The route
Here you can see a map of the entire route. This part of the Camino is not particularly challenging. The route is relatively flat most of the way except for a few short and steep climbs. Although the distances are long on some days, most people will be able to complete this part of the Camino even without much preparation.
See video about this tour
Get a vivid impression of what awaits you on this atmospheric pilgrimage walk on the Camino with Bering Travel. In the video, you can experience the beautiful landscapes, historic towns, and the unique atmosphere that characterize this journey.
Itinerary
Welcome to Sarria – perhaps the most popular starting town on the entire Camino de Santiago. Every year, thousands of pilgrims begin their walking holiday here, as the town is located just over 100 kilometres from Santiago de Compostela, the minimum distance required to receive the official pilgrim certificate, the Compostela.
Sarria is a charming Galician town with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, where pilgrims from all over the world gather before the first day of walking. The old town is full of history and lined with churches, chapels, monasteries, and former pilgrim hospitals that have welcomed travellers on their way to Santiago for centuries.
Take time to explore the historic centre and discover sites such as the Igrexa de Santa Mariña church with its striking façade, the remains of the old medieval fortress, and the atmospheric Magdalena Monastery, which has been an important stop for pilgrims since the Middle Ages. Along the cosy main street, Rua Maior, you will find small cafés, tapas bars, and local restaurants where you can enjoy your first Galician specialities and soak up the unique Camino atmosphere.
It is hard not to be swept up in the excitement and anticipation in Sarria – this is where the adventure truly begins.
Hotel (example): Hotel Roma
Today’s walking stage takes you through the beautiful Galician countryside, where the Camino winds between small villages, green hills, and woodland areas filled with ancient oak and chestnut trees. The route is relatively easy and provides the perfect introduction to the pilgrimage, as you gradually find your rhythm on the Camino.
Along the way, you will pass charming villages and quiet country lanes where time seems to stand still. In several places, you will notice the characteristic Galician “hórreos” – traditional granaries raised above the ground on stone pillars to protect grain and food supplies from moisture and animals. They are an iconic sight in Galicia and a reminder of the region’s long agricultural traditions.
In the village of Barbadelo, you can visit the beautiful Romanesque church of Santiago de Barbadelo, dating back to the 12th century and considered one of the most important historical monuments on this section of the Camino. Many pilgrims stop here for a short rest and to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Upon arrival in Portomarín, you will be welcomed by a lively pilgrim town with cosy cafés and terraces around the main square – the perfect place to relax after today’s walk with a glass of wine or some tapas.
Portomarín has a truly unique history. The original medieval town was flooded in the 1960s during the construction of the Belesar Reservoir. Several of its most important buildings were moved stone by stone to the current town higher up the hill. When the reservoir’s water level is low, it is still possible to glimpse the remains of the old town and the historic bridge beneath the water – a fascinating sight and a truly unique chapter in the history of the Camino.
Hotel (example): Hotel Ferramenteiro
Today your walking holiday continues through the lush Galician countryside, where the Camino leads you along small trails and quiet country roads surrounded by pine forests, green meadows, cornfields, and dense woodland areas. The stage offers a wonderful mix of open views and shaded forest paths, making the walk both varied and enjoyable.
Along the way, you will pass a number of small villages full of local charm and authentic rural atmosphere. Here you will see the characteristic stone houses, old barns, and small chapels that have shaped life in Galicia for generations. In many places, it almost feels as though time has stood still, and the Camino provides a rare glimpse into a simpler and more traditional way of life where farming still plays an important role in everyday life.
On this section of the Camino, you truly experience the pilgrim spirit. You will meet walkers from all over the world, greet each other with the classic “Buen Camino,” and share the experience of slowly moving through the landscape step by step.
Lestedo is a small and peaceful village surrounded by nature and farmland – a lovely place to end today’s stage and enjoy the special sense of calm for which the Camino is so well known.
Hotel (example): Rectoral De Lestedo
Today’s walk takes you through some of the most beautiful and atmospheric landscapes on the Galician section of the Camino. The route passes through green valleys, small villages, and woodland areas where ancient oak and chestnut trees provide shade along the quiet trails. The pace is relaxed here, and nature takes centre stage for most of the day.
