This walking route starts in Sarria, but for better availability of deluxe accommodations, you will be staying in a hotel in the heart of Lugo. Lugo is famous for its 3rd-century Roman Walls, and the Cathedral of Lugo is also well worth a visit. If you’d like to relax before your Camino begins, you can enjoy a tapas tour through the city and savor the local flavors!

A taxi will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Sarria, the starting point of this section of the Camino. Expect a peaceful walk through shady oak woods and charming villages along quiet country roads. The village of Barbadelo (at an elevation of 580m) has a beautiful Romanesque church that is worth visiting. The next significant village is Ferreiros. When you arrive in Portomarín (elevation 550m), you can relax on one of the many terraces in the town’s main plaza.

From the village, the Camino crosses the river Minho and climbs uphill. On your way, you’ll be crossing Gonzar and passing the Romanesque Church of Santa María, Castromaior. The calm of the Galician Cemetery in Ligonde on a sunny day is a rest in itself. In Eirexe, the Romanesque portal of the church is a beauty, featuring a sculpture of Daniel, as well as a statue of Santiago de Peregrino. You will then arrive in Palas de Rei (at an elevation of 565m).

Today, the Camino continues slightly downhill, passing the village of Casanova and the charming village of Leboreiro. At Melide (a steady elevation of 454m), stop in one of the many restaurants to try some local specialties such as octopus a la gallega (boiled octopus served with olive oil, paprika, and salt.

This is the perfect start as the stroll quickly leaves Melide and heads off into quiet countryside, along forest track and through a few hamlets. At Boente de Ariba, you will pass by the ancient Church of Santiago before continuing through a forest track and reaching Catanada. You will then cross a few streams, and then you are at the last stretch to Arzua . Once in Arzua, you can then relax in the hotel.

This shaded section of the Camino leads you through peaceful woods, alongside gentle streams, and past sleepy villages. Take your time to visit the chapel of Santa Irena, known for its unique statues of Santiago, before continuing along quiet country roads toward Rua. Upon arrival, a private taxi will pick you up and take you back to Arzúa for your second night there.

In the morning, a taxi will pick you up from your accommodation in Arzúa and take you back to Rua to continue your Camino towards Santiago. You’re nearly there! The stage begins with Lavacolla, where pilgrims traditionally washed in the river before entering Santiago de Compostela. Tall eucalyptus trees will guide your way to Monte do Gozo, the “Mount of Joy,” from where you’ll glimpse your long-awaited destination – the Cathedral of Santiago. After descending into the city, you can finally admire this UNESCO World Heritage Site up close. Take time to marvel at its architecture, soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this cultural and spiritual hub, and reflect on everything you’ve experienced throughout your remarkable Camino.

After breakfast, we bid you farewell.
If you wish to stay in the area, we recommend that you:
– Take your time and visit the magnificent historic centre of Santiago.
– Continue with us along the wild Camino Fisterra (Finisterre Way), and stay overnight at the hotel in the lighthouse!
– Or take a bus to Fisterra to visit the unspoilt sandy coves and beaches of the west coast. With very few tourists, you are guaranteed a very special experience. Buses depart from Santiago Bus Station at 9am and 10am. Buses return to Santiago at 4:45pm and 7pm. The journey takes 3 hours.