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Thanks Trecile. It seems like I may have to pay upwards of €150 for one night in San Sebastian which blows my budget completely! I have checked with all local albergues to see if they are holding any spaces for walk-ins and no joy!You are right that there is a huge lack of pilgrim accommodations on the Norte, particularly in the early stages. Add the fact that the northern coast and especially places like San Sebastián are popular summer tourist destinations and the result is high prices.
It will probably be hard to stay at 25€ or less in the more popular towns - you will probably have to try to average your daily costs by finding less expensive places on the other days.
Thank you. This is very helpful. I've contacted Ondarreta with no luck. I asked them to see if they knew of anywhere that I could ask for a bed for the night and they said look online...Hi,
Municipal albergues normally cannot be booked.View attachment 172164
Here above are my choices between Irun and Bilbao (I plan to walk on August).
"Albergue de peregrinos" should be a municipal. Last column is the price.
(Please do not consider that donativos are free).
Have you tried Downtown River Hostel ?Thanks Trecile. It seems like I may have to pay upwards of €150 for one night in San Sebastian which blows my budget completely!
There is no municipal albergue in San Sebastián. You must be looking at the youth hostel which requires reservations according to Gronze.Even the municipal is booked out! Whatever happened to municipals not taking reservations?
Hi there,
I am a seasoned pilgrim but I will be walking my first leg of the Northern Route in early July. I am walking alone for the first time and so I was hoping to be more spontaneous about my accommodation along the route. I hoped to stay in municipal albergues as much as possible as I am looking to not spend too much money.
I have noticed after a bit of research that there aren't many municipal albergues along the Northern Route, even in high season! And the albergues that are open are around €25 a night! I am really shocked at how expensive they are and how little availability is left with one month to go until my Camino.
I am looking for advice on places to stay in San Sebastian as everywhere is booked out! I am wondering if there any places not online or not on booking sites I should contact. My budget is €25 a night. I want to be able to visit the tapas bars at night and enjoy the pintxos and I don't mind walking into the town (or even get a taxi if I must!)
I'm a huge foodie so San Sebastian has been a dream destination for me for a long time so I really cannot skip it and I want to enjoy what it has to offer.
Furthermore, are there any other municipal albergues you would recommend between Irún and Bilbao? Do you reckon I will have to book each place along the way? I was really hoping to do this in true pilgrim style - rocking up around lunchtime and grabbing a bunk!
Many thanks in advance,
Úna
I would definitely research this group before staying with them. There's a reason why Gronze, Wise Pilgrim, etc. don't list this place.Enroute to San Sebastián but still within walking distance and visibility of the city … there is a place run by an organization call ‘the twelve tribes’. I think a religious type group.
Good idea. @unaharty may have to limit the gastronomy in San Sebastián to lunch.Break your journey out of Irun in San Juan Pasaia as the village is perched on the side of this inlet, and give syou a very early start into Saint Sebastian
Hi Úna,Hi there,
I am a seasoned pilgrim but I will be walking my first leg of the Northern Route in early July. I am walking alone for the first time and so I was hoping to be more spontaneous about my accommodation along the route. I hoped to stay in municipal albergues as much as possible as I am looking to not spend too much money.
I have noticed after a bit of research that there aren't many municipal albergues along the Northern Route, even in high season! And the albergues that are open are around €25 a night! I am really shocked at how expensive they are and how little availability is left with one month to go until my Camino.
I am looking for advice on places to stay in San Sebastian as everywhere is booked out! I am wondering if there any places not online or not on booking sites I should contact. My budget is €25 a night. I want to be able to visit the tapas bars at night and enjoy the pintxos and I don't mind walking into the town (or even get a taxi if I must!)
I'm a huge foodie so San Sebastian has been a dream destination for me for a long time so I really cannot skip it and I want to enjoy what it has to offer.
Furthermore, are there any other municipal albergues you would recommend between Irún and Bilbao? Do you reckon I will have to book each place along the way? I was really hoping to do this in true pilgrim style - rocking up around lunchtime and grabbing a bunk!
