Could you be a Hospitable Hermit?

[Rebekah Scott]

We are kicking around an idea for camino hospitality and I wonder if some of you can help me hash it out.
The Camino ethos, at least among some of us hardcore hospitaleros, is based on donativo albergues, simple shelters with minimal facilities, watched-over by volunteer hospitaleros.
Some hardy souls out in the wildlife-rich wilderness of Spain and Portugal have found a disused camino road, and are re-developing its old infrastructure of priests' houses and town-hall meeting rooms. About 40 pilgrims a year now use this 200-km. path, which connects Zamora to Verin, via Braganza. It is waymarked and GPS-tracked, but there are still a couple of gaps in the line of albergues... which makes for at least one 40km. day... but those should be filled-in within the year. The road has much to commend it. Once it's all announced, it is projected to attract about 1,400 to 3,000 pilgrims per year. Every one of the albergues will subscribe to the donativo principle!

The albergues are small, the towns are small, there's not a whole lot of pilgrim action. Whoever watches the place would need to cover his own costs for food and transportation (there are daily buses), take care of the pilgrims who show up, keep the albergue clean and maintain good relations with the town. There is little need for teams of hospis in places so small, so the volunteer would likely be there on his own. This is Deep Spain, he'd need to speak Spanish. He'd need to be reasonably healthy. And he'd need to be willing to work without monetary recompense.

It wouldn't make sense to turn over the hospis every two weeks. These are shaping-up as longer-term gigs, a month or two or three, or even an entire pilgrim season... or year-round for the truly dedicated hermit.

This would seem to be a good gig for a student working on a thesis, or an author working on a book, or a retiree looking for a low-cost living experience in a faraway world. Or a religious solitary in search of silence, but dedicated to hospitality. Or someone in love with the "my own albergue" ideal who wants to try out the full-on hospitalero life before he buys a house in Spain?

What do you think, pilgrims? Do these people exist, or are we just dreaming? Where will we find them?

 

[Michael K]

Hi Rebekah, they do exist! (I just sent you a message.) If you reached out to the right places I could see people falling over themselves to get a chance at this- writers, language learners, students, Camino lifestyle lovers, get-away-from-it-all-ers, would-be albergue owners, the list goes on.

 

[Kris85]

You are not just dreaming. We excist.

I just moved to Porto, Portugal after retiring from work back home in Norway. I currently looking for some
meaningful things to do. After hosting over 300+ people at Couchsurfing, i like the idea of "free
hospitality", and i have dreamed about starting my own private hostel in the furture. I have a small income to take care of my self, so the projects im looking for dont need to be remunerative.

In fact; i have NO idea what to do with my life now. No partner, no kids, a passive stable income gives me a freedom I could never dream about. Im with no doubt lucky!

However i have no experiance in this world of pilgrims and have never done a camino before. But in March, im doing my first - and the plan is - to think about what i would like to do for the next few years.

So this appeals to me. However, i dont speak Spanish/Portuguese - and i cant live to isolated. However, i could always get a car. ;P But this sounds a bit to extreme for my taste. But i like the idea !!!

 

[Java]

We are kicking around an idea for camino hospitality and I wonder if some of you can help me hash it out.
The Camino ethos, at least among some of us hardcore hospitaleros, is based on donativo albergues, simple shelters with minimal facilities, watched-over by volunteer hospitaleros.
Some hardy souls out in the wildlife-rich wilderness of Spain and Portugal have found a disused camino road, and are re-developing its old infrastructure of priests' houses and town-hall meeting rooms. About 40 pilgrims a year now use this 200-km. path, which connects Zamora to Verin, via Braganza. It is waymarked and GPS-tracked, but there are still a couple of gaps in the line of albergues... which makes for at least one 40km. day... but those should be filled-in within the year. The road has much to commend it. Once it's all announced, it is projected to attract about 1,400 to 3,000 pilgrims per year. Every one of the albergues will subscribe to the donativo principle!

The albergues are small, the towns are small, there's not a whole lot of pilgrim action. Whoever watches the place would need to cover his own costs for food and transportation (there are daily buses), take care of the pilgrims who show up, keep the albergue clean and maintain good relations with the town. There is little need for teams of hospis in places so small, so the volunteer would likely be there on his own. This is Deep Spain, he'd need to speak Spanish. He'd need to be reasonably healthy. And he'd need to be willing to work without monetary recompense.

It wouldn't make sense to turn over the hospis every two weeks. These are shaping-up as longer-term gigs, a month or two or three, or even an entire pilgrim season... or year-round for the truly dedicated hermit.

This would seem to be a good gig for a student working on a thesis, or an author working on a book, or a retiree looking for a low-cost living experience in a faraway world. Or a religious solitary in search of silence, but dedicated to hospitality. Or someone in love with the "my own albergue" ideal who wants to try out the full-on hospitalero life before he buys a house in Spain?

