Camino de Santiago from Sarria

What makes the Camino de Santiago from Sarria so special? Every pilgrim will rave about this unique Camino, but they’ll also tell you that to truly understand it, you have to do it, live it, and feel it.

Of all the routes and paths that lead to Santiago de Compostela, the French Way of the Camino de Santiago from Sarria is undoubtedly the best-known route among the many that exist. Moreover, the itinerary of the Camino de Santiago from Sarria covers the last 100 kilometers of the French Way, which, upon reaching Santiago de Compostela, allows you to earn your Compostela certificate.

The French Way route from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela spans approximately 115 km in total length. This is the distance to be completed, which pilgrims generally cover in 5 or 6 stages or days, averaging between 20-25 km per day. However, each person is free to divide the stages as they wish, depending on their interests and abilities.

The French Way route from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela spans approximately 115 km in total length. This is the distance to be completed, which pilgrims generally cover in 5 or 6 stages or days, averaging between 20-25 km per day. However, each person is free to divide the stages as they wish, depending on their interests and abilities.

Set the date for your Camino and decide how many stages you’d like to divide it into. With your mind already on the Camino, don’t forget to begin with a bit of light physical preparation to get your body used to the effort. The route’s profile and terrain are easily manageable for people of all ages and abilities, making it an enjoyable walk—though it does require some effort, which will be richly rewarded upon reaching Santiago de Compostela.

With all the landscapes and amenities offered by the French Way of the Camino de Santiago from Sarria, pilgrims can always stop to rest in a scenic spot under the shade of the forest, soak their feet in one of the streams scattered along the route, or relax on the terrace of any of the many bars found at every turn.

Additionally, you can also choose how to do this Camino:

• Doing the Camino solo, for those who seek a journey of self-discovery and introspection.
• Doing the Camino with family, a partner, or friends, for those who want to share this experience with loved ones.
• Doing the Camino with an organized group, for those who don’t have a travel companion or who prefer to socialize and have fun.

The French Way of the Camino de Santiago from Sarria is the most popular for several reasons:

• It’s the final stretch of the French Way and leads directly to Santiago de Compostela.
• With its 115 km to Santiago, it allows pilgrims to earn the Compostela, the official certificate of completing the pilgrimage.
• It is perfectly signposted.
• It’s a very safe route.
• It offers the full essence of Galicia, with its landscapes, people, cuisine, and cultural heritage.
• It makes the pilgrimage easier thanks to the large number of accommodations and services available along the way.

Sarria is a small town and municipal capital located in the south of Lugo province in Galicia. When planning the Camino de Santiago from Sarria, one of the first questions that will come up is how to get to the start of your Camino.

Equipped with all essential services, Sarria is well-connected by both road and rail, and how to get there will depend on where you’re traveling from and your preferred mode of transport. The easiest way to reach Sarria is from Madrid, as it is connected to the capital by train.

You can also fly to Santiago de Compostela airport and travel to Sarria by bus. Of course, you can also drive directly if you have a car. And if you’re traveling from another location or simply want more details, check out our blog post on how to get to Sarria.

We offer Private Transfers to Sarria from various locations, such as Santiago de Compostela Airport, the city of Santiago, and many other places. Whether you plan to do the Camino from Sarria alone or with family or friends, our service is perfect for you. Discover more details on our page dedicated to Transfers to Sarria.

Additionally, if you arrive in Sarria with your vehicle, we can also provide an exclusive service for the Transfer of Your Own Vehicle from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. This way, when you finish your Camino and arrive in Santiago, your car will be waiting for you, safely stored. To learn more, visit our page about Vehicle Transfers.

Once you arrive in Sarria, it’s time to explore the city and discover what to do and see in Sarria, as well as explore its historical heritage and natural surroundings. To do this, we recommend visiting the historic center of Sarria, as well as the river area and the Malecón (boardwalk) of Sarria.

Located at the highest point of the city, this medieval fortress played a key role in the Irmandiñas uprisings in Galicia. It is privately owned, so access to the grounds and visits are not allowed, although it can be admired from the heart of the historic center.

Outside the fortress, you can take a photo with the “Letras de Sarria” (Letters of Sarria), one of the iconic snapshots that marks the beginning of the journey and is a cherished memory for every pilgrim.

Located on the outskirts of the city along the French Way, this historic building of medieval origin is a beautiful spot to stamp your Pilgrim’s Credential.