Many thanks in advance,
Úna
Hi there @unaharty
First - I’m assuming you are checking the ‘Gronze’ site. @ other apps like Wise pilgrim … gronze shows the map and intermediary possibilities.. also gives indicative prices for accommodation - cuts down on the work.
Next - I’ve stayed in San Sebastián in ‘room in the city ‘ once. Very safe with code access to dorms etc. and externally.
Like @naplesdon says above tho - summer traffic!!
I know you are a solo peregrino … and it’s always going to be more than expensive for ‘we types’ to find anything ‘non municipal ‘ for a reasonable price. I can understand that in a tourist city.
You could try ‘befriending ‘ other peregrino/as; you are walking with and book something like an apartment or a pension (for 4 ) or ???
It may seem a bigger total but split a number of ways - it is sometimes comparable to an albergue bunk.
I did this on the Portuguese last November …. 4 of us. Gorgeous apartment ., 2 rooms … lounge , tv. , kitchen , washing machine /dryer., & private bathroom.
Somewhere around 70€. Total for 4. !! I recall somewhere around 18€ each !!
Hi there @unaharty
First - I’m assuming you are checking the ‘Gronze’ site. @ other apps like Wise pilgrim … gronze shows the map and intermediary possibilities.. also gives indicative prices for accommodation - cuts down on the work.
Next - I’ve stayed in San Sebastián in ‘room in the city ‘ once. Very safe with code access to dorms etc. and externally.
Like @naplesdon says above tho - summer traffic!!
I know you are a solo peregrino … and it’s always going to be more than expensive for ‘we types’ to find anything ‘non municipal ‘ for a reasonable price. I can understand that in a tourist city.
You could try ‘befriending ‘ other peregrino/as; you are walking with and book something like an apartment or a pension (for 4 ) or ???
It may seem a bigger total but split a number of ways - it is sometimes comparable to an albergue bunk.
I did this on the Portuguese last November …. 4 of us. Gorgeous apartment ., 2 rooms … lounge , tv. , kitchen , washing machine /dryer., & private bathroom.
Somewhere around 70€. Total for 4. !! I recall somewhere around 18€ each !!
Next: Enroute to San Sebastián but still within walking distance and visibility of the city … there is a place run by an organization call ‘the twelve tribes’. I think a religious type group. I met them coming toward me with their shopping when I was walking to San S.. they invited me back (I’d just passed their beautiful garden ) to enjoy some tea and cake.
They gave no pressure to stay there but it was a lovely setting to stop for a break. They had (at the time /sep 2014…. Dorms etc … not sure if they are still there or what they are called (if they are on Gronze ).
I feel for you - The costs have been pushed up a lot since I walked. I don’t recall booking anything until well after the half way mark.
I did stay at the albergue in Pasaje de San Juan (Santa Ana ) breaking the stage from Irún to San s.. the Hospitalero there at that time ; recommended I just have a look at San S; but walk through to Orio / I have since returned to San S for some R&R after another camino finished. 3 nights gave me time to enjoy it and the food !!
However re the comment on overnighting further on in Orio ; this would not fit your preferences to stop in or near San S.
Good luck with your research.
I’m very pleased to read @Pafayac has shared. Great help.
Buen camino.
.
I feel for you - The costs have been pushed up a lot since I walked. I don’t recall booking anything until well after the half way mark.
I did stay at the albergue in Pasaje de San Juan (Santa Ana ) breaking the stage from Irún to San s.. the Hospitalero there at that time ; recommended I just have a look at San S; but walk through to Orio / I have since returned to San S for some R&R after another camino finished. 3 nights gave me time to enjoy it and the food !!
However re the comment on overnighting further on in Orio ; this would not fit your preferences to stop in or near San S.
Good luck with your research.
I’m very pleased to read @Pafayac has shared. Great help.
Buen camino
Sounds like a place to avoid;Hi there @unaharty
First - I’m assuming you are checking the ‘Gronze’ site. @ other apps like Wise pilgrim … gronze shows the map and intermediary possibilities.. also gives indicative prices for accommodation - cuts down on the work.