What do you think, pilgrims? Do these people exist, or are we just dreaming? Where will we find them?

Sounds like the life I am currently creating, working towards.

 

[Deleted member 73526]

I would like to do this - and as this thread shows, people are interested in this. But I expect there will be gaps when volunteers aren't available in all the places that you'd like to have them.

You might find it helpful to have a chat with the Camino association in Almeria, since they manage 7 or 8 donativo albergues on the way to Granada. This route has fewer pilgrims than some other Caminos, and it passes through some depopulated, rural, areas. In general, the albergues / refuges do not have resident hospitaleros. The keys can be kept at a nearby bar or police station. Recently, the association has installed key safes at its albergues - and pilgrims can call the association to get the code to open the safe.

The association had a hospitalero in one of their albergues for some weeks last year (Wolf). But when there are no hospitaleros, the association still manages to keep the albergues clean and working well:

CAMINO MOZARABE DE SANTIAGO DE ALMERIA a GRANADA. PREMIO ELIAS VALIÑA 2019

Blog sobre el Camino Mozárabe de Santiago

www.almeriajacobea.es

I think the association is kind of famous already - but if you need an introduction, I'll be happy to put you in touch with them.

 

[Former member 59618]

We are kicking around an idea for camino hospitality and I wonder if some of you can help me hash it out.
The Camino ethos, at least among some of us hardcore hospitaleros, is based on donativo albergues, simple shelters with minimal facilities, watched-over by volunteer hospitaleros.
Some hardy souls out in the wildlife-rich wilderness of Spain and Portugal have found a disused camino road, and are re-developing its old infrastructure of priests' houses and town-hall meeting rooms. About 40 pilgrims a year now use this 200-km. path, which connects Zamora to Verin, via Braganza. It is waymarked and GPS-tracked, but there are still a couple of gaps in the line of albergues... which makes for at least one 40km. day... but those should be filled-in within the year. The road has much to commend it. Once it's all announced, it is projected to attract about 1,400 to 3,000 pilgrims per year. Every one of the albergues will subscribe to the donativo principle!

The albergues are small, the towns are small, there's not a whole lot of pilgrim action. Whoever watches the place would need to cover his own costs for food and transportation (there are daily buses), take care of the pilgrims who show up, keep the albergue clean and maintain good relations with the town. There is little need for teams of hospis in places so small, so the volunteer would likely be there on his own. This is Deep Spain, he'd need to speak Spanish. He'd need to be reasonably healthy. And he'd need to be willing to work without monetary recompense.

It wouldn't make sense to turn over the hospis every two weeks. These are shaping-up as longer-term gigs, a month or two or three, or even an entire pilgrim season... or year-round for the truly dedicated hermit.

This would seem to be a good gig for a student working on a thesis, or an author working on a book, or a retiree looking for a low-cost living experience in a faraway world. Or a religious solitary in search of silence, but dedicated to hospitality. Or someone in love with the "my own albergue" ideal who wants to try out the full-on hospitalero life before he buys a house in Spain?

What do you think, pilgrims? Do these people exist, or are we just dreaming? Where will we find them?

He. Or she...?

 

[Vacajoe]

I agree with the others - there are enough folks out there that finding a few to cover a season at each donativo is an achievable task! However, us non-schengen citizens are limited to 90 days, so a one or two month assignment would be ideal.

 

[Robo]

Sounds like a great idea! I just need to get myself retired over the next few years!

 

[Kiwi-family]

We detoured to Valdeperdice from Zamora and slept on the wooden stage in the village hall. TBH, it was filthy but we fashioned a mop and cleaned the place up. I have very fond memories of our evening there chatting with the very elderly residents who were sitting out on the street playing cards, drinking their amazing spring water and climbing the hill for a fabulous view. The priest who covers that village and a bunch more was very kind via email and even offered to put us up at his house in another village but we opted for the “town hall”. Will this be one of the stops? It is very conveniently located for a visit to San Pedro in the morning.

Your dreams excite me. I wonder if there would be a way around Schengen regulations for a longer term stay. I would LOVE to do a year of language learning whilst serving in this capacity.

 

[Paladina]

I could and I would. I already live as a semi-hermit in Ireland offering basic hospitality to intrepid travellers, and I’d relish the opportunity to do so in Spain.

 

[t2andreo]

I am thinking that if some association or another developed this assignment as a live-in, intensive Spanish language learning, practicum and immersive living experience, a student visa might be possible. Even if lodging is offered in return for basic housekeeping, you might not run afoul of the labor laws...then again...

If it were Camino-centric (doh!) and limited to persons who have already done at least one Camino, and who speak enough Spanish to function, you might be able to limit it to Camino veterans and experienced hospis who actually understand what you are asking for in return.