Also located at the exit of Sarria along the French Way, this viewpoint is a must-stop for pilgrims. The city’s coat of arms, a beautiful cross (cruceiro), and a panoramic view of the city bid farewell to pilgrims as they embark on the Camino de Santiago from Sarria.

This is one of the main churches in Sarria, located in the heart of the historic center. Masses are usually held at 6:00 or 7:00 p.m., and you can also stamp your Pilgrim’s Credential here.

This is perhaps the liveliest area in Sarria. Traversed by the French Way as it reaches Sarria, the Malecón is a riverside promenade lined with bars and restaurants, where you can enjoy their terraces.

The Sarria River runs through the city and is the centerpiece of the Malecón, offering a beautiful and refreshing riverside landscape inhabited by ducks in the heart of the city.

On the Camino route from Sarria you will find an endless number of services: bars, restaurants, food and souvenir shops occur during all the stages, where you can stop to rest, have a drink, eat or buy a souvenir and everything you need in your trip.

There are many dining options for pilgrims in Sarria, and also in two very special settings:

• Historic Center: The main street of Sarria runs through the oldest part of the city, where you’ll find various restaurant options for a meal or a quick bite.
• Malecón Promenade: Along the banks of the Sarria River, this beautiful promenade also offers many restaurants and terraces where you can enjoy tapas.

There are also many options for breakfast in Sarria. Being one of the most popular starting points for pilgrims, you’ll find cafes open from the early hours of the morning where you can have breakfast. We recommend doing so at one of the cafes in the historic center, on Calle Mayor, as this way you’ll already be on the route.

The Camino de Santiago from Sarria spans approximately 115 km through the southern parts of the provinces of Lugo and A Coruña in Galicia, offering a varied landscape of green hills, lush forests, fresh rivers, and charming small villages.

Along this route of the French Way from Sarria, pilgrims pass through small towns like Sarria and Melide, as well as picturesque villages such as Furelos and Ribadiso. They will encounter flowing rivers like the Miño, unique monuments like the Church of San Nicolás in Portomarín, the ancient Castro de Castromaior, and iconic landmarks such as Monte do Gozo.

The route does not involve major elevation changes or pass through high mountains, as it traverses the Galician plains and hills. The maximum altitude will be 726 meters above sea level at Ventas de Narón, while the minimum, 254 meters above sea level, will be in Santiago de Compostela. In total, the positive accumulated elevation gain will be around 2,100 meters, while the negative elevation loss will be about 2,300 meters.

Most pilgrims who walk the Camino de Santiago from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela divide the route into 6 stages. These stages are distributed as follows:

These stages of the French Way from Sarria can be tailored to your needs, dividing them into more or fewer days based on your available time, ability, and interests. For instance, if you’d like to complete it in five stages, you could combine stages 3 and 4 from the table above, walking about 29 km from Palas de Rei to Arzúa, saving a day on the Camino.

Stage 1: Sarria – Portomarín (22 km)

Your journey begins on the French Way from Sarria, with a 22 km stage known for its ease and charm. As you walk, you’ll cross rivers and lush forests, passing small churches such as Santiago de Barbadelo and picturesque hamlets like A Pena, where you’ll find the much-photographed 100 km marker. Meandering through Galicia’s idyllic countryside, surrounded by farms and grazing cattle, you’ll arrive at the banks of the Miño River. Here, you’ll be welcomed by the charming village of Portomarín, famous for its fortress-like Church of San Nicolás and whitewashed, slate-roofed houses. This stage’s end not only enchants but also reveals a fascinating secret hidden beneath the waters of Galicia’s largest river. And yes—swimming here is safe and encouraged!

Stage 2: Portomarín – Palas de Rei (25 km)

Today’s 25 km stage leads to Palas de Rei, combining stretches of road (don’t worry, there are pedestrian paths) with forests and meadows. Gentle inclines add a touch of challenge. Along the way, you can explore the Castromaior archaeological site, a remarkable example of ancient Galician settlements. Further on, in Ventas de Narón, you’ll reach the highest point of the route and can visit a small but intriguing Templar chapel that holds a surprise. Fields, churches, old washhouses, and stone crosses like the notable Lameiros Cross accompany your walk. Once in Palas de Rei, enjoy a well-deserved rest in this lively pilgrim town.

