Camino Francés · Self-Guided Caminos · Year Round
Camino Francés from Sarria to Santiago (Last 100km)
If you want the classic Camino experience, walk the final 100km from Sarria to Santiago. Over seven days you will cross the green rolling hills of rural Galicia and finish one of the best-known stretches of the French Way.
- Distance
- 111 km
- Duration
- 6 Nights
- Walking days
- 5
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Tour Type
- Self-Guided Caminos
- Price
- from €705
Activity: Walking, Easy Walking, Cycling, Easy Cycling
In short
This is the most popular section of the Camino de Santiago: 111 km from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela, with overnight stops in Portomarín, Palas de Rei, Arzúa and Amenal. Walk it and you can collect the Compostela pilgrim certificate at the Pilgrim's Office.
Overview
Camino Francés from Sarria to Santiago (Last 100km) | 7 Days
If you want the classic Camino experience, walk the final 100km from Sarria to Santiago. This stretch of the Camino Francés is full of tradition and beauty. Over seven days, you cross the green rolling hills of rural Galicia. It is also the shortest way to earn the Compostela on foot.
The most popular section of the Camino
Sarria to Santiago is the most popular section of the Camino de Santiago. As a result, it suits first-time walkers and anyone who wants a sociable trip. You meet fellow pilgrims, discover local traditions and enjoy the special Camino atmosphere. After each day’s walk, reward yourself with good food and local wine.
Your Camino starts on Day 1 in Sarria, the most popular starting point for pilgrims. This charming town has plenty of cafés and terraces. So it is the perfect place to relax with a glass of Albariño before you set off.
From Sarria to Santiago in one week
From Sarria, you walk the last 100km of the Camino Francés in five stages. Each stage is between 16 and 28km, on gentle hills and good paths. First you reach Portomarín, then Palas de Rei. Next you pass through Melide and Arzúa, famous for octopus and cheese. Finally, you walk into Santiago de Compostela. Your room and your luggage are waiting at every stop.
When you arrive in Santiago de Compostela, you can collect your Compostela pilgrim certificate at the Pilgrim’s Office. Then take time to explore the Old Town of Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Camino from Sarria to Santiago is usually a week-long trip. However, you can shorten the walking stages or add extra nights in Santiago. For a guided experience, see our Classic Camino guided tour.
Why start the Camino in Sarria?
Sarria is 111km from Santiago, just over the 100km minimum to earn the Compostela on foot.
Sarria is easy to reach, full of pilgrim life and the most popular starting point on any Camino route.
From here the trail follows ancient paths through oak and chestnut woods, stone villages and farmland. You cross the Miño river at Portomarín, pass Romanesque churches and medieval bridges, and watch the kilometre markers count down to Santiago.
Is the Camino from Sarria right for you?
Fitness
If you can walk 4–6 hours on gentle hills, you can do this route. Our 8-week fitness plan gets you ready.
First Camino
Well waymarked, with cafés every few kilometres and plenty of fellow pilgrims.
Solo travellers
One of the most sociable walks in Europe, with 24/7 support if you need us.
Families
Suitable for active children from around 8–10, ideally on the Easy itinerary.
Shorter days
The Easy version splits the longer stages into days of 10–19km.
Mobility needs
Tell us when booking and we will request ground-floor rooms and plan shorter stages.
Not sure? Read which Camino is best for a beginner, walking the Camino on your own and the Camino with your family.
Choose your tour
Which Sarria to Santiago tour should you choose?
Tour versions compared
| Version | Days / walking | Per day | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| ClassicThis tour | 7 / 5 | 16–28km | Most walkers |
| Easy Walking | 10 / 9 | 10–19km | A relaxed pace, families |
| Superior Collection | 7 / 5 | 16–28km | 4–5 star hotels and Paradores |
| Guided group | 7 / 5 | 16–28km | Walking with a guide |
| Cycling from Ponferrada | 7 / 5 | 40–60km | Cyclists who want the Compostela |
How many days do you have?
Choose your starting point by the time you can take off. All three earn the Compostela.
From Sarria
111km · 5 walking days
The classic last 100km. Ideal for a first Camino or a one-week holiday.
This tourFrom Ponferrada
205km · 9 walking days (approx.)
Adds the mountains of O Cebreiro and the entry into Galicia.
Ponferrada to SantiagoFrom León
310km · 13 walking days (approx.)