But, my research suggests that obtaining a student visa is relatively easier than qualifying for a long-stay (temporary residence) visa.

You would likely need a lawyer to maneuver the Spanish immigration system, to obtain an approval or certification.

Still, and all, it is a wonderful idea. Good luck developing it.

 

[Leibniz]

I would love it.
I have commitments for the next year and a half but after that I would be able and (very) willing to take a few months leave and be a hospitable hermit.

 

[Former member 49149]

We are kicking around an idea for camino hospitality and I wonder if some of you can help me hash it out.
The Camino ethos, at least among some of us hardcore hospitaleros, is based on donativo albergues, simple shelters with minimal facilities, watched-over by volunteer hospitaleros.
Some hardy souls out in the wildlife-rich wilderness of Spain and Portugal have found a disused camino road, and are re-developing its old infrastructure of priests' houses and town-hall meeting rooms. About 40 pilgrims a year now use this 200-km. path, which connects Zamora to Verin, via Braganza. It is waymarked and GPS-tracked, but there are still a couple of gaps in the line of albergues... which makes for at least one 40km. day... but those should be filled-in within the year. The road has much to commend it. Once it's all announced, it is projected to attract about 1,400 to 3,000 pilgrims per year. Every one of the albergues will subscribe to the donativo principle!

The albergues are small, the towns are small, there's not a whole lot of pilgrim action. Whoever watches the place would need to cover his own costs for food and transportation (there are daily buses), take care of the pilgrims who show up, keep the albergue clean and maintain good relations with the town. There is little need for teams of hospis in places so small, so the volunteer would likely be there on his own. This is Deep Spain, he'd need to speak Spanish. He'd need to be reasonably healthy. And he'd need to be willing to work without monetary recompense.

It wouldn't make sense to turn over the hospis every two weeks. These are shaping-up as longer-term gigs, a month or two or three, or even an entire pilgrim season... or year-round for the truly dedicated hermit.

This would seem to be a good gig for a student working on a thesis, or an author working on a book, or a retiree looking for a low-cost living experience in a faraway world. Or a religious solitary in search of silence, but dedicated to hospitality. Or someone in love with the "my own albergue" ideal who wants to try out the full-on hospitalero life before he buys a house in Spain?

What do you think, pilgrims? Do these people exist, or are we just dreaming? Where will we find them?

Sounds good. I wish! Maybe... as a good friend says: not saying no...

 

[Leibniz]

Re: visas...there are 510 million people in the European Union who are entitled to work in Spain without a visa.

 

[Kiwi-family]

@Leibniz that is true but there are others of us outside the EU who have to work out how to make it possible. @t2andreo your ideas of using camino vets is sensible - and getting a student visa to study Spanish (or Spanish literature in situ for those who are already fluent??) just might open the door for some of us.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

thanks guys. A few things are coming clear already: the need for solid pilgrimage and hospitalero experience, good Spanish, and ability to stay legally in the country. The people who are opening the albergues say it is most important that the volunteers be fully dedicated to the old-school camino hospitality ethos: donativo all the way, (which means no push for money from pilgrims), an open door to ALL pilgrims, and at least an appreciation (if not belief) in the spiritual roots of the pilgrimage.

 

[t2andreo]

Well, it seems we are getting closer to a fixed list of prerequisites. I know Rebekah will do this, and soon... Then, those of us who do not qualify (most through) lack of EU nationality, Spanish language, or lack of hospi training, can go back to dreaming...

Another thought, given the seriously donativo (with a religious) slant of this chain of albergues, would be to try to network with the ACC, at Santiago. Through them, you could link up with other indigenous, possibly church-affiliated groups. This, in turn, might lead to local folks in the region available to work.

Then again, it might not. One does not know until it is tried.

Hope this helps.

 

[Kiwi-family]

@t2andreo don't just dream....start working on the Spanish, do the training and volunteer at another albergue...by the time you've done that, someone may have sorted student visa issues and you'll be ready to go.

 

[mylifeonvacation]

If you can document enough available funds ($2500/mo or $30,000/year - approximately), there’s a “non-lucrative” visa option for staying an entire year in Spain: http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consul...cionParaExtranjeros/Pages/Residence-Visa.aspx

The requirements for documentation are about the same as a student visa, I’m just not sure which is easier to get approved.

 

[Dorpie]

Very interesting. I need to fix my Spanish and the UK needs to work out whether it wants to be part of the EU or not but I'd be interested.

 

[HeidiL]

Make it possible for a couple to be hospitaleros, and I think you'd get more pensioners. I've come across a lot of youngish pensioners who say they don't know what to do with the rest of t heir lives - if they have Camino experience and speak Spanish, this could be an ideal placement for people who want to take time off to think.

