The Camino de Santiago from Sarria
The Camino de Santiago (or The Way of Saint James) from Sarria is the most popular section on the entire Camino de Santiago. This section, from Sarria to Santiago, is perfect for those pilgrims who want to capture the essence of the Camino de Santiago.
In this section, we will have the opportunity to venture off on many pleasant walks, all while getting to enjoy the wonderful local cuisine. This route is ideal for meeting other pilgrims and immersing ourselves in the incredible natural settings that will accompany us throughout the entire Camino.
We depart from the Galician town of Sarria, which is located about 100 km away from Santiago. The distance of the Camino Frances from Sarria to Santiago is around 100 km, which is the minimum distance required for pilgrims to receive the traditional “Compostela” certificate, verifying they have completed the Camino de Santiago.
On this section, we will walk through beautiful forests, farmlands and rustic villages following trails and paths that are surrounded by stone walls. We will be able to admire the beautiful green landscape that is so characteristic of Galicia. At the end of this stage we will reach our destination: Santiago de Compostela.
In Santiago de Compostela we can receive our “Compostela” certificate and visit the city’s beautiful old town, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sarria
Once you arrive in Sarria, we recommend that you visit the town centre where you can discover churches, chapels, monasteries and pilgrim hospitals that will connect you from your first day with the essence of the Camino de Santiago.
The main street in Sarria, Rua Maior, has a picturesque atmosphere where we suggest you enjoy a good coffee during the afternoon.
It is advisable to visit the Church of Santa Marina with its evocative pilgrim mural, the Castle and the Fortress of Sarria, as well as the La Magdalena Monastery.
Overnight: Sarria
From Sarria to Portomarin
For your first day of walking, you will have a quiet route through beautiful villages and hamlets under the shade of oak trees along extensive rural roads. Along the trail you will also find some traditional Galician barns.
We would also suggest that you visit the Romanesque Church in the village of Barbadelo. If you want to make your walk much shorter, we suggest that you divide this route into two stages and spend the night in the beautiful hamlet of Ferreiros.
More information on the stage from Sarria to Portomarin.
Length: 22,2 km
Duration: 5 hours
Overnight: Portomarin
From Portomarin to Palas de Rei
Once you leave the beautiful town of Portomarin, the Camino de Santiago crosses the River Mino and you will begin the ascent towards the Serra de Ligonde. You will pass through charming little villages such as Gonzar and Ventas de Naron.
We suggest a stop at the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria de Castromaior and the Romanesque Church of Eirexe where you can see a sculpture of the Pilgrim of Santiago.
If you want to take a shorter route, we suggest that you divide it into two stages and stay overnight in the hamlet of Ventas de Naron.
More information on the stage from Portomarin to Palas de Rei.
Length: 24,8 km
Duration: 5 hours and 45 minutes
Overnight: Palas de Rei
From Palas de Rei to Arzua
On this journey the Camino de Santiago will start descending and take you along beautiful rural trails to Coto. You will continue uphill and downhill through beautiful places such as those found by the River Iso, in Ribadiso.
Once in Arzua, we suggest you try its famous local cheese, as well as visit the churches of Santa Maria and A Magdalena.
If you want to make this route a little easier, we suggest that you divide it into two stages and stay overnight in a charming hotel in the town of Melide.
This route is ideal if you want to walk at a more relaxed pace.
More information on the stage from Palas de Rei to Arzua.
Length: 28,5 km
Duration: 6 hours and 45 minutes
Overnight: Arzua
From Arzua to A Rua
On this stage of the Camino de Santiago, you will start walking downhill and then pass through beautiful forests, quiet villages and cross several streams throughout the day.
When you are in A Calle de Ferreiros you should take an exit to the right and cross the village of Boavista.
You will have the opportunity to visit the Chapel of Santa Irene, with its famous statue of Santiago, just before completing the last stretch of the stage before entering A Rua.
More information on the stage from Arzua to O Pedrouzo.
Length: 17,7 km
Duration: 4 hours
Overnight: A Rua
From A Rua to Santiago de Compostela
Once you leave A Rua, the next point on your route will be O Pedrouzo. Once there, you will have to take Calle Concello and, when you pass by the football field, turn left onto a dirt track.
