Mesón Rosy. Open from 06:00. Sandwiches and hot meals, Cocido 8.50€. 2 shops, 2 bars and a baker.

Villar de Mazarife is named after the head of a Cordoban Mozárabe family (The Mozárabes were the original Christian inhabitants of Spain who were allowed to carry on their faith even during the Moorish occupation of Spain). Mazaref was given the task of repopulating the Leonese Páramo by the king of León. (The Leonese Páramo is a high very flat plateau just to the west of León which is about 50km North to South and 30km East to West). There was probably already a settlement in Villar de Mazarife owing to its position on an important Roman road. There is also evidence of a pre-Roman settlement here. However, it is Mazaref's actions and the development of the Camino through Villar de Mazarife which gave birth to the modern village.

The modern village only has two shops but has three good albergues. In particular, the Albergue Casa de Jesus, is renowned for its hippy vibe, its walls covered with messages from pilgrims from all over the world and outside mattresses which allow you to sleep under the stars on the very hot summer nights. It may not be to everyone’s taste but it is still one of my favourite albergues on the Camino.