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The French Way from Sarria in short stages is designed so that everyone can experience the Camino de Santiago regardless of age or physical condition. A slow but sure journey. You will walk an average of 12 kilometres a day, without rushing and without stress, with the only concern being to enjoy the landscapes, culture and gastronomy of the places you pass through.

If you don’t have enough days, remember that we can adapt the trip for you by combining some traditional stages with other much shorter ones.

Precio
From
435€

Private hostels

435 €

Hostels and pensions

765 €
(13 customer reviews)

Map of the Camino

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Stages of the French Way in short stages

You will start your French Way from the historic town of Sarria, in the province of Lugo. A place where you can enjoy a first day strolling through its streets, discovering its monuments or relaxing in one of its terraces enjoying a lively pilgrim atmosphere. Let yourself be invaded by the thousands of sensations and emotions of nerves and joy that you will experience as soon as you arrive. And to rest, tomorrow the adventure begins.

In this first stage of your French Way from Sarria in short stages runs through paths, rural roads full of life and small villages with few inhabitants. If you need to withdraw money, we recommend you to do it in Sarria, as you won’t find cash machines until you get to Portomarín.

At the exit of Sarria, you will cross the Pequeno river by the medieval bridge of Áspera. After a three-kilometre walk you will reach the beautiful church of Santiago de Barbadelo, where it will be worthwhile to make a stop on the Way.

The journey continues through small villages surrounded by fields until we reach Morgade, where we will find the main landmark of the stage: the milestone that marks the 100 kilometres to Santiago, one of the most photographed of the whole Camino de Santiago.

Shortly after starting this second stage you will reach Ferreiros, another small village with a Romanesque church dedicated to Santa María. Today’s route continues through rural landscapes full of small villages until we reach Portomarín, which appears as an oasis with its slate roofs and white painted houses.

Portomarín, a village born at the foot of the river Miño, is a place as beautiful as it is peculiar. It is a village that had to be relocated from its original site to a higher point in the valley, due to the construction of the Belesar reservoir on the river Miño, which caused the flooding of the old site of the village. If you have a day with good lighting, you will be able to see the remains of the old Portomarín at the bottom of the river. In this small and busy village you will have the opportunity to enjoy the local gastronomy, relax and rest.

In this third stage you will leave Portomarín towards Ventas de Narón. Unlike the previous stages, in this section there are fewer people, so it is advisable to leave well stocked with enough water and food. Although it is an easy route, you will find some considerable slopes, so take it easy.

It is worth taking a detour from the route of the Camino to visit the prehistoric site of Castromaior, which is well signposted. In Ventas de Narón, you can visit the small chapel of A Madalena, guarded at the entrance by a wooden door carved with the cross and the pilgrim’s shell.

The Way leaves Ventas de Narón passing through tiny villages until you reach Lameiros, where you can stop to look at a 17th century cruceiro (stone cross). The route continues through a completely rural setting, passing through the villages of Ligonde and Airexe, where you can admire its rectory house and its Romanesque church dedicated to Santiago.

When you arrive at the village of Portos, friendly ants will welcome you and invite you to rest. Just outside this place you will have the possibility to visit the interesting monastery of Vilar de Donas, one of the most amazing temples in the area. To get there, you have to take a 2.3 km detour from the Camino, but we assure you that the visit will be well worth it.

Back on the Camino, only 4 kilometres separate you from the end of the stage, Palas de Rei, a small Jacobean village that has all the services you need to rest.

It is a stage of progressive slopes with little difficulty. The first kilometres of the day run through a beautiful and shady corridor surrounded by trees. When you reach Ponte Campaña, you will cross the bridge over the river Pambre and take the wooded path through small villages.

The Way will take you to the village of Leboreiro, in the municipality of Melide. At this point you will be struck by a large circular basket made of intertwined sticks and covered with straw; it is the cabazo of Leboreiro and we encourage you to ask a neighbour about its use. Behind the cabazo is the Romanesque church of Santa Maria, which you can also visit.

After crossing the bridge over the river Furelos and walking a few more kilometres, you will enter Melide, the capital of Galician octopus. You are in Galicia and here good food is a religion, so you can’t leave without tasting this delicacy in one of its many pulperías.

Despite being a short stage like the previous ones, it requires a little more effort because it has more slopes. However, we assure you that the effort will be well worth it as you will find yourself surrounded by magical forests. A stage that also holds a surprise: take your swimsuit with you. When you get to Ribadiso de Abaixo you won’t be able to resist bathing in the river and enjoying the beautiful scenery that accompanies this small village.

Once in Arzúa you will have all the services you need to rest. You are in a land of rich cheeses, so you can’t leave without tasting its Arzúa Ulloa Denomination of Origin cheese, the typical product of the area.

Today will be a pleasant walk along forest tracks and paths surrounded by pastures. As in previous days, you will pass through tiny villages sustained mainly by agriculture and livestock.

