Way of St. James Pilgrimage

Sarria - Santiago de Compostela

The popular last 100 km on the Way of St. James

Way of St. James Pilgrimage

Sarria - Santiago de Compostela

The popular last 100 km on the Way of St. James

Way of St. James Pilgrimage

Sarria - Santiago de Compostela

The popular last 100 km on the Way of St. James

Way of St. James Pilgrimage

Sarria - Santiago de Compostela

The popular last 100 km on the Way of St. James

Way of St. James Pilgrimage
Way of St. James Pilgrimage
Way of St. James Pilgrimage
Way of St. James Pilgrimage
Offers

Sarria - Santiago de Compostela

The popular last 114 km on the Way of St. James Pilgrimage

Overview

The last stretch on the classic french Camino

Walk 100 km to get your Compostela!


Camino (PR18-170): 
Sarria - Ferreiros - Castromajor - Palas del Rei - Melide - Arzúa - Salceda - Amenal - Santiago de Compostela

Duration: 7, 8, 10 or 12 days
Difficulty: easy
Distance: approx. 71 miles / approx. 114 Km
Fare: from 590 EUR per person (incl. luggage transport & breakfast)

We are happy to customise the duration of your trip to suit your individual requirements.


From Sarria to Santiago on the
last stretch of the Camino Francés

Embark on a pilgrimage journey tailored for beginners along the iconic Camino Frances, from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. With just over 100 kilometers, you'll earn your Compostela, a testament to your exploration of the rich cultural and religious heritage intertwined with the Camino. The final stretch offers vast landscapes, enchanting historic towns, and unexpected encounters, promising unique discoveries at every turn.

Choose between our standard 8 stage itinerary or opt for a more leisurely pace with 10 or 12 days divided into shorter, relaxed stages.

Would you rather join a group pilgrimage? Click here for our Way of St. James group tour!

8 day itinerary

The last stretch on the classic french Camino

Walk 100 km to get your Compostela!


Sarria - Santiago | 8 days, standard stages

Day 1: Arrival
Individual journey to your accommodation in Sarria.

Day 2: Sarria - Portomarín (approx. 22.2 km / approx. 6.5 hours / easy)
From Sarria, the Camino leads along forest paths first to Barbadelo and then through small villages, along grain fields and finally back through forests to Portomarín. In between, small cafés invite you to take a break. You finally reach Portomarin via an impressive bridge.

Day 3: Portomarín - Palas del Rei (approx. 24.8 km / approx. 7.5 hours / easy)
Similar to yesterday, today's Camino again leads through an agricultural environment. Depending on the time of year, the mild climate ensures an opulent splendour of plants. In Villar de Donas, we can visit a Romanesque church from the 13th century that is well worth seeing before we reach Palas de Rei via small villages.

Day 4: Palas del Rei - Melide (approx. 14.4 km / approx. 4.0 hours / easy)
Today you make the pilgrimage to Melide, where the Camino Primitivo and the Camino Francés meet. This geographical centre of Galicia is also known for its pulperia. In other words, it is known for its special preparation of pulpo, which is served with Federweißer wine.

Day 5: Melide - Arzúa (approx. 14.1 km / approx. 4.0 hours / easy)
Plant lovers will get their money's worth on this stage. Cacti, palm trees, aloe vera plants several metres high, banana trees, huge hydrangeas and finally eucalyptus forests line our path, which is pleasant and slightly hilly.

Day 6: Arzúa - Rúa/ O Pedrouzo (approx. 19.3 km / approx. 6 hours / easy)
Again eucalyptus forests and scenic, varied sections on narrow, mostly unpaved paths that lead us ever closer to Santiago. Many nice bars and cafés line the way, but it´s also busy with pilgrims.

Day 7: Rúa/ O Pedrouzo - Santiago de Compostela (approx. 19.4 km / approx. 6 hours / easy)
The last stage - once again the scent of eucalyptus before we walk through the suburbs first to Monte do Gozo and past the famous pilgrim monument, perhaps taking a last break up there before we proudly and happily reach Santiago via the Rúa dos Concheiros and enter the old town through the Porta do Camino and finally stand in front of the Catedral de Santiago de Compostela.

Day 8: Departure
Today it is time to say goodbye and, if possible, slowly enjoy your journey home.
Alternatively, we recommend that you continue your Camino to the so-called end of the world - to Cape Finisterre, which in reality is not quite the most westerly point in Europe.