(Just wait till my husband retires, and we'll volunteer - I can work from Spain if I have acceptable internet...)

 

[t2andreo]

@t2andreo don't just dream....start working on the Spanish, do the training and volunteer at another albergue...by the time you've done that, someone may have sorted student visa issues and you'll be ready to go.

While this looks very interesting personally, I have familial responsibilities that preclude such a pursuit. So, I content myself with one annual pilgrimage in the Spring, followed by a month of volunteer work in July - August at the Pilgrim Office. It keeps my batteries charged.

When I am there (in Spain), I am fully there. When I am here, I am 'still there.' My daily hour or so on this Forum trying to help others, one-hour daily work on my Spanish in Duolingo.com, and my ongoing planning for the next Camino must suffice... It has become my daily routine...

 

[Rebekah Scott]

The albergue chain will be finished next year. We are still working out this idea. Nothing is written in stone, but I've overseen enough albergue operations with international staff to know some of the things to avoid! I am very reassured that some fine hermits are out there. I know at least one of the albergues will be large enough to accommodate a couple.
Much remains to be worked-out. We all can take our time and develop the skills and paperwork we might require.
Do think about this idea, and please come back and post your thoughts and ideas. I cannot do it without you!

 

[J Willhaus]

The albergue chain will be finished next year. We are still working out this idea. Nothing is written in stone, but I've overseen enough albergue operations with international staff to know some of the things to avoid! I am very reassured that some fine hermits are out there. I know at least one of the albergues will be large enough to accommodate a couple.
Much remains to be worked-out. We all can take our time and develop the skills and paperwork we might require.
Do think about this idea, and please come back and post your thoughts and ideas. I cannot do it without you!

I think there are certainly people out there who would respond to this opportunity. Phil attended the Encuentro de Hospitaleros last year and there were many in attendance plus hundreds more who could not attend due to timing and limitations of the host facility in Javier. It sounds like a wonderful experience. Caring for pilgrims is an awesome responsibility and I know that you will chose people more carefully than just those needing a cheap place to stay or a quiet place to study while writing a thesis. When I was a hospitalera in Zamora in Dec 2017, we had a pilgrim who had come from Santiago presumably backwards down this route through a portion of Portugal to us. He described staying a lot in firestations and said the way was not well marked especially for going backwards. He did not have a phone or gps and was really an old school type pilgrim with a long beard and a staff (looked a little like Gandolf from Lord of the Rings).

Your requirements of Spanish fluency and long term availability would seem to exclude many on an English speaking forum so I can only assume that this is just one place you might be trying to recruit?

 

[SebasDDP]

Hi Rebekah, I was referred to you by a mutual friend of ours from Santiago. He mentioned this project you are coming up with and ironically enough I am leaving in June all this behind in the states to follow a calling of which I do not know where it is to lead me but for some reason God brought me this answer a day after booking my one way ticket. Whatever I can help in I would be honored and would love to schedule a day we can have a phone conversation because I have some ideas as well.

 

[Sal Miller]

We are kicking around an idea for camino hospitality and I wonder if some of you can help me hash it out.
The Camino ethos, at least among some of us hardcore hospitaleros, is based on donativo albergues, simple shelters with minimal facilities, watched-over by volunteer hospitaleros.
Some hardy souls out in the wildlife-rich wilderness of Spain and Portugal have found a disused camino road, and are re-developing its old infrastructure of priests' houses and town-hall meeting rooms. About 40 pilgrims a year now use this 200-km. path, which connects Zamora to Verin, via Braganza. It is waymarked and GPS-tracked, but there are still a couple of gaps in the line of albergues... which makes for at least one 40km. day... but those should be filled-in within the year. The road has much to commend it. Once it's all announced, it is projected to attract about 1,400 to 3,000 pilgrims per year. Every one of the albergues will subscribe to the donativo principle!

The albergues are small, the towns are small, there's not a whole lot of pilgrim action. Whoever watches the place would need to cover his own costs for food and transportation (there are daily buses), take care of the pilgrims who show up, keep the albergue clean and maintain good relations with the town. There is little need for teams of hospis in places so small, so the volunteer would likely be there on his own. This is Deep Spain, he'd need to speak Spanish. He'd need to be reasonably healthy. And he'd need to be willing to work without monetary recompense.

It wouldn't make sense to turn over the hospis every two weeks. These are shaping-up as longer-term gigs, a month or two or three, or even an entire pilgrim season... or year-round for the truly dedicated hermit.

This would seem to be a good gig for a student working on a thesis, or an author working on a book, or a retiree looking for a low-cost living experience in a faraway world. Or a religious solitary in search of silence, but dedicated to hospitality. Or someone in love with the "my own albergue" ideal who wants to try out the full-on hospitalero life before he buys a house in Spain?

