Walking the Camino de Santiago, from Sarrìa to Santiago - 7 days

Arrival by public bus or private transfer to Sarria, considered the gateway to the compostela, because you have to start in this town if you are keen on getting your pilgrim’s certificate (100km on foot). Remember to have your Pilgrim’s Passport stamped twice each day! If you don’t already have your Pilgrims Passport you can collect one here in Sarria at the Monastery. If you arrive early, we strongly recommend to take a taxi to Samos, to visit the Monastery that was founded in the 6th century and has welcomed pilgrim’s since the beginning.

Distance: 15 Km

Ascent/descent: +150/-350 m

Your first walk along the Camino on is easier than it looks on the elevation map and should take about 5 hours of walking; mainly along small country roads and a few country paths. In general the roads are tree lined and will provide good shade in the sun. There are hamlets every kilometre or so, it can seem like you have just left one village as you enter the next. This is an entertaining and relaxed stage as you do not have to worry about water or food, and whenever you sit down for a moment, you will hear interesting stories told by other pilgrims.

Distance: 22 Km

Ascent/descent: +375/-400 m

After a steep descent on the main road of Portomarin you will walk across an ever changing landscape: from grassy lands to cultivated fields, from woods to streams, through bridges and hamlets made in Stone. Palas del Rei was founded in pre-Roman age and an ancient Celtic stronghold: unfortunately very few traces of its glorious past have remained, but you can relax and enjoy a cafè con leche before going to your hotel, where you will be able to taste some Galician traditional dishes.

Distance: 25 Km

Ascent/descent: +500/-290 m

In the morning you will be taken back to Palas de Rei to start one of the longest but technically very easy sections of the route with no long steep accents or descents. Pilgrims consider this section the start of the countdown, because shortly after Coto there are stone markers at the side of the path with the distance to Santiago marked. Much of the day is shaded and shortly after Melide you will walk through Oak and Eucalyptus forest with the wonderful smell.  Melide is where the Camino Primitivo joins with the Camino Frances.

You can also ask to be taken to the Pambre Castle in the morning and take a short cut to Coto, away from busy roads.

After arrival in Palas, you will be taken to the hotel by car (rural accommodation)

Distance: 29 Km

Ascent/descent: +250/-400 m

Today's walk leads you through oaks, pines and chestnut trees before entering an eucalyptus wood. This stage is very rich in streams where you will be able to enjoy a refreshing bath. You will soon become very excited as your goal rapidly approaches, but try to take your time and enjoy the journey, one step at a time.

Distance: 18 Km

Ascent/descent: +200/-225 m

The finishing line gets closer and closer: in your walk to Santiago you will go across some modern areas, as the regional airport, but will also discover local beauties as the village of Lavacolla, where pilgrims stopped to wash themselves and get changed before arriving in Santiago. You will experience the same joy in seeing Santiago from Mount Gozo and entering the Camino door, finally arriving to Plaza del Obradoiro, the finish line of the Camino. You can choose either to rush to get your compostella or visit the Cathedral first: if you arrive before noon, do not miss the Pilgrim Celebration, which includes the announce of the number of pilgrims who reached Santiago in that day.

Here you can admire the cloister of the Colegio Fonseca, seat of the University library, or take a picture to the beautiful stairway of the Convent of Santo Domingo de Bonaval, which also houses a nice museum. You can also stop and have lunch in the Mercati Generali, where you can taste local specialties from the hands of those who produce them, and celebrate your ending journey with a nice glass of Orujo.

Distance: 21 Km

Ascent/descent: +350/-370 m

Our services end after breakfast.