Guided 2024: Sarria to Santiago and Bus to Finisterre

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.

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.

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 (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.

Arzúa is a charming town in the province of A Coruña, Galicia. It’s known for its cheese production – Arzúa-Ulloa cheese enjoys a reputation throughout Galicia for its exceptional creaminess and rich flavor. Similarly, the honey produced in this region is highly regarded, thanks to the favorable local flora and climatic conditions that contribute to its quality.

The Camino de Santiago from Amenal to Santiago de Compostela is the final leg of the journey for many pilgrims on the Camino Francés, which is the most popular route to Santiago. This stretch is approximately 16 kilometers (about 10 miles) long and offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes. As you progress, you’ll notice a gradual transition from rural to suburban surroundings. The path takes you through small villages, open fields, and wooded areas, with increasing signs of urbanization. A significant landmark along the way is “Monte do Gozo” or “Mount of Joy.” This hill offers a panoramic view of Santiago de Compostela, and it’s a place where many pilgrims pause to savor their first glimpse of the city and the cathedral spires in the distance. After descending from Monte do Gozo, you’ll continue through urban areas, eventually leading you into the heart of Santiago’s historic district.

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.