Along the way, you will pass areas deeply rooted in history. This part of Galicia is rich in medieval heritage, and along the route you will find old stone houses, small chapels, Romanesque churches, and traces of former castles and fortified settlements. The Camino has been travelled by pilgrims for more than a thousand years, and the historical atmosphere is clearly felt throughout the journey.
As you continue, you will approach Melide, one of the most important pilgrim towns on the Camino Francés. Here, the classic French Way joins with the Camino Primitivo, giving the town a particularly lively pilgrim atmosphere. Melide is also famous throughout Galicia for its traditional dish “pulpo a la gallega” – octopus served with paprika, olive oil, and potatoes – which many pilgrims choose to enjoy after completing the day’s walk.
Take time to enjoy the charming old town, the small cafés, and the authentic Galician atmosphere before the next stage brings you even closer to Santiago de Compostela.
Hotel (example): Hotel Carlos 96
Today’s stage is one of the shorter ones on the Camino, giving you the opportunity to slow the pace right down and enjoy the surroundings in peace and comfort. After several days of walking, many pilgrims appreciate a slightly easier day where the legs can recover while the experiences continue to unfold around them.
The route takes you through a beautiful and peaceful landscape of green forests, open meadows, and small orchards surrounding the many villages along the way. The Camino alternates between dirt trails, quiet country roads, and charming woodland paths where sunlight filters through the trees, creating the special atmosphere that so many associate with the pilgrimage through Galicia.
Along the route, you will pass several small villages and local cafés where there are excellent opportunities to take a break, enjoy a coffee, or sample Galician specialities. It is also a perfect day to chat with fellow pilgrims from around the world and experience the sense of community for which the Camino is so well known.
Upon arrival in Arzúa, you enter one of the Camino’s classic pilgrim towns. The town is especially famous for its local cheese, Queso de Arzúa-Ulloa, produced in the surrounding area and regarded as one of Galicia’s best-known delicacies. The cosy streets and relaxed atmosphere make Arzúa a wonderful place to spend the evening, while Santiago de Compostela now feels closer than ever before.
Hotel (example): La Casona de Nené
Today your walking holiday continues along the final major stage before reaching Santiago de Compostela. The Camino winds through a peaceful rolling landscape of green fields, small woodland areas, and charming villages where traditional Galician rural life still shapes the surroundings.
Along the way, you will pass small villages with old stone houses, narrow streets, and tiny chapels that seem almost untouched by time. In many places, it feels as though the Camino has always been at the centre of life here, and you can clearly sense the historical importance that the pilgrimage has held for centuries.
This section of the route is filled with the special sense of anticipation that comes as the destination draws near. Santiago is now close, and many pilgrims spend the day reflecting on the journey and the experiences they have already gathered along the way. At the same time, the trails are full of life, “Buen Camino” greetings, and a shared sense of community among walkers from all over the world.
O Pino and O Pedrouzo are classic pilgrim stops just before the final walking day. The atmosphere here is marked by excitement and joy as pilgrims prepare for the grand finale in Santiago de Compostela the following day. It is the perfect place to enjoy a good dinner, rest your legs, and let the anticipation build before the final stage towards the famous cathedral.
Hotel (example): Hotel O Pino
Today marks the grand finale of your pilgrimage. After days filled with unforgettable experiences, encounters, and beautiful landscapes, it is finally time to walk the last kilometres towards Santiago de Compostela – the destination of pilgrims for more than a thousand years.
The atmosphere on today’s stage is truly special. The closer you get to Santiago, the stronger the sense of anticipation and the feeling of being part of something historic becomes. The Camino leads you through small villages, woodland areas, and suburban streets before you finally reach the old town of Santiago.
The great moment arrives when you step onto the impressive Plaza del Obradoiro and catch your first sight of the majestic Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, built in honour of Saint James the Apostle. For many pilgrims, this is an emotional moment filled with pride, joy, and reflection – a memory that lasts a lifetime.
Santiago de Compostela is far more than simply the end of the Camino. The city is one of Spain’s most historic and atmospheric destinations, with narrow medieval streets, charming squares, monasteries, cafés, and a vibrant city life filled with pilgrims from all over the world. Everywhere you go, you can feel the echoes of history and the unique atmosphere that has made the city one of Europe’s most important pilgrimage destinations since the Middle Ages.
