There are some hostels/refuges to help and give support to the Pilgrims. You can find them only in the Galician route of the Portuguese Way, more precisely in Tuy (behind the Cathedral), in Redondela (near the Torre do Relógio, in the city centre), in Pontevedra (near the Railway Station - RENFE), in Padrón (next to the Carmo Convent), in Teo (on the N550, near Faramello) and in Santiago de Compostela (Seminário Menor and Monte do Gozo). Another one will be available very soon, in Caldas de Reis. In Portugal, the construction of four hostels is in progress in the councils of Vila do Conde, Barcelos, Ponte de Lima and Valença. They are usually free of charge but you should leave a symbolic donation (3 Euro, at least).

You should arrive early, between 4-5 p.m., as the capacity is limited and there are no bookings. The hostels usually close between 10-11 p.m. and you should leave before 9-10 a.m. the next morning as you can not stay for more than one night.

When there is a great number of Pilgrims in the Summer and more precisely in the Jacobean Years, you should be aware there are established priorities for the use of hostels - first, the Pilgrims who walk without a support car; secondly, the horse-riders; and finally, the cyclists.

To spend the night in a hostel you must show your Pilgrim card, duly authenticated with stamps of the sections covered. Here, you can also ask for the due stamp.

The hostels offer some facilities: a dormitory with a limited number of berths with only matress, sometimes with blankets available; toilets and showers, not always having hot water; a large living room, sometimes with a very basic kitchnette where you can prepare a light meal.

All the limited help and support offered in the hostels is a result of volunteer work of local Associations and Volunteers. Therefore, do not undervalue what is offered but be thankful and collaborative in whatever you can. Do not waste the resources, comply to the rules, keep it clean and last but not the least, respect order and silence for those who need to rest.

Be aware that the only available hostels are to be found in the Galician section of the Portuguese Way. During the summer break, some councils either in Portugal or in Galiza, authorise the use of School Sport Pavilions facilities for the night, mainly for Pilgrimages with large numbers of participants. If that is the case, the "Associação do Caminho Português de Santiago" provides information.