The Camino de Santiago from Sarria

Included in all our routes

• Accommodation booking selected according to your budget (5, 6, or 7 nights).
• Luggage transfer between stages.
• Practical information about the Camino in a detailed guide.
• 24/7 assistance on the route — we are by your side for any questions or incidents.
• Travel insurance with extensive coverage.

On group routes

• Professional accompanying guides throughout the Camino.
• Support vehicle available during the stages.

Optional services

• Meals and diets, with the option to add breakfasts or half board.
• Private transfers from/to the point you need.
• Bicycle rental (MTB, E-Bike).
• Excursions in Galicia and extra nights at the end of your trip.

The Camino from Sarria is the final part of the famous French Way of the Camino de Santiago, leading you directly to Santiago de Compostela. It begins in Sarria, and from there you enter a Galician landscape full of green hills, lush forests, fresh rivers, and picturesque villages.

Along the route, you will pass through places such as Sarria, Melide, and charming villages like Furelos and Ribadiso. You will also cross rivers such as the Miño and admire historical monuments like the Church of San Nicolás in Portomarín and the ancient Castro de Castromaior. One of the most anticipated highlights is Monte do Gozo, from where you can see the city of Santiago for the first time.

In total, it is 115 km in the heart of Galicia, and you can complete it in less than a week, choosing the pace (6, 5, or 4 stages) and the company you prefer: on your own, with your dog, or in an organized group.

Sarria is a town in the south of Lugo, well connected by road, train, bus, and air. You can get there:

• By car: Direct access.
• By train: Connections from Madrid, Santiago de Compostela, etc.
• By bus: Connections from Lugo, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Ourense, etc.
• By plane: Fly to Santiago and take a bus to Sarria.

And if you prefer us to make it easier, we offer Private Transfers to Sarria from different points, and an exclusive Vehicle Transfer service from Sarria to Santiago.

If you want to know more about how to get to Sarria, discover more details here:

No, not at all. On this route you won’t find extremely demanding slopes nor does it go through high mountains. Instead, it runs through Galician countryside, valleys, and rolling hills, dotted with rivers and streams. Its 115 km route has the following characteristics:

• Maximum altitude: 726 m (Ventas de Narón).
• Minimum altitude: 254 m (Santiago de Compostela).
• Total positive elevation gain: ~2100 m.
• Total negative elevation loss: ~2300 m.

And you may wonder, why do so many pilgrims walk the Camino from Sarria?

• It can be completed in one week, in 4, 5, or 6 stages.
• It is accessible to anyone, with no overly demanding sections.
• It is perfectly signposted, you just need to follow the yellow arrows.
• It offers a wide range of services, both along the stages and at their end.
• You will obtain your Compostela, the official certificate of your pilgrimage, after walking the last 100 km of the French Way.

“Starting in Sarria is, for me, the easiest and most beautiful way to experience the Camino for the first time and to obtain the Compostela: a perfect balance between time, landscape, and logistics.

Every time I have walked it, I have always found, to my delight, the same: impeccable signposting and plenty of services right on the route, with stage endings that are like “mini-cities” with everything important. This ecosystem makes you feel accompanied and safe, even if walking alone. Sarria also has a special atmosphere of pilgrims of all ages and nationalities.

I have walked with family, friends, and people I met along the way: laughter, constant greetings among pilgrims, and when some soreness or blisters appeared, they were calmly solved with a good bandage. Getting the credential stamped is very easy — churches, hostels, bars, artisan shops, even self-service spots — I have even seen the Guardia Civil on horseback stamping along the route, which is very safe.”

The Camino de Santiago from Sarria can be done year-round, but if you’re looking for pleasant weather and a lively pilgrim atmosphere, the ideal time is from March to October.

• ⭐ May and June (best spring option): mild temperatures, long days, green landscapes, and less crowding than in July and August.
• ⭐ September and October (best autumn option): moderate warmth, beautiful light, fewer crowds after summer, and services still fully running.
• March and April: the start of the season, with variable weather and more rain, but a growing pilgrim atmosphere (note: Easter week is busier).
• July and August: peak season with heat and high crowds; it’s best to start walking early and book in advance.
• November to February (low season): very quiet and lower prices, but colder, rainier, with fewer daylight hours and some services closed.

Stage 1. Sarria – Portomarín | 22 km | Low difficulty | 5h. 30m.

