Type: Albergue Hostel El Caminante is a private albergue and rural tourism center—welcomes both pilgrims and general tourists, offering comprehensive accommodation and dining services.
Location: Calle Real 2, Santa Catalina de Somoza, León, Spain (8km from Astorga on the Camino Francés, known as “el Balcón de la Maragatería”).
Opened: Established as a rural tourism center with extensive experience in hospitality and traditional Maragato cuisine.
Accessibility: Multi-level rural building—contact directly for accessibility information regarding reduced mobility access.
Contact:
Email: elcaminante.ctr@gmail.com
Phone: +34 987 69 10 98

Albergue Facilities

Rooms: 13 total rooms including 10 double rooms, 1 triple room, and 2 rooms for 8 people each.
Prices: €10-15 for shared accommodation; private rooms at higher rates.
Total Capacity: 39 beds total with both shared and private accommodation options.
Reservations: Accepted via phone and email.
Pilgrim Credential: Not required—serves both pilgrims and general tourists.
Operating Season: Open all year round.
Hours: Full-service facility with extended operating hours for restaurant and accommodation.

Albergue Amenities

39 beds across 13 rooms with varied configurations
Full restaurant service specializing in traditional Maragato cuisine
Famous cocido maragato (traditional chickpea stew) served in reverse order
Bar and lounge areas for socializing
Rural hotel services alongside albergue accommodation
Pet-friendly policies (animals accepted)
Extensive seafood menu featuring regional fish dishes
Strategic location 8km from historic Astorga
Rural tourism center offering cultural immersion
Facebook presence for updates and community connection

Pilgrim Insight

Albergue Hostel El Caminante stands out as one of the most comprehensive accommodation and dining experiences on the Camino Francés. Located in Santa Catalina de Somoza, famously known as “el Balcón de la Maragatería” (The Balcony of Maragatería), it offers pilgrims a deep dive into authentic regional culture. The establishment is renowned for its traditional cocido maragato, a hearty chickpea stew served in the unique Maragato style—beginning with meats and ending with soup. This cultural dining experience, combined with the facility’s reputation for excellent seafood dishes, makes it a culinary destination in its own right. The mix of shared pilgrim accommodation and private rural hotel rooms caters to different budgets and preferences, while the year-round operation provides reliability for planning. Many pilgrims praise the warm hospitality, substantial meals that fuel the challenging mountain stages ahead, and the opportunity to experience authentic Maragato traditions. The location, just 8km from the historic city of Astorga, offers easy access to urban amenities while maintaining a peaceful rural atmosphere that’s perfect for rest and cultural immersion.

Check out the other Albergues in Santa Catalina de Somoza.

We have also put together a Camino Francés Journal for Pilgrims walking the route so you can catch all your day by day memories. Have fun and journal away…

Albergue Hostel El Caminante

Albergue Hostel El Caminate in Santa Catalina de Somoza