Two weeks through León, Astorga and the Bierzo vineyards for a fuller Camino.
Camino Francés routesMore in how many days it takes to walk the Camino and our guide to Camino de Santiago stages.
Day by day
Itinerary of the Camino from Sarria to Santiago
Five walking days and six nights, with overnight stops in Portomarín, Palas de Rei, Arzúa and Amenal.
Route map
Stage by stage
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DAY 1
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DAY 2
Sarria to Portomarín
After your night in Sarria, expect a calm walk through pretty villages and peaceful hamlets under the shade of oak trees and along quiet country roads. Along the way, you will spot many Galician traditional ‘hórreos’ (granaries). Visit the beautiful Romanesque church in the village of Barbadelo. Your destination for the night is the town of Portomarin.
Easy Option: You can choose to split this day between Sarria and Portomarin in two and stay in the hamlet of Morgade.
22km -
DAY 3
Portomarín to Palas de Rei
After your night in Portomarin, your Camino will cross the river Miño (Galicia’s longest river) and rise uphill steadily towards the Serra de Ligonde. You will pass nice hamlets such as Gonzar and Ventas de Narón. Stop to visit the Romanesque Church of Santa María in Castromaior and the Romanesque church in Eirexe, with its portal featuring a sculpture of Daniel with animals, as well as Pilgrim Santiago.
Easy Option: You can choose to split this day in two and stay in the hamlet of Ventas de Narón.
22km -
DAY 4
Palas de Rei to Arzúa
After your night in Palas de Rei, the Camino trail continues downhill, passing the village of Casanova and the delightful village of Leboreiro. You should take a break in the lively market town of Melide (454m), where you should try octopus, Galicia’s most classic dish, in one of the many ‘pulperías’. The Camino crosses several streams and follows a forest track bringing you to the village of Boente and the church of Santiago. Next is the pretty medieval hamlet of Ribadiso and finally the town of Arzúa (389m), famous for its local cheese. In Arzúa, you should visit the churches of Santa María and A Magdalena.
Easy Option: You can choose to split this day in two and stay in the town of Melide28km -
DAY 5
Arzúa to Amenal
After your night in Arzúa, your Camino will take you through pretty woods, sleepy villages and across streams for most of the day. The chapel of Santa Irene, with its unique statue of Santiago, is worth a visit. En route, don’t miss the lovely hamlet of Rúa (310m) where you can choose to stay tonight and split this walking day. The rest of the route to Amenal is along a mix of good and calm country roads and forest tracks.
23km -
DAY 6
Amenal to Santiago de Compostela
After your night in Amenal, your next point of interest is Lavacolla in the outskirts of Santiago, where pilgrims used to wash themselves in the river in preparation for their arrival in Santiago de Compostela. Rows of tall eucalyptus trees line your journey to Monte do Gozo (‘Mount of Joy’ 368m) and it is from here that will catch your first glimpse of the spires of the cathedral in Santiago. When you arrive in the city (264m, population 80,000), explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s architecture and delight in the wonderful atmosphere of this spiritual and cultural city. With only 16.5km to walk today, you should be in Santiago in time for the pilgrim mass (12 pm). After visiting Santiago Cathedral and recovering from your walk, take time to explore this gem of a city, small and vibrant. Its old town will enchant you. In Santiago the Compostela you will find not only pilgrims but also locals and students, enjoying a few bites and socialising over a glass of wine in the many bars, restaurants and cosy cafes. Read our blog post: Top 10 things to do in Santiago de Compostela for ideas before your trip.
Easy Option: Last stop before reaching Santiago. Choose to stay in Lavacolla and after a deserved rest, arrive in Santiago the next day feeling refreshed and calm.
End of your Camino de Santiago tour after breakfast the next morning. Consider adding an extra night in this gem of a city or perhaps a day tour.
16km
Read more about this route: Audio guide of the Camino Francés from Sarria, Things to do in Sarria, How difficult is the Camino Francés?, Food on the Camino Francés, Pilgrim Mass in Santiago, Camino Francés short break, Family walking from Sarria.
Where you stay
Accommodation and what's included
Where you stay
Country Cottages
Country Cottages or 'Casas Rurales' are beautifully restored country homes and farmhouses in the heart of peaceful rural communities. Our Country Cottages are renowned for their exceptional food, unique settings and personal touch. Rest assured when you select Country Cottage you will enjoy the full experience of our collection of beautiful Casa Rurales when and where this option is available, however, bear in mind, that sometimes due to location factors, only our choice of standard collection hotels and guesthouses may be available. All rooms are en-suite.
