Alberguería Andrés Muñoz

The Andrés Muñoz Pilgrim Hostel is a municipally owned and operated albergue in the old town of Viana, a historic walled city in Navarre that sits on the Camino Francés just a short stage before Logroño and the entrada into La Rioja. The hostel is named in honour of Andrés Muñoz, reflecting the local tradition of commemorating figures connected to Viana's history and civic identity.

The hostel is reserved exclusively for pilgrims, with priority given to those traveling on foot. It offers 46 places across five rooms, with bunk beds and a requirement to bring or use a sleeping bag. Facilities are solid for a municipal albergue: a free kitchen with microwave and refrigerator, washing machines and dryers, individual lockable storage, and covered bike parking. Disposable sheets and pillowcases are available, though at extra cost.

One practical note worth knowing: between November and February, access is managed by the Local Police rather than onsite staff, and a reservation is required during those months. The contact numbers and pickup window differ from the standard check-in time, so winter pilgrims should plan ahead. Outside of that period, reservations are generally not required except during off-season. The hostel closes entirely over Christmas.

Viana itself is worth a slower look than many pilgrims allow. The town's Church of Santa María, a late Gothic structure with an elaborate Renaissance portal, contains the tomb of Cesare Borgia, who died near Viana in 1507 during a skirmish and was buried here after a turbulent life as a soldier, cardinal, and son of Pope Alexander VI. It is one of the more unexpected historical footnotes along this stretch of the Camino.