What do you think, pilgrims? Do these people exist, or are we just dreaming? Where will we find them?

 

[Sal Miller]

Hi Rebekah, yes the people you are looking for actually do exist. In fact I met a pilgrim last fall, on CF, who was on his way to some remote albergue on a stretch that goes from Madrid to Santiago. He was French. He spoke fluent Spanish but no English. I am American, cannot speak French, but I'm fluent Spanish. We talked a long time about his plans. For me, this was a fascinating thing to do, sitting down to a pilgrim's dinner in an albergue and communicating with someone in my adopted language. He talked about his upcoming assignment, at a place with only a pilgrim or two maybe twice a week. He was concerned about the loneliness, but also excited to be doing something so contemplative.

When I saw your post describing the plans you and your friends have for developing a new segment of the camino, I couldn't help but think of my encounter with the French gentleman at the albergue on my camino.

My wife and I are returning to the CF in the spring of 2020 where we will do some volunteer work along the way. We intend to explore more of the camino opportunities in future years especially those like what you have described. If you have a website or an email, please send it to me so we can get in touch with you directly, if you don't mind. Thanks for your intriguing post.

smillerbigbig@gmail.com

 

[Rebekah Scott]

my email is rebrites (at) yahoo.com
People please notice this project is still in development. If you show up at the door tomorrow, there won't be a place for you to go....

 

[LesBrass]

I'll put my hand up as a yes

My Spanish is awful but I am working on it, my French is good... but I've yet to go on the course. In one or two years I'll be good to go! @J Willhaus and many others have inspired me to do this... and also @t2andreo in the Pilgrim's office. After all the love I have for walking in Spain it feels right to give something back or to just be part of it in other ways than walking.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

thanks guys. this is all very encouraging.

 

[Walter James Palmer]

Yes. This sounds like a lovely idea. I qualify and am very interested in serving.

 

[SafariGirl]

We are kicking around an idea for camino hospitality and I wonder if some of you can help me hash it out.
The Camino ethos, at least among some of us hardcore hospitaleros, is based on donativo albergues, simple shelters with minimal facilities, watched-over by volunteer hospitaleros.
Some hardy souls out in the wildlife-rich wilderness of Spain and Portugal have found a disused camino road, and are re-developing its old infrastructure of priests' houses and town-hall meeting rooms. About 40 pilgrims a year now use this 200-km. path, which connects Zamora to Verin, via Braganza. It is waymarked and GPS-tracked, but there are still a couple of gaps in the line of albergues... which makes for at least one 40km. day... but those should be filled-in within the year. The road has much to commend it. Once it's all announced, it is projected to attract about 1,400 to 3,000 pilgrims per year. Every one of the albergues will subscribe to the donativo principle!

The albergues are small, the towns are small, there's not a whole lot of pilgrim action. Whoever watches the place would need to cover his own costs for food and transportation (there are daily buses), take care of the pilgrims who show up, keep the albergue clean and maintain good relations with the town. There is little need for teams of hospis in places so small, so the volunteer would likely be there on his own. This is Deep Spain, he'd need to speak Spanish. He'd need to be reasonably healthy. And he'd need to be willing to work without monetary recompense.

It wouldn't make sense to turn over the hospis every two weeks. These are shaping-up as longer-term gigs, a month or two or three, or even an entire pilgrim season... or year-round for the truly dedicated hermit.

This would seem to be a good gig for a student working on a thesis, or an author working on a book, or a retiree looking for a low-cost living experience in a faraway world. Or a religious solitary in search of silence, but dedicated to hospitality. Or someone in love with the "my own albergue" ideal who wants to try out the full-on hospitalero life before he buys a house in Spain?

What do you think, pilgrims? Do these people exist, or are we just dreaming? Where will we find them?

I am such a person Rebecca. I've walked 7 caminos to Santiago (and one in reverse); worked in two different albergues as a Hospitalera; have done the Hospitalero training through the Confraternity of St James; speak Spanish, English and very basic German; have dreamed of running an albergue since my first camino 3 years ago; currently have temporary Spanish residency status; love remote wilderness areas; enjoy my own company; am independent-minded, sociable, friendly and calm; believe in the Donativo principle and the historical and spiritual ethos of caring for (physically and emotionally) weary pilgrims; and if I did this I'd be committed to doing it for at least a whole season...probably more.
Do you have a list yet of where the albergues are likely to be? I'd be interested in looking at the different town/village locations...

 

[Deleted member 73526]

Do you have a list yet of where the albergues are likely to be? I'd be interested in looking at the different town/village locations...

Map of route:
https://www.soutochao.com/camino-de-santiago/

Videos:

I have been looking at the existing accommodation possibilities since I am hoping to walk this route in September 2019:

STAGE 1
Zamora to Muelas del Pan 37.3km
(Casa Rural El Vedal)
[No accommodation before Muelas - Some people camp midway near Almendra]

** There is an effort to convert a disused building in Almendra to an albergue. You can find articles in La Opinion about it.

