end of the camino santiago de compostela skyline
end of the camino santiago de compostela skyline

Camino de Santiago, Sarrìa to Santiago

Level
2
Distance
134 km
Duration
7 days | 6 nights
period
Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
price from
€ 648
CO2 footprint
150 Kg/person
  1. Spain
  2.  | 
  3. Self-Guided
  4.  | 
  5. Tourcode ESSWS25

Walking the last 100 kilometers of the Camino de Santiago, following the footsteps of generations of pilgrims: this trip leads you through the green Galician hills, among stone houses and eucalypt woods, to finally reach the exciting milestone of Plaza del Obradoiro and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
As the journey is better than the end, you will experience unforgettable moments: visiting typical hamlets, small but rich in history and tradition, enjoying the pines and eucalyptus aroma, crossing shady woods and stone bridges. In Santiago you will be able to receive the symbol of your finished pilgrimage: the Compostela, given only to those who have walked the last 100 kilometers of the Camino.

Highlights

  • Explore the roads of Sarria, among stone castles and antiques shops;
  • Enjoy a refreshing bath in the woods on the way to Rua, a few kilometers far from your goal;
  • See Santiago at a distance from the Mount Gozo, the Mount of Joy;
  • Celebrate your arrival in Santiago by attending the Pilgrim celebration in the cathedral.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Sarria, optional 15 km to Samos

Arrival in Sarria, optional 15 km to Samos

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

Day 2

From Sarria to Portomarin, 22 km

From Sarria to Portomarin, 22 km

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

Day 3

From Portomarin to Palas del Rei, 25 km

From Portomarin to Palas del Rei, 25 km

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.

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

Distance: 25 Km

Ascent/descent: +500/-290 m

Day 4

From Palas del Rei to Arzua, 29 km

From Palas del Rei to Arzua, 29 km

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.

Distance: 29 Km

Ascent/descent: +250/-400 m

Day 5

From Arzua to Rua, 18 km

From Arzua to Rua, 18 km

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

Day 6

From Rua to Santiago de Compostela, 21 km

From Rua to Santiago de Compostela, 21 km

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

Day 7

Santiago

Santiago

Our services end after breakfast.

Details

Is this for me?


This is the last and most popular section of the French way to Santiago: you will reach the Santiago Cathedral and will have gained the right to receive the Compostela testifiying to the completion of your pilgrimage. This is surely the most touristic and popular section of the whole route - consider that you should book with great advance and that you will find a lot of people along the way.  

Included


What is included

  • 6 nights in double rooms in hotels **/*** ,B&B and agriturismi with breakfast
  • 3 dinners (Palas de Rei, Arzua, Rua)
  • Transfer from Palas de Rei to Parada das Bestas
  • luggage transportation
  • maps and detailed itinerary description
  • luggage/medical insurance
  • 24h telephone support

What is not included

  • Transfers to the starting location and from the arriving location of the tour
  • lunches and dinners, if not otherwise stated
  • visits and entrance fees - tips
  • personal expense
  • possible sojourn taxes
  • everything that is not mentioned in the "What is included" section.

Optional services 

These services can be added to the ones included in the base price of the tour:

  • Single room supplement
  • cancellation insurance
  • Transfers to reach the starting location or to leave the arriving location of the tour, which will be quoted on request.

Accommodation


Hotel Roma Sarria
Hotel Restaurante Roma - Sarria
Pousada De Portomarin - Portomarin
Pousada de Portomarin - Portomarin
A Parada das Bestas - Palas De Rei
A Parada das Bestas - Palas de Reis
Pazo De Santa Maria Arzúa
Pazo de Santa Maria - Arzua
Hotel Rural O Acivro A Rua
Casa Do Acivro - O Pino
Hotel A Tafona Santiago De Compostela
Hotel Ada Bonaval - Santiago de Compostela

When to travel


The region of Galicia is part of the lush northern sector of the country, “Green Spain”, and its climate and landscape are influenced by moist winds blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean. Galicia enjoys relatively mild, rainy winters and cooler, fairly sunny summers. In summer short heat waves may occur with highs around, or even above, 30ºC. In colder months, the wind blows frequently and the weather can be stormy. Fog is also common at any time of the year. The region gets about 1200 mm of precipitation a year, making it one of the wettest in Spain.

What to bring


Clothing and other items
You will need your regular walking/cycling gear, including some sort of reflective garment. For the evenings, smart outdoor style trousers (or shorts) are invaluable, as are quick-dry t-shirts. These can be washed easily and will dry overnight and still look good for sightseeing or having a drink in town.

Take as little as possible to avoid potentially lugging a heavy suitcase up three flights of stairs at the end of the day. Please be aware that laundromats (“Laverie”) are not common in rural areas, so plan to do handwashing of small items.