10 day itinerary

The last stretch on the classic french Camino

Walk 100 km to get your Compostela!


Sarria - Santiago | 10 days, short stages

Day 1: Arrival
Individual journey to your accommodation in Sarria.

Day 2: Sarria - Ferreiros (approx. 12.9 km / approx. 4 hours / easy)
From Sarria, the Camino leads along forest paths first to Barbadelo and then through small villages, along grain fields to Ferreiros.

Day 3: Ferreiros - Castromajor (approx. 18.5 km / approx. 5.5 hours / easy)
Today you cycle through forests until you cross an impressive bridge in Portomarín. In between, small cafés invite you to take a break. Similar to yesterday, today's Camino again leads through an agricultural environment. Depending on the time of year, the mild climate ensures an opulent splendour of plants.

Day 4: Castromajor - Palas del Rei (approx. 15.6 km / approx. 4.5 hours / easy)
From Castromajor you visit a Romanesque church from the 13th century in Villar de Donas, which is well worth seeing, before we reach Palas de Rei via small villages

Day 5: Palas del Rei - Melide (approx. 14.4 km / approx. 4.0 hours / easy)
Make a pilgrimage today to Melide, where the Camino Primitivo and the Camino Francés meet. This geographical centre of Galicia is also known for its pulperia, its special preparation of pulpo, which is served with Spring white wine.

Day 6: Melide - Arzúa (approx. 14.1 km / approx. 4.0 hours / easy)
Plant lovers will get their money's worth on this stage. Cacti, palm trees, aloe vera plants several metres high, banana trees, giant hydrangeas and finally eucalyptus forests line our path, which is pleasant and slightly hilly.

Day 7: Arzúa - Salceda (approx. 11.3 km / approx. 3.5 hours / easy)
Again eucalyptus forests and scenic, varied sections on narrow, mostly unpaved paths that lead us ever closer to Santiago. Many nice bars and cafés line the way, but also many pilgrims who are travelling on this section.

Day 8: Salceda - Amenal (approx. 11.3 km / approx. 3.5 hours / easy)
As yesterday, there is a very similar stage today, which runs via Pedrouzo to Amenal.

Day 9: Amenal - Santiago de Compostela (approx. 16.1 km / approx. 4.5 hours / easy)
The last stage - once again the scent of eucalyptus before we walk through the suburbs first to Monte do Gozo and past the famous pilgrim monument, perhaps taking a last break up there before we proudly and happily reach Santiago via the Rúa dos Concheiros and enter the old town through the Porta do Camino and finally stand in front of the Catedral de Santiago de Compostela.

Day 10: Departure
Today it is time to say goodbye and, if possible, slowly enjoy your journey home.
Alternatively, we recommend that you continue your Camino to the so-called end of the world - to Cape Finisterre, which in reality is not quite the most westerly point in Europe.


The Sarria-Santiago stretch doesn't convince you? Here are the alternatives:

Camino del Norte (Northern Way)

  • Runs along the north coast of Spain.
  • Start: Irun on the French-Spanish border.
  • Length: approx. 825 km.
  • A scenic route that passes through cities such as San Sebastián, Bilbao and Gijón.

Camino Portugués (Portuguese Way)

  • Leads from Portugal to Santiago de Compostela.
  • Starting points: Porto (approx. 240 km).
  • Variants along the coast and inland.

Via de la Plata (Silver Way)

  • One of the longest pilgrimage routes in Spain.
  • Start: Ourense
  • Length: approx. 107 km

Camino Primitivo (Original Way)

  • The oldest Way of St. James, used by the first pilgrims.
  • Start: Oviedo (Asturias).
  • Length: approx. 320 km.
  • A challenging route through mountainous terrain.

Camino Inglés (English Way)

  • Used by English and northern European pilgrims
  • Start: Ferrol 
  • Length: approx. 120 km

Camino de Invierno (winter route)

  • Alternative route to the Camino Francés to avoid the snowy mountains in winter.
  • Start: Ponferrada.
  • Length: approx. 270 km.

Each of these Caminos has its own scenic and cultural characteristics and offers pilgrims different levels of difficulty and experience. We are happy to advise you according to your wishes, send us a request through our contact form!

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

about the Camino in France, Spain & Portugal



The classic "Camino Francés" in its entire length starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France and ends in Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Pilgrims need around 34 days to walk the approx. 780 km.

