Villamayor de Monjardín sits below the Monjardín peak (890 m), where the ruins of the 10th-century Castillo de San Esteban still command the hilltop. The climb to the ruins is short and steep, and the views from the top stretch across the vineyards and olive groves of the Ega valley — worth the detour if you have the energy.
The 12th-century Iglesia de San Andrés is Romanesque, with a barrel-vaulted nave and a semicircular apse. Inside, a silver Romanesque processional cross from the 12th century is the church's most valued possession. A small shop in front of the church operates from March through October, selling food and drinks.
A couple of albergues and a casa rural provide accommodation. This is your last chance to stock up before Los Arcos — the 12 km stretch ahead has no services, no shade, and no water. On hot days it can feel endless.
The castle is associated with Sancho Garcés I, who is said to have conquered it from the Moors in the early 10th century. Tradition holds that his remains were interred here. The Fuente de los Moros near Azqueta and the castle ruins together suggest this hilltop was strategically important for controlling the valley route.
The 12 km between Villamayor de Monjardín and Los Arcos is one of the more tedious stretches on this section of the Francés. The terrain is open and exposed, with long straight tracks through farmland and almost no shade. Stock up with water and food before leaving. The walking is flat but the monotony and heat (in summer) make it feel longer than the distance suggests.
2. September 2026 - 14:08
We dropped our packs and climbed the trailgh castle
18. August 2026 - 15:41
Great menus for pilgrims!
5. May 2026 - 15:35
There was a well equipped food truck several k’s past Villamayor de Monjardin, which was a welcome stop in the rain.
3. August 2025 - 16:32
No food truck there today when we passed through around 10.30am. Maybe because it's Sunday?
27. July 2025 - 13:27
I stayed at the Oasis Trails albergue last week and so happy I did, not only was the whole place spotlessly clean, but the hosts were utterly fantastic, empathetic and genuinely attuned to the sprit of the Camino. The hosts and their families were a wonderful example of the sincerity and spiritual side of the Way of St. James. I wish I had been able to have their homemade dinner because it smelt truly delicious, but I had already had a copious lunch and was fasting intermittently. I really appreciated the evening meditation, it was was like fuel for the soul. Thank you for making my stay so special. Martin.
26. July 2025 - 10:38
Great stay at this albergue. The owner Ana is very kind. The place is very clean with beautiful views and great bathroom.
There is possibility of dinner and breakfast at the albergue.
Also daily mass for pilgrims at St Andrews Church at 7pm.
25. June 2025 - 21:03
This is a magical place . I think they are on Booking .com now . Best meal . Best sleep thus far on Camino Frances . Garden is beautiful . Washing machine . Such lovely family . Also loved the food truck just out of town . Went back down there for drinks . Great memories of this little place .
8. June 2025 - 18:15
This is a lovely casa rural in the village just a short walk from the central albuergues.The owners live on the premises with their children. owners are from the Netherlands and speak fluent Dutch, English and Spanish. The home cooked food for dinner was delicious and the continental breakfast was freshly baked bread, yogurt with muesli, jam, coffee, meat and cheese. There is a nice backyard for relaxing and a place to dry any items you have washed.
19. April 2025 - 20:57
We stayed at Albergue Villamayor de Monjardin. The hostess was very generous to let us, only 3, to have the whole room so that we can have more privacy and have the bathroom to ourselves.
14. September 2024 - 18:35
I was hesitant to stay here based on recent reports. But I found the volunteers to be committed but non-intrusive. In fact, they were kind and did their best to accommodate late comers who simply could not walk any further. The food was great.
I joined them for the evening meditation. It was simple and thoughtful.
I am grateful that I stayed here.
24. August 2024 - 18:01
They have some concerning behavior around preaching a very specific narrow faith at pilgrims, and don’t listen in return. The dinner hour was uncomfortable, and I especially didn’t like how they treated pilgrims who disagreed with their viewpoints. Not in the spirit of the Camino.
16. July 2024 - 11:53
Awesome place to visit worth the detour!
20. April 2024 - 17:13
i found this albergue cramped, crowded, and not much space to really relax. the hospitalaros were not that friendly.
1. July 2023 - 21:34
The best albergue so far! Jan and Connor our hospitaleros that day were so kind and nice to talk to. The dinner felt like a family dinner with only three other pilgrims. We got beet root salad, pasta and plum cake with whipped cream. Everything was delicious!
10. June 2023 - 16:58
My son and I stayed at the Villamayor de Monjardin Albergue. The hostess speaks decent English and is super friendly. You can buy dinner and breakfast at the Albergue. She told is not to waste money on bottled water and she was right, the tap water is really good. The rooms are nice, we stayed in one with 6 bunkbeds/ 12 beds. The shower felt like I was at home. I would highly recommend.
29. April 2023 - 18:48
Made reservation one day before. There is a little store/ bar with a restroom available at the entrance. They have coffee, cold meats, snacks and dried fruits. They open at 8-2 then 4-6 pm. Next is the church on the left and the first albergue right in front. If you go up the hill to the right is oasis trails albergue which is run by volunteers. Up the hill 30 minutes hike is a castle for those wanting to go explore. Small nice and quiet town.
3. September 2022 - 16:37
There was a really nice food truck with some chairs and tables in the shade. There in early September 2022 serving food and drink including fresh orange juice if you get there early enough.
28. April 2022 - 14:16
we dropped our packs off at our albergue, and, took the 30 minute hike up to the castle. The gate was open. We rang the bell, and toured the remains. Well worth the visit if you arrive in this quaint town with enough time to explore.
22. August 2019 - 13:54
Well placed food truck
Esta entidad ha sido beneficiaria de una ayuda del Programa de incentivos a la movilidad eficiente y sostenible (MOVES III), gestionado por la Xunta de Galicia a través del Instituto Enerxético de Galicia (INEGA) en el marco del Real Decreto 266/2021, y cofinanciada por la Unión Europea — NextGenerationEU, dentro del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia.
