approx. price | Privacy | Atmosphere | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Municipal hostel | 8–15€/night | None (dormitory) | Very lively | Tight budget, travelling alone |
| Private hostel | 15–25€/night | Low (dormitory) | Good | Pilgrim atmosphere + comfort |
| Guesthouse / Rural house | 35–70€/night | High (private room) | Quiet | Couples, rest, privacy |
| Hotel | 70–150€/night | Full | Comfortable | Comfort, business travel, luxury |
Hostels: the traditional pilgrim option
Hostels are the accommodation most associated with the Camino. There are two types: municipal (run by local councils or parishes) and private (with more services but slightly more expensive).
Advantages of hostels
- Very affordable price (8–25€ per person)
- The atmosphere is unbeatable: you meet pilgrims from all over the world
- They are right in the heart of the Camino and the villages
- Some have a kitchen where you can prepare your own meals
Disadvantages of hostels
- Shared dormitories with bunk beds (snoring can be an issue)
- Shared bathrooms and little privacy
- Strict quiet hours (lights out usually at 10pm)
- You have to leave early (check-out before 8am in many)
- In high season they can fill up and don't always accept reservations
Guesthouses and rural houses: the perfect balance
Guesthouses and rural tourism houses offer a private room with bathroom (in most cases) at a reasonable price. They are the most popular option among pilgrims who want to rest properly without spending on a hotel.
Advantages of guesthouses
- Private room for better rest
- Private bathroom or shared with only 1-2 rooms
- Breakfast is usually included
- Quieter, more homely atmosphere
- Galician rural houses have a lot of charm
Disadvantages
- More expensive than hostels (35–70€/night per room)
- Less collective pilgrim atmosphere
- They can be a little away from the village centre
Hotels: maximum comfort on the Camino
More and more pilgrims are choosing to do the Camino in hotels, especially couples, older travellers, or those combining business and leisure. The hotel offering along the main Camino stages has grown considerably in recent years.
Is it worth paying more?
If rest is a priority for you, yes. Arriving at a hotel room after 25 km of walking and being able to take a long shower, sleep in a comfortable bed, and have breakfast included makes a real difference to how you tackle the next stage.
Book in advance or arrive and look?
It depends on the time of year and the route. In high season (July-August) and on the final stretch of the Camino Francés (from Sarria), popular accommodation fills up weeks in advance. In low season or on less-travelled routes, it's possible to go without a reservation.
Our recommendation: if you have fixed dates, book at least 4-6 weeks in advance. With our packages, accommodation is already confirmed night by night so you don't have to worry about a thing.
Want accommodation sorted from day one?
Our packages include confirmed accommodation stage by stage. You choose the type — private hostel, guesthouse or hotel — and we handle everything.
Request a free quote →Frequently asked questions about accommodation
Is it compulsory to stay in hostels to do the Camino?
No. You can sleep wherever you like: hotel, guesthouse, rural house, hostel... The only requirement for the Compostela is to stamp your credential at least twice a day over the last 100 km.
How much does accommodation on the Camino de Santiago cost?
Between 8€ (municipal hostel) and 150€ (boutique hotel) per night. The most common range is 15 to 50€ per person. Check our guide on how much the Camino costs for a full breakdown.
Can you book accommodation in advance?
Yes, and it is strongly recommended in high season. Private hostels and guesthouses do accept reservations. Some municipal hostels do not, but they are the minority.
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