French Way from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela: 5 stages

Information about the trip: French Way from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela: 5 stages

Walk the most popular section of the St James Way: the French Way from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. You'll stay in selected hotels with en-suite facilities, and we include luggage transfer between stages.

This 5-stage itinerary covers the minimum 100 kilometres required to obtain the Compostela, the official certificate for pilgrims arriving in Santiago.

Starting from Sarria, you'll walk through lush Galician landscapes, oak forests, traditional hamlets, and charming small towns, following the historic Way markers until you reach the Plaza del Obradoiro in front of Santiago's majestic Cathedral.

Why choose this itinerary from Sarria?
-It's the most popular and accessible section of the St James Way.
-Ideal for first-time pilgrims, families, and groups.
-Experience the true landscapes of Galicia: forests, villages, meadows, and historic monuments.

This itinerary is perfect for those who want to experience the essence of the Way without needing to cover long daily distances.

Travel itinerary (Summary)

DAY 1: Arrival to Sarria
DAY 2: Stage 1, Sarria, Portomarín 22,2 km 3/5
DAY 3: Stage 2, Portomarín, Palas De Rei 24,8 km 2/5
DAY 4: Stage 3, Palas De Rei, Arzúa 28,5 km 3/5
DAY 5: Stage 4, Arzúa, Rúa 17,7 km 2/5
DAY 6: Stage 5, Rúa, Santiago De Compostela 21 km 2/5
DAY 7: Return

Travel itinerary (Detailed)

ProgramDAY
1

Arrival to Sarria

100 km/ 62 mi separate the start of this itinerary from Santiago de Compostela, the final destination.
Sarria is the main town between Ponferrada and Santiago de Compostela. The Romanesque Church of Our Saviour, with its Gothic façade, and the convent of Magdalena are well worth a visit, as are the Rua Maior main street and the ancient medieval castle tower.
ProgramDAY
2

Stage 1, from Sarria to Portomarín

Distance : 22,2 km Difficulty : 3/5

Breakfast and start of the stage. Expect a peaceful walk in shady oak woods through pretty villages on quiet country roads.
The village of Barbadelo (580m) has a beautiful Romanesque church that is worth a visit. The village of Ferreiros is also on route. When you arrive in Portomarín, you can chill out at one of the numerous outdoor cafés in the main square.
ProgramDAY
3

Stage 2, from Portomarín to Palas De Rei

Distance : 24,8 km Difficulty : 2/5

Breakfast and start of the stage. The day starts by crossing over the Belesar dam footbridge, followed by a gradual climb ending in the village of Ligonde.
This stage runs mainly along andaderos (paths), next to the road, or in some cases along paved trails. There are many signs indicating that we are on a pilgrim route, including the famous "cruceiros" (crucifixes). Check out the Cruceiro of Lameiros and the Monastery of Our Saviour of Vilar de Donas (2 km detour off the Camino).
ProgramDAY
4

Stage 3, from Palas De Rei to Arzúa

Distance : 28,5 km Difficulty : 3/5

Breakfast and start of the stage. On this stage, you will move into the province of Corunna, where you will find expanses of eucalyptus and pine trees and numerous medieval bridges, such as those in Leboreiro and Furelos, as well as one of the most idyllic locations on the Camino in Ribadiso do Baixo near Arzua. Melide, which is famous for its octopus, is an obligatory stop for pilgrims and lovers of good food, whilst Arzua is famous for its designation of origin cheese.
This long walking day can be split into two with an overnight stay in Melide (15km + 14km).
ProgramDAY
5

Stage 4, from Arzúa to Rúa

Distance : 17,7 km Difficulty : 2/5

Breakfast and start of the stage. Today’s route is a nice and easy walk over gentle slopes and through woodland, alternating with stretches near the road, which we will have to cross sometimes, before ending in Rua (500 m before the village of Pedrouzo).
Don't miss the beautiful sculpture of Saint James the Pilgrim in the Church of the same name in Boente.
ProgramDAY
6

Stage 5, from Rúa to Santiago De Compostela

Distance : 21 km Difficulty : 2/5

Breakfast and start of the stage. The last stage on your Camino de Santiago. The proximity of your goal will bring mixed feelings. On one hand, you will be eager to reach the desired end of the journey, yet on the downside, the feeling that comes to every pilgrim is that the journey is over.
A stage of anxiety and joy, where distance does not matter, because you are “already there”.
The route today is flat, except for the climb to San Marcos, from Lavacolla, passing Monte do Gozo and down to Santiago de Compostela.
The entire city of Santiago de Compostela is magical, but especially its Cathedral, which deserves a special visit.
ProgramDAY
7

Return

After breakfast, go to exchange your pilgrim’s passport, if you haven’t already done it. Alternatively, we suggest you visit the cathedral and the surrounding areas or attend a pilgrim mass.surrounding areas or attend a pilgrim mass.

Included

6 nights in handpicked hotels and inns, all with en-suite accommodation, on a bed and breakfast basis.
Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel, 1 bag max. 20kg/ 44lbs per person.
Travel insurance.
Credencial (Pilgrim's passport).
Maps and tracks of the stages.
Telephone assistance (English-speaking)