Lightweight walking shoes/ trainers
For wearing around towns & villages. They can also be a back-up pair.

Socks & underwear
Take only good quality socks with quick-dry and insulating qualities. Road test them before you go on the trip. Take a suitable quantity of underwear as washing facilities are limited.

Warm jacket, hat, gloves
Bring a fleece, Polartec or warm layers for the evenings especially in spring or autumn; be sure it is totally suitable for your needs.
A fleece jacket which blocks the wind (Wind-stopper) is the most preferable. In the summer months a lightweight jacket is suitable for evenings.
If you are cycling/walking in mountainous or coastal areas, even in the height of summer, the weather can change very quickly and unexpectedly and you should be prepared for fog, mist, rain, snow or hail at any time. Always take an extra layer with you, as well as a warm hat and gloves.

Waterproof jacket & trousers
If you are caught in heavy rain, with good waterproof clothing you should remain dry. Remember that most garments will lose their properties over time. Few will remain waterproof for more than five years and many deteriorate in three years or less. We recommend a rain jacket with a good hood and collar and waterproof or thermal walking/cycling trousers or tights.

Dress code
In general, you should wear suitable clothing when entering a church (in many places, it is considered unacceptable to go inside wearing shorts or a tank-top). We suggest that women carry a shawl to cover up bear shoulders or low-cut tops. It also comes in handy when your shoulders get sunburned!

It is considered inappropriate for men to go without a shirt / T-shirt (other than at the beach).

Trekking poles (adjustable)
Highly recommended. A pair works best, depending on what you are comfortable with. If you suffer from back or knee pain this should be considered essential. Remember to practise walking with your pole(s) on different types of terrain in the months preceding your trip.

Walking boots
The importance of good footwear cannot be stressed enough. Your boots should be sturdy and of good enough quality to handle all types of terrain. Lightweight boots, (cordura/leather boots) which have Gore-Tex or sympatex water-proofing are most suitable for this trip. They should provide good ankle protection and be well broken in. Waxing leather boots regularly prolongs their life.

Walking tops & trousers
We recommend walking trousers and shorts and quick-dry wicking t-shirts. These can be washed easily and will dry overnight and still look good for sightseeing or having a drink in town. Wicking T-shirts are fast drying, keep moisture away from your skin and are available at outdoor stores. You should also bring one pair of loose-fitting trousers to wear in cities and for evenings out, etc. Shorts or zip-off trousers are useful in warmer weather.

Practical info

How to arrive


Arrival in Sarriá

By public transport from Santiago de Compostela airport

The best way to reach Sarria is to fly into Santiago de Compostela airport and first get a suttle bus to the central bus station of Santiago(with www.empresafreire.com; every 30 min )

From there you can travel to Lugo with the same company (Freire) OR with ALSA www.alsa.com and then take another local bus from Lugo to Sarria (35 mins; min 6 services a day) . Check timetables at www.monbus.es

On workdays (Mon to Friday) there is also a direct bus from Santiago de Compostela bus station to Sarria  with company Monbus  (Check www.monbus.es). But remember that you first have to travel into town to the central bus station (with www.empresafreire.com; every 30 min. aprox)

You can book with S-cape optional transfers from Santiago (SCQ) or A Coruña (LCG) airports to your first accommodation in Sarria or from last accommodation in Santiago to the airport (prices on request).

Departure from Santiago de Compostela

There is ashuttle bus to the airport of Santiago from the center of Santiago with different stops in the city (Check www.empresafreire.com)

Mobile App


Use the SloWays APP for iOS and Android smart phones in combination with the written documentation provided.

The App has the detailed tracks and maps that you can use offline and without roaming. Thanks to the phone’s internal GPS, you can check your exact position on the map, so you always know exactly where you are. It also helps you self-navigate you way while travelling. More information on how to use the App inside the roadbook documents.

The navigation features include:

  • Offline navigation. Mobile data not required after initial download
  • Accurate GPS tracks
  • Autorotation of the maps
  • Daily route summary and elevation chart
  • Panorama of the track and at street level
  • Alarm and vibration that alerts you in case you go off track.
  • Emergency SMS button with position coordinates
  • Possibility to record and take georeferenced photos of problems on route alerting fellow travelers
  • Hotel information
  • Points of interest along the way
  • Historical background

Wanderlust Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
Wanderlust
Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
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Touroperating
S-Cape Countryside Travels srl
Borgo Allegri 16R
50122 Firenze FI
P. IVA 05227330486

 
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Touroperating S-Cape Countryside Travels srl Borgo Allegri 16R 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
VAT Nr 05227330486

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