You will cross San Paio, just after bordering Santiago Airport and, a little further on, you will pass in front of the Church of Lavacolla.
You will continue your pilgrimage to Monte do Gozo from where you can contemplate the majestic Cathedral of Santiago.
Once you arrive in Santiago, you will be able to admire its rich local architecture and delight in its historic centre, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
We suggest that, if you want to attend the Pilgrim's Mass, in Santiago de Compostela, start your route very early in the morning so that you will have finished your Camino before noon.
If you want to make this route easier, you can choose to stay overnight in the village of Lavacolla.
More information on the stage from O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela.
Length: 21 km
Duration: 4 hours and 50 minutes
Overnight: Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela
In Santiago de Compostela, the Camino Frances ends. We would suggest that you walk around the city centre before returning home and not miss any details of its history and its churches.
We advise you to spend an extra night in Santiago to discover its cultural and historical richness in a much calmer way.
Also, take some of the guided tours in the historic centre of the city. We can book them for you if you wish.
And if you have been left wanting to know much more about the magic of the Camino, we recommend you take an excursion to Finisterre or to the Cies Islands. This will be the best way to finish your Camino de Santiago.
End of our services.
General information
All the rooms you book with Santiago Ways to do the Camino de Santiago have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure you the best comfort possible.
Our team checks on site the quality of all the accommodation offered in order for pilgrims to have a comfortable and unforgettable experience on the Camino de Santiago.
Availability
When working with quality accommodations with limited capacity, the exact name of the accommodation will be indicated to you 30 days before the start of the Camino.
All accommodation on the Camino de Santiago is subject to availability. In the case of not being able to offer any of them due to lack of capacity, we'll accommodate you in one of equal or better quality.
Single rooms
Single rooms are always subject to availability. Reservations must be made in advance and come at an additional cost.
Where am I going to stay?
All our accommodation has been selected to ensure calm, rest and enjoyment during your Camino de Santiago:
Sarria
Portomarín
Palas de Rei
Arzúa
Rúa
Santiago de Compostela
Included Services
Accommodation in Hotels and Country houses.
Rooms with private bathroom.
Meal plan of your choice.
Baggage transfers between stages.
Complete route itinerary.
24 hours Telephone assistance on route.
Assistance vehicle in case of emergency.
Information pack for the Camino de Santiago.
VAT.
Additional Services
Additional single room.
Additonal 5 Picnics (sandwich, drink and dessert).
Extra night in Santiago (breakfast included).
Transfer from Santiago (includes airport) - Sarria.
Travel assistance insurance.
Cancellation insurance.
In order to resolve any doubts that pilgrims may have, here we answer the questions that are most frequently asked when we receive your inquiries.
If you have any other questions, you can contact us and we will be happy to help you answer all your questions.
General Information
What is the best time to do the Camino de Santiago?
The Camino de Santiago can be started on any day of the year, always taking into account the weather and the season in which you want to travel, so that your clothes are adequate for the chosen dates.
How do I get to my starting point on the Camino?
The best way to get to the starting point of your Camino de Santiago is to arrive at the airport, train station or bus station nearest to the town from where you will start walking.
Once you confirm your Camino, you will send us arrival information for your flight, train or bus and, from there, we will organize a private transfer to the town where you should begin your Camino.
Can I travel alone?
Yes, you can. All the routes on the Camino de Santiago are suitable for pilgrims to travel solo.
Also, whether you are travelling alone, or travelling accompanied but want to sleep in a single room, Santiago Ways can also offer this option to you.
We can book all your accommodation in single rooms, at an additional cost. We suggest you book well in advance since they are usually in high demand.
On the Camino de Santiago, you will find hundreds of other pilgrims walking on their own. Many of them may have come to the Camino alone; others have probably moved away from their fellow travellers for a few hours because of the difference in speed when walking.
In any case, all the routes on the Camino are very well signposted, so you will have no problem if you go on your own.
Am I going to have an accompanying guide on el Camino de Santiago?