Next - I’ve stayed in San Sebastián in ‘room in the city ‘ once. Very safe with code access to dorms etc. and externally.
Like @naplesdon says above tho - summer traffic!!
I know you are a solo peregrino … and it’s always going to be more than expensive for ‘we types’ to find anything ‘non municipal ‘ for a reasonable price. I can understand that in a tourist city.
You could try ‘befriending ‘ other peregrino/as; you are walking with and book something like an apartment or a pension (for 4 ) or ???
It may seem a bigger total but split a number of ways - it is sometimes comparable to an albergue bunk.
I did this on the Portuguese last November …. 4 of us. Gorgeous apartment ., 2 rooms … lounge , tv. , kitchen , washing machine /dryer., & private bathroom.
Somewhere around 70€. Total for 4. !! I recall somewhere around 18€ each !!
Next: Enroute to San Sebastián but still within walking distance and visibility of the city … there is a place run by an organization call ‘the twelve tribes’. I think a religious type group. I met them coming toward me with their shopping when I was walking to San S.. they invited me back (I’d just passed their beautiful garden ) to enjoy some tea and cake.
They gave no pressure to stay there but it was a lovely setting to stop for a break. They had (at the time /sep 2014…. Dorms etc … not sure if they are still there or what they are called (if they are on Gronze ).
I feel for you - The costs have been pushed up a lot since I walked. I don’t recall booking anything until well after the half way mark.
I did stay at the albergue in Pasaje de San Juan (Santa Ana ) breaking the stage from Irún to San s.. the Hospitalero there at that time ; recommended I just have a look at San S; but walk through to Orio / I have since returned to San S for some R&R after another camino finished. 3 nights gave me time to enjoy it and the food !!
However re the comment on overnighting further on in Orio ; this would not fit your preferences to stop in or near San S.
Good luck with your research.
I’m very pleased to read @Pafayac has shared. Great help.
Buen camino.
Finished the del Norte on May 23rd and stayed in San Sebastian at the youth hostel on the outer edge of town, oldies permitted to stay, on April 14th for €23. It was lovely and clean, with kitchen, and i think its got a lot of beds. San Sebastian is a very popular tourist destination so I liked having walked through town the previous day. Good luck.Thanks Trecile. It seems like I may have to pay upwards of €150 for one night in San Sebastian which blows my budget completely! I have checked with all local albergues to see if they are holding any spaces for walk-ins and no joy!
Even the municipal is booked out! Whatever happened to municipals not taking reservations?
I walked this area 23 Sept 2024, and around 1600, every place I called within the city was booked. 12 Tribes well up the hill before San Sebastian had beds when I walked in, but I wanted to be closer to town and bars. There is a hostel closer, but still far up on hill before town, and it had plenty of availability (but no food or drink nearby). The hostel at the far end of the city also had plenty of availability, even at 1700 when I called, so I stayed there at about 20e. Arriving after 1900, there was only one nearby restaurant still open with limited menu. Any of these 3 places, if returning several kilometers in the dark after drinking, I would probably opt for taxi.Hi there,
I am a seasoned pilgrim but I will be walking my first leg of the Northern Route in early July. I am walking alone for the first time and so I was hoping to be more spontaneous about my accommodation along the route. I hoped to stay in municipal albergues as much as possible as I am looking to not spend too much money.
I have noticed after a bit of research that there aren't many municipal albergues along the Northern Route, even in high season! And the albergues that are open are around €25 a night! I am really shocked at how expensive they are and how little availability is left with one month to go until my Camino.
I am looking for advice on places to stay in San Sebastian as everywhere is booked out! I am wondering if there any places not online or not on booking sites I should contact. My budget is €25 a night. I want to be able to visit the tapas bars at night and enjoy the pintxos and I don't mind walking into the town (or even get a taxi if I must!)
I'm a huge foodie so San Sebastian has been a dream destination for me for a long time so I really cannot skip it and I want to enjoy what it has to offer.
Furthermore, are there any other municipal albergues you would recommend between Irún and Bilbao? Do you reckon I will have to book each place along the way? I was really hoping to do this in true pilgrim style - rocking up around lunchtime and grabbing a bunk!
