French Way of Saint James: Sarria to Santiago in 5 stages
Walk of Saint James Sarria to Santiago in 5 stages with lodging and luggage transfer
Briefing
The French Way of Saint James from Sarria to Santiago, is the least challenging and most popular portion of El Camino de Sanitago. This excursion is the perfect opportunity to become a real pilgrim, especially if it's your first time because it has the minimum distance required to apply for the Compostela (also known as Compostelana), a certificate that certifies completion of the road to Santiago de Compostela, 71 mill. (distance between Sarria and Santiago de Compostela).
On this route you will enjoy medieval villages such as Sarria and Arzúa and the greenest landscapes of Galicia.
You will also pass by the famous Miño river, the longest and most abundant river in Galicia, see inland villages and enjoy the architectural beauty of numerous churches. Did you know that on the French Way of St. James from Sarria you will see more than 10 churches from the 12th and 12th centuries?
On this route you will enjoy medieval villages such as Sarria and Arzúa and the greenest landscapes of Galicia.
Our tour includes 6 nights accommodation in top quality rural hotels with private room and breakfast included (dinners available as extras). Luggage transfer is also included in all stages. During this stretch, you'll enjoy spectacular postcard-worthy scenery, meet other pilgrims, and taste the authentic local gastronomy. Five days of walking along the spectacular Camino de Santiago from Sarriá awaits, where you will cross forests, charming villages, and trails.
The best part? You don't have to worry about anything, just walking and reaching your destination. Get ready to check off another sight on your bucket list.
After arriving in Santiago de Compostela, collect your "Compostela" certificate and visit its beautiful old town, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
Here is an idea of what your experience will be like:
Tour details
Included
- 6 nights lodging
- Private bathroom
- Breakfast
- Luggage transport between stages (maximum 20 kg per bag / 1 bag per person)
- Information about the Camino
- Telephone assistance en route
- Emergency assistance vehicle
- Pilgrim's credential
Not included
- Lunch
- Dinners (available as an extra)
- Single room supplement
- 5 x Snack (small sandwich, drink and dessert), available at the hotel
- Extra night in Santiago (breakfast included)
- Transfer Santiago (Including airport) - Sarria
- Travel assistance insurance
- Cancellation insurance
Important information
This route is self-guided. When you confirm your reservation we will send you a complete document with all the recommendations and tips to enjoy the route.
Luggage transfer from one point to another is included but please note that it will be delivered to your accommodation at approximately 16:00.
All accommodations included in the tour are of the highest quality. You will be staying in private en-suite rooms in small hotels or rural houses with small capacity, so they are subject to availability. Details of each accommodation will be provided approximately 30 days prior to departure.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellations!
If you cancel more than 30 days before the start date of the Camino you will receive a 100% refund of the total amount of the reservation. If you cancel during the 30 days prior to the start of the Camino, you will be refunded 80%. In case of a no-show, no refunds will be made.
Tour itinerary
DAY 1 Arrival in Sarria
Accommodation: Hotel Mar de Plata (Sarria)
✨ Highlights: Sarria
Arrival in Sarria
On the first day of the French Way of Saint James tour, there is no walking. You'll arrive in the town of Sarria, check in at the hotel, leave your luggage, and start enjoying the atmosphere of the Camino.
Sarria will be your starting point. Take advantage of this day to visit the town center, which has a lot of charm. This town stands out for its great cultural value and as kilometer 0 for many pilgrims on the French Way to Santiago.
We recommend sampling the Galician gastronomy in the main street of the village, the Rúa Maior, to recharge your batteries in a picturesque location with a good atmosphere.
Church of Santa Mariña - Castle and Fortress - Monastery of Magdalena.
A small town, but Sarria has several sights worth visiting, for example, the Church of Santa Mariña, the Castle and Fortress, and the Monastery of Magdalena. They are very close to each other (less than a 10-minute walk) and you can see them during the afternoon.
Hotel Mar de Plata in Sarria
The tour includes the first night of accommodation at the Hotel Mar de Plata in a private room with breakfast.
*If there is no availability during your travel dates we will assign you a hotel in a similar category and we'll inform you beforehand.
DAY 2 Stage 1 from Sarria to Portomarín
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 9 mi (13,7 mill.)
Total approximate time: 5 hours
Accommodation: La Pousada de Portomarín (Portomarín)
Highlights: Romanesque Church of Barbadelo
Sarria - Portomarín
The first day of hiking begins. This stage is simple, passes through many rest points, and has no dramatic inclines. In the morning, you'll find a large number of pilgrims but don't worry, throughout the day the people will thin out and everything will become quiet.
We recommend visiting the Romanesque church in a village called Barbadelo.
*If you prefer a shorter route, it is possible to divide this stage of the French Way into two parts and spend the night in Ferreiros, a beautiful village located 5.5 miles (9 km) from Portomarín. Contact us and we will help you customize your tour.