At 7:00 it’s time for the first coffee. The village awakens, and so do you, climbing the famous stairs that lead to the Rúa Maior of Sarria: 64 steps that awaken both your legs and your smile. You snap a quick photo at the Sarria sign, and soon the town is behind you. After Ponte da Áspera, it’s best to take the left variant: gentler, with less road and more meadows and forest — just what you need early in the morning.

In Vilei you’ll find the first bar to stamp your credential, though it’s not essential — there are plenty of options along the way. For example, in Barbadelo, where the Church of Santiago greets you and sometimes a volunteer opens the temple to offer a stamp. The path continues to the viewpoint of A Brea and Morgade, where a small chapel and a bar share the landscape and serve unique juices. The walk feels light, with conversations flowing with new companions. In Ferreiros you reach the 100 km milestone; take a moment here, not so much for the photo but for what it symbolizes: the finish line already feels close. In Mercadoiro, a simple snack feels right, and with renewed energy you approach Portomarín, which soon appears in panoramic view.

The entrance to Portomarín gives you a choice: the direct asphalt descent (steep) or the prettier path on the left, with a technical stretch best enjoyed only in dry weather; in rain, the risk of slipping isn’t worth it. Crossing the bridge, the Miño River embraces you. Time to stamp your credential at the Church of San Nicolás and, if the day allows, enjoy a swim in the river or stop at the public pool. At dusk, the mist falls like a blanket over the valley: Galicia whispers “boa noite.”

Forks on this stage (Alternative Camino):

• Km 113.074, leaving Sarria: it is recommended to follow the left path, the main route, which is more scenic than the right-hand alternative that is longer and has more asphalt.
• Km 93.745, arriving in Portomarín: to the right, a shorter but steep asphalt descent; to the left, after a few meters, there are two options: to the right, natural stone steps — an exciting but technical stretch (not recommended in rainy weather) — or to the left, a gentler descent.

Stage 2. Portomarín – Palas de Rei | 25 km | Medium difficulty | 6h.

Leave early from Portomarín, often wrapped in the evocative morning mist, taking the right-hand variant: the trail climbs gently through oaks and chestnuts, a progressive ascent that helps you “finish waking up.” Important: during the first 8 km there are no bars, so it’s best to set out well hydrated. At the entrance to Gonzar, a fork appears: to the left, the path goes through fields; to the right, alongside the road. No problem either way — both lead to a timely bar.

The little treasure of the day is the archaeological site of Castro de Castromaior. The detour, hidden on the left after a climb, connects without issue and is worth every step: ancient stones, a soft breeze, and a silence that says it all. After that, you pass through Hospital, famous for its giant omelet, and in Ventas de Narón the chapel of La Magdalena offers conversation and a stamp; sometimes a Templar volunteer provides a unique one. In Lameiros, you’ll find a 16th-century stone cross with the Passion carved into it, simple and striking. Between Ligonde and Airexe, it’s a good idea to grab a bite before the end of the stage so you arrive light.

Arrival in Palas de Rei is through the Church of San Tirso. The town has everything: pharmacy, shops, swimming pool. It’s the perfect afternoon to wash clothes after two stages, stretch a bit, and let the fatigue settle quietly.

Forks on this stage (Alternative Camino):

• Km 91.953, leaving Portomarín: perhaps longer on the left. Pilgrims usually take the right-hand route, a beautiful climb through oaks often covered in evocative morning mist.
• Km 84.672: about 8 km from Portomarín, the left path runs through the countryside, while the right follows the road, with no major difference in distance. Both lead to a bar.
• Km 82.069: not an official fork, but well worth it to see the Castro de Castromaior, just a few dozen meters away, with no need to backtrack to rejoin the route.

Stage 3. Palas de Rei – Melide | 15 km | Low difficulty | 3h. 30m.

Leaving Palas de Rei through oak groves, the Wall of Wisdom, with its phrases written on the walls, will make you stop and reflect. Further on, in Leboreiro, the church displays beautiful frescoes beside a small bridge that turns the scenery into a postcard. The route continues to Furelos, a perfect village to dip your feet in the river and, on hot days, enjoy a swim. In the Church of San Xoán, a Christ with one arm un-nailed stands out — a powerful image that leaves an impression.

Soon after, you reach Melide, a must-stop if you spend the night here (6-stage option): octopus, a relaxed stroll, and an unhurried siesta. But if you continue on to Arzúa (4- or 5-stage option), it’s best not to overindulge in this delicacy, as there is still more walking ahead.

