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Are you looking for the best Camino de Santiago hotels? From Gran Hotel La Perla to Parador de Baiona, this is where to stay on the Camino de Santiago!
The Camino de Santiago. 800 kms of hiking through the most beautiful terrain of northwestern Spain.
For some, this is a holy pilgrimage, a way to connect with God. For others, it is more personal, a way to reconnect with yourself.
No matter your reasons for doing the Camino de Santiago, it really is one of the best hikes in the world and a journey you’ll never forget.
It is so personal for everyone, and the people you’ll meet on the route will become friends for life. There are so many different ways of doing the Camino though. Some people stay in hotels and do it on a budget, others find the best Camino de Santiago hotels and splash out. I think it’s fair to say this post is all about the luxurious side of things!
Travelling around other parts of Spain? Then check out my guides to Barcelona, Madrid, Murcia, Lanzarote, San Sebastian and Valencia to help plan your trip.
Contents:
What is the Camino de Santiago?
The Camino de Santiago (also known as the Way of Saint James) is a network of trails leading to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galacia in northwestern Spain.
It is thought that the remains of the apostle Saint James the Great are buried in the cathedral which is why its such an important pilgrimage for Christians, but you don’t need to be religious to enjoy this hiking route.
Many walk the Camino as a form of spiritual journey, a way to find yourself again on the road.
Or, for people like me, it’s just about the beauty of hiking in somewhere as stunning as Spain with some amazing like-minded people along the way.
There is a reason the Camino de Santiago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it really is one of the most incredible hikes you’ll ever do.
How long does the Camino d Santiago take?
The Camino de Santiago is actually made up of eight main routes and there’s no ‘right’ way of doing it.
Some people prefer spending 35 days on the road hiking the full Camino Frances. This is the most popular route that’s close to 800 kms from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
Other people prefer hiking the shortest route, the Camino Ingles. This is approximately 116 km in length, but you only need to do 100 km to be awarded a ‘Compostela’ pilgrim certificate.
The thing is, you don’t need to spend a month walking 800 kms to experience the Camino de Santiago.
In truth, you can dip in and out of it, walking on a little bit of it and staying in some beautiful places along the way.
I can’t stress this enough though – this really is one of the best adventures in Spain.
Where to stay on the Camino de Santiago?
I know what you’re thinking. That hiking involves camping or roughing it in hostels with other backpackers. Oh how wrong you are.
One of the best things about hiking the Camino de Santiago is that you can stay in some real nice ‘paradors‘ and hotels along the way. This means you can enjoy the finer things in life like good quality food and a relaxing spa.
A ‘parador’ is the name given in Spain to luxury hotel. They are usually located in buildings of historic importance such as castles, fortresses and monasteries, but they’re also in new buildings such as nature reserves and other areas of beauty.
So, if you’re thinking the Camino is something you’d like to do, here are a few of the best hotels on the Camino de Santiago.
Best Hotels on the Camino de Santiago
Parador de Santiago – Hostal dos Reis Catolicos
When it comes to where to stay in Santiago de Compostela you’re certainly not short of options.
Located in the heart of Santiago de Compostela and next to the cathedral, Hostal dos Reis Catolicos is set in an ornate 15th-century building and it is just beautiful.
One of the major draws of staying here are the intricate four-poster beds that’ll make you feel like royalty.
Once a lodging for pilgrims over the centuries, the Parador has kept a lot of its original features such as grand tapestries, vaulted ceilings and stone archways. However, all rooms now come with modern amenities too.
There are also two restaurants on site. The Dos Reis serves a range of Mediterranean cuisine, while the Enxebre specialises in seafood and traditional Galician dishes – the food from both restaurants are superb and really highlight why Spain is one of the shining lights of world cuisine.
Another bonus is that Parador de Santiago is a short walk from the train station – this makes it the perfect place to stay at the end of the Camino de Santiago!
This is arguably the most famous hotel on the Camino de Santiago so kick back and enjoy it.
Gran Hotel La Perla
The Gran Hotel La Perla is found in the centre of Pamplona and it is a very stylish property that dates back to 1881.
This hotel boasts a huge reputation and stars such as Ernest Hemmingway, Charlie Chaplin and Orson Welles all staying here when they visited the city.
One of the quirkiest things about the hotel is each room is designed differently reflecting the La Perla’s rich history, so each time you stay here is unique.
The hotel is very near the Plaza del Castillo, a beautiful square perfect for a glass of red in the evening and to watch the world go by. Or you can dine in the hotel’s traditional restaurant offering delicious dishes such as the pintxo tasting menu.
This really is one of the grandest places to stay on the Camino de Santiago and has become a bit of a destination in its own right.
You’ll definitely feel like a bit of a celeb while staying here without breaking the bank!
Parador de Baiona
Located on the Monterreal peninsula and just two minutes from the beach, Parador de Baiona is housed in a very traditional Galician mansion and has the most gorgeous views of the ocean.
If you’re looking for a place to kick back and relax after hiking the Camino de Santiago then this is the place. Also, the views over the water at sunset are unbeatable. Just grab yourself a sangria and enjoy it.
As for food, Parador de Baiona offers delicious Galacian cuisine, all with views of the bay and the Cíes Islands.
As you’re by the water think of lots of seafood and Pallela. Often the best dish is the catch of the day cooked any way you like it.
Parador de Hondarribia
This parador mixes an old 10th-century castle overlooking the Bidasoa Estuary with a beach that’s just a seven minutes’ walk away – what more could you want!
Parador de Hondarribia is another amazing place to stay on the Camino de Santiago and the neighbouring village is a lovely place to spend the evening exploring.
Rooms are very spacious at Parador de Hondarribia with high vaulted ceilings and incredibly thick walls. Unlike a few of the other paradors in Spain this one really does feel like you’re staying in a castle.
Also, if you have a car, San Sebastian is just a 20-minute drive away where you’ll find some of the world’s best restaurants such as Arzak, Alameda and Kokotxa. If you’re really looking to treat yourself then it’s worth the detour! If you like the finer things in life, this is what the Camino de Santiago accommodation is all about.
Landa
The Landa is famous for its world-class service and friendly atmosphere making it a lovely place to stay at in northern Spain.
This family-run hotel started off as a little restaurant 2km outside of the village of Burgos for travellers to refresh themselves and since has transformed into the beautiful hotel you see today.
The decoration could be described as austere, almost medieval, but it actually lends a very grand and powerful look to the place with notes like iron-wrought beds and converted chapels. Put it this way, walking around makes you feel like nobility from an old Spanish family.
At noon every day the Landa offers a range of classic pastries and cakes, freshly baked each morning, so leaving the hotel can be quite difficult.
Still, this really is one of the best hotels on the Camino de Santiago. This place highlights why hiking isn’t all about roughing it.
Which of these Camino de Santiago hotels take your fancy? Let me know in the comments below!
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