OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
For over a millennia, the Camino has been widely regarded as the longest pilgrimage route in Europe. Over the centuries, millions of pilgrims have been drawn to the experience of joining walkers from across the globe to complete a journey unlike any other. The last 100km of the Camino is one of the most popular and for good reason! Starting out in the Galician town of Sarria, collect your Camino passport and follow tracks and trails into the rich history of northwest Spain.
Whilst many choose to walk the Camino for spirituality, many trekkers now complete the journey for the experience of meeting other walkers, the wealth of Spanish culture and the beautiful simplicity of it all. The grand finale is the buzz of walking into Santiago’s Plaza de Obradoiro and to the steps of Santiago’s impressive Baroque cathedral. Later, after collecting your ‘Compostela’ (pilgrim’s certificate), hop between tapas bars sampling typical Galician dishes and toasting your achievement.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Walk the final 100km of the Camino from Sarria to Santiago
- Visit the majestic cathedral at Santiago de Compostela
- Sample traditional Galician almond tart with café con leche
- Visit the Church of El Salvador, a national monument to the Knights of Santiago
- Discover ancient villages and medieval churches
- One of the world’s best treks to complete solo or with friends
AT A GLANCE
TRIP LENGTH
8 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate
PRICE FROM
$ 790
per person twin/double shareSINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 275
per personITINERARY
DAY one
Arrive Sarria
The bustling Galician town of Sarria marks the start of the final Camino stage to Santiago de Compostela. Beyond its modern centre, seek out the historic streets where you can visit the 13th century O’Salvador gothic church and the medieval fortress of Sarria. Later on, collect your pilgrim passport and try out typical tapas dishes of pimientos de padrón (fried peppers) and pulpo a feira (octopus cooked in olive oil and paprika).
Accommodation: Hotel Alfonso IX
Begin your Camino in the comfortable Hotel Alfonso, located in central Sarria which means you can easily join the Camino trail the next morning. All rooms have their own bathroom and there is a small cafe to grab a cafe con leche before heading out to further explore Sarria.
DAY two
Walk to Portomarin
Begin the day with a walk through a woodland of ancient oak, birch and chestnut forests, before joining the official Camino trail. Marked by the famous scallop shell waymarks of this world-renowned route, stroll alongside fellow pilgrims as the trail undulates across grazing pastures and farm tracks, passing through tiny hamlets where you see many traditional ‘horreos’ granaries. Descend into Portomarin via the Mino Reservoir, the former site of Portomarin town. In the 1960’s Portomarin was moved brick by brick to higher ground, including the imposing structures of San Nicolas and San Pedro church.
Accommodation: Pousada de Portomarin
Meals: Breakfast
Walking: 23km
This modern hotel has been welcoming pilgrims for the last 50 years. A typical simple walker’s hotel, rooms are comfortable, ensuite and bright. Other facilities include a bar, café, restaurant and a swimming pool open during the high summer months.
DAY three
Walk to Palas de Rei
The day begins with a steady climb through pine forests, cornfields and across meadows. Today’s high point is Sierra Ligonde (720m). Here you can make a small detour to the 14th-century Romanesque church of El Salvador at Vilar de Donas, a national monument to the Knights of Santiago. The last gentle climb of the day passes through age-old villages and descends into the village of Palas de Rei (Palace of the Kings), where you will spend tonight.
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Beilde
Meals: Breakfast
Walking: 26km
Nestled in the pedestrian area of Palas de Rei, this small and friendly hotel has simple en-suite rooms. Very popular with Camino walkers, the hotel has a great atmosphere at breakfast as fellow hikers are preparing for the day ahead. Close to all the town facilities, this hotel makes for a pleasant stay.
DAY four
Walk to Arzua
A long but manageable day follows secluded trails through woodlands and into a region dotted with medieval castles, churches and ancient settlements. After leaving Palas de Rei you will soon reach the classic Camino village of San Xulian with its tiny 12th-century church. The trail continues to climb, crossing Porto de Boi and through the villages of Campanilla and Leboreiro, where you can visit a 13th-century Romanesque church. Before arriving in Arzua you pass the ancient town of Melide, famous for the classic Galician dish of ‘Pulpo a Galega’ (octopus).
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Teodora
Meals: Breakfast
Walking: 29km
A family run business, brothers Jesus and Gabriel manage this popular Camino stopover. The restaurant is popular with locals and serves dishes such as fresh sardines and beef shank, which are complemented by local wines, such as a perfectly chilled Albarino and Ribeiros white wine.
