"It is not about reaching the destination but how you get there."

French Way on foot in group from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela: 6 stages

Information about the trip: French Way on foot in group from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela: 6 stages

If you prefer to walk the final 100 km with more balanced daily stages, you can also choose our Camino Francés from Sarria with an overnight stay in Melide. This itinerary qualifies for obtaining the official Compostela Certificate.
By splitting the longest stage, which is close to 30 km, this route allows you to enjoy the journey in greater comfort while preserving the essence of the Camino de Santiago walking pilgrimage and the final 100 km of the Camino Francés to Santiago de Compostela.

Guaranteed departures and instant confirmation while places remain available.

Why choose the Camino de Santiago from Sarria?
  1. It is the minimum distance required to obtain the Compostela and the most popular section of the Camino Francés.
  2. Experience the unique atmosphere of a Jacobean Holy Year (Xacobeo 2027) alongside pilgrims from around the world.
  3. Ideal for first-time pilgrims, families, and anyone looking for an accessible Camino de Santiago walking holiday.
  4. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Galicia, including forests, traditional villages, green meadows, and historic monuments.
  5. Discover authentic Galician cuisine and the renowned hospitality that make the Camino de Santiago such a memorable experience.
This itinerary is perfect for those who want to experience the essence of the Camino de Santiago without the need to walk long distances each day. No previous long-distance hiking experience is required—just a moderate level of fitness and a desire to enjoy one of the world's most famous pilgrimage routes.

Secure your place today for the unforgettable Holy Year 2027 pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.

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 Reis, Melide  14,4 km 3/5
  • DAY 5: Stage 4, Melide, Arzúa  14,1 km 3/5
  • DAY 6: Stage 5, Arzúa, Rúa  17,7 km 2/5
  • DAY 7: Stage 6, Rúa, Santiago De Compostela  21 km 2/5
  • DAY 8: Return

Travel itinerary (Detailed)

  • 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.
    Accommodation in Sarria.

  • 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.
    Accommodation in Portomarín.

  • 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).
    Accommodation in Palas.

  • 4

    Stage 3, from Palas De Reis to Melide


    Distance : 14,4 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.
    Melide, which is famous for its octopus, is an obligatory stop for pilgrims and lovers of good food.
    Accommodation in Melide.

  • 5

    Stage 4, from Melide to Arzúa


    Distance : 14,1 km Difficulty : 3/5

    Breakfast and start of the stage. Today the route is similar yesterday itinerary. You will find expanses of eucalyptus and pine trees and numerous medieval bridges, such as the most idyllic locations on the Camino in Ribadiso do Baixo near Arzua. Remember that it is a very long village.
    Accommodation in Melide.

  • 6

    Stage 5, 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.
    Accommodation in Rúa.

  • 7

    Stage 6, 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.
    Accommodation in Santiago.

  • 8

    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.

Included

  • 7 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/ 44 lbs per person.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Credencial (Pilgrim's passport)
  • Maps and tracks of the stages.
  • Telephone assistance (English-speaking)

    • Not included

    • Lunches and dinners.
    • Flights or trains.
    • Guide during the camino.
    • Bus support
    • Single room supplement: € 300
    • Dinners supplement: € 220

      • Accommodations

      All accommodations have rooms with en-suite facilities.

      Conditions

      Price per person based on double room

      Guaranteed departures, subject to availability
      • 30 April – 7 May 2027
      • 24 May – 31 May 2027
      • 23 June – 30 June 2027
      • 5 August – 12 August 2027
      • 28 September – 5 October 2027
      (Dates shown indicate arrival in Sarria and check-out in Santiago de Compostela.)