Standard Hotels
We have hand-picked hotels and guesthouses along the Camino for their character and warm hospitality. Up to 3-stars, you will be staying in the centre of town and close to your Camino trail. All rooms are en-suite with bathroom. For our family packages, we have hand-picked establishments with outdoor space and swimming pools where possible. Where accommodation with private outdoor space is not available, we have selected comfortable hotels with spacious common areas as well as a convenient location close to recreational areas and sights. As your comfort is our priority, we try to book hotels located within walking distance of the Camino. Despite our effort, on rare occasions your accommodation can be located a few kilometers away from the trail, so we organise transportation to/from your accommodation.
Superior Collection
Stay in very special hotels and unique properties along the Camino. We have selected luxurious 4 and 5-star hotels, boutique guesthouses, relaxing country homes and stunning heritage ‘Parador’ hotels so you can feel pampered. Rest assured when you select Superior Collection, you will enjoy the full experience of our best hotels and top guesthouses when and where this option is available, however, bear in mind, that sometimes due to location factors, only our choice of standard collection hotels and guesthouses may be available. All rooms are en-suite.
More about our Camino accommodation and where you sleep on the Camino.
What's included
- Included: Selected accommodation with private bathrooms, Holiday Pack on your mobile phone (Route ebook and Google Maps) and a 24/7 support number assisting with your trip, for instance, organising a support vehicle if needed.
- Not included: Flights, drinks, city tax, Travel Insurance (Recommended)
- Optional: Luggage transfers (On by default. One bag up to 20kg per person), dinners (On by default, where available), bike rental (On by default) and airport transfers, etc…
Note on Accommodation: We aim to book you into each town listed on the itinerary. However, in case of low availability, we may book you two nights in the same town with provided transfers. If you are booking a Superior collection or Country cottages, please note it is subject to availability and, therefore, cannot be guaranteed. Superior/Country cottage accommodation may be away from the route with included transfers. More details. Have questions? Read our FAQ pages.
See also: luggage transfers, bike rental, airport transfers, travel insurance and tourist tax.
Costs on the trail (approx.)
| Coffee | €1.50–€2 |
| Bocadillo or tortilla | €4–€7 |
| Pilgrim menu | €12–€16 |
| Pulpo in Melide | €12–€18 |
| City tax | €1–€2 / night |
Budget around €25–€40 per person a day on top of your package.
Access
Getting to Sarria and home from Santiago
Live information on Rome2Rio. We can also arrange private transfers if you prefer; just ask us.
Not sure where to fly into? See which Camino airport is best. We can also arrange private airport transfers.
Fastest is to take a combination of 2 buses: First, from Santiago airport to Lugo bus station. See Rome2Rio. Then, take a local bus from Lugo bus station to Sarria bus station. Alternatively, you can book a taxi transfer from Santiago Airport to Sarria. You can also take a taxi from Lugo to Sarria. There is also a direct bus between Santiago de Compostela bus station and Sarria on weekdays. See www.monbus.es.
In A Coruña, there is a bus from the airport to the train station (Line 443 stop: Avenida A. Molina); see www.autoscalpita.es. There is a direct train from A Coruña to Sarria. See www.renfe.com.
From Vigo, you will have to travel to Santiago de Compostela by bus www.movelia.es or train www.renfe.es; and then follow instructions from Santiago to Sarria above.
In Madrid, there is a train from the airport (Terminal 4) and the train station (Chamartin). There is a night train from Madrid Chamartin to Sarria, as well as other daily trains connecting Madrid and Sarria (direct or with one change). For details, times and tickets, see www.renfe.com.
It is also possible to take a bus from the airport in Madrid to Lugo. From Lugo to Sarria, you can take a bus from the bus station or a train from the train station. Lugo’s bus and train stations are approximately 1km apart (taxis are also available at the stations).
A shuttle bus connects Santiago city centre with the airport. Bus stops are the city centre (Plaza de Galicia), train station (Estación de Ferrocarril) and bus station (Estación de Autobuses). See Rome2Rio.
From Santiago, you can take a train to Vigo Guixar (see www.renfe.com) or a bus to Travesia de Vigo. You should take a city bus from Travesia de Vigo to Vigo Airport.