DAY five
Walk to Rua
The penultimate day of walking weaves its way towards Santiago across farmland and woodland. The trail heads through several villages including Cortobe and Fondevila which have seemingly stood still in time since the middle ages. A gentle ascent leads up to the 18th-century hilltop chapel of Santa Irene (named after a Christian martyr). The last few km’s of today’s route follow a shaded trail through eucalyptus woods before arriving in the lively town of Rua.
Accommodation: Hotel O’Pina
Meals: Breakfast
Walking: 17km
For over fifty years Hotel O’Pina has been welcoming pilgrims on the last leg of their journey to Santiago. Small and hospitable, the en-suite rooms are spacious and the hotel restaurant is famous for its fresh, daily serving of Empanada Gallega (Galician pie).
DAY six
Walk to Santiago de Compostela
Today, the Camino leads you into the heart of Santiago de Compostela to the majestic cathedral in Plaza de Obradoiro. Leaving Rua, rural trails give way to an urban environment as fellow walkers begin to converge for the last leg of this historic route. As you pass through Lavacolla, before crossing the stream, tradition would usually see pilgrims bathe and purify themselves in preparation for their arrival to Santiago. The final stretch to Santiago heads into the magnificent historic centre where you can present your pilgrim passport and receive your ‘Compostela’ certificate. With 2 nights in Santiago, you can relax and recharge your legs this afternoon, before exploring this UNESCO listed city tomorrow.
Accommodation: Hotel Lux Santiago
Meals: Breakfast
Walking: 23km
Spend 2 nights in Hotel Lux, only a few minutes walk from the historic centre. Within easy reach of local bars and restaurants, you can spend the evenings sampling local lobster and octopus dishes. Rooms have their own bathroom, comfortable beds and wifi.
DAY seven
Rest day in Santiago de Compostela
A day to rest and enjoy the spectacular atmosphere of this world-famous city. You can return to Plaza de Obradoiro and the cathedral built in honour of Saint James and depending on the day, you may even be able to attend mass. For some, the journey continues onto Finisterre, which in Roman times was thought to be the end of the world. After another 4 days of walking, many pilgrims continued to the coast to bathe after their long journeys. Nowadays, the additional days of walking add a closing chapter to your Camino experience. If you wish to add Finisterre on to your experience, this can easily be done for you. Just let us know at the time of booking.
Accommodation: Hotel Lux Santiago
Meals: Breakfast
DAY eight
Onward Travel
Depending on your onward travel plans, you can spend the morning soaking up the atmosphere of the plaza before heading off on your journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 7 nights accommodation
- 7 breakfasts
- Luggage transfers as described
- Pilgrim Passport
- Route Notes, Maps and GPX tracks
- 24/7 telephone support
- Walk the final 100km of the Camino from Sarria to Santiago
- Spend each day walking alongside fellow pilgrims on this world-famous route
- Discover ancient villages and medieval churches
ACCOMMODATION & DINING
During this tour, you will stay in simple, small family-run hotels and guest houses that have been welcoming walkers of the Camino for many years. All rooms have ensuites and typically, in the style of the Camino, accommodations have a great atmosphere as the majority of other guests will be fellow walkers. As this walk is a very busy route it is usual for similar accommodations to be used other than that listed.
Single Rooms
If you are travelling with family and/or friends but would like single rooms, we would advise booking as soon as your plans are finalised to secure your rooming preferences. Single rooms incur an additional single occupancy fee.
Dining
You will be provided with 7 breakfasts. If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know at the time of booking so we can let your hosts know. Should you have severe food allergies, it’s always worth bringing a few of your own snacks with you.
You will find many of the accommodations have their own restaurant which serves regional dishes, using local ingredients. Although dinners aren’t included in this tour, dinners can be included each evening as a supplement if you wish. Lunches can be purchased locally; this is a great part of the experience. You can either order lunch from your accommodation or buy local cheeses and meats along with a wide variety of different breads you will find along the Camino.
GENERAL INFO
AVAILABILITY
This tour is available from the start of March through November. Regardless of when you travel there are often celebrations along the Camino, specific to the individual towns or regions. From Galician literature festivals through to the nationwide celebrations of Semana Santa, walking the Camino is a colourful experience.
THE WALKING
The Camino is a well-trodden route, so the trails are very well defined for the most part. You will follow an ancient pilgrim trail and therefore, whilst sections of the walk will take you deep into the picturesque countryside, you will also walk through urban environments and alongside roads, as you follow the truest route possible.
You should be used to walking up to 30km with up to 500m of ascent and descent. On any typical day you will hike on rocky trails, farm and forest tracks and cover long sections in the open countryside. You will make sustained climbs to hilltop towns, villages and across the rolling countryside. You will also walk on some roads, so please be mindful of all road users at all times.