Most routes on the Camino de Santiago are done in a self-guided mode. Thus, each traveller has the opportunity to advance on their own and at their own pace along the routes marked on the complete itinerary of the route, which is sent one month before starting the Camino.
However, we also offer organized groups with accompanying guide on the stretch from Sarria to Santiago. We have specific dates already established, and we carry them out in groups of up to 15 people, with guaranteed departures. The guides in charge of these routes speak English and Spanish.
We already have all the dates published until 2021, so you are encouraged to reserve your place before the groups are filled.
What does the complete route itinerary consist of?
The complete route itinerary of the route is a guide that we prepare for you with information about the maps, route profiles and places of interest, kilometre by kilometre on each of the stages that you will go through on the Camino de Santiago.
The travel distances and travel times indicated for each route on both the website and the itinerary we send you are based on reference values. It depends on each pilgrim exactly how they travel with these times and distances, according to the speed at which they progress.
When do I get the complete route itinerary?
You will receive it by email one month before starting your Camino along with all the documentation for the trip: accommodation reservations, baggage transfers, among others.
How many kilometres should I walk on each stage?
In Santiago Ways, we adapt each stage to the needs of every one of our pilgrims, so that they can travel according to their physical capability and the number of days they have available.
On average, a stage of the Camino de Santiago is 15 to 20 km long. On most routes, however, we can organize your Camino so that you walk fewer kilometres, dividing some stages into two parts, depending on what is most comfortable for you.
Advice
What should I consider to prepare physically?
Both sedentary people and those who regularly exercise should physically prepare for doing the Camino de Santiago.
Sedentary people can start with moderate activity and continue progressively. They should start by taking small 20-minute walks, two or three times a week. It is suggested to increase the time until you reach walk about 4 or 5 kilometres every hour.
People with regular physical activity can start by walking from 45 to 60 minutes a day and increase the amount of time and kilometres they travel in the same span of time.
Generally, it is recommended to start training for about three months before starting the route.
How far in advance should I make a reservation?
There is no minimum number of days in advance to book, although on certain dates the occupancy of the accommodation is higher, especially in high season, and in dates of religious interest such as the San Fermin Festivals in Pamplona, from 7th to 14th July, or the Feast of Santiago the Apostle, on July 25th.
Therefore, in order to guarantee availability in the best accommodation, we suggest you book as much in advance as possible, so that we can meet all of your needs.
What clothes and hiking equipment are indispensable?
For any of the Caminos, we suggest you to bring the following items: light and fast drying clothing, waterproof jacket and trousers, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a pair of shoes suitable for hiking, trekking poles, a pair of shoes to rest in, a jacket that doesn't take up much space and a bottle to carry water.
Depending on the time of year in which you make the route, these items may vary.
Remember that with Santiago Ways, you have included a baggage transfer service between stages, so we will take your backpack from one accommodation to another so that you only worry about walking (maximum 1 piece of 20 kg per person).
For this reason, we suggest you prepare a second backpack, much smaller, that you can carry with you every day with water, sunscreen, cap, sunglasses, documents, some food and cash.
How does the baggage transfer between stages work?
Every day, at 8:00 am, you must bring your luggage, properly labelled, to the reception. One of our carriers will pick it up and take it to the place where you are going to stay on your next stage.
Delivery time varies according to the distance between stages and the carrier's delivery route. Usually, delivery is made before 4 p.m.
Should I take out travel insurance?
To complete any of the routes on the Camino de Santiago, it is advisable to have travel insurance with all the necessary coverage, especially emergency evacuation and medical care.
To do this, we suggest you take out the Travel Assistance Insurance and Cancellation Insurance that we offer you in Santiago Ways. If you want more information about it, we will be happy to answer your questions.
Accommodation
Do all rooms have a private bathroom?
Yes, all rooms you book with Santiago Ways to do the Camino de Santiago have a private bathroom.
Can I sleep alone in a room?
Yes. We offer accommodation in single rooms and double rooms, according to the requirements of each pilgrim.
Single rooms have a special surcharge and are subject to availability according to the location.
When will you tell me where I am going to stay?
