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

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

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

Experience the St James Way with our most popular walking tour: the French Way from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela.

This unforgettable 6-stage journey covers the last 100 km of the iconic French Way, the minimum distance required to earn your official Compostela certificate.
Your authentic Way experience awaits.

Included:
-Guaranteed accommodation in selected hotels with en-suite facilities, ensuring a full night's rest.
-Luggage transfer service between stages, allowing you to walk light and worry-free.
-Advice and assistance throughout the entire route.
- The 30 km stage between Palas and Arzúa, the longest one, has been split into two
 
Remember, the goal of the Way is to embrace every moment of the journey, not just the destination. Are you ready to begin your transformative walk to Santiago?

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.

  • 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.

  • 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).

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.
    • Single room supplement: €280
    • Dinners supplement: €200
    • Tourist taxes.

      • Accommodations

      All accommodations have rooms with en-suite facilities.

      Conditions

      Price per person based on double room

      Daily departures form April to October

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