Along your walk you will find an abundance of bars and establishments where you can rest your legs and refresh yourself. Once in Salceda, you can relax and enjoy a wonderful afternoon in your accommodation or you can go out and explore the surrounding area.

The nine kilometres that separate Salceda from O Pedrouzo have no major complications except for the odd road junction where it is advisable to take extreme caution. Restaurant services are present throughout the route, with bars every few kilometres.

The most interesting points of this stage are the chapel and the fountain of Santa Irene. A spring very popular with pilgrims, known as the Fountain of Eternal Youth. According to legend, anyone who washes with its water will always stay young. So you know, just in case.

After passing Santa Irene, you only have a few kilometres to go until you reach the end of the stage in Pedrouzo, where you will find all the services you need: supermarkets, laundrettes and cash dispensers.

The penultimate stage of your French Way runs through pine and eucalyptus forests, very close to Santiago de Compostela airport. The rural atmosphere of previous days is giving way to a much more urbanized environment, a sign that Santiago de Compostela is getting closer and closer.

The small village of Lavacolla appears in the Codex Calixtinus as the place where pilgrims washed their private parts before entering Santiago de Compostela, hence its name. Fortunately this practice is no longer done.

We recommend resting and going to bed early to start the walk first thing in the morning and make the most of the day in Santiago de Compostela. I’m sure you’ll appreciate it!

Last day as pilgrims!

You will start ascending until you reach San Marcos, where the broadcasting centre of the Galician Television is located, until you reach one of the most exciting places of the French route, the Monte do Gozo, named after the feeling of joy that all pilgrims experience when they first glimpse the towers of the Cathedral. A perfect panoramic view before savouring your last kilometres and making the triumphal entrance to the Plaza del Obradoiro.

You are in Santiago! Feel happy and proud to have completed your French Way from Sarria in short stages. Now we just need to pick up the Compostela certificate and enjoy an incredible day getting to know the Galician capital.

Congratulations! You have completed your French Way from Sarria in short stages. This last day you are in charge, you can go back home or enjoy one more day in Santiago. And how beautiful is Compostela.

Did you know that all roads end in Finisterre? If you have been left with the desire to walk and you have 5 days more, we encourage you to complete the 5 stages from Santiago to Finisterre. The most magical and spiritual route that hides real treasures such as Ponte Maceira, one of the most beautiful villages in Spain or the extraordinary sunset of the Finisterre lighthouse.

French Way in short stages, Accommodation prices

Private hostels

435 €

Hostels and pensions

765 €

Types of accommodations

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In hostels and guesthouses from Sarria

It is the most popular option for pilgrims seeking privacy and tranquility without involving a large outlay of money. The hostels, guesthouses, and rural cottages are family-run establishments with few rooms and common areas in which to exchange experiences with other travelers. Rooms with private bathrooms are simple, comfortable, without great luxury, but very cozy. You will be able to choose between double, twin, triple, or even quadruple rooms for those traveling as a family.
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In private hostels in Sarria

Hostels are the perfect option if you are traveling alone, have a low budget, or want to live the Camino de Santiago experience to the fullest. The ideal accommodation to meet other pilgrims, live together, and experience all the values of this magical journey. They have mixed rooms organized in bunk beds, bathrooms separated by sexes, equipped kitchens, laundry, and common areas where you can relax and enjoy unforgettable evenings with your travel companions.

Details of the French Way in short stages

Services included

12 days / 11 nights accommodation12 days / 11 nights 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

ServiceIn hostels and guesthouses from SarriaIn private hostels in Sarria
BreakfastBreakfast105€ per personNot available
MP (Breakfast and dinner)MP (Breakfast and dinner)303€ per personNot available
Supplement for single roomSupplement for single room310€ per single roomNot available
Extra night in Santiago de CompostelaExtra night in Santiago de Compostela95€ (sing. room) / 150€ (doub. room)28€ per person
Transfer from airport to SarriaTransfer from airport to Sarria165€ (4-seater vehicle)165€ (4-seater vehicle)
Transfer from Santiago to SarriaTransfer from Santiago to SarriaPrice on requestPrice on request
Breakfast Breakfast
In hostels and guesthouses from Sarria 105€ per person
In private hostels in Sarria Not available
MP (Breakfast and dinner) MP (Breakfast and dinner)
In hostels and guesthouses from Sarria 303€ per person
In private hostels in Sarria Not available
Supplement for single room Supplement for single room
In hostels and guesthouses from Sarria 310€ per single room
In private hostels in Sarria Not available
Extra night in Santiago de Compostela Extra night in Santiago de Compostela
In hostels and guesthouses from Sarria 95€ (sing. room) / 150€ (doub. room)
In private hostels in Sarria 28€ per person
Transfer from airport to Sarria Transfer from airport to Sarria
In hostels and guesthouses from Sarria 165€ (4-seater vehicle)
In private hostels in Sarria 165€ (4-seater vehicle)
Transfer from Santiago to Sarria Transfer from Santiago to Sarria
In hostels and guesthouses from Sarria Price on request
In private hostels in Sarria Price on request

Photos

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Convento de la Merced de Sarria
stage bridge triacastela sarria french way
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bridge bridge stage ponte ferreira melide primitive way
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church stage ponte ferreira melide primitive way
scenery stage palas de rei arzua french way
alameda stage pedrouzo santiago french way
historical center pedrouzo stage santiago french way
Views of the Cathedral of Santiago
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Frequently Asked Questions

You can choose any day, although we recommend checking availability during peak season (Easter and summer, with high demand) and low season (winter, due to closed accommodations).

