Retreats at Flores del Camino
Practical Information & Frequently Asked Questions
Travel ~ Packing ~ Before & after the retreat ~ During the retreat
Travel
Where am I going?
The retreat centre is called Flores del Camino, often referred to simply as Flores. It is located in a village called Castrillo de los Polvazares, or Castrillo for short. The nearest town, Astorga, is about 5 km (3 miles) away and offers all necessary amenities.
If you're travelling from abroad, the best option is to fly to Madrid, which has a single international airport. This is where we arrange pick-up on the first day of the retreat and drop-off on the final day.
When should I plan to arrive in Spain?
Some participants arrive on the starting day of the retreat, while others prefer to arrive one, two, or even several days earlier to recover from jet lag and explore Madrid or other parts of Spain.
How do I get from Madrid airport to the retreat centre?
Most of our retreats include a transportation service from Madrid airport to Flores del Camino on the first day of the retreat and back on the last day.
If you prefer to arrive independently, please plan to check in on the starting day at the time specified in the retreat description. You can find detailed information about how to get here on our website.
Should I get travel insurance?
Flores does not provide insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange travel and medical insurance. Please refer to the terms and conditions for further details.
Can you make recommendations for airlines and insurance companies?
We cannot recommend specific airlines, insurance companies or policies, as the best choice depends on your individual circumstances, and offers and prices can vary significantly over time.
For flights, you might find it helpful to use an online service like Expedia to compare options.
For insurance, we recommend carefully reviewing what each policy covers to ensure it meets your needs.
How far ahead of time should I buy plane tickets?
Before purchasing non-refundable plane tickets, please ensure that the retreat has reached the minimum number of participants required to proceed. If you have any doubts, feel free to contact us.
How does the airport pick-up work?
If you’d like to use our transportation service to Flores, we will pick you up from Madrid airport (Terminal 4) at 12:00 pm on the starting day of the retreat. See here for further details.
If you plan to arrive in Madrid on the starting day, please allow at least two hours between your landing time and the pick-up time.
If you're staying in Madrid the night before, you can take a taxi between the city centre and the airport for a fixed fare of €33 (as of 2024). There are also convenient public transportation options, including buses, the metro and trains.
How does the airport drop-off work?
We will drop you off at Madrid airport (Terminal 4) around 1:00 pm on the final day of the retreat.
If you're flying out that same day, please check with your airline how far in advance you should arrive at the airport and ensure that your flight schedule aligns with the drop-off time.
What if I am late on the starting day?
If you land in Madrid on the starting day of the retreat, please share your flight number and expected landing time with us in advance.
If you experience delays and might miss the airport pick-up, contact us as soon as possible. Depending on the delay, we may be able to wait for you. Otherwise we will assist you in finding an alternative way to reach Flores.
Packing
Prescription Drugs
In Spain, prescription drugs can only be obtained with a prescription from a medical doctor in Spain, despite occasional claims to the contrary found online.
If you use prescription medication, be sure to bring enough with you and keep it in your hand luggage while traveling. It’s also advisable to carry the prescription itself, in case customs officials ask for documentation.
Electrical Plugs
Electrical plugs in mainland Europe differ from those used in many other parts of the world. You can purchase plug adapters online before your departure or at the airport.
Phone and Data
Please make sure you can be reached while in Spain, not just via Wi-Fi but also through the mobile/cellular network. This is important for coordinating the airport transfer, excursions and the Camino if you choose the pilgrimage option. We will create a WhatsApp group for participants, which you'll need to stay connected to.
If you're travelling from overseas, the simplest option is to enquire with your mobile provider about their European plans. If you're comfortable with technology, you can also purchase an eSIM online or get a Spanish SIM card once you arrive in Spain.
Bank cards
Mastercard and Visa are accepted almost everywhere in Spain. It is very common to pay by card, even for small amounts. There are ATMs throughout Madrid and all major towns, including Astorga (our neighbouring town), but not in Castrillo (our village).
Cash
Check with your bank if you can withdraw cash from European ATMs using your bank card. You will probably need a PIN for this. There are ATMs throughout Madrid and all major towns, including Astorga (our neighbouring town), but not in Castrillo (our village).
There are also foreign exchange counters at the airport and in Madrid.
Can I ship personal belongings or materials to the retreat centre ahead of the retreat?
We can receive packages for you before the retreat but not during the retreat. In any case, please confirm with us in advance.
Note also that if you ship from overseas, customs will treat it as an import/export, which involves paperwork and potentially additional fees. If the paperwork is incomplete, your items may be held at the border indefinitely or even returned to the sender.
