Accommodation with Communal Meals on the CF

[LuisaR]

I’m planning another Camino Frances, but this time can only do part of it. I’ll be walking from Pamplona for around 2 weeks; I like to walk around 22km a day, depending on the heat (I’m going again in the height of summer!).

As well as meeting people through cooking meals together, I have very fond memories of communal meals being provided by the albergue - I had wonderful meals in Albergue Orión in Castrojeriz, Albergue Casa Baztan in Uterga and Casa Maralotx in Cirauqui.

This time, I might plan some of my stops around hostels who provide communal meals - I find it a great way to meet new people. Can anyone recommend accommodations who provide a communal meal?

Thanks

 

[CWBuff]

Besides Orion that you mentioned, as much as I can remember
Quatro Cantones in Belorado
El Alfar de Hornillos in Hornillos del Camino

 

[4LahTDog]

I’m planning another Camino Frances, but this time can only do part of it. I’ll be walking from Pamplona for around 2 weeks; I like to walk around 22km a day, depending on the heat (I’m going again in the height of summer!).

As well as meeting people through cooking meals together, I have very fond memories of communal meals being provided by the albergue - I had wonderful meals in Albergue Orión in Castrojeriz, Albergue Casa Baztan in Uterga and Casa Maralotx in Cirauqui.

This time, I might plan some of my stops around hostels who provide communal meals - I find it a great way to meet new people. Can anyone recommend accommodations who provide a communal meal?

Casa Maralotx in Cirauqui and Casa Domingo Albergue in Ponte Compagne proudly serve fantastic communal meals. I highly recommend both of them!

 

[BobY333]

This is a great idea - I’ve loved the communal dinners. We’re planning a second CF, and the only reason I’d stay in Orrison (instead of Borda, where I haven’t stayed) is for the dinner where everyone is so excited to get started!

I wonder if there’s any central source for this information? Does anyone know if an app or Gronze has a filter or some way to search for this?

 

[Jodean]

The dinner at Borda was tastier than Orisson and they do the same introductions, etc. It was ever so much nicer and the group was smaller.

Had communal meals at Albergue de Peregrino Camino de Padron in Uterga, at El Cantero in Maneru, Albergue Karma at Sansol (fantastic) Albergue la Casa del Peregrino in Navarete, Albergue Bideluze in Castildelgado (fabulous), Casa las Almas in Espinosa (Fantastic), Albergue Sante Fe in Cardinuela Riopico, Meeting Point in Hornillos, Rosalia in Castrojeriz, St. Nikolas, Juntos in Boadilla, Albergue So Por Hoja, Astorga (delicious), Casa Susi in Trabadelo (Excellent) Reboliera in Fonfria.

Before Pamplona, also had lovely communal meals at Posada el Camino in Linzoain and at the Paroquial in Zabaldika.

Hope that helps. Many of them also offered a nice breakfast too, something more than just toast and jam.

 

[J Willhaus]

You can also check Gronze.com. I find that the spontaneous meals prepared by and with pilgrims to be some of the best.

 

[gkaplan]

I’m planning another Camino Frances, but this time can only do part of it. I’ll be walking from Pamplona for around 2 weeks; I like to walk around 22km a day, depending on the heat (I’m going again in the height of summer!).

As well as meeting people through cooking meals together, I have very fond memories of communal meals being provided by the albergue - I had wonderful meals in Albergue Orión in Castrojeriz, Albergue Casa Baztan in Uterga and Casa Maralotx in Cirauqui.

This time, I might plan some of my stops around hostels who provide communal meals - I find it a great way to meet new people. Can anyone recommend accommodations who provide a communal meal?

Thanks

Albergue Parrochial de San Juan Bautista in Grañon. An unforgettable experience.

 

[Becky 59]

The new donativo in Pamplona, Betania, does a communal meal. It’s a small place, 14-18 beds. Another vote for Meeting Point in Hornillos, a huge pan of paella. They also did a huge paella at Albergue Fénix in Villafranca del Bierzo. The donativos in Logroño and Grañoñ do communal meals.

