Situated in the village of Bourres, this traditional albergue provides simple dormitory beds for Camino Primitivo pilgrims. It serves as a practical overnight stop before the trail splits toward Ruta de los Hospitales or Pola de Allande.
Private Albergue
Located in the quiet agricultural village of Borres, Albergue La Montera stands at one of the most consequential crossroads on the Camino Primitivo. For pilgrims walking west from Oviedo, this accommodation serves as the final staging ground before the trail splits into two distinct paths. From here, walkers must choose between the lower, more sheltered route through Pola de Allande and the demanding, high-altitude Ruta de los Hospitales.
The village of Borres has hosted travelers since the earliest days of the Camino in the ninth century. While the albergue itself is a contemporary facility built to support the modern revival of the route, it shares its name with a historic piece of local culture. "La Montera" refers to the montera picona, the traditional peaked wool hat worn by Asturian men, which remains a proud symbol of regional identity.
As an accommodation catering specifically to long-distance walkers, the services here are designed around practical recovery. Visitors will find straightforward dormitory sleeping arrangements, hot showers, and communal spaces to rest weary legs. Because Borres is a tiny rural settlement with limited commercial infrastructure, pilgrims use this stop primarily for physical rest and strategic route planning rather than sightseeing.
A notable historical fact about this section of the trail is the origin of the impending Hospitales route. It takes its name from a network of medieval pilgrim hospitals that once operated along the exposed mountain ridges ahead. Walkers who choose the high route departing from Borres will pass the ruined stone foundations of these ancient safe houses, which were originally built by monks to rescue lost or freezing travelers in the Middle Ages.
For those planning to stay, preparation is essential. Visitors should secure enough food and water in larger towns like Tineo or Campiello before arriving, as local supplies in Borres are highly limited. The most critical tip for anyone staying here is to check the mountain weather forecast the night before departing. The hospital ruins on the high route sit at elevations above 1,100 meters, where thick fog and severe storms can roll in without warning. If the morning forecast indicates heavy rain or poor visibility, experienced guides strongly advise taking the safer valley alternative through Pola de Allande.
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