STAGE 2
Muelas del Pan to Fonfría 22.4km
(Albergue Municip. Fonfria)

STAGE 3
Fonfría to Alcañices 20.8km
(Albergue Municip. Alcañices)

STAGE 4
Alcañices to Quintanilha 25.5km
(Albergue Quintanilha)

STAGE 5
Quintanilha to Bragança 26.0km
(Room at Fire Station or Hotels in Bragança)

STAGE 6
Bragança to Vinhais 28.3km
(Room at Fire Station or cabins at an eco-resort Parque biológico Vinhais)

STAGE 7
Vinhais to Edral 18.3km
(Roof and floor at a day centre for the aged Casa De Dia Edral)

STAGE 8.1
Edral to Vilarvdevós 22.9km
(Hostal - Meson Muxia)

STAGE 8.2
Vilardevós to Verin 13.5km
(Albergue Xunta Verin)

After Verin - Can walk 17km to Laza and join Sanabres or continue on the path less travelled via Vlla del Rei, Xinzo de Lima, Sandias, and Allariz (which all have albergues of some description), to Ourense.

 

[Bala]

These videos are gorgeous. And they're enhanced by beautiful music. @Raggy are they yours or the fruits of your research? I'm so glad I watched them, they make me wish I were there right now.

 

[SafariGirl]

Map of route:
https://www.soutochao.com/camino-de-santiago/

Videos:

I have been looking at the existing accommodation possibilities since I am hoping to walk this route in September 2019:

STAGE 1
Zamora to Muelas del Pan 37.3km
(Casa Rural El Vedal)
[No accommodation before Muelas - Some people camp midway near Almendra]

** There is an effort to convert a disused building in Almendra to an albergue. You can find articles in La Opinion about it.

STAGE 2
Muelas del Pan to Fonfría 22.4km
(Albergue Municip. Fonfria)

STAGE 3
Fonfría to Alcañices 20.8km
(Albergue Municip. Alcañices)

STAGE 4
Alcañices to Quintanilha 25.5km
(Albergue Quintanilha)

STAGE 5
Quintanilha to Bragança 26.0km
(Room at Fire Station or Hotels in Bragança)

STAGE 6
Bragança to Vinhais 28.3km
(Room at Fire Station or cabins at an eco-resort Parque biológico Vinhais)

STAGE 7
Vinhais to Edral 18.3km
(Roof and floor at a day centre for the aged Casa De Dia Edral)

STAGE 8.1
Edral to Vilarvdevós 22.9km
(Hostal - Meson Muxia)

STAGE 8.2
Vilardevós to Verin 13.5km
(Albergue Xunta Verin)

After Verin - Can walk 17km to Laza and join Sanabres or continue on the path less travelled via Vlla del Rei, Xinzo de Lima, Sandias, and Allariz (which all have albergues of some description), to Ourense.

Many thanks Raggy, very interesting and informative . I'd also be interested in knowing if any villages/towns/building have already been identified as candidates for the planned albergues...

 

[SafariGirl]

Map of route:
https://www.soutochao.com/camino-de-santiago/

Videos:

I have been looking at the existing accommodation possibilities since I am hoping to walk this route in September 2019:

STAGE 1
Zamora to Muelas del Pan 37.3km
(Casa Rural El Vedal)
[No accommodation before Muelas - Some people camp midway near Almendra]

** There is an effort to convert a disused building in Almendra to an albergue. You can find articles in La Opinion about it.

STAGE 2
Muelas del Pan to Fonfría 22.4km
(Albergue Municip. Fonfria)

STAGE 3
Fonfría to Alcañices 20.8km
(Albergue Municip. Alcañices)

STAGE 4
Alcañices to Quintanilha 25.5km
(Albergue Quintanilha)

STAGE 5
Quintanilha to Bragança 26.0km
(Room at Fire Station or Hotels in Bragança)

STAGE 6
Bragança to Vinhais 28.3km
(Room at Fire Station or cabins at an eco-resort Parque biológico Vinhais)

STAGE 7
Vinhais to Edral 18.3km
(Roof and floor at a day centre for the aged Casa De Dia Edral)

STAGE 8.1
Edral to Vilarvdevós 22.9km
(Hostal - Meson Muxia)

STAGE 8.2
Vilardevós to Verin 13.5km
(Albergue Xunta Verin)

After Verin - Can walk 17km to Laza and join Sanabres or continue on the path less travelled via Vlla del Rei, Xinzo de Lima, Sandias, and Allariz (which all have albergues of some description), to Ourense.