From Santiago, you can take a train to A Coruña and then take a bus from Alfonso Molina (line 4051) to the airport. Monbus has services from Santiago to A Coruña Airport; see monbus.es/en for details.
There is a direct bus connection between Santiago (Estación de Autobuses) and Porto airport. See www.alsa.es.
Plan your Camino
Plan your Camino from Sarria
Best time to go
Best months: May, June, September and October, with mild weather and fewer crowds than July and August.
- May–June 15–22°C, green and long days. Recommended.
- July–August 22–28°C, busiest. Book early.
- September–October 17–24°C, settled and quieter. Recommended.
- November–April 8–15°C, rainy but very peaceful.
More in our guides to the best time to walk the Camino, weather on the Camino and the busiest months.
What to pack
Tick items off as you pack. The full list is in our free Camino packing ebook and our online Camino packing list.
Read more: the best footwear for the Camino, how to treat blisters, what to wear and our Camino fitness plan.
A typical day
- 7:30Breakfast. Leave your bag at reception.
- 8:30Start walking through the morning mist.
- 10:30Coffee, tortilla and your first stamp.
- 13:30Pilgrim lunch in a village bar.
- 15:30Arrive. Your bag is waiting.
- 17:00Rest, explore, second stamp.
- 20:00Dinner with fellow pilgrims.
More in our guide to a typical day on the Camino and our essential Camino tips.
How to get the Compostela
- Get your pilgrim credential before you start. Where to get it
- Walk at least the last 100km (or cycle the last 200km).
- Collect two stamps a day from churches, cafés or hotels.
- Register online, then show your credential at the Pilgrim's Office. How the Compostela works
Town by town
Town-by-town guide to the Camino from Sarria
What to see and eat
Sarria
StartSee Walk up Rúa Maior to the Monastery of La Magdalena and the ruins of the old fortress. Sarria is also known for its antique shops.
Eat Galician beef and grilled meats in the restaurants along the river.
Portomarín
Night 2See Climb the steps to the fortress-church of San Nicolás, moved stone by stone when the reservoir flooded the old town. At low water you can see the old bridge.
Eat Almond tart (tarta de almendra) and the local aguardiente.
Palas de Rei
Night 3See Ask your host about a short taxi trip to the Romanesque church of Vilar de Donas or the medieval Castle of Pambre.
Eat A simple pilgrim menu, with caldo gallego on cooler days.
Melide
On the waySee Stop for lunch on day 4. On the Easy itinerary this is where you sleep.
Eat Pulpo a la gallega in one of the pulperías, and melindres, the town's sugar-glazed pastries.
Arzúa
Night 4See A quiet market town and the home of Arzúa-Ulloa cheese, with its own cheese festival every spring.
Eat Arzúa-Ulloa cheese with membrillo or local honey.
Amenal
Night 5See A peaceful rural stop just before the final day. Rest your legs for the walk into Santiago.
Eat Home cooking in a country inn: Galician stew and Santiago tart.
Santiago
Night 6See Visit the cathedral rooftops, the Mercado de Abastos and the view of the cathedral from Alameda Park.
Eat Pimientos de Padrón, tarta de Santiago and a glass of Albariño on Rúa do Franco.
Hungry for more? Read our guide to food on the Camino.
ATMs, pharmacies and supermarkets
Every overnight town on the Camino from Sarria to Santiago has an ATM, a pharmacy, a supermarket and a health centre, except Amenal. In Amenal, stock up in O Pedrouzo, 3km before. Sarria, Palas de Rei, Melide and Arzúa have the most shops; Portomarín has small grocery stores.
| Town | ATM | Pharmacy | Supermarket | Health centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sarria | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Portomarín | Yes | Yes | Small shops | Yes |
| Palas de Rei | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Melide (lunch stop) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Arzúa | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Amenal | No: use O Pedrouzo, 3km before | No: O Pedrouzo | No: O Pedrouzo | No: O Pedrouzo |
| Santiago | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes, including hospital |
- Carry some cash: small village cafés often don't take cards.
- Pharmacies in Spain are marked with a green cross; out-of-hours ones are listed on the door.
- Emergencies: call 112, then our 24/7 line.
- Many shops close from around 2pm to 5pm, and on Sundays.
