Most popular section of the Camino, hilly with many shaded sections. Guaranteed to meet people.
Experience the famous Last 100km of the Camino in the lap of luxury! The route begins in Sarria and finishes in Santiago de Compostela, traversing the idyllic hilly landscapes of Galicia and staying in comfortable accommodation the whole way. Reward your efforts in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the heart and hub of all pilgrimages on the Way of St James, and get your pilgrim certificate feeling refreshed by the whole experience!
Portomarin
Portomarín is a delightful mediaeval village situated on the river Mino. Portomarin is famous for its 400m-high Romanesque staircase that leads you to the town. An interesting fact about this town is that before the dam was created in the 1960s Portomarin used to be lower down in the valley. When they created the dam they moved the town, which was no small feat as they had to painstakingly take down and rebuild the Church of St John. This structure was built by the workshop of Master Mateo who is responsible for the Portico de Gloria in the Cathedral in Santiago.
Celtic Ruins at Castromaior
A small detour off the Camino, approx 1km passed the town of Castromaior on the way to Melide, you will find the 2000 year-old Celtic ruins of Castro de Castromaior. The recent excavations on this settlement have found proof of occupation from around 4 BC to when the Romans arrived. Watch out for this detour as it is a great spot to get a photo, and standing up on the embankment provides a splendid view over the Galician countryside.
Santiago de Compostela
Just before arriving into Santiago you will pass the Mount of Joy. Here, take the time to get a stamp at the small church but also visit the Pilgrim Statues pointing at the city. It is here that you will get your first glimpse of the Cathedral in the distance. There are few feelings like the one of arriving to Praza do Obradoiro in front of the cathedral after your long pilgrimage. Once in the city, you can explore the bustling mediaeval streets, filled with market stalls, restaurants, bars and buskers, as well as the many interesting museums and Alameda Park for a relaxing stroll (if you haven’t had enough of walking)!
SARRIA
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Services
Included in this package
Add-On
Not included: Flights/trains, Insurance, Drinks/Lunch
Itinerary
Day
km
SARRIA
Make your way to your hotel in Sarria in time to enjoy your first evening meal, and get a good rest before you begin your Camino. If you are feeling energised before your walk, visit the town’s main religious sites, Convento de la Magdalena and Iglesia Santa Marina de Sarria.
Day
21.9 km
SARRIA PORTOMARIN
Expect a peaceful walk in shady oak woods and pretty villages on quiet country roads. The village of Barbadelo (at an elevation of 580m) has a beautiful Romanesque church that is worth a visit. The next significant village is Ferreiros. When you arrive in Portomarin (an elevation of 550m) you can relax on one of the numerous terraces of the town’s main plaza.
Day
24.3 km
PORTOMARIN PALAS DE REI
From the village, the Camino crosses the river Minho and climbs uphill. On your way, you’ll be crossing Gonzar and passing the Romanesque Church of Santa María, Castromaior. The calm of the Galician Cemetery in Ligonde on a sunny day is a rest in itself. In Eirexe, the Romanesque portal of the church is a beauty, featuring a sculpture of Daniel, as well as a statue of Santiago de Peregrino. You will then arrive in Palas de Rei (at an elevation of 565m).
Day
14.8 km
PALAS DE REI MELIDE
Today, the Camino continues slightly downhill, passing the village of Casanova and the charming village of Leboreiro. At Melide (a steady elevation of 454m), stop in one of the many restaurants to try some local specialties such as octopus a la gallega (boiled octopus served with olive oil, paprika, and salt.
Day
14.3 km
MELIDE ARZUA
This is the perfect start as the stroll quickly leaves Melide and heads off into quiet countryside, along forest track and through a few hamlets. At Boente de Ariba, you will pass by the ancient Church of Santiago before continuing through a forest track and reaching Catanada. You will then cross a few streams, and then you are at the last stretch to Arzua . Once in Arzua, you can then relax in the hotel.
Day
17.9 km
ARZUA RUA
This shaded section of the Camino will pass through woods, along streams, and through sleepy villages. Take your time and visit the chapel of Santa Irena, with its unique statues of Santiago. The rest of the way to Rua-O Pino is on a quiet country road. Rua (at an elevation of 310m) is one of the less crowded stopping points before Santiago de Compostela.
Day
20.3 km
RUA SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
You’re nearly there! The next stage will be Lavacolla, where pilgrims traditionally washed in the river before reaching Santiago de Compostela. Tall eucalyptus trees line your way to Monte del Gozo, or Mount of Joy. From here, you can see your goal – the Cathedral of Santiago! After a descent to the city you’ll be able to witness this UNESCO World Heritage Site up-close. Marvel at the architecture and relish the wonderful atmosphere in this cultural and spiritual mecca, and contemplate all you’ve experienced on your amazing journey.
Day
km
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
After breakfast, we bid you farewell.
If you wish to stay in the area, we recommend that you:
– Take your time and visit the magnificent historic centre of Santiago.
– Continue with us along the wild Camino Fisterra (Finisterre Way), and stay overnight at the hotel in the lighthouse!
– Or take a bus to Fisterra to visit the unspoilt sandy coves and beaches of the west coast. With very few tourists, you are guaranteed a very special experience. Buses depart from Santiago Bus Station at 9am and 10am. Buses return to Santiago at 4:45pm and 7pm. The journey takes 3 hours.
Getting to Sarria, Spain
It is best to fly to Santiago de Compostela. You will need to travel to Sarria from Santiago yourself, or we can arrange a private transfer.
Fly into Santiago de Compostela
Getting home from Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Fly from Santiago de Compostela
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