Raggy, I've just watched the videos and they're beautiful, very evocative of the Via which I walked a couple of years ago. I hope you have a great time on your Camino.
All the best
Michele

 

[Deleted member 73526]

These videos are gorgeous. And they're enhanced by beautiful music. @Raggy are they yours or the fruits of your research? I'm so glad I watched them, they make me wish I were there right now.

Credit for the first video goes to Bjørg Tvetene Sæter

Bjørg Tvetene Sæter

www.youtube.com

Credits for the music are listed at the end. After watching this, I expect that many of us will add some Fauré to our playlists ... and Luar Na Lubre for the authentic Galician feeling.

Credit for the second video goes to Bruno

blogdibruno blogdibruno

www.youtube.com

Bruno has written a guide on his blog and published GPS tracks:

blogdibruno

blogdibruno.blogspot.com

And here are a couple of other discussions about this Camino on this site:

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/report-on-the-camino-bragancera-camino-portuguese-de-la-via-de-la-plata.55340/

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/via-de-la-plata-portugues-zamora-–-verin.56065/

I apologize for derailing the thread - but perhaps this information will get more people interested in the revival of this route and in the opportunity to serve as a hospitalero.

 

[Bala]

Thanks for the info, @Raggy. And I agree, learning more about this Camino may well inspire others to offer help as hospitaleros. I hope so. I wish this program every success.

 

[hal_cpt]

I would absolutely love to do this for a spell. I live in the Schengen area so that is not a problem. Possibly during my vacation next year or else while I write (part of) my PhD thesis the following year. In the former case I could manage a 3 or 4 week spell -- in the latter, things could be a bit more flexible as long as there is enough internet access to email drafts back and forth.

 

[MileHighPair]

Rebekah, please keep us informed. A month in a lonely Spanish village, helping pilgrims on the Way. What could be better?
Mike and Ruth.

 

[dreampainter]

Well. For an idea that you were just kicking around, you've got heaps of people interested.

So I'd like to throw my hat into the ring as well. I'll be in Spain from 12/4 for almost 3 months, i've just done the HosVol training in Sydney, i'll be volunteering somewhere along the way, not sure where yet, i'm writing a book on the camino, it may become a phd, and i'm contemplating setting up an albergue but need to suss things out first, how it might be possible and if it's the right thing for me to do at this stage.

I deeply love the Camino, this is my 3rd time walking, last year was the most beautiful springtime walking imaginable, hoping that this year will be as well.

Enjoy - Karen

 

[Davey Boyd]

This is a wonderful idea! If I spoke Spanish I would jump at the chance!

I am sure you won't have problems with finding volunteers

Davey

 

[Rebekah Scott]

OK, Hermits to be! Your moment has arrived! The little hermitage at Ricobayo is ready to open at the end of May, and it needs a hospitalero who can stay some weeks or months, even.
It is in a unique structure, a rebuilt dovecote! There are six pilgrim beds and a bunkbed pair for the hospitalero, a single bathroom/shower, a little kitchen.
Ricobayo is a little town on the edge of a big reservoir and a huge nature reserve; it is part of the Muelas de Pan municipality. There's a beach, two bars, a hotel, and a pension in town, and daily bus service to Zamora. You can get a good look at it via Google Maps. I will post some photos of the albergue if there's any real interest.

If you are serious about taking this up, please let me know ASAP and I will put you in touch with the guy in charge.

 

[J Willhaus]

Looks like a lovely town on Google Maps. Can't do it this year, but maybe another? Sounds perfect.

 

[HeidiL]

Any chance of wifi, so I could work while there?

 

[VNwalking]

Wow.

A few things are coming clear already: the need for solid pilgrimage and hospitalero experience, good Spanish, and ability to stay legally in the country.

I am absolutely no help because I have none of those things...but am yelling heartfelt encouragement from the sidelines, Reb. This looks so fantastic.

One thought that you have likely had already is to get the information to non-English-speaking sites. EU nationals are the ones who could most easily fulfill those pesky visa requirements, and they generally have better language skills than the rest of us.
May it all come together with ease! And I know you will let the rest of us (who may not be able to help practically) know if you need dough.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

I handle the English-speaking sites. The organizers have other language groups covered.

 

[VNwalking]

You guys are on it!

 

[peregrina2000]

OK, Hermits to be! Your moment has arrived! The little hermitage at Ricobayo is ready to open at the end of May, and it needs a hospitalero who can stay some weeks or months, even.
It is in a unique structure, a rebuilt dovecote! There are six pilgrim beds and a bunkbed pair for the hospitalero, a single bathroom/shower, a little kitchen.
Ricobayo is a little town on the edge of a big reservoir and a huge nature reserve; it is part of the Muelas de Pan municipality. There's a beach, two bars, a hotel, and a pension in town, and daily bus service to Zamora. You can get a good look at it via Google Maps. I will post some photos of the albergue if there's any real interest.