A moderate active lifestyle makes walking enjoyable, an exercise regime of 2 to 3 times a week is needed, in addition to your usual walks. The route is very well waymarked by the iconic scallop-shell markers and with the many other walkers on the trail it’s very easy to find your way.
For each of the walks, you will be provided with daily walk notes, a map and the GPX tracks if you wish to use for your own device.
WEATHER
The route runs across northern Spain and through a variety of terrain. During the early and latter part of the season, conditions can be changeable from temperate warms days through to frosty mornings and very cool nights. From May to September, rainy days are less frequent and temperatures are steadily between 20-24 degrees, however, it is possible that you may experience a few cloudy days. See weather averages here.
HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY
The tour starts in Sarria and finishes in Santiago. The best way to reach Sarria is by arriving at one of the following airports: Madrid, Santiago de Compostela or Bilbao Airport.
The most straightforward way to reach Sarria is from Santiago, around a 2hr 30min train or bus journey changing once in Ourense. If you would prefer a private transfer we can always arrange these for you.
From Madrid, it is around a 7-hour journey from the main Chamartin train station and around an 8-hour journey from Bilbao Station
INSURANCE
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
CONTACT
If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants. You can get in touch with us via our contact form or email us at info@stroll.com
MAP
AT A GLANCE
8 DAYS
oderate
$ 790
per person twin/double share
$ 275
per person
TRIP LENGTH
8 DAYS
WALK GRADE
oderate PRICE FROM
$ 790
per person twin/double shareSINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 275
per person
Overview
For over a millennia, the Camino has been widely regarded as the longest pilgrimage route in Europe. Over the centuries, millions of pilgrims have been drawn to the experience of joining walkers from across the globe to complete a journey unlike any other. The last 100km of the Camino is one of the most popular and for good reason! Starting out in the Galician town of Sarria, collect your Camino passport and follow tracks and trails into the rich history of northwest Spain.
Whilst many choose to walk the Camino for spirituality, many trekkers now complete the journey for the experience of meeting other walkers, the wealth of Spanish culture and the beautiful simplicity of it all. The grand finale is the buzz of walking into Santiago’s Plaza de Obradoiro and to the steps of Santiago’s impressive Baroque cathedral. Later, after collecting your ‘Compostela’ (pilgrim’s certificate), hop between tapas bars sampling typical Galician dishes and toasting your achievement.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Walk the final 100km of the Camino from Sarria to Santiago
- Visit the majestic cathedral at Santiago de Compostela
- Sample traditional Galician almond tart with café con leche
- Visit the Church of El Salvador, a national monument to the Knights of Santiago
- Discover ancient villages and medieval churches
- One of the world’s best treks to complete solo or with friends
Itinerary
DAY one
Arrive Sarria
The bustling Galician town of Sarria marks the start of the final Camino stage to Santiago de Compostela. Beyond its modern centre, seek out the historic streets where you can visit the 13th century O’Salvador gothic church and the medieval fortress of Sarria. Later on, collect your pilgrim passport and try out typical tapas dishes of pimientos de padrón (fried peppers) and pulpo a feira (octopus cooked in olive oil and paprika).
Accommodation: Hotel Alfonso IX
Begin your Camino in the comfortable Hotel Alfonso, located in central Sarria which means you can easily join the Camino trail the next morning. All rooms have their own bathroom and there is a small cafe to grab a cafe con leche before heading out to further explore Sarria.
DAY two
Walk to Portomarin
Begin the day with a walk through a woodland of ancient oak, birch and chestnut forests, before joining the official Camino trail. Marked by the famous scallop shell waymarks of this world-renowned route, stroll alongside fellow pilgrims as the trail undulates across grazing pastures and farm tracks, passing through tiny hamlets where you see many traditional ‘horreos’ granaries. Descend into Portomarin via the Mino Reservoir, the former site of Portomarin town. In the 1960’s Portomarin was moved brick by brick to higher ground, including the imposing structures of San Nicolas and San Pedro church.
Accommodation: Pousada de Portomarin
Meals: Breakfast
Walking: 23km
This modern hotel has been welcoming pilgrims for the last 50 years. A typical simple walker’s hotel, rooms are comfortable, ensuite and bright. Other facilities include a bar, café, restaurant and a swimming pool open during the high summer months.