You will have plenty of time to collect your official pilgrim certificate, the “Compostela,” awarded to pilgrims who have completed the final 100 kilometres on foot. Many pilgrims also choose to attend the pilgrim mass in the cathedral or simply enjoy the atmosphere in the square outside the church while watching newly arrived walkers celebrate their achievement.
After so many experiences along the way, it is hard not to feel a mix of joy, pride, and perhaps a touch of sadness that the journey is coming to an end. Santiago de Compostela is a city that stays with you long after you leave – and a place many pilgrims dream of returning to one day.
Hotel (example): Hotel Herradura
Your walking holiday on the Camino has now come to an end after days filled with beautiful natural scenery, historic towns, and encounters with pilgrims from all over the world. Many people discover that the Camino is far more than simply a walking trip – it is a journey filled with memories, community, and experiences that stay with you long after returning home.
Today it is time for your journey home, and it is easy to reach the airport in Santiago de Compostela. The hotel will gladly help arrange a taxi, and the journey to the airport takes approximately 20 minutes.
If you are not quite ready to say goodbye to the special Camino atmosphere, you may wish to extend your stay in Santiago de Compostela. The city has plenty to offer, including charming medieval streets, fascinating museums, local markets, and a wide selection of restaurants and tapas bars. An extra day is also perfect for exploring the cathedral in greater detail, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere, or simply letting the experiences of the Camino fully sink in before heading home.
Pictures from the trip
Prices and dates
Price includes
ACCOMMODATION
- 7 nights in small hotels – always with private bathroom facilities
FOOD & DRINKS
- Breakfast every day
HIKING
- 6 days of hiking (approx. 119 km in total)
- Pilgrim passport
- Detailed descriptions of the carefully selected routes (route maps, route descriptions, information about relevant tourist attractions and important phone numbers – in English)
- Access to the route in our GPS app, which also works offline (one access per person)
- Option to receive GPX files for use in your own GPS
TRANSPORT
- Luggage transfer between the hotels
OTHER
- 24-hour local and international service hotline for the duration of the tour
- This is a packaged holiday and is therefore covered by The Travel Guarantee Fund - See which benefits this means for you - click here
GENERAL
- Transport to Santiago de Compostela
- Handling fee (€25)
- Travel insurance
REQUIRED AND PAID LOCALLY
- Any tourist taxes at the hotels
OPTIONAL
The following can be selected in the booking form, when you book the tour.
- Half board (evening meals every day except in Santiago)
- Transfer from Santiago de Compostela Airport or A Coruña Airport to Sarria
Use the button "Calculate price" on this page to see what the tour will cost with your wanted inclusions.
Practical information
The price is based upon two people sharing. It is also possible travel alone in a single room. Simply choose "1 person" in the booking form and it will automatically add the single room surcharge.
On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.
Check the price quickly
You can quickly check the price of your desired trip without having to fill out any forms. Here’s how:
- Click on the "Calculate Price" button (you’ll find it in the "Dates and Prices" section) – this will take you to the first pages of the booking form
- Select your preferred date, number of people, room distribution, any extra nights, and any available add-ons you may want
- See the price
Get a quote
If you would like a flight included, or changes made to the trip, you can request a customized offer by clicking the "Get Quote" button at the top of the page. Remember to describe in detail what changes you would like.
The booking process
When you book the trip, we will begin booking hotels and arranging all the practical aspects of your tour. This process typically takes 5–8 working days, but in some cases it may take longer for certain bookings. If you arrange your own transportation, we recommend waiting until we have confirmed your booking before making any arrangements.
Dates
If you can select a date in the trip calendar (in the booking form), then this is a possible start date. We regularly update our trips with sold-out dates; these dates will then appear in red/grey and cannot be selected.
The flights to/from Santiago de Compostela are not included in the price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.
The easiest is to fly to and from Santiago de Compostela airport - but also arriving in A Coruña airport and departing from Santiago de Compostela works well.
Notice: we recommend that you book with us and wait for the confirmation before you book your flights.
Transportation from the Airport
On the bookingform you can choose to include transfer from Santiago or Santiago Airport to Sarria. For the transfer back to the airport from Santiago de Compostela, we recommend that you get your last hotel to book you a taxi (around 25 euro)
Get a quote
If you prefer that we handle your flight, then we would be happy to arrange this for you. You simply book a quote below the map on this page and we will return with a quote as soon as possible (usually within 48 working hours). Please note that we add a handling fee of 45 euro to each flight and this means that the flight will be cheaper if you book it yourself.
