Most popular section of the Camino, hilly with many shaded sections. Guaranteed to meet people.
For those who are short on time, but still want to experience the beauty of completing the Camino, you can walk from the Galician town of Sarria to Santiago de Compostela through beautiful hilly landscapes in just 5 days. You will still receive your certificate of completion, or Compostela, upon arrival at Santiago Cathedral. Take an extra day or 2 to experience the magical city sights at the end.
The final stage of the famous Camino Frances (or French Way) is the most popular Camino package.
Portomarin
The Galician town of Portomarín is a delightful mediaeval village situated on the river Mino. Portomarin is famous for its 400m-high Romanesque staircase that leads you to the town. An interesting fact about this town is that before the dam was created in the 1960s Portomarin used to be lower down in the valley. When they created the dam they moved the town, which was no small feat as they had to painstakingly take down and rebuild the Church of St John. This structure was built by the workshop of Master Mateo who is responsible for the Portico de Gloria in the Cathedral in Santiago.
Celtic Ruins at Castromaior
A small detour off the Camino, approx 1km passed the town of Castromaior on the way to Melide, you will find the 2000 year-old Celtic ruins of Castro de Castromaior. The recent excavations on this settlement have found proof of occupation from around 4 BC to when the Romans arrived. Watch out for this detour as it is a great spot to get a photo, and standing up on the embankment provides a splendid view over the Galician countryside.
Santiago de Compostela
Just before arriving into Santiago you will pass the Mount of Joy. Here, take the time to get a stamp at the small church but also visit the Pilgrim Statues pointing at the city. It is here that you will get your first glimpse of the Cathedral (the reputed burial place of St James and the many Spanish kings, including Alfonso IX) in the distance. There are few feelings like the one of arriving to Praza do Obradoiro in front of the cathedral after your long pilgrimage. Once in the city, you can explore the bustling mediaeval streets, filled with market stalls, restaurants, bars and buskers, as well as the many interesting museums and Alameda Park for a relaxing stroll.
SARRIA
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Services
Included in this package
Add-On
Not included: Flights/trains, Insurance, Drinks/Lunch
Itinerary
Day
km
SARRIA
Make your way to your hotel in Sarria in time to enjoy your first evening meal, and get a good rest before you begin your Camino. If you are feeling energised before your walk, visit the town’s main religious sites, Convento de la Magdalena and Iglesia Santa Marina de Sarria.
Day
21.9 km
SARRIA PORTOMARIN
Expect a peaceful walk in shady oak woods and pretty villages on quiet country roads. The village of Barbadelo (at an elevation of 580m) has a beautiful Romanesque church that is worth a visit. The next significant village is Ferreiros. When you arrive in Portomarin (an elevation of 550m) you can relax on one of the numerous terraces of the town’s main plaza.
Day
24.3 km
PORTOMARIN PALAS DE REI
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).
Day
29.1 km
PALAS DE REI ARZUA
Today, the Camino continues slightly downhill, passing the village of Casanova and the charming village of Leboreiro. At Melide (an elevation of 454m), stop in one of the many restaurants to try some local specialities. Later today, the Camino will follow a forest track and cross several streams bringing you to the village of Boente. Then, you’ll encounter the mediaeval village of Ribadiso, and finally Arzua (at an elevation of 389m). This small town has two churches that you can visit, Santa María and La Magdalena.
Day
17.9 km
ARZUA RUA
This shaded section of the Camino will pass through woods, along streams, and through sleepy villages. Take your time and visit the chapel of Santa Irena, with its unique statues of Santiago. The rest of the way to Rua-O Pino is on a quiet country road. Rua (at an elevation of 310m) is one of the less crowded stopping points before Santiago de Compostela.
Day
20.3 km
RUA SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
You’re nearly there! The next stage will be Lavacolla, where pilgrims traditionally washed in the river before reaching Santiago de Compostela. Tall eucalyptus trees line your way to Monte del Gozo, or Mount of Joy. From here, you can see your goal – the Cathedral of Santiago! After a descent to the city you’ll be able to witness this UNESCO World Heritage Site up-close. Marvel at the architecture and relish the wonderful atmosphere in this cultural and spiritual mecca, and contemplate all you’ve experienced on your amazing journey.
Day
km
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
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.
Getting to Sarria, Spain
It is best to fly to Santiago de Compostela. You will need to travel to Sarria from Santiago yourself, or we can arrange a private transfer.
Fly into Santiago de Compostela
Ryanair, Aer Lingus and Iberia/BA fly direct to Santiago de Compostela from the UK and Ireland. Ryanair flies from Stansted, BA operates from Gatwick and Aer Lingus operates from Dublin. Santiago de Compostela can also be reached by a number of locations around Spain and Portugal, as well as major European cities. Iberia offers the best selection of flights and you can fly to and from Santiago De Compostela returning to Frankfurt, Paris, and Rome, Barcelona, Bilbao, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Madrid, Malaga, Palma, Seville, Tenerife and Valencia.
You must take two buses to reach Sarria from Santiago. From Santiago Airport, you get a bus to Lugo. This journey takes between 1 hour and 10 minutes, and 1 hour and 40 minutes. From Lugo, you take a bus to Sarria. There are many buses that run each day, and it’s a 30 minute drive.
Getting home from Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Fly from Santiago de Compostela
Shuttle buses from Santiago city centre to the airport depart every 20 minutes.
Start Planning your Adventure Now
Walk the Camino to experience what is set to be the biggest Camino experience of the
century so far. Embrace your freedom to explore and challenge yourself to walk the Camino.
| Most popular section of the Camino, hilly with many shaded sections. Guaranteed to meet people. | |
| January | Off season |
| February | Off season |
| March | Off season |
| April | Good time |
| May | Popular time |
| June | Popular time |
| July | Good time |
| August | Good time |
| September | Popular time |
| October | Good time |
| November | Off season |
| December | Off season |