If you are serious about taking this up, please let me know ASAP and I will put you in touch with the guy in charge.

If by “real interest” you mean — are there people who are really interested in seeing what the albergue looks like — take this as a yes.

 

[RENSHAW]

From personal experience , sharing with one or two other Hospitaleroes can be very frustrating and I have seen a lot of clashing. I remember George(from France) at both Naverette and Burgos , he was in his element just doing his own thing . Then there was the solitary Dutch chap at San Bol that even offered a meal , he spent years there ........... in those days camping was still allowed. @Rebekah Scott I am sure you will have many Hermit volunteers.

 

[p_mci]

Hi all, I stayed in Ricobayo earlier this week in the Hostal next door to the albergue. I hope all is still on schedule for the opening of this municipal. Ricobayo is a lovely village indeed and an ideal stop on this Camino.

 

[SYates]

... This is Deep Spain, he'd need to speak Spanish. He'd need to be reasonably healthy. And he'd need to be willing to work without monetary recompense.
...

Does it have to be a man??? I might be game for next winter - say January to March? Covering my own costs obviously ;-) BC SY

 

[Rebekah Scott]

It looks like we´ve found our hermit for Ricobayo, at least for the next few months!
There are two other similar locations on this camino with openings for longer stays. Please get in touch for contact info. Women are welcome, they were some of the earliest hermits!

 

[p_mci]

Great news. The current hospitalero - Josep - at the Albergue in Alcanices is fantastic. Dont miss the chance to stay there! His number is 663926984. He also regularly updates the Albergue de Alcanices Facebook page (you don't have to be 'on' Facebook to view it).

He also mentioned that from May 20-25th (Monday to Saturday), the albergue is hosting some exchange students (this is an annual arrangement) so pilgrims will not be able to stay there that week.

 

[Dominik]

Hi all, I stayed in Ricobayo earlier this week in the Hostal next door to the albergue. I hope all is still on schedule for the opening of this municipal. Ricobayo is a lovely village indeed and an ideal stop on this Camino.

I shall arrive there in a few days. Just out of curiosity: what’s the hostal’s name and how much did it cost? I understand I’m arriving too early to appreciate the albergue?

 

[Deleted member 73526]

I shall arrive there in a few days. Just out of curiosity: what’s the hostal’s name and how much did it cost? I understand I’m arriving too early to appreciate the albergue?

Would be great if you can take a photo to show us. When it opens, I imagine that it will probably be donativo, like the albergue in Alcañices. This article refers to it simply as El Palomar (the dovecote).

Ricobayo transformará el Palomar en albergue del Camino Portugués

El proyecto, promovido por el Ayuntamiento de Muelas, tiene un coste de 12.000 euros que cofinanciarán la Consejería de Cultura y Adata

www.laopiniondezamora.es

[/QUOTE]

 

[p_mci]

I shall arrive there in a few days. Just out of curiosity: what’s the hostal’s name and how much did it cost? I understand I’m arriving too early to appreciate the albergue?

Hi, its Hostal Atila (on the main street) and it cost €40 on booking.com. But I'm sure the 'on-the-spot' price is lower. I can't comment on it though because when I arrived, I was upgraded to the Hotel de Alba (next to the albergue) because a group of workers had arrived and claimed all the rooms at the hostal.

There is also a bar/cafe opposite the Hostal Atila advertising 'camas' so they might have lower prices for rooms. There are ongoing roadworks in the area so maybe this is why there are workers using the accommodation.

Ricobayo is also a popular summer spot for Spanish and Portuguese visitors which is why it seems to have so much tourist accommodation relative to the size of the village.

 

[p_mci]

Would be great if you can take a photo to show us. When it opens, I imagine that it will probably be donativo, like the albergue in Alcañices. This article refers to it simply as El Palomar (the dovecote).

Ricobayo transformará el Palomar en albergue del Camino Portugués

El proyecto, promovido por el Ayuntamiento de Muelas, tiene un coste de 12.000 euros que cofinanciarán la Consejería de Cultura y Adata

www.laopiniondezamora.es

[/QUOTE]

 

[p_mci]

I think this is it. 6 beds, I believe, so much smaller than the Alcañices which has about 30!

 

[Lirsy]

As you can see .... there is a lot of people wishing to joint such initiative!!

If at any time you need help, just tell me!

 

[Deleted member 73526]

El nuevo albergue de Ricobayo abre sus puertas con un hospitalero inglés al cargo

El centro está activo de 14 a 22 horas, cuenta con 10 plazas y ofrece acogida tradicional con cena comunitaria y desayuno a cambio de la voluntad del devoto

www.laopiniondezamora.es

 

[J Willhaus]

Bueno!