I have walked this section of the Camino Frances a few times and one of the things the majority of new pilgrims always ask is about Albergues in Roncesvalles, the other accommodation options and should they book ahead.
Its always a bit nerve wracking wondering if you will get a bed in Roncesvalles after the long walk over the Pyrenees so I have done some research to provide the details of the accommodation options on offer.
The main Pilgrim Albergue details are below for quick access:
Albergue de Peregrinos de Roncesvalles
- 183 beds (34 beds in winter)
- €14 per person per night
- €11 for dinner
- Amenities - Shared Bathrooms
- Open all year round
- Show on Map
- Laundry, Wifi, Kitchen, Vending
Book via their website
Pilgrim passport needed
Fantastic Venue
Great experience
Local bar and cafes
Roncesvalles
The Camino de Santiago stretches from France to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, Spain and passes through many different cities and towns.
For those who have not yet made the journey on foot, Albergues are available to pilgrims to stay in and offer meals, showers, a place to rest your weary feet, and much more. Some are amazing and some a bit basic.
I’ve walked this stretch of the Camino Frances many times from St Jean Pied de Port, Orisson and Huntto and every time the albergues in Roncesvalles has been a welcome stop. Especially for a cold beer.
Here’s some helpful advice for selecting the best Albergues and hotels in Roncesvalles so you can make the most of your time on The Camino Frances and this fantastic small village in the mountains.
what to do in Roncesvalles
Roncesvalles is a small village situated in the beautiful forest region of Navarre in the lower hills of the Pyrenees. It is the first Spanish village you pass through on the Camino Frances.
Roncesvalles is steeped in history and the legend of Charlemagne. After the siege in Saraqustra, (now known as Zaragoza), the massive French army set out to return to France via same way they entered Spain a few months earlier.
As they were passing through Roncesvalles, the army was attacked and massacred by the surrounding tribes and Roldán, the first knight of Charlemagne, fell with his men.
The battle of Roncesvalles became immortalized in the 11th century “The Song of Roland” after this immense battle.
Roncesvalles is a small village in the Spanish Pyrenees and there isn’t a lot to see but what is here is really worth taking the time to visit. Check out the following whilst your there:
Colegiata de Roncesvalles
This church is a former pilgrim’s hospice and is one of the most impressive examples of French gothic architecture.
Built in the 13th century by the Navarran King Sancho VII el Fuerte and even contains his tomb. You can enter the cloisters and the tomb by paying €2.50.
Roncesvalles museum
The museum exhibition includes a large collection of carved images, paintings, old handwritten and printed books.
There is also a range of gold items including a Romanesque silver Gospel book, a 13th-century Gothic-Mudéjar gilded silver chest, and the reliquary known as Charlemagne’s chess set, dating from the mid 14th century.
Well worth a visit at €4 entry fee.
Pilgrim Mass
If you want to attend the Church there is also a Pilgrim mass at 8pm for anyone to attend.
Where to eat in Roncesvalles
There are limited options to get food in Roncesvalles. The vending machines are basic and there isn’t a supermarket in the village.
If you plan on eating in the Albergue kitchen area you will need to bring your own food which you would have to carry from St Jean Pied de Port.
Alternatively there is a supermarket about 30 mins walk away in Burguete to buy what you need and is a nice little walk if the weather is nice. There are also bars and cafes there as well.
If you want to eat out in Roncesvalles there are a two bars in the village called Casa Sabina and La Posada. I have had late afternoon beers in both bars and both are nice.
They both offer an evening dinner ‘Pilgrim meal’ for about €11 per person. My favourite combination is beers and chatting with Pilgrims in Casa Sabina and then having the Pilgrim meal in La Posada.
I would book ahead when you get to the bar to make sure your meal is reserved.
Both bars do a simple Spanish breakfast of coffee, toast and jam but don’t open until about 8am at which time most Pilgrims are already up and walking towards their destination.
Roncesvalles Accomodation
I have stayed in the albergues in Roncesvalles and carried out a lot of research on the accommodation available and have detailed the Albergue, Hostel and Hotel options available.
My favourite is the Albergue de Peregrinos de Roncesvalles both on price but mainly around the pilgrim connections you can easily make. The Albergue is run by Dutch Pilgrims and is really nice.
Hotel Roncesvalles
- 10 beds
- €55 double / twinper person
- Amenities - Shared Bathrooms
- Open all year round
- Show on Map
- Cafe Bar, Wifi
La Posada Roncesvalles
- 48 beds
- €80 double / twin per person
- Amenities - Private Bathroom
- Open all year round
- Show on Map
- Cafe Bar, Wifi, Bar, Restaurant
Casa Sabina, Roncesvalles
- 10 beds
- €55 double / twinper person
- Amenities - Shared Bathrooms
- Open all year round
- Show on Map
- Cafe Bar, Wifi
Book via their website
Food & Tapas
Pilgrim friendly
Great little Cafe Bar
Albergue de Peregrinos de Roncesvalles
- 183 beds (34 beds in winter)
- €14 per person per night
- €11 for dinner
- Amenities - Shared Bathrooms
- Open all year round
- Show on Map
- Laundry, Wifi, Kitchen, Vending
Book via their website
Pilgrim passport needed
Fantastic Venue
Great experience
Local bar and cafes
One last Tip
One last thing to do is to remember to take your picture as you leave the village of Roncesvalles.
There is no better place than by ‘Santiago sign’. It is one of the most photographed iconic spots on the Camino de Santiago. The ‘790km to Santiago de Compostela’ sign is just as leave the village.