We work with multiple accommodations in all locations which allows us to guarantee the best quality rooms for our pilgrims, provided that they are booked well in advance.
The name and exact location of each hotel is sent about one month before the start of the Camino with all the documentation related to the trip.
Am I going to share a room with strangers?
No. All the accommodations we book for our pilgrims have private rooms with private bathrooms in order to guarantee all the comfort needed torest properly.
Is the accommodation close to the route that I should follow?
All the accommodations that we book are in the centre of the towns or villages. In any case, depending on availability, if any accommodation is somewhat far from the centre, most of them are accessible on foot.
When necessary, Santiago Ways could offer a round trip transfer so that the pilgrim can reach their accommodation in the most comfortable way possible and return the next day to the point on the route from where he must continue the Camino.
What type of accommodation do you reserve?
All the accommodation that we book in Santiago Ways offers the necessary comfort to rest after long days of walking.
We work with hotels, traditional Galician homes, country cottages, and charming hostels, always a room with a private bathroom.
Here, we bring you a guide on Camino de Santiago from Sarria. In it, we will talk about the most noteworthy aspects of this route as well as the characteristics that make it unique and ahead of others.
At the same time, we also provide a number of places of interest and sites to sleep and eat. All this from the experts at Santiago Ways and the best way to complete the Camino de Santiago enjoying an unforgettable adventure.
Why choose the Camino de Sarria to Santiago?
1.- It is a very simple route: The Camino de Santiago from Sarria is a perfect choice for those who want to make a start on pilgrimage routes. It is ideal for those who do not want to risk trying a more difficult path.
2.- Partly related to the previous reason, it must be said that the Camino from Sarria to Santiago has a very simple profile. As detailed below, it is not excessively high nor has too many slopes. This is why it is ideal for any age, both young and old.
3.- It has a very good infrastructure: one of the most noteworthy things about the route from Sarria to Santiago is its good infrastructure . Indeed, it is a very well-prepared for making a pilgrimage, it has enough shelters, good signage, good places to eat and, in general, all the attention that may be required by pilgrims.
4.-It can be done very quickly: Another reason why it is a good idea to complete the Camino from Sarria to Santiago is that it takes very little time to complete. In fact, you may complete it in just five days. This can be reduced to 3 days or even 2 in the case of completing it on the bike route. It is also a good alternative for those who walk with a tight schedule.
5.- Monuments: The monuments that we can see on this route from Sarria to Santiago make it a highly recommended option.
To give you an idea of what we say, only in Sarria, we have impressive places such as the Tower of the fortress or the Church of Santa Marina, of which we will talk later (along with other places of interest) in the section dedicated to it in our Guide to the Camino de Santiago from Sarria.
Information about the Camino de Santiago from Sarria
Sarria is a municipality in the province of Lugo and from where we can start the Camino to Santiago de Compostela. In fact, between the two cities, there is a distance of 100 kilometres. This distance has a special meaning because with it we can get the Compostela that acredits us as accomplished pilgrims.
Therefore, it is a very practical and affordable route for those looking for a few days alternative and simple to do. Its popularity is on the rise although it is not as crowded as other possible routes of the Camino de Santiago.
Also, we want to say that this route is ideal for travelling with children and also for older people thanks to its low-level difficulty along the way. It is, therefore, a great way to get into the world of the Camino de Santiago. They are the last 100 kilometres of many of the routes that, from further back, form the Camino de Santiago.
The quietest routes on the Camino de Santiago from Sarria
In the case of the Camino de Santiago from Sarria, there is a unique alternative that you can enjoy to the maximum with the organization of Santiago Ways.
In fact, we offer you the possibility to elaborate your plan from Sarria to Santiago offering you not only the best accommodation in houses and rural hotels where you will be treated with the best attention and comfort, but also given detailed planning of the whole route.
The total distance will be about 100 kilometres that are divided into five stages that can be completed in a simple way.
