Rabanal del Camino

Camino Frances

To end of camino
236.9
Altitude
1141

El Ganso

6.60

Rabanal del Camino

5.20

Foncebadón

Services
Bar
Yes
Grocery
Yes

Now home to 4 albergues and many pensions, Rabanal is a common (and wise) stopping point along the way. Ahead is a high mountain pass that demands a bit of rest.

Vespers are sung by the monks every night at 7pm at the small parish Iglesia de Santa María and a benediction for pilgrims is held afterward.

The town has always enjoyed a level of prosperity because of the camino, and in recent years has developed a slightly bohemian feel.

History

As the camino leaves Astorga, the terrain becomes more rugged and the risk to pilgrims (historically speaking) increased. It is for this reason that the Knights Templar settled here and in the larger town of Ponferrada on the other side of the mountain.

The Road

The camino leaves town along the same cobbled path that you found at the start of town, which leads past the church. It does NOT leave along the road.

City Map

Comments

All Caminos App User (not verified)

It is sad that what seems a beautiful store from the outside is ran by someone that is clearly irritated by pilgrim presence. I was barely in the store for 2 minutes before she said aggressively “are you going to actually buy something or just keep looking around?” I explained in Spanish that I was looking for something extra to meet the minimum 10 euro card payment and she said she didn’t have all day to wait for me. With that comment I said goodbye! Take your business elsewhere to a more welcoming place like the tienda further up the street!

All Caminos App User (not verified)

We were attacked by masses of fruit flies as we hiked from Rabanal to Foncebadon. They were on our hands, under our sunglasses, on our faces. It was miserable! No matter what we did they continued to swarm us. A friend used her Buff to cover her face as best she could. That helped only a little.

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Rabinas is super cute but don’t be afraid to keep going to Foncebadon where the views are fantastic and the albergues are great. Such a great vibe and fab reward after the climb. Lots of mud on the road this week.

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Along ‘The Way’ you will encounter some extra special people and places. This is one of them. Kim’s little Stone Boat haven is heaven sent. A small, charming 3 room home, set in the charm of Rabanal del Camino, with the warmest, personal greeting and banana bread in the oven. Treat yourself!

All Caminos App User (not verified)

The woman Alba sent more texts than anyone in the Camino. She said she had space them said to WhatsApp her and over the next 2 days I had a place didn’t have a place had a private place on the wrong day. She owns several of the albergues including indie where I thought I was staying she also owns the cute restaurant w pretty good food. I ended up sharing a simple twin room w shared bath. There were rooms to spare so I never figured out what all her stress was about. I’d suggest getting a solid prepaid booking here. It was a very long walk that day w crux de ferro ahead.

All Caminos App User (not verified)

I was recommended this place from the Stone Boat, although I found it pricey and disappointing. Very basic, WiFi does not work, room small and cold with no blanket. They have a washing machine but no dryer so when I went to hang out my clothes to dry the owner had taken all the drying space with her family’s clothes. Owner is nice enough, but place not worth the cost.

All Caminos App User (not verified)

I made the mistake of stopping at the first place and there are so many others! This is a lovely village with lovely restaurants, shops and bars. As a vegan I wish I had kept walking as the last Restaurant as you leave the village looks great :)

All Caminos App User (not verified)

We purchased some eggs etc from the first store on the left entering the town . Opposite was an area set up called Green Garden that we thought was like a park to relax in . After we took our food back to the Albergue and had a wine , we took our books to the Green garden and didn’t realise it was set up by the grocery shop owner , who came over and basically started abusing us in Spanish . She indicated we were to buy more from her and we just got up and left . To be spoken to like that , for what was a misunderstanding is unacceptable behaviour from a business owner. She kept muttering to us as we departed even though we never responded to her . I would take my business to the other shop as when we went there later , she was very nice to her customers.

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Not in the app, unless I’m mistaken, since this hotel has a kind man at the front desk and no bugs whatsoever. A nice choice right on the Camino. Private rooms, excellent salad and very accommodating. I’m glad for the good night’s rest.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

The Stone Boat recommended we stay here since their private rooms were booked. El Rincón was perfect for us. It only has a couple rooms but they are clean, spacious and comfortable. Susana, the owner, made us feel at home and let us know about. Her tienda is connected so anything we needed was right there. ¡Fue perfecto!