Compare and extend
Compare routes and extend your trip
Sarria vs other last-100km routes
All of these earn the Compostela on foot. Sarria is the most popular; the others are quieter.
| Route and start | Distance (approx.) | Walking days | Landscape | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camino Francés from SarriaThis tour | 111km | 5 | Farmland, oak woods, river valleys | Busiest |
| Camino Portugués from Tui | 118km | 6 | Minho river, historic towns | Busy |
| Portuguese Coastal from Vigo | 100km | 5 | Rías Baixas, sea views | Fairly busy |
| Camino Inglés from Ferrol | 120km | 5–6 | Estuaries, forests | Quiet |
| Camino Primitivo from Lugo | 100km | 5 | Hills, rural Galicia | Quiet |
Not sure which to choose? Compare every route on our Camino routes page or read which is the easiest Camino to walk.
Add a few days at the end
Extra nights in Santiago
Stay on to see the cathedral, the market and the old town without rushing.
Santiago guideFinisterre and Muxía
Walk on to the Atlantic, the end of the world for medieval pilgrims, or visit on a day trip.
Camino FinisterreSantiago day tours
Tapas tours, Rías Baixas wine country and guided walks of the old town.
See day toursReviews
Reviews and your Camino specialist
What walkers say
Trustpilot4.5 out of 5 · 947 reviews“Great communication and service, especially leading up to the trip! We were able to customize our itinerary easily with our requests. We did Sarria to Santiago in 10 days. … Would definitely use Camino Ways again.”
“Camino Ways made the trip so easy. The places we stayed were amazing and having our luggage transported allowed us to just get up and go. Would highly recommend using Camino Ways.”
“Transfers were flawless. Accommodations top notch. Trip of a lifetime.”
Read all our reviews on Trustpilot · More stories from our walkers
Your Camino specialist
Marta Ponte
I live in Astorga, right on the Camino Francés, and help walkers plan their Camino with CaminoWays. I've walked the Camino Francés, and I love sharing local tips so your trip feels as easy as it is memorable.
FAQs
FAQs: Camino Francés from Sarria to Santiago (Last 100km)
Why is Sarria the most popular starting point on the Camino?
Sarria is just over 100km from Santiago, the minimum distance required to earn the Compostela pilgrim certificate, making it the most common starting place.
How long does it take to walk from Sarria to Santiago?
The route is 111 km and typically takes 6–7 days, depending on your pace and whether you add extra nights.
Will I get my Compostela certificate if I walk from Sarria?
Yes. Walking this last 100km qualifies you to receive your Compostela certificate in Santiago de Compostela.
Is this section suitable for beginners?
Yes. It’s the most sociable and beginner-friendly section, with good facilities, well-marked trails and plenty of fellow pilgrims. For preparation tips, see our Camino fitness plan.
What highlights will I see along the way?
Portomarín and its Romanesque church, Melide (famous for octopus), Arzúa (renowned for cheese), Monte do Gozo, and the grand finale at Santiago Cathedral.
Can I cycle the last 100km from Sarria?
Yes, you can cycle this section, but cyclists must complete at least 200 km for the Compostela. See our cycling the Camino guide.
When is the best time of year to walk from Sarria?
This section is open year-round. Spring and autumn are ideal for comfortable walking weather, while summer is busier but very lively. See our best time to walk the Camino.
Is luggage transfer included?
Yes, Camino luggage transfers are included so you can walk light each day.
Is Sarria to Santiago hard?
It is moderate (3 out of 5 on our scale): gentle hills, one longer climb to the Sierra de Ligonde and good paths.
Is it safe to walk the Camino alone?
Yes. The route from Sarria is busy, well waymarked and passes through villages every few kilometres, and our 24/7 line is always there if you need help.
Can I do it with children?
Yes. Active children from around 8–10 enjoy it, ideally on the Easy itinerary with shorter days.
What happens if I get injured or too tired to walk?
Call our 24/7 line. We can arrange a taxi to your next hotel and adjust the rest of your itinerary.
Can I start on any day?
Yes. Self-guided tours start any day of the year, subject to hotel availability.
How far in advance should I book?
For May, June and September, 4–6 months ahead; earlier in Holy Year 2027. See our booking timeline guide.
Is the pilgrim credential included?
No. You can get it online before you travel or in Sarria. How to get your credential.
Can I add extra nights?
Yes. Add rest days along the way or extra nights in Santiago when you book.
Have more questions? Read our FAQ pages.
Ready to walk the last 100km?
Personalise your own trip with our award-winning Camino Planner, or talk to our specialists.