You can find our address at the end of this webpage. Please ensure that you list yourself as the recipient, as we cannot handle customs procedures on your behalf.
What will the weather be like?
The weather in our region is often sunny year-round. Some rain is likely in spring or autumn, while summer tends to be drier, though occasional showers are still possible. Next are the average dawn and afternoon temperatures, along with the typical number of rainy days for each month.
These data are statistical averages and as such should be treated as a guideline. Due to the altitude and terrain, the weather can change quickly and unexpectedly, with significant temperature variations between day and night (up to 20°C / 35°F).
It is also worth mentioning that we seem to regularly exceed the average temperatures.
We recommend packing layers at any time of year and being prepared for all weather conditions. Even in summer, it's wise to bring a jumper.
What else should I pack?
Pack comfortable shoes and clothing, as our retreats usually include practical activities and gentle walking.
Unless otherwise stated, we provide all the necessary art, drawing, and writing materials. However, you're welcome to bring your own compass, paintbrushes, journal, or other personal items.
If you’ve booked a mini pilgrimage, we will send you a specific packing list a few months in advance.
Before & after the retreat
Is Spain a safe country?
Spain is considered a safe country for travellers. It has a crime rate significantly lower than the US or the UK for example (source: numbeo.com). However, as with any destination, it's wise to take basic precautions, especially in larger cities like Madrid, where pickpocketing can occur in busy areas. In smaller towns and rural areas, as well as on the Camino, safety concerns are minimal.
Can I arrive earlier at the retreat centre or stay after the retreat?
Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate guests before or after the retreat. To manage jet lag and/or make the most of their journey, many participants choose to arrive one or more days in advance and stay in Madrid before using our airport pick-up service.
Some participants also take the opportunity to explore other parts of Spain. On the way to Flores, you’ll find León, a beautiful city along the Camino with plenty to explore, located about 30 miles from the retreat centre. Closer to us is Astorga, our nearby town, just 4 miles away. Segovia, another stunning city, lies between Madrid and the retreat centre, on the same high-speed train line.
Please note that if you stay outside Madrid, you will need to arrange your own transportation to the retreat centre or return to Madrid airport to join our pick-up service.
What do you recommend to see in Madrid?
The historic centre of Madrid is perfect for exploring on foot, especially around Royal Palace, the Plaza Mayor or the Parque del Retiro.
For museums, we recommend the Reina Sofia, the Prado and one of our personal favourites, the National Archeological Museum.
Thanks to the high-speed train, both Segovia and Toledo are possible day trips from Madrid.
There’s much more to find online, for example, on TripAdvisor.
Can you make recommendations for hotels in Madrid and other cities?
As with flights and insurance, the best choice depends on your personal preferences, budget, and current availability. Therefore, we’re sorry that we cannot provide specific recommendations.
To find suitable accommodations, you might find it helpful to check platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com.
During the retreat
What is provided in the bedrooms during the retreat?
All our bedrooms, whether at Flores or the local hotel, include a private bathroom with towels, hair and body shampoo, hand wash, and a hairdryer. In the summer, we provide individual fans for your comfort.
There is no safe, fridge or kettle in the bedrooms. However, you will have access to the communal kitchen at the retreat centre for snacks and tea.
Do you have air conditioning?
We do not have air conditioning. The retreat centre is housed in a historic building with thick stone walls that naturally keep the interior cool. The courtyard is shaded and well-protected from the heat.
Thanks to our high-altitude location, temperatures drop pleasantly at night, even in summer. You can open the windows to enjoy the fresh air.
For added comfort, we provide individual fans in the bedrooms during the summer.
How good is the internet at the retreat centre?
For a small village, the internet is very good, though it may not be as fast as what you're used to in a large city. The connection is radio-based, so it can occasionally be affected by weather conditions. Download speeds typically range between 20 and 60 Mbps.
Can I wash my clothes during the retreat?
Yes, there is a washing machine available for guests at Flores. Clotheslines are provided both inside the house and in the patio for drying. An iron is also available.
What incidental expenses do I need to plan for?
Our retreats usually include accommodation from the start to the end date, refreshments and meals (except possibly a few), all materials and equipment for workshops, entrance fees for visits, and airport transfers. Please check the description of your specific retreat for details on what is and what is not included.
If you need to run personal errands in the nearby town of Astorga, we will explain how to order a taxi, which costs €12 each way.
For the Camino (if you’ve chosen this option), you’ll need some cash if you wish to take a taxi for part of the trail. You’ll also need cash for coffee, drinks, and lunch (10 - 20€ each) along the way. There are ATMs in some of the villages on the route.