The Albergues in Espinal are really nice and pilgrim friendly and because it is a mid stage on the Camino Frances pilgrim itinerary they offer a good opportunity to escape the bed race during high season.
Albergues in Espinal
If you stayed in Orisson or Borda on the way over the Pyrenees from Saint Jean Pied du Port and want to get a bit further ahead than Roncesvalles, Espinal offers some great accommodation choices.
It also enables you to get to the middle of a stage, as per the John Brierley Camino Frances Guidebook. This is a strategy I nearly always take when walking the Camino Frances.
I will cover the available albergues in Espinal as well as other accommodation options that are available which includes a fantastic camping ground.
Espinal
Espinal is a small village directly on the Camino Frances and consists of one main street with houses and a few restaurants, bakery and bars and approximately 250 people live in the village.
The village is about 7km past Roncesvalles and 28km from Refuge Orisson. I have done the walk a few times and stayed in Roncesvalles but on my last trip we decided to stop for coffee in Roncesvalles and push on to Espinal and it definitely made a welcome change.
The Albergue we stayed in was quiet as was the village as most Pilgrims decide to stay in Roncesvalles for the evening.
The next few stops along the Camino Frances are as follows:
- Zubiri – 15km
- Zariain – 24km
- Pamplona – 36km
Accommodation in Espinal
We stayed in the Albergue Irugoienea just off the centre of the village and we were the first Pilgrims to arrive that day. This albergue will do your laundry for you so we got everything washed and dried which is typically what I do every 2 days on the Camino as I have a packing list that is very light.
The Albergue is operated by a couple, Natale and Zaira, from Italy and they had a great story. After walking the Camino Frances they come over each year to run the albergue and dedicate themselves to Pilgrims on their journey. They have a cute dog called Nemo as well.
They cook and serve, for about €12, a communal meal in the evening of typical Sicilian food. It was fabulous and we ate with 5 other pilgrims sharing stories of other caminos we’ve walked.
The accommodation was mainly bunk beds but they do have some rooms for rent as well.
Before dinner we walked out to the local bar and played cards over a few beers. It is a typical local bar with a thoroughly enjoyable atmosphere
As well as one other Albergue there are a couple of rural houses with beds, one hotel and the village camping grounds if you have decided to camp your way along the Camino Frances.
Albergues in Espinal
There are 2 albergues in Espinal that both offer traditional pilgrim facilities.
I have stayed at Albergue Irugoienea and can highly recommend staying there although the Albergue Haizea has good write ups as well. Both would be good places to stay.
Albergue Irugoienea
- 25 beds
- €12 per person
- Open April to October
- Laundry, bar, Terrace, dinner (€12)
Albergue Haizea
- 8 beds
- €15 per person
- Open all year
- Vending, food available
Casa Rural in Espinal
There are a couple of Casa Rural in the village if you fancy that option. They cost a little more but you will have your own room and a little more comfort.
Casa Rural Roncesvalles
- 6 rooms
- €60 a room
- Open all year
- Garden, lounge, terrace, TV
Casa Patxikuzuria
- 3 rooms
- €17 per person
- Open April to October
- Village centre location
Apartments in Espinal
Apartamentos Irati on the Calle San Bartolome has 9 apartments sleeping between 2 and 6 people with a terrace, garden and laundry facilities.
This option is sometimes really suited to groups of just your Camino tribe that you are travelling with and can sometimes work out cheaper for larger groups.
This option nearly always has kitchen facilities as well so you can all make your own Camino meal and really get into the spirit of camaraderie.
Apartmentos Irati
- 9 apartments
- €17 per person
- Open April to October
- Village centre location
Camping in Espinal
There is a camping ground called Camping Urrobi in Espinal that is open from the 1st April to the 31st October and you can book direct with the site.
They offer tent pitches, lodges and dorm style beds.
Where to eat in Espinal
There are only a few bar restaurants in Espinal and all offer food, beers with a good atmosphere. They are details below:
- Restaurant Beratze
- Sidreria Ttakun
- Hotel restaurant Loizu
What to do in Espinal
Espinal is a small village so has limited options for anything to do apart from visiting the church in the centre of the village.
My advise once are settled in after a good shower is to chill over a drink and plan your journey for the next day as well as reflecting on your pilgrimage to date.
If you are planning on leaving early it may be worthwhile to get some breakfast provisions at the local supermarket as the local shops and Spanish cafes don’t always open early.
Writing in a journal is often a good way to reflect and record memories so you don’t forget anything. I use a really simple Camino journal that has day by day pages for notes as well as.
Fiesta in espinal
The festival in espinal takes place at the end of August
Conclusion
Espinal is a great village for a stop over is you have decided to go further than Roncesvalles and it has never been busy when I have passed through.
The village is small but has all the adequate shops, bars and cafes you will need and if you choose the right albergue you can even get your laundry done whilst chilling in the afternoon sunshine.
Buen Camino
