Zabaldika

This place in particular is a hidden gem.
It is completely quiet and peaceful here. The small garden is lovely.
Visit the church, talk to the sister, read the note she will give you (in your native language), maybe cry a little (we did. It was quite emotional).
Ring the bell and listen.
Lovely meal.
Mostly single beds. Blankets if you need.
Absolutely loved it.

This place is truly a beakon of light.
The sisters and hospitalero are radiating compassion and it was a really a most special stay.
I left with a full heart and feeling recharged in body mind and spirit.

It was absolutly fantastic! I am glad to go there but it was long from Roncesvalles. But it worth! The couple running the house is very nice ! Thanks Inez and Carlos!!!

Thank you to the sisters and hospitaleros for your warm welcome and many kindnesses. Jayne and I loved our stay, from the people we met, to the history ( climbed the tower and rang the bell), the yummy dinner, the prayer meeting we had in the mezzanine of the church. Thank you MarieAssun (not sure how to spell your name) for sharing your warmth and wisdom. Alex

Another pilgrim happened to have told me about her experience the previous year. Due to her story, I wanted to stay here. After a long day, it was worth it. The volunteers made me feel welcomed on arrival, and I felt part of the family by the time I left. The food was amazing, and the visit to the church and learning about the history made it more special. I felt honoured to have been able to stay here.

Stayed here 21st Sept 2024. I was keen to get there early as I read in previous posts that others got turned away when they came later. It was recommended by friends and I knew it was a must for me on this Camino. And I was not disappointed. It was one of the highlights of my walk. The sisters opened the alberguel a bit earlier as it had been raining with lots of wet pilgrims arriving. The church is magical and so old. Rang the bell and there was a beautiful service for pilgrims in the evening and, those who wanted, got to share their camino story and we were blessed and prayed for. Wonderful communal dinner and breakfast. Comfortable beds and I had my best sleep so far. Great sense of community and felt so cared for. Left feeling rested and refreshed in body, mind and spirit.

I got to ring the church bell in the steeple. The volunteers were lovely (only spoke Spanish). We attended mass on Saturday night which was a special experience. Highly recommend this place. We got lucky and only had 4 in our room. No reservations. We got a spot at 3:45, but others were turned away.

The sister welcomed us into the garden and church which was like a little oasis after the steep climb up the goat track and the busy past few days in Camino. The church was beautiful and we were invited to climb the stone spiral staircase to ring the bell to listen to the sound and to welcome pilgrims. Wonderful home cooked shared family meal with the other pilgrims by kind volunteer hospitaleros. Special highlight of Camino for me.

strong recommendation!

The hospitality was amazing! The hostel is superb, very clean, excellent bathrooms, great outdoor area, great area to do hand washing laundry and a wonderful meal was welcomed. Learning about the history of the attached church was an add bonus. I highly recommend staying here on the Frances, it is an authentic camino spiritual experience which I will treasure forever. I left feeling rejuvenated. Thank you to the sisters of the church and the great hospitaleras

Zabaldika is a lovely spot above the main camino. It's a short steep climb, but worth it if the church is open. You will be met by a sister who will provide information about the church in your language, as well as a pilgrim blessing sheet for you to keep. You can also climb the tower and ring the bell to announce your arrival!

The route continues above the road, through wild flowers (june) and fields before rejoining the main camino

Mathew 11 has one of Jesus’ most known quotes. “28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

This is a good context of what a pilgrim will find here. If this resonates with you… then come with an open heart. If you choose to share your story all the more blessings will be seen.

You will leave to continue your walk and your spiritual work.

Ultreia!

Excellent

This is a wonderful place that is very spiritual with kind and patient volunteers who work there, the church and the nuns provide a peaceful and prayerful experience. It was our pleasure to be generous with our donation at this donativo albergue.

If you are disappointed with the last of genuine hospitality. This allergens will redeem it. The host and the hostess are both very sweet and genuine people. The place was cleaned and feels like a home. Meals were simple, but we all gathered around with joy. It was exactly what I needed. A sweet and simple place with warm hearted hosts.

The volunteer staff are so kind and helpful to my wife and I as weary pilgrims. A very clean alburgue, excellent communal breakfast and dinner, and so peaceful. We were fortunate to attend mass as a preist on his pilgrmage was staying here the night we stayed. Highly recommend staying here.

If the Camino has any religious or even spiritual significance for you, don't follow most people down but turn right to Zabaldika. I was greeted by a wonderfully kind Sacred Heart Sister into the Iglesia de San Esteban. A very ancient and peaceful place and allows a devotion if there is a reason you are doing the Camino. If really reminded me that it takes time and being in the moment to experience all the Camino has to offer. This experience alone has made my trip from Australia worthwhile

Take the detour and go to the church in Zabaldika, you can ring the bell once and leave a post it to Jesus very nice expirience

This albergue opens on July 1 but I visited with the RSCJs for over an hour yesterday - slowed down my Camino and put me in the hot sun for a bit but it was worth it. Said a prayer and had the experience of ringing a 12th century bell that seemed to resonate for an hour. Nice breeze on the hill. If you started in Zubiri this would an excellent place to eat your lunch!

In 2022, the Zabaldika albergue is open from 1st July to the 15th October.