We are also happy to divide your individual Camino into smaller sections, depending on your wishes.

The Spanish coastal path "Camino del Norte" leads from San Sebastián along the Atlantic coast to Santiago de Compostela. We plan 39 days for the approx. 800 km.

On the original "Camino primitivo", you will walk for 15 days for approx. 300 km from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela.

You can walk the last 114 km from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela in 8 days in a guided group.

The Portuguese Camino from Porto to Santiago de Compostela takes 15 days and is approx. 260 km long.
 

Unfortunately, dogs of any size are only welcome in very few accommodations in Spain. The accommodation that do accept dogs, don´t match our high standards, so we regret to inform you that we won´t be offering caminos with dogs anymore.


The Portuguese Way of St James along the coast, the "Camino portugues de la costa", 15 days from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, or the last 118 kilometres from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela, which pilgrims can walk in 8 days, are both suitable for beginners.
 

  • For pilgrims who want to walk long distances along the rugged North Atlantic coast, the Camino del Norte.
  • For pilgrims who want to walk short distances and love the sea and beaches, the Portuguese coastal route.
  • For pilgrims who are particularly interested in culture and historic old towns, the Portuguese inland route.
  • For pilgrims who want a challenging Camino, definitely the Camino Primitivo.
  • To experience the true Way of St James feeling, the Camino frances in its classic version. Apart from the coast, the Camino frances has everything to offer: challenges, spirituality, diverse landscapes, mountains, great encounters with other people. In its entirety, the Camino frances represents the real, authentic Way of St James experience.
     


All routes on the Way of St James are well identified with signposts showing the typical shell, so it is very unlikely to get lost.
 


Thanks to the many different sections you can walk, there is something for every fitness level. While some of the mountainous sections - like the route from St. Jean Pied de Port across the Pyrenees to Burgos - can certainly be a challenge for your muscles, there are also plenty of more relaxed routes, like the portuguese Camino along the coast.


Services included:

  • Accomodation with breakfast (in either single resp. double room with shower/wc in simple to medium category)
  • Pilgrim´s Starter Kit (Pilgrim's Guide, Pilgrim's Pass, Pilgrim's Shell, description of stages)
  • Luggage transportation service (exclusion of luggage transport upon request)
  • Typical galician cheese tasting in the old town of Santiago de Compostela
  • 24h emergency number
  • Transfers
     

Dates:
From the beginning of April until the end of October.

Add-on:
Camino Finisterre afterwards within about 3-4 additional days.
 


The Compostela is a document issued to pilgrims who have completed the Camino de Santiago, the famous Way of St James that leads to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. This certificate is traditionally awarded to those who have covered at least 100 kilometres on foot or 200 kilometres by bicycle to the shrine Santiago and serves as "proof" of the pilgrimage. The issue of the Compostela is controlled by the Pilgrims' Office in Santiago de Compostela and has become a symbol of the rich cultural and religious heritage associated with the Camino de Santiago.


Apparel    

  • backpack (incl. rain protection): 35-50 l - max. 2 Kg/ 4.4 lbs
  • 2 pair of trekking pants: 1 convertable with zipper & 1 shorts
  • 2 shirts (functional material such as merino wool)
  • 1 long sleeve (best merino wool)
  • 2 pairs of hiking socks (compression socks are also recommended)
  • (possibly also nylon stockings - under the hiking socks against blisters)
  • 2 functional underpants
  • hiking boots (no sneakers)
  • 1 sweater
  • flipflops or crocs and/ or sandals
  • rain jacket & pants (or poncho) - max. 0,5 Kg/ 1.1 lbs
  • wind stopper
  • small travel towel
  • sun hat
  • poss. swimming gear (for the camino to Fisterra, for the portugese and spanish camino along the coast)

    
Sanitary Articles    

  • washbag (or big Zip-Lock-Bag)
  • shower gel (small travel version)
  • toothpaste (small travel version) & dental floss
  • toothbrush
  • disinfectant, needle & thread (best to treat blisters) or blister pads
  • deer cream (to prevent blisters) - 50-100 ml
  • magnesium
  • sun cream - 50-100 ml
  • deodorant
  • headache pills (preferably Ibuprofen 400)
  • razor
  • tissues
  • tiger balm

    
Technical Equipment    

  • headlamp
  • ebook-reader
  • phone
  • camera
  • pocket knife

    
Documents & Money    

  • purse
  • cash
  • credit card
  • passport (for non-europeans) or ID
  • train tickets
  • health insurance ID (or travel health insurance for non-europeans)
  • emergency phone numbers of your insurance and bank