  • Through our website, in an online manner.
  • Sending an e-mail to info@viajescaminodesantiago.com.

Yes, please check our cancellation and modification policies before booking in our General Booking Conditions.

You don't need to be an athlete to do the Camino de Santiago, but we recommend getting used to walking and training in the weeks prior with walks and mentally preparing yourself.

In Sarria, you can stamp your credential at various places:
  • Church of Santa Mariña.
  • Church of San Salvador.
  • Tourist Office.
  • Association of Friends of the Camino de Santiago in the Sarria Region.
  • Most accommodations, restaurants, and cafes, as well as the Town Hall, Civil Guard, and local shops.

The toughest stage of the Camino from Sarria is the third one, from Palas de Rei to Arzúa (29 km). In addition to its long distance, its final stretch, known as the “leg breaker,” features a series of climbs and descents in the last 8 km, increasing the difficulty and requiring extra effort from pilgrims before reaching Arzúa.
  • If you are doing the Camino from Sarria in 4 stages, the hardest might be the fourth and final one, from Arzúa to Santiago de Compostela, which covers almost 40 km.
  • And if you are doing the Camino from Sarria in 6 stages, in this case, the hardest would be the second, between Portomarín and Palas de Rei, with around 25 km.

The Camino de Santiago in Sarria typically begins from the first accommodation. However, you can also start in the historic center of the town, where you’ll find the famous steps, the Church of Santa Mariña, the Church of El Salvador, and the Sarria letters.

Depending on the route and starting location you choose, you will have different options. Often, it will be a combination of plane, bus, train, or even taxi. Of course, you can also arrive in your own car. Here are the most popular starting points:

The best time to walk the Camino de Santiago from Sarria is in spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, with less rain and moderate temperatures, ideal for walking. June, July, and August also offer good weather but tend to be much busier with pilgrims.
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13 reviews for French Way in short stages

  1. Spanish

    Salinas, Maria Elena –

    me gustaria q me enviaran presupuesto p 12 dias/11 noches.
    Camino Frances des Sarria

  2. German

    Manuel Alonso Tejeda –

    La organización fue perfecta. Los hostales correctos. El transporte de equipaje genial. Hemos estado muy bien

  3. Spanish

    Manuel Alonso Tejeda –

    La organización fue perfecta. Los hostales correctos. El transporte de equipaje genial. Hemos estado muy bien

  4. German

    estmanuel –

    La organización ha funcionado como un reloj. Recomendaría vuestra agencia sin dudarlo.

  5. Spanish

    estmanuel –

    La organización ha funcionado como un reloj. Recomendaría vuestra agencia sin dudarlo.

  6. German

    Almudena –

    Todo de 10. Los hostales muy limpios y muy buen servicio todos, excepto en la pensión de Lavacolla, ya que no me dejaron hacer el check in hasta las 3 de la tarde, cuando el hostal estaba vacío. Y la recepcionista muy antipática. Aún así, os llamé y me intentasteis ayudar enseguida. El resto, genial.
    Puntualidad en la recepción de la maleta. Casi siempre llegaba antes que yo, excepto un dia que hasta las 5 de la tarde no llegó.
    Repetiré con vosotros el Camino Portugués. ¡Mil gracias!

  7. Spanish

    Almudena –

    Todo de 10. Los hostales muy limpios y muy buen servicio todos, excepto en la pensión de Lavacolla, ya que no me dejaron hacer el check in hasta las 3 de la tarde, cuando el hostal estaba vacío. Y la recepcionista muy antipática. Aún así, os llamé y me intentasteis ayudar enseguida. El resto, genial.
    Puntualidad en la recepción de la maleta. Casi siempre llegaba antes que yo, excepto un dia que hasta las 5 de la tarde no llegó.
    Repetiré con vosotros el Camino Portugués. ¡Mil gracias!

  8. German

    eva ruiz –

    Todo perfecto.

  9. Spanish

    eva ruiz –

    Todo perfecto.

  10. German

    pere –

    Ha sido una experiencia única,es para vivirlo.

    Volveré

  11. Spanish

    pere –

    Ha sido una experiencia única,es para vivirlo.

    Volveré

  12. German

    Jose Navarro –

    Lo pasamos bien, fue una experiencia cojonuda, la organización guay

  13. Spanish

    Jose Navarro –

    Lo pasamos bien, fue una experiencia cojonuda, la organización guay

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