Camino Francés: From Sarria to Santiago
Duration: 8 days
Trails: T1 trails
Distance: 15 - 20 km / 9 - 12 mi per day
Ascent per day: 250 - 500 m / 820 - 1640 ft ascent per day
> Walk from Sarria to Santiago
> Cover over 100 kilometers in 6 stages
> Spend your nights in comfortable, traditional accommodation
Santiago de Compostela, with its centuries-old pilgrimage tradition, has attracted travellers for over 1,000 years. Home to the tomb of the Apostle James, its magnificent cathedral is the perfect place to reflect on your journey. The Camino Francés is the most popular route to Santiago and now you can enjoy part of this historic route by walking from Sarria to Santiago in six leisurely days. With an average walking time of 4 hours a day, you can enjoy the tranquil beauty of the countryside and the serenity of the journey.
The full Camino Francés starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (France) and covers 784 kilometres to Santiago (Spain). Along the way, you'll pass through beautiful cities such as Pamplona and Burgos, and enjoy scenic paths bordered by lavender fields, rolling wheat hills and stunning mountain views. With every step you take, you'll be immersed in the rich history of this pilgrimage, all at a leisurely pace.
Over 100 kilometres in 6 days, we've divided up the longer stages, including splitting the third stage between Palas de Rei and Arzúa, to ensure a balanced and relaxed journey. After each day's walking, you'll return to welcoming hotels, hostels or guesthouses where you can rest and recover with a delicious breakfast before embarking on the next day's adventure. The French Way of the Camino offers the perfect blend of gentle walking and cultural discovery, making it the ideal experience for those seeking a peaceful and rewarding journey.
Itinerary
Day
1
Arrival in Sarria
Welcome to Galicia! Today you arrive in the charming town of Sarria, the day before your Camino adventure begins. This gives you the chance to relax and prepare for the days ahead, setting the perfect tone for a peaceful and enjoyable start.
DP Cristal (Sarria)
Day
2
Sarria - Portomarín
Duration: 05:10 h
Distance: 23.2 km / 14.4 mi
Ascent: 370 m / 1214 ft
Descent: 440 m / 1444 ft
Your Camino journey begins with a lovely, gentle walk from Sarria to Portomarín. As you walk through small villages and past Romanesque churches, you'll encounter some stunning and peaceful scenery. Near Ferreiros you'll reach the famous 100 kilometre marker to Santiago - the perfect place to stop and take a photo! At the end of the day, you'll arrive in Portomarín, one of the most beautiful villages on the Camino Francés.
PortoSantiago (Portomarín)
Day
3
Portomarín - Palas de Rei
Duration: 05:40 h
Distance: 25 km / 15.5 mi
Ascent: 520 m / 1706 ft
Descent: 320 m / 1050 ft
Today's walk takes you through enchanting forests and charming villages, following the historic stone paths of the Pilgrim's Way. In Castromayor you'll pass the remains of an ancient fortress and a Romanesque church, adding a sense of history to your journey. After a day of scenic walking, you'll reach Palas de Rei, a welcoming village with a characteristic atmosphere.
Pensión Palas (Palas de Rei)
Day
4
Palas de Rei - Melide
Duration: 03:20 h
Distance: 14.9 km / 9.3 mi
Ascent: 220 m / 722 ft
Descent: 320 m / 1050 ft
This beautiful stage of the Pilgrim's Way is shorter but just as rewarding, with quiet paths through green meadows and ancient bridges that may date back to Roman times. Your destination is Melide, a popular stopover for pilgrims, where you can relax and enjoy the medieval charm of the town. After a pleasant walk, you'll spend the night in cosy and comfortable accommodation.
Pension Esquina (Melide)
Day
5
Melide - Arzúa
Duration: 03:00 h
Distance: 14 km / 8.7 mi
Ascent: 240 m / 787 ft
Descent: 310 m / 1017 ft
Today you'll continue along the winding dirt roads of the Camino, passing old bridges and the picturesque town of Ribadiso. Your destination, Arzúa, is a popular stop for pilgrims, famous for its delicious local cheese. After a relaxing day's walking, you can relax and reflect on your day.
Hotel Arzúa (Arzúa)
Day
6
Arzúa - O Pedrouzo
Duration: 04:30 h
Distance: 20 km / 12.4 mi
Ascent: 280 m / 919 ft
Descent: 390 m / 1280 ft
This easy walk takes you through beautiful eucalypt forest, peaceful villages and small rivers. Be sure to stop at the chapel of Santa Irene, a special place steeped in legend and a popular attraction for pilgrims. Legend has it that the body of St James was supposed to be buried in the tomb of this church instead of Santiago, until it was discovered that dragons lived on nearby Pico Sacro. Who knows what else you might come across along the way? Tonight you'll stay in O Pedrouzo, a quiet and welcoming place to relax before the final stretch to Santiago.
Pensión Residencial Platas (O Pedrouzo)
Day
7
O Pedrouzo - Santiago de Compostela
Duration: 04:30 h
Distance: 20 km / 12.4 mi
Ascent: 300 m / 984 ft
Descent: 310 m / 1017 ft
This is the last day of your pilgrimage! The walk takes you to Santiago de Compostela, where the first glimpse of the cathedral from Monte do Gozo will fill you with excitement. When you arrive in Santiago, don't forget to visit the pilgrim's office to get your final stamp and Compostela. Celebrate the end of your Camino, explore the city and, if you wish, attend the pilgrims' mass in the cathedral. Soak up the atmosphere of this historic place before going to bed.
PR Campanas de San Juan (Santiago de Compostela)
Day
8
Departure from Santiago
Your Camino adventure has come to an end. After an unforgettable journey, take some time to soak up the atmosphere in the historic streets of Santiago or prepare for your return home or onward journey. It's been a remarkable journey, full of unforgettable memories and experiences. See you soon!
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