Camino Frances Final Stage - Sarria to Santiago - 7 Days
- Hike the final 100km (62 miles) of the Camino ending in Santiago de Compostela
- Attend the pilgrim’s mass at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
- Collect your ‘Compostela’ certificate from the Pilgrim’s office in Santiago
- Meet fellow pilgrims, exchange stories, and feel part of the Camino Community
- Visit churches, chapels, and historical landmarks along the route
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Sarria and overnightYou can take a bus or we can arrange a private transfer from Santiago to Sarria. For more information see the "Trip Info" tab of this tour. Sarria is the last place from which you can start your Camino walk and still collect your Compostela (or certificate of completion) in Santiago. Pick up your pilgrim's passport, a scallop shell and enjoy an evening in one of Sarria’s restaurants, eating the local speciality, pulpo (octopus), while sipping on some delightful Albariño.
Hotel Roma is located in a peaceful location, just next to the railway station and close to the Camino Frances. The accommodation has 18 rooms, all of them with telephone, heating, private bathroom and TV. Furthermore, the hotel has a guests´ living room, parking area, terrace, bar and a restaurant which offers best of Galician gastronomy.
NH Alfonso IX Hotel is located in the heart of Camino de Santiago within the urban part of the town, in incomparable natural beauty, surrounded by gardens and bordering the river, it is very close to the monumental zone and the Roman route. You can also enjoy the famous street of the Anticuarios, (Antique dealers).
Located in Sarria, the Hotel Mar de Plata is much more than just a place to rest; it is the living testimony of a family history that has been cultivating Galician tradition since the 1970s.
Leaving Sarria you pass Sarria Castle, with its one remaining tower, the rest destroyed in the peasants’ uprising against the aristocracy in the 15th Century.
You will be walking along shady tree-lined roads and pathways this morning, passing through pretty small hamlets such as Cortinas and A Brea, before reaching the stone marker; a photo opportunity before taking the first step on the final 100km to Santiago.
The Camino ascends to a high point at Pena dos Corvos; at 660m you will enjoy panoramic views, before descending into the lush Rio Mino valley, to Mercadoiro and then Portomarin. Enjoy the Galician ambience as you stroll up the cobbled main street and end your day by relaxing in one of the cafés surrounding the square.
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Opened in 2018, this accommodation with Spa is situated before reaching the portical buildings and 2-minute walk to the church and next to the communal gardens. Every room is equipped with air-conditioning, Wifi, TV and private bathroom with shower and free toiletries. It also has a cafeteria where the breakfast buffet is served. There are also outdoors common areas.
Located in a beautiful spot, this rural house offers a relaxing spot to stay. The house runs entirely on renewable energy. They cultivate a small vegetable garden that supplies their own restaurant. They have vines and a small wild fruit orchard which are used to make wine and homemade liqueurs.
Cross the Minho river then follow the Camino route as it climbs steadily upwards, then pass through the settlement of Gonzar and Castromaior, where you’ll find the tiny Romanesque Church of Santa Maria.
Continue along country roads edged by bright yellow gorse, pine and oak trees. Upon reaching the high point of today’s Camino at Sierra de Ligonde (750 m), descend to the ancient hamlet of Ligonde. After passing Eirexe you cross the Alto Rosario, and descend into the village of Palas de Rei.
Casa Benilde is a local and welcoming hotel in Palas de Rei. Often spoken of as the friendliest accommodation on the route, you will be sure of a delightful stay here.
Located at the foot of the Camino de Santiago, the Hotel Mica offers its guests a comfortable and pleasant stay. The family-run accommodation ensures that you can enjoy your free time, just a step away from the city's best gastronomy, leisure and culture.
Pension As Hortas is located in the heart of Palas de Rei, only a stone's throw away from a variety of cafes, restaurants and shops, as well as some useful amenities you may need on your trip. It is also located nearby the San Tirso church, which is worth visiting while staying here.
Leaving Palas de Rei, you will soon reach San Xulian do Camino, a classical Camino village with a tiny 12th Century church dedicated to Saint Julian. After crossing the provincial border you pass through the hamlet of O Coto and village of Leboreiro. Perhaps stopping for lunch at the town of Melide, famed for its octopus dishes ‘pulpo Galega’.
