Sheffield James
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017,2018, (2019)
Hola from the Camino de Santiago de Levante.
I hope to share details of my accommodation stops as I progress along the Way, but I've decided to not post as a 'Live from the Camino' in deference to Pilgr's amazing current live thread. I'm a great fan + it seems to have taken on a life form that I could never imagine trying to emulate.
I expect some of my information will have been shared already but there may be a few nuggets of new information occasionally to keep you looking in. Validating others' info is no bad thing, either.
Day 0: Valencia.
Stayed in youth hostel Center Valencia, ideally located 1 minute from the basilica and cathedral. Found on booking.com and paid €20 for two nights. Obviously, prices will fluctuate.
Obtained my credencial at the Amigos' office near the new railway station + felt buoyed by their extremely friendly and helpful advice. Muchas Gracias to Jean-Luc and colleagues.
Day 1: Algemesi.
Left at 9am. Took plenty of time enjoying suburbs, dormitory towns and the start of open countryside. Sunday normally necessitates carrying extra provisions, but there were plenty of pit-stops until the final 10kms or so. Signage good, though I lost my bearings briefly once or twice. As walking without guide, gps, etc., I arrived at 7pm (further than 34kms?) with no address for the albergue. The Ayunt was closed, so I was grateful that a passer-by drove me to the policia local to get a key. I doubt many people will be as ill-prepared as me, but be aware Algemesi is a big city and it will require a taxi (or friendly local) to get you there and back. The albergue seemed to be well-appointed, with kitchen, hot showers, several bedrooms and donativo box. One word of caution, however: I don't know if it was my exhaustion, the effect of heat-stroke, or whatever, but I thought I saw a covert camera protruding slightly from one of the ceiling tiles in the main corridor. If true, the caution is aimed solely at anyone with a predilection for dancing naked in an 'empty' albergue. Before anyone asks, I didn't!! After a comfortable sleep, I returned the key to a police officer at the Ayunt the following morning, which is on the camino route leaving town.
Day 2: Xativa (pronounced 'Hatiba')
This was a slightly shorter day, with less by way of urbanisations, but still places to stop for refreshments. The orange trees are flowering now + they give off the most amazing fragrance that will be blissfully enjoyed by all except those with a serious pollen allergy. I'm quite happy to walk on asphalt, so I won't dwell on the fact there's a lot of it underfoot. Anyhow, the backdrop of the sierra mountains along the route provides a great visual distraction for much of the day. I stayed at El Palau, a large albergue rural that offers a bunk for €18 (incl sheets and towels) and a private double room for €30. I chose a bunk in a room that sleeps 20 (shared with one cycling pilgrim + a.n. other). I've seen that KinkyOne may have found a superior place to stay, but this was plenty good enough for me. To get there, follow the main thoroughfare towards the city centre. Just before you see the Ayunt on the right hand side of the road, turn left at a stone water fountain + climb a few streets until you see the massive facade of the collegiate church. The albergue is a few metres beyond the main door. I didn't phone ahead, but was instructed to by the person who opened the massive wooden door. The two telephone numbers on the wall are: 96 227 57 88 and 687 740 061. I think the address is: #6 Arriba de la Catedral. Don't go straight to the Ayument. They sent me to the Policia Local, who then did no more than send me direct to the albergue. The latter did give me a helpful city map, though. I lost the yellow arrows when first entering the city, but you won't go too far wrong the next day by asking for Calle de la Reina that becomes Avinguda de les Corts Valenciaes en route to the town of Canals en route to, in my case, Moixent.
p.s. no, I didn't climb up to the castle!
I hope to share details of my accommodation stops as I progress along the Way, but I've decided to not post as a 'Live from the Camino' in deference to Pilgr's amazing current live thread. I'm a great fan + it seems to have taken on a life form that I could never imagine trying to emulate.
I expect some of my information will have been shared already but there may be a few nuggets of new information occasionally to keep you looking in. Validating others' info is no bad thing, either.
Day 0: Valencia.
Stayed in youth hostel Center Valencia, ideally located 1 minute from the basilica and cathedral. Found on booking.com and paid €20 for two nights. Obviously, prices will fluctuate.
Obtained my credencial at the Amigos' office near the new railway station + felt buoyed by their extremely friendly and helpful advice. Muchas Gracias to Jean-Luc and colleagues.
Day 1: Algemesi.
Left at 9am. Took plenty of time enjoying suburbs, dormitory towns and the start of open countryside. Sunday normally necessitates carrying extra provisions, but there were plenty of pit-stops until the final 10kms or so. Signage good, though I lost my bearings briefly once or twice. As walking without guide, gps, etc., I arrived at 7pm (further than 34kms?) with no address for the albergue. The Ayunt was closed, so I was grateful that a passer-by drove me to the policia local to get a key. I doubt many people will be as ill-prepared as me, but be aware Algemesi is a big city and it will require a taxi (or friendly local) to get you there and back. The albergue seemed to be well-appointed, with kitchen, hot showers, several bedrooms and donativo box. One word of caution, however: I don't know if it was my exhaustion, the effect of heat-stroke, or whatever, but I thought I saw a covert camera protruding slightly from one of the ceiling tiles in the main corridor. If true, the caution is aimed solely at anyone with a predilection for dancing naked in an 'empty' albergue. Before anyone asks, I didn't!! After a comfortable sleep, I returned the key to a police officer at the Ayunt the following morning, which is on the camino route leaving town.
Day 2: Xativa (pronounced 'Hatiba')
This was a slightly shorter day, with less by way of urbanisations, but still places to stop for refreshments. The orange trees are flowering now + they give off the most amazing fragrance that will be blissfully enjoyed by all except those with a serious pollen allergy. I'm quite happy to walk on asphalt, so I won't dwell on the fact there's a lot of it underfoot. Anyhow, the backdrop of the sierra mountains along the route provides a great visual distraction for much of the day. I stayed at El Palau, a large albergue rural that offers a bunk for €18 (incl sheets and towels) and a private double room for €30. I chose a bunk in a room that sleeps 20 (shared with one cycling pilgrim + a.n. other). I've seen that KinkyOne may have found a superior place to stay, but this was plenty good enough for me. To get there, follow the main thoroughfare towards the city centre. Just before you see the Ayunt on the right hand side of the road, turn left at a stone water fountain + climb a few streets until you see the massive facade of the collegiate church. The albergue is a few metres beyond the main door. I didn't phone ahead, but was instructed to by the person who opened the massive wooden door. The two telephone numbers on the wall are: 96 227 57 88 and 687 740 061. I think the address is: #6 Arriba de la Catedral. Don't go straight to the Ayument. They sent me to the Policia Local, who then did no more than send me direct to the albergue. The latter did give me a helpful city map, though. I lost the yellow arrows when first entering the city, but you won't go too far wrong the next day by asking for Calle de la Reina that becomes Avinguda de les Corts Valenciaes en route to the town of Canals en route to, in my case, Moixent.
p.s. no, I didn't climb up to the castle!