León

Why it matters: the Benedictine nuns of the Santa Maria de Carbajal monastery have run this pilgrim albergue since 1993, non-profit from the start and still donativo – you give what you can, and that is what keeps it open. It sits inside the monastery complex in Leon’s old town, pressed against the medieval wall and looking onto the Plaza de Santa Maria del Camino, beside the Romanesque Iglesia del Mercado where Leon’s patron, the Virgen del Camino, is venerated. The welcome comes from volunteer hospitaleros who have walked the Camino themselves, and that is precisely the difference between this and a bunk in a hostel. Practical tips: open 1 March to 31 October, reception and credential stamping from 13:00, doors shut at 22:30 and silence from 22:00 – and they take no reservations whatsoever, groups included, so turn up early with your credential in hand.