Route of the Camino de Santiago from Sarria
Maps of the route of the Camino de Santiago from Sarria to Santiago
Here we offer the maps of the route of the Camino de Santiago from Sarria. They are crucial for you to establish good planning and of course, so you can get an idea of all the experiences that are waiting for you around the corner if you decide to join us in this adventure
Sarria – Portomarin
Map stage from Sarria to Portomarin
Portomarin – Palas de Rei
Map stage from Portomarin to Palas de Rei
Palas de Rei – Arzua
Map stage from Palas de Rei to Arzua
Arzua – O Pedrouzo
Map stage from Arzua to O Pedrouzo
O Pedrouzo – Santiago de Compostela
Map stage from O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela
Profile of the Camino de Santiago from Sarria
Profile of the Camino de Santiago from Sarria
As part of our guide to the Camino de Santiago from Sarria, we want to talk about the profile of this route between Sarria and Santiago. With this, we refer to aspects such as the average altitude, its difficulty and also its infrastructure. All this will help us to get an idea of whether it is advisable to do it, or not, depending on the experience we have as pilgrims.
In general, we must say that the Camino from Sarria to Santiago has a great position for sharing with the majority of routes between the different places of departure and Santiago de Compostela. At the same time, it doesn’t have a lot of gradients, and none of its stretches are complicated. The terrain is good and well kept.
Stages on foot of the Camino from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela
Stage from Sarria to Portomarin.
Stage from Portomarin to Palas de Rei.
Stage from Palas de Rei to Arzua.
Stage from Arzua to O Pedrouzo.
Stage from O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela.
How long does it take to go on the Camino de Santiago Frances from Sarria?
As we have said, with Santiago Ways, the planning for the Camino de Santiago from Sarria gives us a total of five days of pilgrimage. That includes his six nights, of course. However, the time that we take in doing this and any other route can always be subject to change.
These changes can depend on a number of factors: weather conditions, our own rhythm or our own desire to stay at some particular point to enjoy more of the scenery. The choice of how long you want to take depends on you: The important thing is that you enjoy it.
The best time to do the Camino from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela
Also within this guide, we want to talk about the best time to complete the Camino from Sarria to Santiago. We will talk about what the advantages and disadvantages are in each season. Either way, you also have to keep in mind that each person is an individual and everyone has their preferences.
Spring
Spring is the best time to complete the Camino de Santiago from Sarria. In fact, the weather will be calm and the extremes of winter and summer will be far away. However, we must also bear in mind that the weather can sometimes be unstable.
This can always be avoided with more planning as well as with the services of Santiago Ways: we’re willing to take care of you at all times.
Summer
Summer is the ideal time for many pilgrims when it comes to making the Camino de Santiago from Sarria. It is in the first place because it is when usually have more time to complete a route over several days. Secondly, it is also popular because it is the time of year in which more hours of daylight are available at the end of the day.
With this, we can organize the stages at a slower pace thanks to having more time. However, one drawback of the summer is that accommodation can be more crowded.
Autumn
Autumn is another of the ideal times along with the spring to do the Camino de Santiago from Sarria. Again, we will not experience extreme temperatures and at the same time, we can enjoy the beautiful landscape thanks to the typical colours of this season.
One negative factor can be the seasonal instability that can always be avoided with better planning and especially with the help of Santiago Ways.
Winter
Winter is the season with the least influx of the whole year for the Camino de Santiago. It is therefore when we can encounter more peace and tranquillity. It must be said that, in the case of the Camino from Sarria to Santiago, climatic conditions will be calmer because in those 100 kilometres there are no mountain areas.
The rain on the Camino to Santiago can be a negative point which we must always take into account in spite of everything.
Guide to the places you cannot miss on the Camino de Santiago from Sarria
In this guide of the Camino de Santiago from Sarria we wanted to include also some places of interest that you cannot miss. Also, we’ll tell you about the best places to eat. On the topic of accommodation, we have to say that everything is in our hands here Santiago Ways.
As we have said before, we offer you the best accommodation in houses and rural hotels of the highest quality so that you have all the comfort you deserve.
Places of interest
Torre de la Fortaleza
The officials put in charge by the King to impart justice in the region lived in this house from medieval times until the 18th century. It is, therefore, an architectural, historical and cultural complex that you cannot miss on this route between Sarria and Santiago.