The shaded forests of oak and chestnut give way to eucalyptus and pine before you ascend to Arzúa.
All rooms are decorated differently to offer customers the greatest sense of comfort. All rooms are equipped with plasma TV, heating, wooden floors, toiletries, towels, hairdryer and WIFI.
This accommodation is located in the heart of Arzúa, with 29 bedrooms. They all have TV, heating, private bathroom but not air conditioning. There is an elevator, a guests´ lounge and a small cafeteria. On the ground floor you´ll find the restaurant which serves traditional Galician cuisine.
Its privileged location on the Camino de Santiago and in the heart of the city of Arzúa allows guests to reach the main services and attractions of the city and its surroundings in a very short time.
Leave the old quarter of Arzúa as the Camino leads past oak tree forests, that give way to lush meadows. Visit the medieval shrine at Santa Irene, dedicated to a martyr saint from Portugal, and the Baroque fountain of healing waters.
Throughout the day you’ll be passing different villages: Brea, Calzada, Rua and A Calle; the meaning of which is synonymous with ‘Camino’.
This property offers comfortable cottages with 3 double bedrooms and 1 single, all with private bathroom and TV, living room with gallery. There are also 3 tourist apartments for 2-4 persons, each consisting of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, living room with fireplace and terrace. Dining is available. It has swimming pool and garden to relax into the summer.
The rural and rustic hotel provides 15 comfortable, well-tended and handsome decorated rooms each with its own indoor furnishing and special ambience. The Hotel offers its pilgrims a pleasant nights stay before the final section of their walk to Santiago de Compostela.
Located only 10 minutes away from the historic city of Santiago de Compostela, Pension Residencial Platas is a comfortable spot on your journey on the Camino de Santiago. Pension Platas is next door to two cafes, and Pub Che Copas nearby offers an opportunity for drinking and dancing.
Today you can look forward to a fabulous day walking to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The Camino leads first to San Paio and Lavacolla, where it was traditional for pilgrims to wash in the river before reaching Santiago.
Tall eucalyptus trees sway in the wind as you make your way to the ‘Mount of Joy’ of Monte del Gozo (368 m). From here, catch sight of your goal - the impressive spires of Santiago de Compostela’s cathedral. The final kilometres of your walk take you through the beautiful streets of Santiago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Lux Santiago Hotel is located in the centre of the Galician capital. It has an exceptional location that allows you to explore the city in depth. The hotel is just 800 metres from the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
In the heart of Santiago de Compostela, this hotel combines modernity with tradition, offering a cozy and comfortable stay. located next to La Alameda Gardens, hotel rooms are equipped with every comfort, the hotel also offers a 24-hour coffee shop.
The hotel is located in the centre of Santiago, between the train station and the old town. It is a modern accommodation with comfortable rooms.
After breakfast your walking holiday will come to an end. See the Travel Info section for some useful details for your onward travel.
This trip has a carbon score of 15kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 15kg is equivalent to 88.5 candy bars. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?Get a taste for the Camino by walking the most iconic section of the trail from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela over 5 continuous days of hiking. Covering an average of 15 miles per day, this section is on relatively even terrain. Join the trail in Sarria and complete the final 100 km (62 miles) of the Camino Frances allowing you to qualify for your ‘Compostela’ certificate on arrival in Santiago de Compostela. Celebrate your accomplishment at the end of your journey with fellow pilgrims you met along the way!
Pilgrimages | For those looking to follow a path of self-discovery. Our Pilgrimage and Camino routes take you on a journey through diverse landscapes and local flavours, while meeting like-minded adventurers along the way.
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
This itinerary is graded moderate. Expect hiking daily 11-18 miles and averaging 5-8 active hours per day. On the Camino, you will follow a mixture of dirt tracks, minor roads, and established footpaths.
Although the route mostly leads along wide, relatively easy-to-walk paths, the unpaved sections and the daily distances of between 18 and 29 kilometres require a good basic level of fitness and a certain amount of hiking experience. The longer you are on the road, the fitter you will become. Along the way there are only a few ascents waiting for you and you will find enough villages where you have the chance to take a break and relax.
Accommodation
Our Camino tours include high-quality hotels and inns close to the route of the Camino. You will always have a private room and en-suite (attached) bathroom.