Pousada de Portomarín in Portomarín
The second night features a stay at the Pousada de Portomarín. The tour includes a private room with breakfast.
*If there is no availability during your travel dates we'll assign you accommodations in a similar category and inform you beforehand.
.jpg "Double room with two beds and view")
DAY 3 Stage 2 from Portomarín to Palas de Rei
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 9.5 mi (15,4 mill.)
Total approximate time: 6 hours
Lodging: Hotel Mica in Palas de Rei
✨ Highlights: Romanesque Church of Castromaior
Hotel Mica in Palas de Rei
On the third night of the French Way of St. James tour, you will stay at Hotel Mica. The tour includes a private room with breakfast.
*If there's no availability during your travel dates we will assign you an accommodation of a similar category and we will inform you beforehand.
Ligonde Mountain Range
Once we leave Portomarín, we will begin the ascent towards the Ligonde Mountain Range, where we will pass through charming local villages. The second stage will end when we reach Palas de Rei.
We recommend stopping to admire the Romanesque Church of Castromaior or the Romanesque Church of Eirexe.
DAY 4 Stage 3 from Palas de rei to Arzúa
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 11 mi (17,7 mill.)
Total approximate time: 7 hours
Lodging: Casa Brandari in Arzúa
Highlights: Arzúa
Ribadiso
At this point, we'll start walking through beautiful rural trails, especially the one next to the river Iso, in Ribadiso. The road ends at Arzúa after almost 11 miles (18 km). We recommend visiting the Church of Santa María and the Chapel of Magdalena, and to not miss out on tasting the delicious local cheese.
This stage can also be divided into two stages where you'll spend the night in Melide, famous for its "pulpo a feira" dish.
Brandariz House in Arzúa
The fourth night you will sleep at Casa Brandariz. The tour includes a private room with breakfast.
*If there is no availability during your travel dates we will assign you accommodations of a similar category and we will inform you beforehand.
DAY 5 Stage 4 from Arzúa to A Rúa
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 7 mi (11 km)
Total approximate time: 4 hours
Lodging: Casa Do Acivro in A rúa
✨ Highlights: Costoia
Departure from Arzúa
At this stage of the route, we will start the descent through beautiful villages and lush forests. Note that when you reach A calle de Ferreiros, you must take the exit to the right and cross the Casa Boavista, located in Costoia; a small and well-kept village very close to Santiago de Compostela. There you can visit the Chapel of Santa Irene and take advantage of the last stage of the route before entering A Rúa.
Casa Do Acivro in A Rúa
On the fifth night of the tour, you will sleep at Casa Do Acivro. The tour includes a private room with breakfast.
*If there is no availability during your travel dates we will assign you an accommodation of a similar category and we will inform you beforehand.
DAY 6 Stage 5 from A Rúa to Santiago de Compostela
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 7 mi (12 km)
Total approximate time: 5 hours
Accommodation: Hotel Pazos Alba in Santiago de Compostela
Highlights: Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
Departure from A Rúa
The fifth and last stage of the French Way of Saint James from Sarria. Once you leave A Rúa, you will have to go to A Pedrouzo. Take Concello Street, and cross San Paio, located in the surroundings of the airport of Santiago de Compostela.
The pilgrimage continues with the ascent to Monte do Gozo. From there, you will start the descent to the unique Cathedral of Santiago. Once in Santiago, you can wander around at your own pace and discover little by little the reasons why it is considered a UNESCO World Heritage City.
💙 Howlanders Tip
If you want to attend the Pilgrim's Mass on this day it will be essential to start your route very early to arrive on time.
*If you consider it necessary, it is also possible to divide this last stage into two stages by staying overnight in the town of Lavacolla. Contact us and we will help you customize the itinerary according to your needs.
Hotel Pazos Alba in Santiago de Compostela
On the last night of the tour, you will stay at the Hotel Pazos Alba. The tour includes a private room with breakfast. If you want to add a second night in Santiago de Compostela and enjoy the city at your leisure, please contact us.
*If there is no availability during your travel dates we will assign you an accommodation of a similar category and we will inform you beforehand.
DAY 7 Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela
Now that you have finished the French Way and you are a pilgrim, it is worth enjoying the city for a day. You can take the opportunity to attend the Pilgrim's Mass at noon, stamp your credential, and get your certificate. There are many types of trips, but what you have experienced over these 71 miles (114 km) is something unique that will fill you with emotion and satisfaction. Ready for the next stage of the Camino de Santiago?
