French Way- Sarria to Santiago

Route

What’s the plan?

Day 1

You will have to make your way to Sarria. If you need our help with the planning, we will be there for you, so everything works out. Once you arrive, you will find all the information on our guided book to make your way to the starting point of the Camino. If you want us to arrange a private transport for you to the starting point, we can do it for you.

Hotel: DP Cristal

Day 2: Sarria – Portomarín – 22 km

The peaceful route from Sarria to Portomarín will take you through small villages, lovely landscapes and past Romanesque churches.

At the end of the stage (22Km) you will arrive in Portomarín, which is one of the most beautiful villages of this part of the Camino.

Hotel: Pensión Mar

Day 3: Portomarín – Palas de Rei – 25 km

Today you will start walking through a pine forest, and the route will take you through many picturesque hamlets. The most interesting Romanesque church you will find is Santa María de Castromayor, after Portomarin.

By the end of the stage you will get to Palas de Rei, one of the most emblematic stops of the French Way.

Hotel: Pensión A Fonte

Day 4: Palas de Rei – Arzúa – 25 km

This is the longest stage, Arzúa is 29 km away from Palas de Rei. For this reason, many pilgrims decide to stay in Melide, a small town which is halfway. One of the most interesting points is the medieval town of Ribadiso, just before Arzúa, one of the pilgrim´s favorite places.

Once you get to Arzúa we recommend you taste the local typical cheese!

Hotel: Pensión Rua

Day 5: Arzúa – O Pedrouzo – 18 km

The walk will take you through eucalyptus forests, charming villages and across small rivers. We strongly recommend you visit the Chapel of Santa Irene, which is a very common stop among pilgrims.

Pedrouzo is quite small and during high season most of the accommodation can be fully booked. But do not worry, we have many different options in the area, which are also very popular.

Hotel: Pensión Pedrouzo

Day 6: Pedrouzo – Santiago – 20 km

Finally, we get to the last walking day of the Camino. You will be able to observe from the top of the hill, “Monte do Gozo”, the lovely city of Santiago de Compostela, and its beautiful cathedral, your ultimate goal.

Many pilgrims stop there just before descending, recalling the best moments of an adventure that is about to finish.

When you get to Santiago do not forget to go to the Pilgrim’s Office with your Pilgrim Passport if you want to get your “Compostela” (Pilgrim Certificate).

If you still have some energy left, we recommend you continue your route to Muxía – have a look to the Camino Finisterre- Muxía.

Hotel: Hospedería San Martín Pinario

Day 7

Check out Santiago.

What's included

Included:

√ Accommodation
The accommodation during the trek is in hotels with a category similar to 2-star hotels. They are usually small family hotels with few rooms. They are focused on the needs of pilgrims.The hotels are basic, but comfortable and clean. A private room with private bathroom is always guaranteed.

√ Luggage transfer
Every morning you can drop you luggage off at the hotel reception. If you arrive in the following hotel your lugagge will be already waiting for you. The daypack is your only thing that you need to carry.

√ 24/7 Phone asistance
You will have access to a 24 hour help line. In case of any emergencies we will be ready to help you and assist you where needed.

√ Meals
Half board is included. Breakfast x6 and dinner x4. On the Camino the Santiago you will find plenty of little bistro’s and cosy restaurants on your way where you will meet a lot of other pelgrims as well. We will share the best place with you in our travelguide.

√ Pilgrim Passport
Your pilgrim’s passport is a document that identifies you as a pilgrim, and provides proof that you have walked at least the last 100kms into Santiago necessary to obtain your Compostela certificate, the official testament to your journey. It also provides a wonderful record of the places that you stayed, and makes for a beautiful, soulful reminder of this special journey.

√ Walking Notes
We will provide you with a detailed travel guide with all the information you will need during your trek.

Excluded:

× Airfare
The plane tickets are not included.

× Guide
This trek excludes a guide, but our guidebook will definitely help you through.

× Accommodation before the trek
Before the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation.

× Travel Insurance
Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before you travel.

× Meals
Only half board is included.

× Personal Expenses
All personal expenses such as drinks at the bar, washing and other similar expenses are for your own account.

× Entrance fees
Museum entrances & other paid visits are not included.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Best season
The best season to do the trek to Santiago de Compostela is in Spring, form May to June. During these months the weather starts to get better and there are not that many trekkers in the hotels along the way. September is also a good month to do it, but the weather can be quite unpredictable, unlike during Summer. Only 4% of the trekkers choose to do the trail in winter (October to April) because of the cold, rain, and even snow.