DAY three
Walk to Palas de Rei
The day begins with a steady climb through pine forests, cornfields and across meadows. Today’s high point is Sierra Ligonde (720m). Here you can make a small detour to the 14th-century Romanesque church of El Salvador at Vilar de Donas, a national monument to the Knights of Santiago. The last gentle climb of the day passes through age-old villages and descends into the village of Palas de Rei (Palace of the Kings), where you will spend tonight.
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Beilde
Meals: Breakfast
Walking: 26km
Nestled in the pedestrian area of Palas de Rei, this small and friendly hotel has simple en-suite rooms. Very popular with Camino walkers, the hotel has a great atmosphere at breakfast as fellow hikers are preparing for the day ahead. Close to all the town facilities, this hotel makes for a pleasant stay.
DAY four
Walk to Arzua
A long but manageable day follows secluded trails through woodlands and into a region dotted with medieval castles, churches and ancient settlements. After leaving Palas de Rei you will soon reach the classic Camino village of San Xulian with its tiny 12th-century church. The trail continues to climb, crossing Porto de Boi and through the villages of Campanilla and Leboreiro, where you can visit a 13th-century Romanesque church. Before arriving in Arzua you pass the ancient town of Melide, famous for the classic Galician dish of ‘Pulpo a Galega’ (octopus).
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Teodora
Meals: Breakfast
Walking: 29km
A family run business, brothers Jesus and Gabriel manage this popular Camino stopover. The restaurant is popular with locals and serves dishes such as fresh sardines and beef shank, which are complemented by local wines, such as a perfectly chilled Albarino and Ribeiros white wine.
DAY five
Walk to Rua
The penultimate day of walking weaves its way towards Santiago across farmland and woodland. The trail heads through several villages including Cortobe and Fondevila which have seemingly stood still in time since the middle ages. A gentle ascent leads up to the 18th-century hilltop chapel of Santa Irene (named after a Christian martyr). The last few km’s of today’s route follow a shaded trail through eucalyptus woods before arriving in the lively town of Rua.
Accommodation: Hotel O’Pina
Meals: Breakfast
Walking: 17km
For over fifty years Hotel O’Pina has been welcoming pilgrims on the last leg of their journey to Santiago. Small and hospitable, the en-suite rooms are spacious and the hotel restaurant is famous for its fresh, daily serving of Empanada Gallega (Galician pie).
DAY six
Walk to Santiago de Compostela
Today, the Camino leads you into the heart of Santiago de Compostela to the majestic cathedral in Plaza de Obradoiro. Leaving Rua, rural trails give way to an urban environment as fellow walkers begin to converge for the last leg of this historic route. As you pass through Lavacolla, before crossing the stream, tradition would usually see pilgrims bathe and purify themselves in preparation for their arrival to Santiago. The final stretch to Santiago heads into the magnificent historic centre where you can present your pilgrim passport and receive your ‘Compostela’ certificate. With 2 nights in Santiago, you can relax and recharge your legs this afternoon, before exploring this UNESCO listed city tomorrow.
Accommodation: Hotel Lux Santiago
Meals: Breakfast
Walking: 23km
Spend 2 nights in Hotel Lux, only a few minutes walk from the historic centre. Within easy reach of local bars and restaurants, you can spend the evenings sampling local lobster and octopus dishes. Rooms have their own bathroom, comfortable beds and wifi.
DAY seven
Rest day in Santiago de Compostela
A day to rest and enjoy the spectacular atmosphere of this world-famous city. You can return to Plaza de Obradoiro and the cathedral built in honour of Saint James and depending on the day, you may even be able to attend mass. For some, the journey continues onto Finisterre, which in Roman times was thought to be the end of the world. After another 4 days of walking, many pilgrims continued to the coast to bathe after their long journeys. Nowadays, the additional days of walking add a closing chapter to your Camino experience. If you wish to add Finisterre on to your experience, this can easily be done for you. Just let us know at the time of booking.
Accommodation: Hotel Lux Santiago
Meals: Breakfast
DAY eight
Onward Travel
Depending on your onward travel plans, you can spend the morning soaking up the atmosphere of the plaza before heading off on your journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
What’s Included
- 7 nights accommodation
- 7 breakfasts
- Luggage transfers as described
- Pilgrim Passport
- Route Notes, Maps and GPX tracks
- 24/7 telephone support
- Walk the final 100km of the Camino from Sarria to Santiago
- Spend each day walking alongside fellow pilgrims on this world-famous route
- Discover ancient villages and medieval churches
Accommodation & Dining
During this tour, you will stay in simple, small family-run hotels and guest houses that have been welcoming walkers of the Camino for many years. All rooms have ensuites and typically, in the style of the Camino, accommodations have a great atmosphere as the majority of other guests will be fellow walkers. As this walk is a very busy route it is usual for similar accommodations to be used other than that listed.
