Albergue etiquette on the Camino

Schedules: early birds and night owls

Most albergues open between 13:00 and 15:00 and have a 22:00 curfew. At 6:00 in the morning the early risers start getting ready. The golden rule: if you get up early, pack your bag the night before and leave the room with your headlamp on red mode so you don't wake anyone. If you arrive late, try not to turn on lights or talk in the dormitory.

Respect silence from 22:00 onwards. Rest is sacred after walking 25 km. If you want to socialise, do it in the common areas.

Hygiene and shared spaces

Leave the bathroom as you would like to find it. Dry the floor if you splash, don't hang clothes in common areas and wear flip-flops in the showers. If you cook in the communal kitchen, wash your utensils immediately. And most importantly: air out your boots outside the dormitory. The smell of wet feet concentrated in a closed room is an experience nobody wants to repeat.

Living together with respect

Snoring is part of the Camino. Bring earplugs and accept it with humour. Don't reserve bunks for friends who haven't arrived yet, don't take up more space than necessary and share the table. Albergues are meeting places: a smile and a "buen Camino" can be the start of a lifelong friendship.