Convento de Herbón (Herbón)

The most significant and meaningful experience of my Camino. Do not miss it! They open at 4pm but there is a cafe/bar up the road if you arrive early. The accommodations are basic bunk beds with a shared bathroom. The Mass for the Pilgrims is so lovely, followed by a tour, and communal dinner. I’m so happy I was able to make it to Herbon. Thank you to Juan and all of the volunteers who make it possible!

I had a good experience here. The volunteers are very warm and welcoming. They give freely of their time and effort. They open at 4pm. There is mass at 6pm with a tour of the grounds thereafter. There are about 30 places available. Communal dinner and breakfast is provided. Guests can rest or pray at the spring of St. Francis or wander under the many chestnut trees.

I know everyone says this but it's true: it really is the best albergue on the Camino Portugues, well-worth the detour - don't miss it! The volunteers make you feel completely at home, with family-like atmosphere, communal dinner and breakfast. Unbeatable attention and care, I will definitely be back again.

I was hesitant about taking the walk up to Herbón, the extra 4km round journey didn’t seem too appealing for tired legs and sore feet. I am so glad that I did, it was the best night of my Camino.

The Convent is peaceful, staffed by kind and friendly volunteers and, well stocked with clean warm showers and washing lines. In the evening was a delicious communal cooked dinner with ample wine and in the morning breakfast with just as generous a supply of coffee. All of the other guests were lovely, including a troupe of Portuguese ballet dancers who led us in communal yoga and a group dance.

I would wholeheartedly recommend a stay here. I think as a place it epitomises what the Camino is all about

This is an experience, and I think an important one for any Camino. The accommodations are perfectly fine - maybe even a bit better than many basic albergues along the Camino as you are separated into bunks of two, but certainly no worse. I do have to give a slight nod here to the use of paper wrapping for the single-use sheets - nice to see this instead of the plastic. Bathroom and shower facilities are mixed-use but perfectly clean. Basically, all is fine with the accommodations as long as you’re truly walking the Camino and not just hopping from one 5-star hotel to the next. The people running the place are kind, accommodating, and caring, but it’s really the communal aspect of this experience that sets it apart. It’s just entirely dependent upon YOU and your fellow pilgrims seated at dinner to shape it. Take the time and effort to get to know everyone. You won’t regret it.

The best albergue I've ever been. Very clean and welcoming. It's simple but people who work there are very kind. It's by donation and includes dinner and breakfast with a lot of good food.
At 18.00 there is a free tour of the monastery and then the mass for the pilgrims. Really nice experience.

What a wonderful and unique experience here! The Albergue is run by an association that is supported entirely by pilgrims. There is a wonderful church and service with a dedicated pilgrim blessing. You are also given a tour of the grounds and get to hear the history. Dinner was simple, vegetarian and very filling. I will remember this for a long time! Thank you for your hospitality!

We stayed here on August 9 2022, and I can tell you this is my fondest memory of my Camino. The two volunteers we had that day were marvelous. My partner had already been 4 times here in previous years so I knew what to expect (between the communal meals and the pilgrims mass) but it was even better.

I’ve seen some people complaining that there was only one plate of food (yes we also got the lentils) but to be honest for us (and we Italians eat a lot) was more than enough. I guess this was also due to the fact we had a bocadillo around 3pm. I think we were at full capacity that night but we all got the chance to have more lentils so I think it’s more up to you guys if you consider you’d go hungry.

As this is an Albergue solely for Pilgrims, meaning you have to show your credential to stay, so it makes sense to turn away people who don’t comply with it regardless of whatever charity they’re looking for.

This place is worth the additional kilometers BY FAR. If next year I’ll be walking the same route then I’m definitely coming back.

I put the date because I’m truly grateful for the fantastic work and company our volunteers gave all of us. He already knew his way around but it was her first day and she was a ray of sunshine. You two have a special place in mine and Marco’s heart!
Thank you! ♥
Ps: your idea to make the guys clean after dinner was fantastic! :)

Two homecooked meals with veggie option. Welcoming atmosphere, and a pilgrim’s mass with blessing.
Bunk beds are of course rustic. But that is part of the charm. Sheets are disposable, so no this is not a luxury hostel, it is a practical one. Situated on beautiful grounds, it is perfect for what it is.

Was an amazing experience to stay here. Donation basis and we had a tour of the old Convent, mass in the church and then a communial dinner and breakfast the next day. Great company with the hosts and a fantastic time with all the pilgrims.
Would recommend bringing some extra food if you get hungry because it is super basic!

Definitely worth the Camino detour. We were concerned there wouldn't be a bed available, but it was only a third full (early May). They offered a tour of the grounds (spoken in Spanish by a previous student from the monastery. Luckily a guest translated) at 1820, church services at 2000, and a communal dinner of fresh salad and lentil stew (both delicious and filling) at 2100. The wine was flowing. The property also has orange, lemon, kumquat, and tangerin trees and picking and eating the fruit is encouraged. It was one of our favorite experiences of our El Camino pilgrimage. Thank you Jorge (volunteer). The bed and dinner are donations based. Cash only.

I stayed there when I was doing the Santiago Camino. You will stay in the original monks room. They will prepare a meal and show you all the building. There is a very beautiful chapel with lots of history. It is a minimalist service but very kind.

I loved this place! The host was very lovely, prepared dinner and breakfast on the other day as well - all for donations!! Beautiful place to stay, one of the best memories from my pilgrimage.

Absolutely loved this place 🙌🏻
There was something magical….
So calm and peaceful!
Thankful for this experience!

Beautiful surroundings, interesting history, extremely generous and kind hosts.

Best place with best people

Awesome experience

Very very beautiful church

A must for the Zen of camino

Very special place.