 

[Adelina]

Albergue San Francisco in to santos. San anton I hear is great as well.

 

[Baba John]

Albergue San Francisco in to santos. San anton I hear is great as well.

Si...
San Anton is simple, but so heartwarming. If I remember correctly it's you and eleven of your best friends at the moment. Also the host. In '17 a benefactor of the albergue joined us. He only spoke Spanish so mostly observed, but at the end of the meal he gifted each of us with a small painted cross, and thanked us all for our pilgrimage.
So sweet.

 

[longlost18]

We had quite a few memorable communal meals on the Francis, but the most memorable were 1. Borda, (dinner and breakfast!) which set a high bar on our first night. and, 2. after walking in pouring rain all day, the donativo in Grañon.

 

[trecile]

A few that I don't think have been mentioned yet:

Albergue Cirauqui Casa Maralotx | Albergue de Peregrinos en Cirauqui | Gronze.com

Información del albergue de peregrinos Albergue Cirauqui Casa Maralotx, en Cirauqui: Precio, plazas, características, etc...

www.gronze.com

Albergue Fuente Sidres | Albergue de Peregrinos en Fuente Sidres | Gronze.com

Información del albergue de peregrinos Albergue Fuente Sidres, en Fuente Sidres: Precio, plazas, características, etc...

www.gronze.com

Albergue INpulso Atapuerca | Albergue de Peregrinos en Atapuerca | Gronze.com

Información del albergue de peregrinos Albergue INpulso Atapuerca, en Atapuerca: Precio, plazas, características, etc...

www.gronze.com

 

[mspath]

This is a great idea - I’ve loved the communal dinners. We’re planning a second CF, and the only reason I’d stay in Orrison (instead of Borda, where I haven’t stayed) is for the dinner where everyone is so excited to get started!

I wonder if there’s any central source for this information? Does anyone know if an app or Gronze has a filter or some way to search for this?

In Gronze there are 3 symbols used for meals. The pot means you can cook while the covered dish means meals are available and a plate means a set menu is provided. Thus Orrison shows a plate.

 

[Rowena]

I can add a few more. Between Pamplona and Burgos there’s also a communal meal at Albergue Hogar in Villamayor de Monjardin, at Refugio Acacia y Orieta in Viloria de la Rioja and at Albergue Victoria in Cirueña and after Burgos at Albergue Liberanos Dominie in Rabé de las Calzadas.
At least this was the case in 2018.

 

[auburnfive]

This is a great idea - I’ve loved the communal dinners. We’re planning a second CF, and the only reason I’d stay in Orrison (instead of Borda, where I haven’t stayed) is for the dinner where everyone is so excited to get started!

I wonder if there’s any central source for this information? Does anyone know if an app or Gronze has a filter or some way to search for this?

They also have a great communal meal at Borda

 

[wynrich]

We had a wonderful communal meal (vegetarian paella) at Albergue San Antonio de Padua in Villar de Mazarife in 2013 and 2015. (This is on the alternate route from Leon to Hospital de Orbigo.) Lovely people running the Albergue. The first time we didn't actually stay at the albergue but were welcome to come for the meal. I don't know for sure if they are still offering the dinner -- that was nearly 10 years ago. We stayed there in 2022 as well but it was off-season and we were the only ones there and no meal was offered. But the same couple was running the albergue.

 

[Antonius Vaessen]

A place not mentioned yet Is "Palacio de Sansol", II is indeed a kind of villagepalace. an old man did everything on his own. It was 3 years ago that I stayed there. I don't know if hé still Is there. In gronze I read that there were 2 Germanen,not soanishspeaking hospitaleros

 

[KeyserSoza]

Albergue Suseia in Zubiri is a wonderful place to stay and the host Sara does an absolutely delicious meal for circa 12 persons. One of the deals gems of the CF. Booking recommended by WhatsApp or gmail.

 

[naplesdon]

Don't forget Zalbaldika, it is about day before Pamplona. Great hospis and they enlist pilgrims to help prepare a simple meal. There is a tour of the church before dinner and usually a visit with sisters in the monastery afterwards.

