Camino Francés Trek to Santiago de Compostela 

Arrival

Welcome to Sarria – a charming Galician town and the most popular starting point for the final 100 km of the Camino Francés!

Today is a free day to relax and prepare for your Camino pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. If you would like to receive the Compostela certificate at the end of your journey, you will need to obtain a Pilgrim Passport (Credencial) before you start walking.

You can get your Pilgrim Passport in Sarria at the following locations:

• Iglesia de Santa Mariña
• Monasterio de la Magdalena
• Albergue de Peregrinos de Sarria (Pilgrims’ Hostel)
• Local tourism offices and select Camino shops

Take some time to stroll through the old town, visit the medieval bridge and historic monasteries, enjoy local Galician cuisine, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere as you prepare for your Camino Francés adventure.

Sarria - Portomarin

Today marks the first day of your Camino Francés pilgrimage—good luck as you begin this memorable journey! Leaving Sarria, the trail leads you through a peaceful rural landscape, passing charming villages, quiet country lanes, and ancient oak forests that offer refreshing shade along the way. As you walk, you’ll notice traditional Galician hórreos (stone granaries), iconic landmarks of the region’s agricultural heritage.

A wonderful place to pause is the village of Barbadelo, home to a beautiful Romanesque church—an architectural treasure from the 12th century and a meaningful stop for many pilgrims.

The final stretch takes you toward the Miño River valley, where the town of Portomarín awaits atop the hillside.

Distance: 22 km
Duration: 6-7 hours hiking

Reaching Portomarin

After completing your first stage of the Camino Francés, take the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the unique charm of Portomarín. This historic town was rebuilt stone by stone in the 1960s after the creation of the Miño River reservoir, and many of its most important buildings—including the Church of San Nicolás—were carefully moved to higher ground.

Stroll through the town’s inviting squares, explore its iconic stone archways, or unwind with a peaceful walk along the riverside.

Portomarin - Palas de Rei

Today, you continue your Camino journey as you leave Portomarin and head toward Palas de Rei.

Your Camino will cross the river Miño (Galicia’s longest river) and rise uphill steadily towards the Serra de Ligonde. You will pass nice hamlets such as Gonzar and Ventas de Narón. Stop to visit the Romanesque Church of Santa María in Castromaior and the Romanesque church in Eirexe, with its portal featuring a sculpture of Daniel with animals, as well as Pilgrim Santiago.

Distance: 22 km
Duration: 6-7 hours hiking

Reaching Palas de Rei

Welcome to Palas de Rei, a charming town with deep-rooted Camino traditions!

This is your final destination for today. After your walk, take some time to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this historic Galician town. Wander through its quaint streets, or unwind at a local café while sampling traditional regional dishes.

Palas de Rei has long been an important stop for pilgrims on the Camino Francés, and its warm hospitality makes it a perfect place to rest and recharge before continuing your journey to Santiago.

Palas de Rei - Arzua

After your night in Palas de Rei, the Camino trail continues downhill, passing the village of Casanova and the delightful village of Leboreiro. You should take a break in the lively market town of Melide (454m), where you should try octopus, Galicia’s most classic dish, in one of the many ‘pulperías’. The Camino crosses several streams and follows a forest track bringing you to the village of Boente and the church of Santiago.

Next is the pretty medieval hamlet of Ribadiso and finally the town of Arzúa (389m), famous for its local cheese. In Arzúa, you should visit the churches of Santa María and A Magdalena.

Distance: 28 km
Duration: 7-8 hours hiking

Reaching Arzua

Welcome to Arzúa, a welcoming town known for its rich Camino spirit and famous local cheese!

This is your final destination for today. Take some time to relax, stroll through the town’s friendly streets, or unwind at one of the cozy cafés and bakeries. Arzúa is well known for its queixo de Arzúa-Ulloa, so don’t miss the opportunity to try this delicious local cheese.

With its warm atmosphere and strong pilgrim tradition, Arzúa offers the perfect place to rest and recharge before the final stages of your journey to Santiago.

Arzua - Amenal

After your night in Arzúa, your Camino will take you through pretty woods, sleepy villages and across streams for most of the day. The chapel of Santa Irene, with its unique statue of Santiago, is worth a visit. En route, don’t miss the lovely hamlet of Rúa (310m). The rest of the route to Amenal is along a mix of good and calm country roads and forest tracks.

Distance: 23 km
Duration: 6-7 hours hiking

Reaching Amenal

Welcome to Amenal, a peaceful hamlet nestled amidst Galicia’s lush countryside!

This is your final destination for today. Take some time to rest, enjoy the quiet rural surroundings, or unwind at your accommodation after a rewarding day on the Camino. The serene atmosphere of Amenal provides the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge before embarking on the final stretch of your journey to Santiago de Compostela.

Amenal - Santiago de Compostela

Today marks the final stage of your pilgrimage. Leaving Amenal, you will make your final ascent toward Santiago de Compostela.

Your next point of interest is Lavacolla in the outskirts of Santiago, where pilgrims used to wash themselves in the river in preparation for their arrival in Santiago de Compostela.

Distance: 16 km
Duration: 4-5 hours hiking

Reaching Santiago de Compostela

Congratulations – you have reached Santiago de Compostela!
You’ve completed the last 100 km of the Camino Francés Trek to Santiago de Compostela, following in the footsteps of centuries of pilgrims. Take a moment to celebrate your achievement in the Praza do Obradoiro, standing before the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago. Whether you choose to attend the Pilgrim’s Mass, collect your Compostela certificate, or simply rest and reflect, this is a moment to be proud of.

Check in to your hotel and enjoy a well-deserved rest. It was a challenging walk, but you did it—what an amazing achievement!

Departure

Today is your final day. Your private driver will meet you in the hotel lobby and transfer you to the airport, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free conclusion to your pilgrimage.

We look forward to welcoming you again on another unforgettable journey!