Luquin

A lovely little Camino surprise in Luquín! ❤️

There is a very nice albergue here that definitely deserves more pilgrims. It’s on the quieter alternative route, so it seems many walkers simply pass it by. A warm welcome, plenty of space and a wonderful place to stop for the night.

And if you’re walking nearby today, 6 September: there are still plenty of empty beds! So if you feel like changing your plans, this might be the perfect day to do it. 😊

The whole village is celebrating today! Beautiful singing in the church, everyone dressed up, food, live music and festivities outside all day. 🎶🥘💃

Sometimes taking the “wrong” turn on the Camino turns out to be exactly the right one. ❤️

It's a lovely walk through forest. Nary a soul on it. I didn't try the regular route but this one seemed relatively easy and quite charming. The bar in Luquin was open in August.

DAY 7 Lorca - Estella - Luquin

The route passes through several towns and when leaving Estella, rather than taking a break at the petrol station as I did, there is a nice-looking café further along, and then a stop at the Irache monastery under the plane trees is possible. The monastery visit is free and opens at 10:00 AM.
Change of plan: rather than following the Camino Francés, I finally decide to take the variant that passes through Luquin and crosses its forest, in order to avoid as much as possible the road which is never very far away. This option offers more shade.
Luquin is a small preserved village, made up of old houses, coat-of-arms residences and buildings of medieval origin, notably its church. You can take a dip in the swimming pool which also happens to be the community bar. It is one of the most beautiful villages since the start. Rather than doing 10 km more to Los Arcos, a stop to sleep there is a must. The room overlooks the baroque doorway of the small basilica and offers an authentic immersion.

This is your path if you’re starting to question the Camino experience, perhaps feeling overwhelmed by so many people and starting to think you’re on an organised tour…

I must have walked past just 3 other people all the way and got to experience some of the most amazing views. It was a profound and beautiful experience for me and I hope you have the same experience.

I’m so happy I chose this alternate route! Loved all of it: The forest trail was not only fairytale-like but also nice and shady on a hot day. Arrived just in time for sunday mass. The municipal swimming pool was so enjoyable and not crowded. And Casa Tiago is truly a gem! A beautiful old house with lots of nice art and thoughtful details. Like hand towels, specially
made shelves for backpacks, real coffe and butter with the breakfast and even little protectors on the shelf corners in case you bump into it. Everything’s so consideratly done! Would definitely go here again.
❤️

The town is beautiful in the pool looked enticing until I walked over and saw that it was still very much green. I believe the pool may open in June.

I also accidentally took the alternate route and it was magnificent! The views were spectacular once again. The forest walk and then some of the quiet tracks were also quite interesting. I actually spent over an hour not seeing anyone either before or after me on this walk until both tracks rejoined at about the 10km point from Estella. Well worth it.

Read the other reviews about this being a good route to take and the walk exceeded my expectations. Sadly the pool is still closed at the moment (restaurant open from 6). Have checked into the hostel and its rustic and cozy so far

First, the Alternate Camino to here is GORGEOUS! Likely my favorite day of hiking in 15 so far. Tiago is a great host - since the only restaurant in town was closed the day we were there, he offered dinner to everyone staying for 10€ and it was delicious and contained veggies YAY, meat, and fruits YAY. Also breakfast was a wide variety and filling. Definitely recommend.

This town has a pool 300 metres from the Albergue. Had food and drinks there with other pilgrims. Went swimming also. The host at the Albergue was friendly and helpful. We paid 30€ for a single room but it had a double bed and was perfect. Excellent value

THE RESIDENTS HAVE NO RESPECT FOR PILGRIMS!!!

At 1am we lost our shit, the local children run screaming through the streets all night!!!
We had asked 4 or 5 times and the parents sat there and then confronted us saying you are here for 1 day we do not care about you Pilgrims. This is our town and we do what we want! You are not welcome here!
A mother aggressively shouting at me and my wife as we were trying to sleep and her husband/ a local man getting aggressive with us!

The food at the bar (only place in town) was awful.

The town is run down in many places, the churches never open, vacant buildings everywhere and rude residents beyond belief.

We loved our stay here, from the well stocked kitchen, to the free washing machine with plenty of hanging space and clips for clothes, to the comfy living room with TV and blanket, to our comfy beds with nice sheets and blankets, to space to set and hang our packs and bags.
Breakfast was great, too! Everything we needed for a great price!
Thank you, Tiago!
Tracy from Texas

Amazing host and really cozy vibes.

Host deserves much more than he thinks he does, he is really nice, speaks decent English and seems like he doesn’t get mad easily. He explained everything perfectly and came out of his way to open a closed door(11.00) and explain when do they open (12.00) and where can I get something to eat and drink. It was also no problem for him to let me leave my backpack there until then.

10/10 would recommend :)

Accidentally ended up on this alternate route and it was a lovely shaded forest trail!

Tiago was gracias, took us in during February. Turned on pellet stove! Thanks for hosting us!

Pool next to Bar open .

Such a beautiful Way through the magical forest . The Host is so kind and friendly, just the best of Albergues . Real sheets , buffet breakfast for only 4 € . There is a well stocked kitchen, great lounge and big outdoor area. Highly recommend this beautiful Albergue. The village is so clean and the Bar Restaurant does a Pilgrim meal .

Agree with the comments about this little gem of a restaurant. Great food and prices. Pool still closed!

There is a good cafe in the village which is not marked on the map.

Sad to find this because it was a key reason I’d come! Google said it was open but came to see no water in it. Otherwise this is a nice walk up through the forest