THIS CHAPTER IS UP TO DATE: 2010 (More information in the CAMINO HANDBOOK itself under REFUGES: EDITOR DIETMAR VÖLKEL)
UPDATES: Mark & Janice DeFrayne (Michigan, USA), who walked the "El Camino del Norte" route in June/July 2009.
IN CANTABRIA:
Santiliana del Mar – Albergue: 16 Beds very clean, very modern inside, no kitchen only a microwave. Located behind the Museo Jesús Otero, follow the driveway through the gate. 6 Euros, opens at 4:00pm
Cóbreces – The albergue is a long low building across from the Abbey. 3 Euros
San Vicente de la Barquera – Private albergue on the right side just before the Cathedral. 6 Euros. Good clean place with a wonderful owners, dinner and breakfast included with a donation. Amazing view of the ocean.
IN ASTURIAS:
Colombres – The private albergue El Cantú was 12 Euros, 20$ with dinner. Excellent meal, plenty of good food with wine & dessert. The 6 beds to a room with each room having its own bathroom with toilet and shower. Very modern and clean, super nice managers.
Buelna – Just before the bar, on the right side is a large framed map showing the E-9 trail and the way to the beach. Great walk with beautiful views but very long with no shade, bring plenty of water. Andrin offered the first real place to eat or drink, nice restaurant and welcome oasis.
Llanes – The private albergue, La Estación, located next to the train station. Good place, 4-6 people per room. 6 Euros. Actually a quiet place at night even though it’s next to the Bus & Train stations. Well managed with Internet, clothes drying service (cheap, 1 Euro a load), desk attendant all night, pilgrims only, will provide a breakfast for an extra fee. One block off the Camino and a few blocks from city center, follow signs to train station.
La Isla – While following the path to the albergue, look at the pavement for a painted yellow arrow the an “A” for albergue. The bar serves a great Menú del Peregrino for 8 Euros.
La Isla – Leaving La Isla is easy. Turn left out of the albergue, follow the costal trail to Huerres (the markings are yellow & white bars), easy walking, great views, clearly marked on an easy trail. At Huerres follow trail to the N-632, turn right and it’s a quick walk into Colunga, maybe a kilometer. Arrows are seen on the left side while walking into town.
Sebrayo – Middle of nowhere, no bar, no food, just a few houses in the vicinity.
Villaviciosa – Leaving the main plaza do not follow the large yellow arrows, they only go to a pension. When leaving the plaza, at the end stay to the left (N-632) and follow to Calle Sol, then left. Calle Sol turns into Calle Carmen after the curve in the road.
Nievares – That hill climb was very steep, long and hard. It was real strenuous in my view. Far more than mentioned in the guide.
Gijón – After crossing the river on Avenida Professor Perez Pimentel, brass shells will be found in the sidewalk as you travel Carretera del Villaviciosa, etc. on the right-hand side of the street. The brass shells can be found in the sidewalk all the way through the city and out the other side till the sidewalk ends. The San Felix hostal was very nice, super great owners.
Tabaza – The bar’s name is Bar Tano. Monster size tortilla, good food, cheap! The long walk along the AS-19 is a real drag.
Avilés – The albergue has 40 beds. The albergue was acceptable but not well maintained, moldy and dirty.
Puente que Tiembla – Followed the trail down to the sea, went over the bridge and there was no trail. Trail disappeared from lack of use. No fun walking all the way back up to the road.
Cadavedo – Albergue is found at other end of town before exiting. Bar Casino has an outstanding Menú del Día for 8 Euros! Excellent meal, lots of good food!
Luarca – Both albergues were closed, no albergue in town and it’s July. Closest is the albergue in Almuna (2km before Luarca). City hall is large white building in the main plaza next to the river. Tourist office is behind the City Hall building. They have list of Pensiones and Hostales and sello. La Moderna was affordable and nice, Calle Crucero 2. Luarca is a super picturesque fishing village!
Navia – Turn right at the main road that goes over the Rio Navia. There’s lots of new construction on the main road along the river so the markers were gone. Marked well enough through town until getting to the main road along the river.
Tapia de Casariego – Albergue on Calle San Martín, on the right side facing the ocean as entering town. Awesome location along ocean! Exiting Town - Continue down Calle San Martín to left on Ave. de Galicia. When Ave. de Galicia dead ends into Calle de General Primo de Rivera turn right and follow to the bridge.
IN GALICIA:
Ribadeo – At the end of the bridge get off to the right at the first path offered and turn right onto the street next to the bridge road. Take the street back towards the ocean and turn left at the T-junction with the road crossing under the bridge. The albergue is on the right along the ocean side. It looks like a converted Tourist Center with a roof that can be walked on for a scenic view of the ocean. Only 12 beds, does have a kitchen. Fairly clean and maintained. Great view of the ocean, awesome!
Gontán – Albergue opened in 2007. There are 24 beds, kitchen, and laundry, excellent condition, well maintained. It is located across from cattle auction buildings. 3 Euros 2 bars nearby. Store is in Abadín.
Santiago de Goiriz – The bar on the right side just before the cemetery has real good basic bar food and hosts a small produce market with meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables. Very nice ladies running the place.
Vilalba – The albergue was very good, well maintained. The restaurant Revolta was very good. The Menú del Día was 11Euros but it was a really fine meal. The Rabo de Toro is excellent! Exiting the city is a bit tough upon reaching the town center and many lost the trail downtown. We walked into town on the right side of the road, upon reaching the main intersection, cross to the other corner, then turn right and immediately left on what looks to be an alley, following it to the plaza. Upon entering the plaza, veer to the right walking past the church. Leaving the plaza turn left, look for the shells in the middle of the street as a trail.
Miraz – Hold 16 plus over flow of 8 in the dinning room. Great place, wonderful! The bar has a bottle of house wine for 3 Euros.
Sobrado dos Monxes – Not well maintained in my opinion. Moldy ceilings in the showers. No supervision or oversight. Lunatic asylum. The Restaurant Real had good food for 8 Euros (Menú del Día).
Arzúa – Pensión Arcano, very pilgrim friendly. Good location if arriving from the Norte Route . The albergue filled by 12:00 the day we were in Arzúa. The Pensión Arcano worked well, very pilgrim friendly.
No further alterations are required
