2018 Sarria to Santiago de Compostela

day 01 Sarria

Independent arrival at your hotel in Sarria. Optional arrival transfer on request.

day 02 Sarria-Portomarin (22.4km)

The 27^th journey is a good start for first time walkers, as Sarria is very close to the mythical last 100 kilometres. The minimum distance to be travelled on foot to gain the Compostela points. This stage is attractive to the first time and the experienced pilgrims. It offers countless villages form the Sarria area, Paradela and Portomarin, good examples of Romanesque neighbourhoods paved tracks, trails, rural corridors, medieval and rustic bridges.

day 03 Portomarin-Palas de Rei (25km)

The stage is met by the Ligonde Mountain, which in turn divides the basins of the Rivers Miño and Ulloa, the Concellos of Portomarín and Monterroso. Although the beginning is promising as it offers a relaxed climb of Mount San Antonio, the remainder of the walk is via provincial and some national roads. However they enliven the journey with good examples of Romanesque churches, including the possibility to stop in Vilar de Donas to visit San Salvador, the ancient pilgrim hospital and the valuable cruicero de Lameiros.

day 04 Palas de Rei-Melide (16km)

The French Route leaves Palas by the Campo dos Romeiros; traditional meeting place for pilgrims to enter the medieval village of Leboreiro. Between Leboreiro and Melide, you will reach the village of Furelos, through a medieval bridge across its river into the urban area of Melide.

day 05 Melide-Arzua (14km)

After Melide, the road passes through Boente and Castaneda then reach Arzúa. The Camino is presented in this docile stage and in very good condition, a mix of earth and stone along as small little road set between villages, with mild climbs and descents alternating with flat sections.

day 06 Arzua-O Pino/Amenal (19.1km)

Between Arzúa and the cathedral of Santiago there are nearly 40km and the most prudent way is to divide the section in two stages by stopping in Santa Irene or in O Pedrouzo. The City Council of Arzúa gives the baton to O Pino in a comfortable way, with easier slopes and tracks always close to the N-547.

day 07 O Pino/Amenal-Santiago (22km)

We're almost at our goal. Walking becomes peaceful. The tracks are leafy, with patches of pine and eucalyptus trees (close together, symmetrical) in some areas, also some oak, as we reach the last villages. Today's stage takes us first to the town of Lavacolla. Upon reaching the top, you begin the gentle descent to Lavacolla, passing the same stream that the ancient pilgrims used to wash and purify themselves before reaching Santiago de Compostela. Lavacolla, is located close to the Monte do Gozo, a small hill from where pilgrims enjoy the first view of the Cathedral of Santiago. The Monte do Gozo, (originally Xacobeo 93) a popular area for pilgrims, it has a large monument on its summit and the chapel of San Marcos. From here, the journey is almost urban, coming to the Cathedral through the San Lazaro neighbourhood, Rúa de San Pedro, Door of the Camino, Rua das Casas Reais and Plaza de Cervantes, access the cathedral through the Holy Door (if it’s not the Holy Year for the Azabachería).

day 08 Santiago-Departure .

Breakfast and end of tour.

Optional: extend your stay, pre-arranged arrival and departure transfers, packed lunches and dinner on request.

Including: accommodation in hotels, farmhouses or hostels in double/twin or single room with bathroom, breakfast daily, backpacks transportation for each stage along the way (max. 18kg per person), MP3 to visit Santiago (historical centre/self-guided), 24 hour telephone support, Camino walking guidebook, pilgrims passport per person, VAT