Local transport
From Santiago airport you can take the bus to Lugo bus station.
From Lugo bus station to Sarria bus station you can take a local bus (30min). Total cost for travel around € 10 pp.
Direct bus between Santiago de Compostela Bus Station and Sarria. See www.monbus.es.
As the fastest and easiest solution you can also pre-book a private transfer from the airport in Santiago de Compostela to Sarria. The price is shown on the bookingform.
You will stays in family-run hotels and guest houses handpicked for their character and warm hospitality. They are 2-3 star tourist class.The hotels are centrally located in the towns and close to the Pilgrims' Route. In rare cases it may be necessary to book accommodation further from the route, but in those cases transfers will be included so as not to affect the walking programme.
The standard package includes breakfast every day.
The breakfast offered will depend on the hotel. Continental breakfast is the norm. A common solution will be a breakfast buffet that includes fruit, bread, pastries, cheeses, meats, coffee, tea and juice. If there is a special breakfast product that you are used to, we recommend that you bring it or buy it at the local supermarket.
If you opt to have dinners included, th dinner will usually be a "Pilgrim Menu" where you can choose from three appetizers, three main dishes and dessert. Appetizers usually includes soup, salad or fish. Main dishes are usually meat or fish with french fries, potatoes and bread. Usually, there is the possibility of a vegetarian dish. Dessert may eg. be cheesecake, crème caramel or icecream.
The food will vary depending on the area, as each area has its own seasonal and local dishes and specialties. For example, the fish will be more common in Galicia, the northern coast and the Portuguese coastal regions than in other areas inside the country.
Regarding lunch, we recommend that you either buy it at a local store. You can also eat at small cafes along the way. Your route notes will contain guidelines for where you can get food and water.
Luggage transfer is included on this tour. Upon arrival at the first hotel you will be given luggage tags along with the rest of the welcome package. You fill out the luggage tags and put them on your bags where they will remain for the duration of the tour.
Your luggage is picked up from the hotel lobby around 9am every morning and will arrive at your next hotel at 6pm at the latest (often long before that). If there are any special exceptions to the luggage transfer you will be notified upon arrival.
Luggage transfer includes one bag per guest and the bags can weigh 20kg each.
This journey has difficulty level 2
Grade 2
Easy hiking on reasonably good trails. The day walks will last 4-6 hours in hilly terrain. Anyone in good physical condition can participate. Your luggage will be transported and you only carry a light daypack. Requires comfortable footwear such as trekking shoes or hiking boots.
Read more about our grading system here.
On this tour, you will receive the following documents:
Upon booking
Immediately after booking this trip, you'll recieve a pre-booking-email where you can get a complete overview of your booking. Once the tour is confirmed you get a confirmation email from us along with practical information about the tour.
One month before departure
You will receive a hotel list and final travel documents.
Upon arrival at the first hotel
You'll receive the welcome pack, which contains everything you need for the trip. There will be route descriptions, maps, luggage tags and specific local vouchers. The documents are in English.
Notice: On some tours it is necessary to either print the documents yourself or to bring them electronically.
We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers at least illness, accident, repatriation, lost holiday, luggage and liability. As a customer, you are responsible for taking out the necessary travel insurance to cover these costs.
Before taking out insurance, you should check whether you are already covered by travel or cancellation insurance through your home insurance company, credit card or similar - please note that there may be differences in insurance coverage.
After booking this trip, you get access to various discount schemes.
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When you book a trip with us, we plant a tree in Kenya.
Bering Travel partners with Growing Trees Network, which has been planting trees in Kenya since 2020 in collaboration with Seniorer uden Grænser (Seniors Without Borders). The trees are planted with small-scale local farmers in the Mount Kenya region, as well as at schools, where the fruit helps supplement students’ diets and is incorporated into their learning.
The trees are planted using the shamba method – a sustainable approach that combines reforestation with agricultural crops. This keeps the soil covered with vegetation throughout the year, helping to prevent nutrient loss and reduce erosion.
The contribution to tree planting comes directly from Bering Travel’s own earnings and is not added to the price of your trip.
This initiative is not intended as a carbon offset for travel, but as a way to make a positive contribution.
"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"
