You don’t need a whole week to experience something that changes you. Camino Weekend distills the essence of the French Way into just 3 stages: walking lightly through forests and villages, feeling the green of Galicia, and arriving in Santiago on foot. It’s made for those who are short on time but don’t want to give up what really matters: walking outdoors, resting well, eating even better, and enjoying a weekend in a truly unique way.

This short-break concept allows you to experience the Camino de Santiago during long weekends, bank holidays or short holiday periods like Easter. It’s ideal if you don’t have enough days for a longer route, yet still want to live the full essence of the Camino.

You start in Melide, where the pilgrim atmosphere is felt in every corner and the first ritual tastes like freshly cut octopus in one of its traditional “pulperías”. From there, gentle stages lead you to Arzúa and O Pedrouzo: stone bridges, eucalyptus groves, spontaneous conversations and that shared heartbeat of being closer every hour. At Monte do Gozo, you’ll see the Cathedral towers for the first time; the emotion will carry you, step by step, to the Praza do Obradoiro.

Keep in mind that the total distance, being under 100 km, does not qualify for obtaining the Compostela upon arrival in Santiago. But beyond that document, what truly matters is that in just three walking days on this French Way from Melide, you’ll reach the finish line with a renewed sense of calm and fully recharged energy. A shorter Camino… but just as intense.

Precio
From
155€

Private hostels

155 €

Hostels and pensions

280 €

Hotels

412 €

Map of the Camino

Map of the French Way from Melide

Stages of the Camino Weekend from Melide

Begin your French Way in the historic town of Melide. Today there’s no rush: breathe, stroll through its streets, feel the pilgrim atmosphere, and treat yourself to the first ritual of the journey — tasting octopus in one of Melide’s traditional pulperías. That bite tastes like a beginning, like a promise.

You don’t need a whole week to experience something that changes you: you’re already feeling it. Get your credential stamped if you wish, enjoy an early dinner, and rest well — your walking adventure starts tomorrow.

On this first stage towards Arzúa, the Camino unfolds through small villages, earthy paths, forests and little bridges that guide you gently along the way. After Boente, the ups and downs set the rhythm for your legs — take them calmly, like a quiet conversation with yourself.

Ribadiso invites you to stop by the Iso River and dip your feet in the water, where friendships are born effortlessly, without filters and without masks. People from different places, united by the same dust on their shoes and the same horizon ahead. The Camino teaches that the most authentic connections aren’t planned; they simply happen.

When you reach Arzúa, celebrate the day with a taste of Arzúa-Ulloa cheese (D.O.). Walk, feel, and enjoy the simple joy of moving forward.

From Arzúa, the route becomes gentler and more shaded. The paths wind between open fields, small chapels, and peaceful villages like Salceda or Santa Irene, where the pilgrims’ fountain refreshes both body and soul.

Here, life becomes simple: walk, feel, live. No notifications, no clocks, no obligations. Happiness shows up in the basics — a warm meal, a golden sunset, an honest conversation. You learn that you don’t need more to feel complete. Disconnecting from the outside world becomes a true reconnection with yourself.

With every step, that shared emotion among pilgrims grows stronger: Santiago is close. In O Pedrouzo, enjoy a quiet dinner, get your credential stamped, and head to bed early — tomorrow we rise with the sun to savour the final stretch.

Waking up early today is a gift. The path smells of eucalyptus and of the finish line, because this last stretch towards Santiago de Compostela is a whirlwind of emotions. Passing through Lavacolla —where pilgrims once purified themselves before entering the holy city— signals that the end is near. Then comes Monte do Gozo, where you’ll see the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela for the first time. Stop for a moment… and smile.

And finally, the cathedral bells mark the end of the journey. You’ve reached Santiago de Compostela on foot in just three walking days. Cross the Praza do Obradoiro, embrace the Apostle, visit his tomb, and wander the old town with no rush. What matters is here — and Santiago has so much to discover.

Today, you decide. You can head back home or treat yourself to an extra day in Santiago. After all… Compostela is truly beautiful.