 

[LuisaR]

Don't forget Zalbaldika, it is about day before Pamplona. Great hospis and they enlist pilgrims to help prepare a simple meal. There is a tour of the church before dinner and usually a visit with sisters in the monastery afterwards.

I’ll be starting in Pamplona but good tip for another time, thanks!

 

[LuisaR]

Albergue Suseia in Zubiri is a wonderful place to stay and the host Sara does an absolutely delicious meal for circa 12 persons. One of the deals gems of the CF. Booking recommended by WhatsApp or gmail.

I’m starting in Pamplona this time, so will be missing Zubiri on this camino, but good tip for the day I dare to walk over the Pyrenees again!

 

[Kirkie]

The dinner at Borda was tastier than Orisson and they do the same introductions, etc. It was ever so much nicer and the group was smaller.

Had communal meals at Albergue de Peregrino Camino de Padron in Uterga, at El Cantero in Maneru, Albergue Karma at Sansol (fantastic) Albergue la Casa del Peregrino in Navarete, Albergue Bideluze in Castildelgado (fabulous), Casa las Almas in Espinosa (Fantastic), Albergue Sante Fe in Cardinuela Riopico, Meeting Point in Hornillos, Rosalia in Castrojeriz, St. Nikolas, Juntos in Boadilla, Albergue So Por Hoja, Astorga (delicious), Casa Susi in Trabadelo (Excellent) Reboliera in Fonfria.

Before Pamplona, also had lovely communal meals at Posada el Camino in Linzoain and at the Paroquial in Zabaldika.

Hope that helps. Many of them also offered a nice breakfast too, something more than just toast and jam.

When I was on duty in Zabaldika, I emptied the fridge onto the table for breakfast.

 

[Gerard Griffin]

The last time I was in San Anton the hospitalero was a German fellow, a gifted chef, who cooks for fun and for the pleasure of good company. One of the best meals I've ever had. I hope he's still there when I pass by next time.

 

[naplesdon]

I’ll be starting in Pamplona but good tip for another time, thanks!

It is a very short walk back from Pamplona to this albergue. It might be worth an extra day?

 

[Jodean]

Oasis Trails in Villamayor Monjardin also has a nice communal dinner.
Have also had a fabulous paella in Viloria di Rioja, at Parada Viloria. Posted a link to my video of the hostess making Paella at minute 03:00.

 

[domigee]

This is a great idea - I’ve loved the communal dinners. We’re planning a second CF, and the only reason I’d stay in Orrison (instead of Borda, where I haven’t stayed) is for the dinner where everyone is so excited to get started!

I wonder if there’s any central source for this information? Does anyone know if an app or Gronze has a filter or some way to search for this?

There is also a communal dinner at Borda where everybody introduce themselves, just like Orisson,

 

[gkaplan]

I’m planning another Camino Frances, but this time can only do part of it. I’ll be walking from Pamplona for around 2 weeks; I like to walk around 22km a day, depending on the heat (I’m going again in the height of summer!).

As well as meeting people through cooking meals together, I have very fond memories of communal meals being provided by the albergue - I had wonderful meals in Albergue Orión in Castrojeriz, Albergue Casa Baztan in Uterga and Casa Maralotx in Cirauqui.

This time, I might plan some of my stops around hostels who provide communal meals - I find it a great way to meet new people. Can anyone recommend accommodations who provide a communal meal?

Thanks

Also Albergue Inpulso in Atapuerca, 20 km before Burgos. Another very special place

 

[naplesdon]

The last time I was in San Anton the hospitalero was a German fellow, a gifted chef, who cooks for fun and for the pleasure of good company. One of the best meals I've ever had. I hope he's still there when I pass by next time.

That sounds like it might have been Oliver Kliodt, who I served with at San Anton in 2015.

 

[Stephan the Painter]

In Gronze there are 3 symbols used for meals. The pot means you can cook while the covered dish means meals are available and a plate means a set menu is provided. Thus Orrison shows a plate.

Great information! I feel like I had a communal meal in almost every albergue I stayed in. And I wasn't necessarily looking for that, but it was just the way it was.