In Sarria and Santiago, you will stay in 3-star hotels. The other nights will be in a mix of rural hotels and hostels - all with private rooms and en-suite bathrooms.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
This trip is available to solo travellers to start on any day. You will need to pay a supplement for a single room (which is available on the "Included" tab of this tour).
We don't arrange for solo walkers to room together, but one of the joys of the Camino is the many people you meet so you will rarely walk alone.
Meals
A light continental breakfast is included each morning. This can sometimes just be coffee, bread and orange juice.
Lunch and dinner are not included, so you are free to choose from the available options. Every place you stop will have evening meals available and you can get a pilgrims menu for about 10 Euros, which includes 3 courses, wine and water!
Additional nights:
We strongly suggest that you add an additional night to your trip in Santiago so that you are able to attend the Pilgrim's Mass at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela which takes place at noon each day. A highlight of any journey on the Camino.
Extensions:
Many people choose to continue their Camino to Finisterre, we can organise this for you too. Have a look at the Camino Finisterre itinerary on our website.
The Camino is very easy to follow. The route is marked with yellow painted arrows and a yellow shell on a blue background. The detailed travel pack we supply includes a detailed guidebook including maps, a detailed information pack for planning and preparing for your Camino, detailed instructions of how to find your overnight accommodation and everything you need for your Camino.
In addition to the printed route notes, you will receive in your travel pack, you will also have access to our Macs Adventure App, allowing you to follow the route on richly detailed mapping on your cell.Â
- 6 Nights accommodation in small rural hotels and hostels
- 6 Breakfasts
- Baggage Transfers
- A detailed information pack including route notes, maps and local information
- Emergency support from our local and UK offices in the event of a problem
- Return travel to Sarria/Santiago
- Lunches, snacks or drinks
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Equipment
- Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage
- Additional nights’ accommodation
You can start your Camino on any day of your choosing between March and Mid-November.
Time of Year
The spring months of March and April tend to offer nice mild conditions for walking although the nights can be quite cold at this time of year and there can be quite a lot of rain in the region of Galicia at this time. The summer months of July and August can get very hot and humid. The autumn from late September through to October offers cooler temperatures again although daylight hours start to become less at this time. The region of Galicia in particular experiences higher rainfall than the rest of Spain so you should come prepared with waterproofs!
The weather on the Camino will change slightly as you travel from the Pyrenees over to Galicia. The spring months of April and May tend to offer nice mild conditions for walking although the nights can be quite cold at this time of year and there can be quite a lot of rain in the region of Galicia at this time. The summer months of July and August can get very hot and humid. The autumn from late September through to October offers cooler temperatures again although daylight hours start to become less at this time. The region of Galicia in particular experiences higher rainfall than the rest of Spain so you should come prepared with waterproofs!
By Air:
From the UK Ryanair fly direct to Santiago from Stansted and Easyjet fly direct from Gatwick. From outside the UK, you can fly to Santiago via Paris with Vueling or from Madrid with Ryanair
Private Transfers:
We are able to arrange taxi transfers for you in Spain (bookable in advance at a supplement); these include from Sarria/Santiago to Santiago Airport/O’Cebreiro/Sarria/Vigo Airport/A Coruna. Please get in touch to enquire about how we can help with transfer arrangements in Spain.
By rail from Madrid city centre to Sarria
If you are flying into Madrid, you can take the train directly to Sarria. It takes around 4-5 hours on a fast train. You can check this on the RENFE website, but please note that on the website you have to book the train to Lugo (and get off at the stop before which is Sarria). German Rail (Deutsche Bahn) has a useful website for looking up train travel throughout Europe.
To reach Madrid city centre from the airport, you can take a train, a bus or the underground (see Madrid Airport's website)
From Santiago Airport to Sarria by bus and train
From Santiago city centre, catch the bus to Monforte de Lemos – timetables are available at http://www.alsa.es/
Then from Monforte de Lemos it is a very short train journey to Sarria by train – timetables are available at RENFE website (Sarria is small so you will find your accommodation easily).