Camino Weekend from Melide, Accommodation prices

Private hostels

155 €

Hostels and pensions

280 €

Hotels

412 €

Types of accommodations

Details of the Camino Weekend from Melide

Services included

5 days / 4 nights of accommodation5 days / 4 nights of accommodation
Luggage transfer during the stagesLuggage transfer during the stages
Complete documentationComplete documentation
Pilgrim’s CredentialPilgrim’s Credential
On-the-road emergency telephone assistanceOn-the-road emergency telephone assistance
Travel insuranceTravel insurance

Optional Services

Service
BreakfastBreakfast
MP (Breakfast and dinner)MP (Breakfast and dinner)
Supplement for single roomSupplement for single room
Extra night in Santiago de CompostelaExtra night in Santiago de Compostela
Transfer from airport to MelideTransfer from airport to Melide
Transfer from Santiago to MelideTransfer from Santiago to Melide
Professional massage for pilgrimsProfessional massage for pilgrims
Breakfast Breakfast
MP (Breakfast and dinner) MP (Breakfast and dinner)
Supplement for single room Supplement for single room
Extra night in Santiago de Compostela Extra night in Santiago de Compostela
Transfer from airport to Melide Transfer from airport to Melide
Transfer from Santiago to Melide Transfer from Santiago to Melide
Professional massage for pilgrims Professional massage for pilgrims

Photos

Frequently Asked Questions

In this modality you will do the Camino de Santiago at your own pace and you will only have to worry about choosing the route you like the most, the type of accommodation and your departure date. If you choose this option you will travel alone or with the people that appear in your reservation, and you will have all the services included so that you only have to worry about walking and enjoying the experience.
Yes, you will have total freedom to choose your departure date. However, if you want to do your Camino de Santiago in the months of December, January and February, we recommend that you check availability before making your reservation. At this time of year most accommodation is closed and many services may not be available.
In your travel documents, you will find the names of the accommodations assigned to you, as well as their contact telephone number and location.   As a general rule, all accommodation are located in the centre of the different towns along the Pilgrims' Route to Santiago de Compostela, without the need to deviate too far from the route. But sometimes, due to lack of availability, it is possible that some accommodation may be a little far from the village or even in neighbouring towns.   For all the accommodations that are at a considerable distance from the route of the Camino, we will provide you with a free taxi service that you can use to get to your accommodation and return to the Camino the next morning.   In any case, these are exceptions that we will inform you at the time of booking.
Luggage transport service by default is included in all our trips and it is not necessary to request it. You can enjoy the Camino de Santiago without the burden of carrying your luggage on your back, knowing that your suitcase will be waiting for you at your next accommodation upon your arrival. Along with your credential, you'll also receive stickers. Cover these stickers with the requested information and stick them in a visible place on your suitcase. Upon arrival at your accommodation, we suggest asking at the reception where you can leave your luggage. You'll need to leave your luggage at the designated spot early in the morning for our carrier to pick it up. This ensures that when you arrive at your next accommodation, your luggage will already be waiting for you.
We have a taxi service that you can hire whenever you need it. You can hire it, for example, to go from the airport to the start of your Camino, or to go from Santiago to your starting point to pick up your car once you finish the stage.
It is the guarantee that you can enjoy your Camino in a safe way. In our trips you already have an insurance included with your trip to be protected during the Camino de Santiago. We will send you the insurance policy along with all the documentation of your trip, so you will have everything you need to enjoy the Camino with peace of mind. Walk without worries!
The basic travel insurance included in our packages offers extensive coverage against unforeseen events, ensuring you'll receive guaranteed medical assistance and numerous benefits. You can review the specifics in the General Conditions of Travel Insurance.
  • Through our website, in an online manner.
  • Sending an e-mail to info@viajescaminodesantiago.com.

In your travel documents, you'll find an emergency telephone number where we're accessible while you're on the road. This ensures you'll journey with peace of mind, knowin our team members will assist you with any problems, incidents, or questions you encounter along your Camino de Santiago.

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