Monasterio de la Magdalena
Already in the section that it shares with the Camino Frances is this 12th-century Monastery, a key enclave on the Camino de Santiago and its history.
Valle de Louzara
As for natural landscapes, this is, without a doubt, one of the most spectacular on this route. It is especially advisable to enjoy it during the autumn, admiring the great symphony of colours that are produced.
Where to sleep – The best lodgings
With Santiago Ways, you will always stay in the best hotels and cottages. We take full care of your experience so you don’t have to go through a bad experience that happens if you find bad accommodation throughout your pilgrimage.
Where to eat – The best restaurants
We also want to recommend a number of restaurants to eat. It is a very important aspect in the Camino de Santiago from Sarria if we want to replenish our strength and enjoy all the rich gastronomy of this region.
Restaurant Matias Locanda: Located in Sarria, offers the best of the region’s gastronomy at an affordable price and in a very pleasant atmosphere.
The Arzua Cheese Fair: during the month of March, normally throughout the first week, we will be able to enjoy in Arzúa, its cheese fair. If you go during those dates, try to coordinate your visit with this event. You won’t regret it.
Mar de Plata Restaurant: Also located in Sarria, offers the specialities of seafood and Octopus prepared with all the tradition and character of Galician cuisine.
In general, in the Malecon Promenade area, we can find very good and decent places to eat with good value for money.
Origin of the Camino de Santiago from Sarria
The Camino de Santiago from Sarria is as old as the Camino de Santiago itself. In fact, we could say that it is actually just a stretch of it. In particular, the last 100 kilometres.
So, we will talk a little about what their origins are in general to understand what has been the historical importance of both of them and of course the Camino from Sarria to Santiago.
This route began after the discovery of the Holy Sepulchre of James the Apostle. It was with King Alfonso II that he moved the Sepulchre and began the pilgrimage to the city of Santiago.
The first pilgrim was King Alfonso II himself. Although the first pilgrimages that followed those of King followed the Camino Primitivo, it later gave way to a much more passable route that is precisely what we know today as the Camino Frances.
It is here precisely where the Camino de Santiago from Sarria makes its appearance: it consists of the last 100 kilometres of the most popular way of all the options available when completing the Camino de Santiago.
With time, and as the Reconquista progressed, the road was branching as it gained ground. The Camino Frances and of course the route from Sarria to Santiago was one of the most important and it was also linked forever to the history of Europe as it also became a major commercial route.
Since its inception, there have been millions of people who have made the pilgrimage. Join the Experience!
The Camino de Santiago from Sarria with Santiago Ways
Ideal footwear for the Camino de Santiago from Sarria
Other sections of the Camino de Santiago Frances
- St. Jean Pied de Port – Pamplona
- Pamplona – Logroño
- Roncesvalles – Logroño
- Logroño – Burgos
- Burgos – Sahagun
- Sahagun – Leon
- Leon – Ponferrada
- Ponferrada – Sarria
- Sarria – Santiago de Compostela
Other users’ opinions about the Camino de Santiago from Sarria
We also enclose the opinions of other users who have completed the Camino to Santiago from Sarria.
Photos and videos of the Camino de Santiago from Sarria
So that you have all the information on what other people who have already completed the Camino with Santiago Ways think, here we offer you some of their opinions.
The Camino de Santiago with Santiago Ways
Other Caminos de Santiago
- Camino de Santiago Frances
- Camino de Santiago Portugues
- Camino de Santiago Portugues coastal route
- Camino de Santiago del Norte
- Camino de Santiago de Finisterre
- Camino de Santiago Ingles
- Camino de Santiago Primitivo
- Camino Lebaniego
- The Way of Lighthouses
- The Via de la Plata
Here you can see all the stages of the Camino de Santiago.
In Santiago Ways, we will advise you on which route of the Camino de Santiago is the best fit for you.
Other ways to complete The Camino de Santiago
- The Camino de Santiago in an organized group
- The Camino de Santiago with a dog
- The Camino de Santiago on bike
- The Camino de Santiago as a couple
- The Camino de Santiago at Easter
The quietest Caminos de Santiago