   
Miscellaneous    

  • Pilgrim Guide & Itinerary
  • Pilgrim’s Credencial
  • diary & pen
  • St. James's scallop
  • sunglasses
  • drinking system (e.g. camel bag) - max. 2 l
  • zip lock bags or 10 liter freezer bags (for the modular pack system)
  • first aid kit
  • trekking poles or hiking/ pilgrim stick
  • stone as symbol (especially for the Camino Francés)
     


Luggage must be left at reception by 08.00 in the morning to ensure a smooth collection process. Either simply leave it there before breakfast or leave it at reception the evening before (and keep everything you need, such as a toothbrush, in your small luggage).
The deliverers usually have to deliver the luggage to the next accommodation by 15:30 local time. The accommodations we book accept the luggage even if they do not open for pilgrims to check in until later.
 


We recommend a pilgrimage between mid-April and mid-October, but you can choose your travel period individually.
 


Changes to your camino pilgrimage route according to individual wishes, such as certain stage combinations or shortenings, are possible. We will be happy to create an individual offer for you.
 


We are also happy to receive short notice requests and will do everything we can to make your trip possible spontaneously, although this depends on the availability of the accommodations. Otherwise, please try to book your Camino de Santiago with us 6 weeks before your desired departure date.
 


The arrival at the starting point of the Camino must be arranged by travellers individually. We´d be happy to help you find a suitable train connection.
Transfers to/from the train station are not included unless otherwise stated. Upon request, we would be happy to organize a transfer from/to the train station or airport (price for a maximum of 3 people with luggage). Otherwise, we recommend taking a taxi or public transport to your first (or from your last) accommodation.
 

Notes

Please remember to bring your ID or passport.
We recommend - depending on the level of difficulty - to ensure that you are in good physical condition. Sure-footed, broken-in mountaineering boots are a must. A head for heights is also advantageous.
Please note the current entry and health regulations and recommendations, as well as the health and entry regulations of your travel country.
There is no minimum number of participants.
The organizer of this trip is SLOWTRAVEL.

Packing list

Packing list

for the classic french Camino, the portuguese Caminos, the Camino del Norte & Primitivo


What should I pack for my Camino Frances?

Apparel    

  • backpack (incl. rain protection): 35-50 l - max. 2 Kg/ 4.4 lbs
  • 2 pair of trekking pants: 1 convertable with zipper & 1 shorts
  • 2 shirts (functional material such as merino wool)
  • 1 long sleeve (best merino wool)
  • 2 pairs of hiking socks (compression socks are also recommended)
  • (possibly also nylon stockings - under the hiking socks against blisters)
  • 2 functional underpants
  • hiking boots (no sneakers)
  • 1 sweater
  • flipflops or crocs and/ or sandals
  • rain jacket & pants (or poncho) - max. 0,5 Kg/ 1.1 lbs
  • wind stopper
  • small travel towel
  • sun hat
  • poss. swimming gear (for the camino to Fisterra, for the portugese and spanish camino along the coast)

    
Sanitary Articles    

  • washbag (or big Zip-Lock-Bag)
  • shower gel (small travel version)
  • toothpaste (small travel version) & dental floss
  • toothbrush
  • disinfectant, needle & thread (best to treat blisters) or blister pads
  • deer cream (to prevent blisters) - 50-100 ml
  • magnesium
  • sun cream - 50-100 ml
  • deodorant
  • headache pills (preferably Ibuprofen 400)
  • razor
  • tissues
  • tiger balm

    
Technical Equipment    

  • headlamp
  • ebook-reader
  • phone
  • camera
  • pocket knife

    
Documents & Money    

  • purse
  • cash
  • credit card
  • passport (for non-europeans) or ID
  • train tickets
  • health insurance ID (or travel health insurance for non-europeans)
  • emergency phone numbers of your insurance and bank

   
Miscellaneous    

  • Pilgrim Guide & Itinerary
  • Pilgrim’s Credencial
  • diary & pen
  • St. James's scallop
  • sunglasses
  • drinking system (e.g. camel bag) - max. 2 l
  • zip lock bags or 10 liter freezer bags (for the modular pack system)
  • first aid kit
  • trekking poles or hiking/ pilgrim stick
  • stone as symbol (especially for the Camino Francés)