Forks on this stage (Alternative Camino):

• Km 52.501, center of Melide: an alternative indicates how to reach the parish church of San Pedro de Melide, to rejoin the Camino through the historic center (public hostel).

Stage 4. Melide – Arzúa | 14 km | Medium difficulty | 3h. 30m.

As you leave Melide, a fork appears: it’s best to take the right-hand path to follow the Catasol River. Crossing the stepping stones adds a touch of fun and adventure: in dry weather you almost feel like “dancing” across; if they’re wet, it’s better to go slowly or, if you feel like it, take off your shoes and cross the shallow river barefoot. Further on awaits “The Little Oasis”: a stop with homemade raspberries, hospitality, and smiles.

In Boente begins the famous “leg breaker.” After the Church of Santiago come three climbs and descents that you won’t easily forget; the best way to face them is as a long conversation with your legs. When Ribadiso finally appears, the afternoon begs for a stop — a swim and rest in the Iso River. About 3 km remain to reach Arzúa, usually welcomed with cheese and a visit to the Church of Santiago for a stamp. It’s a complete stage, one of those that puts things in order inside.

Forks on this stage (Alternative Camino):

• Km 52.501, center of Melide: an alternative indicates how to reach the parish church of San Pedro de Melide, to rejoin the Camino through the historic center (public hostel).
• Km 50.521, leaving Melide: the right-hand path passes by the beautiful Catasol River and its unique bridge, which the left-hand route does not.
• Km 45.252: after a climb, the left path may be more scenic, with less asphalt and no significant difference in distance, though it has fewer services than the right-hand option.

Stage 5. Arzúa – O Pedrouzo | 19 km | Low difficulty | 5h.

The fifth stage is a gift: short, gentle, and with frequent services. After Arzúa, the route passes through Preguntoño, A Calzada, A Calle, Salceda, and A Brea until O Empalme, where hearty “truck driver” meals and long-table conversations abound — the perfect place to truly recharge your energy. It’s worth taking the short detour to the chapel of Santa Irene out of curiosity; it’s usually closed, but rejoining the Camino is immediate.

As you approach O Pedrouzo, the main route crosses a road; many prefer to turn left to enter the village, rest, and continue the next day. In the Church of Santa Eulalia, the shell-shaped apse stands out, and you can stamp your credential with the feeling that Santiago is now just around the corner.

Forks on this stage (Alternative Camino):

• Km 22.745: to the left, go through the underpass beneath the N-547 road to see the chapel of Santa Irene (almost always closed). No difference in distance.
• Km 20.145: not an official detour, but if you want to reach the center of O Pedrouzo to end the stage and stay overnight, you need to leave the Camino to the right and take the road (with a shoulder) to the left into town. If you continue straight on the Camino, crossing the road, you’ll reach the public school area and then have to backtrack a bit into town to find accommodation.

Stage 6. O Pedrouzo – Santiago de Compostela | 19 km | Low difficulty | 5h.

The final stage from O Pedrouzo smells of eucalyptus and of the finish line. The climb toward the airport is done at a steady pace, as if saving the song for the end. You pass San Paio and its chapel of Santa Lucía, cross Lavacolla, Vilarmaior, and San Marcos, and finally reach Monte do Gozo. It’s worth the short detour to see the pilgrim statues and spot the cathedral towers in the distance — a brief pause that lifts the spirit.

The entry into Santiago is meant to be savored without hurry: San Lázaro, Concheiros, Rúa de San Pedro, Casas Reais, Praza de Cervantes, and Rúa da Azabachería. Crossing the arch and stepping into the Praza do Obradoiro, often with a bagpiper playing in the background, brings the true definition of reward.

Afterward, approaching the Cathedral, descending to the tomb, embracing the Apostle, and collecting the Compostela at the Pilgrim’s Office completes the rite, with that mix of fatigue and happiness that can only be understood by walking.

The final celebration usually takes place along the streets of Raíña or do Franco: long conversations, endless toasts, and the promise, once again, to return to walk to Santiago de Compostela.

And at this moment everything makes sense, and you understand what the Camino teaches.

The Camino from Sarria to Santiago is not just a sum of kilometers: it is a choreography of landscapes, emotions, sensations, new companions, and simple decisions — left, right, stop here, focus on walking there — that lead you to an ending that always moves you.

This is the Camino de Santiago from Sarria through the eyes of our pilgrims. Thank you for sharing your photos!

• Sarria Town Council
• Sarria Tourism
• Sarria on Wikipedia