gregdedman
Active Member
Hi all,
Just back from my 2nd camino and wanted to let you know about a few changes to guides you may have.
There is a stunning new modern albergue based at Dumbria, situated roughly 13km after Olveiroa and 20km before Muxia.
The money was donated by a wealthy businessman (apparently the owner of the clothing giant 'Zara'!) and was completed in September 2010.
I stumbled upon it and had the place completely to myself.
Speaking to the hospitalero, she said that numbers were low, just 33 pilgrims throughout the whole of November. I wondered if that was because the guides are not detailing it and most people will walk directly from Olveiroa to Muxia.
The albergue itself is something else! Huge modern, leather seated lounge area, underfloor heating, fitted designer kitchens, sparkling bathrooms and balconies in the dorms (8 beds per dorm, 24 spaces total).
It is all running on renewable energy too, solar power and thermal!
It is like a hotel.....and the cost just the standard Xunta €5.
HOWEVER, there has to be a question mark raised as to the need for this place. It sits within sniffing distance from Muxia, useful for people wanting to break their walk into 4 days as apposed to 3 but it seems tragically underused...I could still smell the newness of the leather.
It also poses a question as to where the camino in this part of Spain is heading. Most Xunta albergues are now newly renovated at tremendous cost it appears, all with modern designer kitchens (rarely with utensils or working applicances...meaning that most have to spend money in the local restaurants) and the flat fee of €5 has risen from €3 and rarely provides the same caring, understanding, attentive help you find in places like Cizur Menor or Granon where hospitaleros will attend to pilgrims aches and pains.
It has a very business like feel, its stunning, but fit for a pilgrim route? I myself am not sure.
Anyone else who has stayed there feel free to share your opinions on this.
I also wanted to mention a municipal albergue in Vilaserio, 10km after Negreira.
Again not mentioned in some guides, and if your heading for it bear in mind that it does not have heating (essential in winter as its just a school hall) but does have hot showers. The lady/hospitalero lives across the road and although is friendly, 'demands' a donation and offers €5 tortilla delivery for dinner. The place hadnt seen a mop or a cleaning product in a while so think twice about staying there although it is handy if you are trying to veer away from crowds on this route and 'stagger' your overnight stays.
Just back from my 2nd camino and wanted to let you know about a few changes to guides you may have.
There is a stunning new modern albergue based at Dumbria, situated roughly 13km after Olveiroa and 20km before Muxia.
The money was donated by a wealthy businessman (apparently the owner of the clothing giant 'Zara'!) and was completed in September 2010.
I stumbled upon it and had the place completely to myself.
Speaking to the hospitalero, she said that numbers were low, just 33 pilgrims throughout the whole of November. I wondered if that was because the guides are not detailing it and most people will walk directly from Olveiroa to Muxia.
The albergue itself is something else! Huge modern, leather seated lounge area, underfloor heating, fitted designer kitchens, sparkling bathrooms and balconies in the dorms (8 beds per dorm, 24 spaces total).
It is all running on renewable energy too, solar power and thermal!
It is like a hotel.....and the cost just the standard Xunta €5.
HOWEVER, there has to be a question mark raised as to the need for this place. It sits within sniffing distance from Muxia, useful for people wanting to break their walk into 4 days as apposed to 3 but it seems tragically underused...I could still smell the newness of the leather.
It also poses a question as to where the camino in this part of Spain is heading. Most Xunta albergues are now newly renovated at tremendous cost it appears, all with modern designer kitchens (rarely with utensils or working applicances...meaning that most have to spend money in the local restaurants) and the flat fee of €5 has risen from €3 and rarely provides the same caring, understanding, attentive help you find in places like Cizur Menor or Granon where hospitaleros will attend to pilgrims aches and pains.
It has a very business like feel, its stunning, but fit for a pilgrim route? I myself am not sure.
Anyone else who has stayed there feel free to share your opinions on this.
I also wanted to mention a municipal albergue in Vilaserio, 10km after Negreira.
Again not mentioned in some guides, and if your heading for it bear in mind that it does not have heating (essential in winter as its just a school hall) but does have hot showers. The lady/hospitalero lives across the road and although is friendly, 'demands' a donation and offers €5 tortilla delivery for dinner. The place hadnt seen a mop or a cleaning product in a while so think twice about staying there although it is handy if you are trying to veer away from crowds on this route and 'stagger' your overnight stays.
