Snoring in albergues on the Camino

THIS ONE PHRASE I HEARD ON THE CAMINO STILL GIVES ME CHILLS

He seemed a nice bloke. He was, really. A stout fella of 50ish years walking the Camino on his own.

We’d all just eaten and retired to the dorm room of our albergue for the night.

There were eight of us crammed into a room not exactly overflowing with space. He’d come in late and taken the last spot, an upper bunk diagonally opposite me, in a room otherwise filled with middle-aged women.

I was still pretty new to this whole Camino caper, and laughed off the comment he made before rolling over and shutting his eyes.

“Sometimes I snore a little during the night. Just poke me with a stick if you have to.”

Chuckle, chuckle, chuckle.

Sleep took me quickly then handed me straight back. Snorlax had also attained slumber, as a consistent rumble percolating from the top bunk diagonally across from me suggested.

I’m a pretty light sleeper, and this wasn’t the most comfortable bunk. So I lay there staring at the ceiling as our new friend started really getting into his work.

He cranked up the decibels at an alarming rate, and as I allowed my eyes to adjust in the darkness I noticed mine weren’t the only eyes no longer shut.

What began as an idling vehicle had morphed into a lawnmower and now mimicked a full-blown, malfunctioning chainsaw.

He’d lost his early consistency. Occasionally between silence shredding snorts, he’d stop breathing completely for 20 or 30 seconds at a time.

Then a tremendous crack would reignite the entire symphony.

I frantically darted my eyes around, but we were helpless. The walking sticks had been stowed away at reception, as per instructions.

The entire albergue must’ve been awake at this point.

“Sometimes I snore a little during the night,” he’d said.

The hours passed in a haze and seven of us were in a daze when it was time to rise and shine the next morning.

Old mate bounced out of bed as if he’d just enjoyed the best sleep of his life. But his face was the only one showing a smile.

The stuffy air in the small gaps between the bunks was thick with disdain and exhaustion.

There were kilometres aplenty to be done on very little sleep reserves. But what can ya do?

He waved us all goodbye oblivious to our plight, while we silently vowed to outwalk him despite how tired we were.

I didn’t see him again, but started to realise the value of a private room every once in a while.

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Snoring happens on the Camino, like it does in any hostel around the world. If you wake up refreshed, there’s a chance you’ve kept someone awake during the night.

The good news is it’s not mandatory to stay in albergues. The Camino offers varying levels of accommodation, depending on your budget and exactly how you wish to experience it.

And if all else fails - make sure you pack those ear plugs! The best tip I can give here is try the wax ones, they block out more sound and might just be the bridge to a good night's sleep.

If this is an obstacle preventing you from considering the Camino, please reach out and we can discuss all the possibilities.

I’ve walked with pilgrims who sleep under the stars every night, and I’ve walked with pilgrims who only treat themselves to four-star or better accommodation.

Sleep well tonight! And buen Camino.