Maps
Itinerary
Map
Map
Accommodation
Accommodation
Details
Details
Photos
Photos
FAQ
FAQ

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
Desde
435€
(0 customer reviews)

Travel Itinerary

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.

Map of the Way

French Way in short stages map

Type of accommodation

hostales-pensiones-caminio-frances-sarria-santiago-3
hostales-pensiones-frances-sarria-santiago-2
hostales-pensiones-caminio-frances-sarria-santiago-4
hostales-pensiones-caminio-frances-sarria-santiago-1

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.
albergues-caminio-frances-sarria-santiago-1
albergues-caminio-frances-sarria-santiago-2
albergues-caminio-frances-sarria-santiago-3
albergues-caminio-frances-sarria-santiago-4

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.

Detalles

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

ServicioIn hostels and guesthouses from SarriaIn private hostels in Sarria
BreakfastBreakfast95€ per personNot available
MP (Breakfast and dinner)MP (Breakfast and dinner)275€ per personNot available
Supplement for single roomSupplement for single room285€ per single roomNot available
Extra night in Santiago de CompostelaExtra night in Santiago de Compostela95€ (sing. room) / 145€ (doub. room)25€ per person
Transfer from airport to SarriaTransfer from airport to Sarria145€ (4-seater vehicle)145€ (4-seater vehicle)
Transfer from Santiago to SarriaTransfer from Santiago to Sarria160€ (4-seater vehicle)160€ (4-seater vehicle)
Breakfast Breakfast
In hostels and guesthouses from Sarria 95€ per person
In private hostels in Sarria Not available
MP (Breakfast and dinner) MP (Breakfast and dinner)
In hostels and guesthouses from Sarria 275€ per person
In private hostels in Sarria Not available
Supplement for single room Supplement for single room
In hostels and guesthouses from Sarria 285€ 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) / 145€ (doub. room)
In private hostels in Sarria 25€ per person
Transfer from airport to Sarria Transfer from airport to Sarria
In hostels and guesthouses from Sarria 145€ (4-seater vehicle)
In private hostels in Sarria 145€ (4-seater vehicle)
Transfer from Santiago to Sarria Transfer from Santiago to Sarria
In hostels and guesthouses from Sarria 160€ (4-seater vehicle)
In private hostels in Sarria 160€ (4-seater vehicle)

Photos

camino-frances-sarria-facil-3
Convento de la Merced de Sarria
stage bridge triacastela sarria french way
camino-frances-sarria-facil-1
bridge bridge stage ponte ferreira melide primitive way
camino-frances-sarria-facil-2
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
camino-frances-sarria-facil-4

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.

The Camino de Santiago on your own includes the following services

  • Accommodation
  • Luggage transport
  • Dossier with information about the stages
  • Pilgrim's credential
  • On-the-road helpline
  • Travel insurance

In addition, you can customize your trip by adding the following optional services

  • Breakfast or half board
  • Private transfers to the start of the stage from Santiago de Compostela or from the airport.
  • Extra night at the beginning or end of the stage

Unlike the group trips, no bus service, guide or support vehicle is included between stages. But you will have a 24-hour hotline where you can contact us in case of any problem or unforeseen event, which we will solve quickly.

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.   The price of the transfers will depend on the distance from your point of origin to the destination. If you have any questions about this service do not hesitate to contact us.

We provide mandatory insurance coverage with every trip to safeguard you against any potential inconveniences during the Camino de Santiago. You'll receive the insurance policy along with your travel documents.

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.

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.

To make a reservation, you can follow these steps:

  1. Through our website: Select the route you want and follow the steps indicated in the form. Provide your personal information and that of your companions, choose the type of accommodation, room distribution, meals, transfers, bike rental, etc.
  2. By email: If you prefer to make the reservation by email or need a personalized trip, you can send us an email to [email protected]. We will provide you with the necessary information to complete the reservation via email.

It is important to note that if the routes or services available on the website do not meet your specific needs, you can request a personalized quote by sending an email to [email protected].

View all trips

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Show reviews in all languages (12)

Be the first to review “French Way in short stages”

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Travel