The Albergue de Santa Clara, in Vila do Conde, closed unexpectedly and abruptly, leaving pilgrims without accommodation in the city center. The closure comes at a time when the Portuguese Coastal Route, growing rapidly, represents around 17% of arrivals to Santiago de Compostela, further highlighting the lack of this facility.
Managed by the municipality, the albergue with 25 beds had been open for a decade, throughout the year, and received more than six thousand pilgrims annually. At the site, only the notice “closed for maintenance” is visible, with no further information or indication of a reopening date.
The mayor of Vila do Conde, Vítor Costa, said the building needs repairs but has not yet decided whether to proceed. Local shopkeepers report drops in revenue of around 40%, linked to the absence of pilgrims who usually stayed in the city.
Via Lusitana regrets the closure of this albergue, reinforces its importance in supporting pilgrims passing through Vila do Conde, and awaits an explanation.