What to bring to French Way of Saint James: Sarria to Santiago in 5 stages tour
The French Way of Saint James from Sarria covers a total of 71 mill. It's important to wear the appropriate clothing and footwear for a comfortable trip. Remember that the tour includes the transfer of luggage (maximum 1 piece of luggage of 20kg/person) and it will be essential to carry a small backpack to walk with every day. We also recommend bringing:
- Light and quick-drying clothes
- Waterproof jacket and pants (that take up little space)
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Suitable hiking shoes
- Trekking poles
- Resting shoes
- Reusable water bottle
- A second small backpack to carry daily (the big one is included in the luggage transfer)
- Documentation (DNI, NIE, or Passport)
- Cash money (euros)
- Personal hygiene products
- First-aid kit (band-aids, gauze, dressing for blisters, disinfectant...)
Where does the tour French Way of Saint James: Sarria to Santiago in 5 stages start
The tour starts in the town of Sarria and ends in the city of Santiago de Compostela. On the first day of the tour, you'll go directly to Hotel Mar de Plata located in Sarria, where you will spend the first night and in the morning start the first stage of the French Way.
There are different combinations of transport to get to the town of Sarria and to return from Santiago de Compostela at the end of the tour. If you need help organizing your route, please contact us.
Questions & Answers
What is the best time of the year to do the Camino de Santiago?
Any time of the year is a good time to start the Camino. Just take into account the weather and wear appropriate clothing. Each season of the year has its advantages and disadvantages, always carefully evaluate your interests and comfort level.
Spring (March to June) is a very good time because the weather is mild (not too cold, not too hot).
Summer (June to September) is the ideal time for many pilgrims because there are more hours of daylight to walk. Therefore, you can make the daily walk more leisurely and make the most of the day. The heat can be a problem, but keep in mind that in this region of Spain, the summers are not very hot. However, there is more overcrowding in hostels.
Autumn (from September to December) leaves spectacular scenery and, similar to spring, keeps us away from extreme temperatures. One con is the increase in rainfall.
Winter (December to March) is the time of the year with the least amount of pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. Winter is when there is the most peace and quiet however it does rain most frequently in this season.
In general, keep in mind that the French Way of St. James from Sarria does not cross mountainous areas so the weather conditions are mild.
What does the complete route itinerary and dossier contain?
It is a guide with maps, route profiles, and places of interest laid out mile by mile (kilometer by kilometer) of each stage. The times en route are indicated for each route based on reference values, although you manage your own time. It also includes all the documentation such as reservations for accommodations and luggage transfer.
When will I receive the complete route itinerary?
You will receive it by email one month before starting your Camino.Do I have to be physically prepared to do the French Way of Saint James?
Whether you regularly do physical exercise or are a sedentary person, you should prepare to do the Camino de Santiago. Keep in mind that you'll be walking between 10-12 miles daily (15 and 20 km).
If you do not usually exercise, we recommend taking 20-minute walks two or three times a week and incrementally increasing the time until you reach a speed of 2.5 miles per hour (4 km every hour).
If you exercise regularly, you can start by walking between 45 and 60 minutes a day and increase the amount of time and miles.
Normally, we recommend starting training three months before the Camino.
Keep in mind that the Portuguese route is the most complex of all the routes that make up the Camino de Santiago.
How does the luggage transfer between stages work?
Every day at 8:00 am, you'll bring your luggage (well labeled), to reception. A carrier will pick it up and take it to your next lodging. The time of delivery depends on the distances between stages but normally, it is done before 4:00 pm.
Do all rooms in the accommodations have private bathrooms?
Yes, all our rooms are equipped with full private bathrooms.
Am I going to share a room with strangers?
No. All accommodations have private rooms and private bathrooms so you can rest properly.Are the accommodations close to the route I have to follow?
All accommodations are located in the town center, however, if there is no availability for your dates, the alternative accommodations may be located further from the center. Even so, the towns are small so all accommodations are within a short walking distance.
Along the way, will I find services at all stages?
Yes, every stage will have services. Keep in mind each stage may consist of several towns or villages. Not all the villages, towns, and sites through which you pass through have every service. But throughout the Camino, every day you'll come across cafes, pharmacies, ATMs, restaurants, supermarkets, tourist information, and health care. The towns with the most services are those where each stage begins and ends, that is, where you will be spending the night.
Can I travel alone?
Yes, all the routes of the Camino de Santiago are suitable for pilgrims to travel on their own. They are also very well-maintained with clear signage. You'll most likely meet people along the way.
Will I have an accompanying guide on the Camino de Santiago?
Almost all the routes on the Camino de Santiago are self-guided. In this way, travelers can follow the routes according to their level of physical demand and at the pace they consider appropriate.
How many kilometers should I walk in each stage?
Normally, each stage of the Camino de Santiago is 10 to 12 miles (15 to 20 km) long but if this route is unsuitable for you, we can reorganize your Camino so you can cover fewer miles by dividing each stage into two or more parts.
You can click here if you'd like to receive more information
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