Single Rooms
If you are travelling with family and/or friends but would like single rooms, we would advise booking as soon as your plans are finalised to secure your rooming preferences. Single rooms incur an additional single occupancy fee.
Dining
You will be provided with 7 breakfasts. If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know at the time of booking so we can let your hosts know. Should you have severe food allergies, it’s always worth bringing a few of your own snacks with you.
You will find many of the accommodations have their own restaurant which serves regional dishes, using local ingredients. Although dinners aren’t included in this tour, dinners can be included each evening as a supplement if you wish. Lunches can be purchased locally; this is a great part of the experience. You can either order lunch from your accommodation or buy local cheeses and meats along with a wide variety of different breads you will find along the Camino.
General Info
AVAILABILITY
This tour is available from the start of March through November. Regardless of when you travel there are often celebrations along the Camino, specific to the individual towns or regions. From Galician literature festivals through to the nationwide celebrations of Semana Santa, walking the Camino is a colourful experience.
THE WALKING
The Camino is a well-trodden route, so the trails are very well defined for the most part. You will follow an ancient pilgrim trail and therefore, whilst sections of the walk will take you deep into the picturesque countryside, you will also walk through urban environments and alongside roads, as you follow the truest route possible.
You should be used to walking up to 30km with up to 500m of ascent and descent. On any typical day you will hike on rocky trails, farm and forest tracks and cover long sections in the open countryside. You will make sustained climbs to hilltop towns, villages and across the rolling countryside. You will also walk on some roads, so please be mindful of all road users at all times.
A moderate active lifestyle makes walking enjoyable, an exercise regime of 2 to 3 times a week is needed, in addition to your usual walks. The route is very well waymarked by the iconic scallop-shell markers and with the many other walkers on the trail it’s very easy to find your way.
For each of the walks, you will be provided with daily walk notes, a map and the GPX tracks if you wish to use for your own device.
WEATHER
The route runs across northern Spain and through a variety of terrain. During the early and latter part of the season, conditions can be changeable from temperate warms days through to frosty mornings and very cool nights. From May to September, rainy days are less frequent and temperatures are steadily between 20-24 degrees, however, it is possible that you may experience a few cloudy days. See weather averages here.
HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY
The tour starts in Sarria and finishes in Santiago. The best way to reach Sarria is by arriving at one of the following airports: Madrid, Santiago de Compostela or Bilbao Airport.
The most straightforward way to reach Sarria is from Santiago, around a 2hr 30min train or bus journey changing once in Ourense. If you would prefer a private transfer we can always arrange these for you.
From Madrid, it is around a 7-hour journey from the main Chamartin train station and around an 8-hour journey from Bilbao Station
INSURANCE
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
CONTACT
If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants. You can get in touch with us via our contact form or email us at info@stroll.com
Faqs
FAQS
Q: What happens if I don’t want to walk one of the days, can I travel with the luggage?
Unfortunately, walkers cannot travel with the luggage. The information you are provided with has details for local taxi numbers, bus and train timetables should you wish to not walk on any day. Your accommodation hosts will also have up to date information and advice should you wish to travel to the next destination by local transport. As always, you can call us in the office should you need help during your walk.
Q: Where would you suggest adding an extra night?
Santiago, of course! This city is worthy of an extra day and not just to further explore the grand cathedral. Santiago boasts a wealth of medieval architecture, tapas bars and restaurants. We can also arrange an onward walk to the coastal point of Finisterre. Regarded as the end of the world by the Romans, many pilgrims continue on walking for several days to reach Finisterre. Having completed the Camino, it is an extra 4 days to reach Finisterre with a transfer back to Santiago on the fifth day.
Q: Can you extend our stay in Santiago de Compostela?
Of course, please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to extend your time in Santiago.
Q: Can my children walk with me?
We don't allow children under the age of 16 to do this walk.
Q: We’re travelling as friends but would like single rooms?
Subject to a single occupancy payment, single rooms are available. However, due to the limited accommodation single rooms might not always be available for every night of the tour, but we will let you know your options throughout the booking process.
Q: Can we reduce the days walked?
We wouldn’t suggest completing the itinerary in less than 8 days and 7 nights.
Q: Can we extend the days walked?
Of course, we’re happy to discuss your needs. If you feel you would prefer the ultimate Camino walk, you may wish to look at walking the full Camino route for 40 days or Leon to Santiago in 16 days.
ENQUIRE NOW
If you’re looking for further information on any of our walking holidays please fill out the enquiry form and we’ll be in touch.