Training
This trek is an easy one, children and old people complete the trail, and you probably won’t have problems. However, you will be trekking many days, so it is better if you get ready for it. Try walking a few hours a day the weeks before your trekking and try wearing the same shoes you will be wearing during the trek, that way you prevent getting blisters or hurting your feet. Another good idea is to walk with a backpack on your shoulders so that your back gets used to the weight.

Where does the Camino begin and end?
All trails lead to the same destination: Santiago de Compostela. Where they begin? Well, that is a harder question. When the remains of Santiago the apostle were found, people from all over the continent travelled to see them. Truth be told, there were many trails that the people at that time used, based on where they came from. So the answer to where the trail begins has no single answer. The most common one and world famous, is the one coming from France, but there are some also from Portugal and Spain itself. Which one to choose? Well, that is up to you.

Packing list

Packing List

Do you know what things to pack for the Camino de Santiago? Here is our Camino de Santiago packing list. Want a complete detailed list? Then you should definitely have a look at our blog post with all the details.

Essentials:

– Backpack
– Shoes
– Flip flops
– 2x Socks
– 2x Clothing
– Reusable water bottle
– First aid kit
– Toiletries
– Travel towel
– Paper tissues
– Utility knife
– Plug adapter
– Lightweight sleeping bag
– Cash
– Sewing kit

Extra’s:

– Camera
– Guidebooks and maps
– Gaiters
– Hiking poles
– Ear plugs and eye mask
– Flashlight/headlamp
– Power bank
– Plastic ziplock bags
– A spork
– Snacks
– Expandable tote bag
– Novel
– Journal

Safety

Is it safe to do the Camino without a guide?

The Camino de Santiago is completely safe, especially the French Way. It is well signposted, with yellow arrows and shell symbols to guide the pilgrims during their stages. Bear in mind that many people travel on the Camino, so it is necessary to be aware of your belongings.

Galiwonders will have access to a 24 hour help line. In case of any emergencies we will be ready to help you and assist you where needed.

Accommodation

Accommodation

The accommodation during the trek is in hotels with a category similar to 2-star hotels. They are usually small family hotels with few rooms. They are focused on the needs of pilgrims.The hotels are basic, but comfortable and clean. A private room with private bathroom is always guaranteed.

These are examples of the hotels we like to work with. Should any of them not be available, we will provide you with one of the same standard & price.

Day 1: DP Cristal

Day 2: Pensión Mar

Day 3: Pensión A Fonte

Day 4: Pensión Rua

Day 5: Pensión Pedrouzo

Day 6: Hospedería San Martín Pinario

*The price of the trek is per person, in double rooms. The price of the trek in single rooms is USD 711/€ 630 per person.

Galiwonders

Galiwonders

At Galiwonders we want to help you to discover all the different sides of the Camino de Santiago walk, and Galicia region. We have full confidence in everything our region can offer you, and we are at your disposal to organize an unforgettable trip.

We have a lot of experience in the tourist sector; we love traveling and we have lived and worked abroad. One day, we decided to pack our bags and come back home, to get all the travelers to know Galicia, its culture, its landscapes, its cuisine… and of course the Camino de Santiago.

How To Book

How does it work?

On Bookatrekking.com you can find and compare the adventures of your dreams. Is this trekking adventure your match? In that case you can proceed to booking. At Bookatrekking.com you make a deposit of 15% of the total amount. You pay the remaining amount on location prior to the trek directly to the trekking company.

Bookatrekking.com uses only the safest payment methods. Once your booking has been received, your place is reserved, your place is safe and you can look forward to your chosen trekking.

After you have made your booking, you will receive an e-mail confirmation with all necessary information and the contact details of the trekking company. If you have any questions or if you want to clarify something, you can obtain information directly from the right person. Of course, you can also always ask us your question. Send us an e-mail on support@bookatrekking.com

The trekking company will also receive your details and can therefore always contact you and provide you with extra information.

Cancellation Policy

You wish you didn’t have to, but there is no other way: You find yourself having to cancel your plans. In this case, you lose your deposit, but since you haven’t paid the large sum yet, you at least save that. Please do let us know if you cannot make it. A no-show can be a small disaster for your trekking provider, who did its best to block your dates. View our complete cancellation policy here.