French Way from Sarria in group

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is it better to do the Camino de Santiago in a group or alone?

  That depends on what you are looking for. If you want a journey of introspection, it's best to do the Camino alone, but if you're looking for company, the best option is to join one of our organised groups.

• What is the daily itinerary like?

  Every day the monitors call the group in the morning for a brief informational meeting about the stage: what it is like, what not to miss, which bars to stop at, etc. Then, walking begins, and each person sets their own pace, without the need to go together.

  The pilgrim can decide their pace and timing. For example, for lunch: you can stop to eat at some of the bars along the Camino or at the end of the stage.

  The arrival time will depend a bit on this, on your stops to rest, take photos, have a drink, get to know the place… However, generally, it tends to be between 2 PM and 4 PM.

  But as mentioned, regarding the arrival at the end of the stage, there is no fixed or established time.

  Moreover, our advice is to stretch your time on the Camino and take it easy, to enjoy it better. Your accommodation is reserved, and Santiago de Compostela has been waiting for you for centuries. What’s the rush?

  Upon arrival, with your luggage already at the accommodation, it’s time to shower and rest. And in the evening, the monitors may suggest some activity… or surprise you with a little surprise!

  And then, it’s time to have dinner and rest to prepare for a new stage.

• Can I travel alone but in an organised group?

  Yes, in case you do not come accompanied to the Camino, of course you can travel in our organised groups. In fact, that is the goal, that you live and share the magic of the Camino. We want everyone who wants to do the Camino to do it, and if you have no one to travel with, travel with us and other future pilgrim friends you will meet in our organized groups, the best social network in the world.

• Will I be sleeping in the same hostel as the rest of the group? And in the same room?

  You may end up staying at the same hostel as some of your group members, but not everyone will stay in the same hostel since each one has limited capacity. The accommodations will be very close to each other, so it will be easy to stay in touch the next morning and continue walking and making friends.

• How many people will be in the group?

  Our groups do not have a fixed size, but they are usually made up of around 40 people of all ages. Socialising and a great atmosphere are always guaranteed!

• How does the support vehicle work?

  The support vehicle is at your disposal during the whole trip and you will be able to use it in case you get injured or are unable to continue walking for any reason. As a general rule, the support vehicle will not be able to pick you up anywhere along the route, as the Camino de Santiago runs through forests, forest tracks and narrow paths where it is difficult to access vehicles, especially buses. We will place the support vehicle halfway through the stage and we will send you its exact location. This means that in case you are injured and want to walk, you must be sure that you are able to walk at least 10 kilometers.

• Does making the Camino de Santiago from Sarria entitle you to the Compostela?

  Yes, as long as you walk the whole route. From Sarria to Santiago it is just over 110 km, above the 100 km that the Pilgrim's Office requires to be walked (200 km by bicycle) to obtain the Compostela. That is why Sarria is the most popular starting point: it is the closest start that meets the requirement.

• Where can I stamp my credential in Sarria?

  In Sarria you can stamp your credential at several places:

  • Church of Santa Mariña.
  • Church of San Salvador.
  • Tourist Office.
  • Association of Friends of the Camino de Santiago of the Sarria area.
  • At most accommodations, restaurants and cafés, as well as at the Town Hall, the Guardia Civil and shops in town.

• ¿Cuántas etapas tiene el Camino de Sarria?

  The Camino from Sarria has 5 stages, divided as follows:

  • Sarria – Portomarín (22 km)
  • Portomarín – Palas de Rei (25 km)
  • Palas de Rei – Arzúa (29 km)
  • Arzúa – O Pedrouzo (20 km)
  • O Pedrouzo – Santiago de Compostela (19 km)

  In total it is about 115 km to the Cathedral of Santiago, although pilgrims are free to split the distance into more or fewer stages.

• What happens on the first day in Sarria with the group?

  There is no walking that day: it is for arriving in Sarria, settling in and meeting the group. Once everyone has arrived, the guides call you to a welcome meeting to introduce everyone, explain how the trip works and answer your questions. There they hand out the credentials, the luggage transfer labels and the pilgrim T-shirt. Afterwards there is time for a drink, to get to know each other better and to stroll around Sarria before the first stage, to Portomarín.

• Will we make it to the Pilgrim's Mass on the last day of the group Camino from Sarria?

  That is the idea, which is why we recommend getting up a little earlier that day. The last stage, from O Pedrouzo to Santiago, is 19 km and relatively short and easy, so by setting off early you arrive in good time for the Pilgrim's Mass and make the most of your day in Santiago. The Botafumeiro may swing at that Mass, although it is not used at every one. Then it is time to collect your Compostela and celebrate with your fellow group members.