Stage 3: Palas de Rei – Melide (15 km)

Today’s walk is a pleasant 15 km through charming villages, ancient medieval bridges, and Galicia’s green meadows. With such a short distance, you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast before setting off for Melide. The route features gentle slopes that are easy to navigate. In Furelos, marvel at its striking bridge and visit the small church housing a special altarpiece. Once in Melide, spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the historic center and sampling the famous pulpo á feira at one of its traditional pulperías. Don’t miss the oldest stone cross in Galicia and the Terra de Melide Museum, housed in a former pilgrim hospital.

Stage 4: Melide – Arzúa (14 km)

This short 14 km stage requires a bit more effort due to the inclines after Santiago de Boente Church in the final 8 km. Before that, enjoy the beauty of Galicia’s forests, crossing the picturesque Catasol River via a charming bridge. If the weather permits, take a refreshing dip in the river at Ribadiso de Abaixo, just 3 km from the stage’s end, and soak in the magical surroundings. In Arzúa, you’ll find everything you need to rest and recharge (yes, even massage services!). Be sure to try the renowned Arzúa-Ulloa cheese, a regional specialty, to end your day perfectly.

Stage 5: Arzúa – O Pedrouzo (19 km)

This penultimate stage is a peaceful 19 km walk to O Pedrouzo, over flat, comfortable terrain, surrounded by forests, fields, and small villages. Place names like A Calle and Calzada hint at the historical significance of these paths. Along the way, you’ll meet pilgrims from the Primitive and Northern Ways, joining you for the final stretch to Santiago de Compostela. The Santa Irene Chapel marks your arrival in O Pedrouzo, where you should visit the Church of Santa Eulalia de Arca, with its pilgrim-inspired interior. A key tip: follow the pilgrim tradition of going to bed early to rise at dawn. Starting the final stage early allows you to make the most of your arrival in Santiago.

Stage 6: O Pedrouzo – Santiago de Compostela (19 km)

The big day has arrived—the final stage of your Camino! The last 19 km lead through eucalyptus forests. After climbing Amenal, you’ll pass Santiago de Compostela Airport and enter the city limits. Passing San Paio and the Church of Santa Lucía, you’ll reach Lavacolla, home to the iconic 10 km marker and the river where pilgrims traditionally washed before entering Santiago. Arriving at Monte do Gozo is an emotional moment, as you catch your first glimpse of the majestic cathedral towers. This is the perfect prelude to savoring the final kilometers and making your triumphant entry into the iconic Plaza del Obradoiro.

Congratulations—you’ve made it to Santiago! Feel proud and joyful for completing your Camino de Santiago. Now it’s time to collect your Compostela certificate and enjoy an unforgettable day exploring the charming Galician capital.

The Camino de Santiago from Sarria is, so to speak, open all year round, although the best time to do it is between spring and autumn. It’s important to consider the weather you might encounter in winter, with its cold, rain, and even snow.

Therefore, the Camino de Santiago has its high and low seasons, and here’s a breakdown of the advantages of walking during each:

• High season: Between March and October, when the spring and summer weather is very pleasant, though there may be occasional heat and even summer showers. These months see the highest number of pilgrims, so during the high season, it’s a great opportunity to make many pilgrim friends.
• Low season: Between November and February, when the cold and rainy autumn and winter weather means fewer pilgrims, allowing for a more solitary journey. During this period, it is also easier to find accommodation without a prior reservation.

Most pilgrims prefer good weather and plenty of company, so they choose to do the Camino de Santiago during the high season months. This can make finding accommodation more challenging, as those who venture on the pilgrimage without booking in advance may encounter difficulties in this regard.

The same goes for luggage transport and other services that might be needed during the Camino. While the availability of accommodations and services on the Camino de Santiago from Sarria is extensive, the number of pilgrims is much higher in summer, making it highly recommended to book everything in advance before embarking on this ancient route.

For this, Viajes Camino de Santiago is the best solution for walking the Camino de Santiago from Sarria. With this agency specialized in the Camino de Santiago, you’ll be guaranteed a unique travel experience, with all the comfort and security of being in the best hands.

Now that we have the what, the when, and the how, all that’s left is the why, and that’s something each person carries within. Tap into your pilgrim spirit and come walk the Camino de Santiago from Sarria with Viajes Camino de Santiago.

This is how our pilgrims see the Camino de Santiago from Sarria. Thank you for sharing your photos!

• Sarria City Council
• Sarria Tourism
• Sarria on Wikipedia