Walking the Camino

Q: I am planning to walk one of the 'camino' routes in Spain. Can you give me an idea of the minimum cost per day I should budget for? I intend it to be a 'no frills' holiday. - John Faller

A: Pilgrims who have walked the famous Camino de Santiago say that a budget of 25 Euros a day should be sufficient. For accommodation, your best bet is to stay in the hostels known as albergues. A bed, usually a bunk bed in a mixed-sex dormitory, will cost you 4-10 Euros per night. Blankets are usually provided, but it is advisable to bring a thin sleeping bag. Many albergues have kitchens, but most restaurants along the route offer a "pilgrim's menu", a simple three-course meal usually taken in the evening. This should cost 7-10 Euro. A bottle of cheap wine with your dinner will only cost 2-3 Euros. Bottled water, sandwiches and fruit along the route is not expensive. If you decide to take a break along the route, you can usually find a cheap hotel for 25-35 Euros. For a list of alberques on the route, check out the www.caminodesantiago.me.uk website.