Many thanks in advance,
Úna
They were coming in at €70 a night last time I checked!Have you tried Downtown River Hostel ?
Thanks - a room was coming in at around €70 a night so had to give it a pass. It looks like a nice spot though.A Room in The City in San Sebastian is a very popular low priced hostel. It might be hard to get a bunk based on summer traffic but worth trying, good location and well run.
Thank you for you reply. I'm delighted to hear that I won't be short of wonderful pintxos whereever I go in the Basque region.Hi Úna,
I live in Gipuzkoa province but I am natural from San Sebastian, lived there until my 30 years. These last 10 years Donostia is under a massive touristic wave and is going more and more. Not nice. It has consequences for everyday life of it's habitants in a region wich economic power is iron industry and not tourism.
Same for the gastronomic experience you were speaking about. Old town is already a tourist trap for tourists seeking for pintxos and reality is that youll have better pintxos in city's no matter which quarter, in an industry area's bar, or metropolitan towns of San Sebastian itself (bad for an instagram style picture but good in authenticity). In Beasain where I live now I find tortilla de patatas pintxos or gastronomic choice much better than is San Sebastian. Same with any town in the province. So, don't worry about experiencing gastronomy in San Sebastian. You'll find better options in any district or town along the Gipuzkoan coast. But not only in Gipuzkoa, Basque Country and the northern regions do have proper gastronomic reputation. Of course don't hesitate to check it yourself.
There are not affordable options in the city to sleep one night if you are a pilgrim. I have recommended to some Finnish friends to try Hotel Atxega in Usurbil, wich is located in the metropolitan area. It is well connected by "Topo" train as we call it, Euskotren train station, line E1. Main station is in Plaza Easo in San Sebastian.
I see that they're making you book two nights minimum in this hostel on their own website - perhaps to deter pilgrims?I just tested "A room in the City", for one night, mid July. Great Bunks still available, but not many. €25 and €27 per night booking direct with the hostel. Don't mess around, book now, pay in advance if possible.
Regards Gerard.
Always book direct.
San Sebastian is a top gastronomic spot speaking about michelin stars restaurants. But pintxos and good restaurants is what I am speaking about, that's folk culture and you'll find brilliant traditional cooking places all in the basque region. Not only there, in all the northern provinces also. Galicia for example food is gorgeous.Thank you for you reply. I'm delighted to hear that I won't be short of wonderful pintxos whereever I go in the Basque region.
Hi Úna, in 2017 I did sleep at Green Nest Hostel Uba Aterpetxea €19.- but it's quite a bit away from the beach and now up from €28.-Hi there,
I am a seasoned pilgrim but I will be walking my first leg of the Northern Route in early July. I am walking alone for the first time and so I was hoping to be more spontaneous about my accommodation along the route. I hoped to stay in municipal albergues as much as possible as I am looking to not spend too much money.
I have noticed after a bit of research that there aren't many municipal albergues along the Northern Route, even in high season! And the albergues that are open are around €25 a night! I am really shocked at how expensive they are and how little availability is left with one month to go until my Camino.
I am looking for advice on places to stay in San Sebastian as everywhere is booked out! I am wondering if there any places not online or not on booking sites I should contact. My budget is €25 a night. I want to be able to visit the tapas bars at night and enjoy the pintxos and I don't mind walking into the town (or even get a taxi if I must!)
I'm a huge foodie so San Sebastian has been a dream destination for me for a long time so I really cannot skip it and I want to enjoy what it has to offer.
Furthermore, are there any other municipal albergues you would recommend between Irún and Bilbao? Do you reckon I will have to book each place along the way? I was really hoping to do this in true pilgrim style - rocking up around lunchtime and grabbing a bunk!
Many thanks in advance,
Úna
I stayed at 12 Tribes last year. Yes, they’re a religious group, but it’s also a safe, reasonably priced place to stay for a night. And it is really beautiful there.I would definitely research this group before staying with them. There's a reason why Gronze, Wise Pilgrim, etc. don't list this place.
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