You can also travel from Santiago Airport to Sarria by road; you will need to change buses in Lugo. The Santiago-Lugo route runs between the airport and the city of Lugo with stops in the towns of Arca, Ferreiros, Arzúa, Mélida, Palas de Rei and GuntÃn. From the airport, departures are at 07:10, 09:25 (except Saturday and Sunday), 11:10, 12:55 (except Sunday), 16:10, 18:40 and 20:10 h (except Saturday). Please check for the most recent information on the Santiago Airport website and/or the Monbus website.
Monbus run buses from Santiago to Lugo – please visit their website for timetables https://www.monbus.es/en**Top Tip! As websites are not always available in English - use google chrome as your web browser, and use the ‘translate’ function (right-click on the page then click ‘translate’)**
From Santiago Airport to city centre and vice-versa
From Santiago, you can arrange a private transfer through Macs Adventure, to ensure a smooth end to your Camino. Alternatively, a bus runs between the airport and Plaza de Galicia in Santiago, stopping at different points in the city (Pazo de Congresos, Capilla San Lázaro, the bus station, the railway station, Rúa da Rosa, and others). From the airport, the bus departs from 00:00 to 23:30, every half hour (duration 20 mins). Please see the Santiago Airport website for current timetables.
From Santiago to Madrid by train
If you would prefer to travel by rail, you can take a train (fast trains are available, 4h duration approx.) from Santiago to Madrid with RENFE.
By Bus within Spain
There are good bus connections from Santiago to other cities within Spain – see http://www.alsa.es for bus schedules.
From Santiago City Centre to the Airport
From Santiago, you can arrange a private transfer through Macs Adventure, to ensure a smooth end to your Camino. Alternatively, a bus runs between the airport and Plaza de Galicia in Santiago, stopping at different points in the city (Pazo de Congresos, Capilla San Lázaro, the bus station, the railway station, Rúa da Rosa, and others). From the airport, the bus departs from 00:00 to 23:30, every half hour (duration 20 mins). Please see the Santiago Airport website for current timetables.
From Santiago to Madrid by train
If you would prefer to travel by rail, you can take a train (fast trains are available, 4h duration approx.) from Santiago to Madrid with RENFE.
By Bus within Spain
There are good bus connections from Santiago to other cities within Spain – see http://www.alsa.es for bus schedules.
Baggage Transfers
Baggage transfers are included (max 20kg per person). Your main bag will be transferred each day between your overnight accommodation so that you only need to walk with a daypack.
The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
Pilgrim Passport
The Pilgrim Passport is issued by the Church of St James, you will find this in your pack waiting for you at your first hotel. Alternatively, you can obtain one at the start of your walk in the Pilgrims’ Office or the local church in town. You need to get the passport stamped in churches, restaurants and hotels along the way. At the end of the walk, in Santiago, you can obtain your Compostela Certificate (only if you have walked the last 100km).
Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard hiking gear such as good hiking boots or shoes, lightweight clothes, waterproofs and a day pack.
No, we do not offer group trips as independent self-guided trips are a much better way to experience the Camino.
You can start on any day of your choosing between February and mid-November, subject to availability.
This walk is graded as moderate and includes daily walks of between 19-28km so you will be walking for between 5 and 8 hours each day. The trail consists of a mixture of dirt tracks, minor roads and footpaths.
Yes, many of our guests travel solo. Although the nature of the Camino means that they soon join up with other pilgrims. There is a single room supplement payable for solo walkers.
Yes, some people prefer to walk carrying their own bags as a true pilgrim would have. You can select the option for removing the baggage transfers in Step 2 of the Booking Engine.
Yes, although we find our standard itineraries are perfect for most walkers, we can add additional nights at any point of the Camino and tailor-make the trip to meet your needs.
A mixture of farm/dirt tracks, minor roads and footpaths. The route is well marked and easy to follow.
We suggest you book as far in advance as possible as the Camino is extremely popular. Numbers can rise by up to 100,000 people. We will always try and accommodate late booking requests.
Although you can walk the Camino most of the year we would recommend April/May/June and September/October when the weather is at its best for walking. July and August can be very hot and are busy.
Public transport and taxis are available if you are need of support contact us and we will be more that happy to help.
Unfortunately we are unable to change your accommodation bookings and itinerary once you start walking as alternative accommodation is generally not available at such short notice.
We strongly suggest that you have travel insurance which covers you for cancellation, curtailment, illness or injury before and during your trip.
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