Camino Frances Family Cycling on the Camino Frances

Your first day on the Camino will take you to the town of Portomarín, 22Km from Sarria. It is a great introduction to the Camino, with no difficulty as the terrain is completely flat for the whole day. Expect a calm walk through pretty villages and peaceful hamlets under the shade of oak trees and along quiet country roads. The numerous villages along the way offer plenty of opportunities to stop. Along the way, you will spot many Galician traditional ‘hórreos’ (granaries). Visit the beautiful Romanesque church in the village of Barbadelo. Portomarin is a charming village located on the bank of the River Miño, which you will cross on your arrival.

If the weather allows, you and your little ones can spend the rest of the afternoon by the pool of your accommodation or choose to play board games in the common living room. Yet, if they still have energy, a visit to the Motor Museum in Miniature will spark their curiosity. Through more than 1000 miniature models of cars, they will learn how vehicles evolved in times and how they reflect an ever-changing way of life. A pedagogic visit that will be enjoyed by both children and adults!

Your accommodation in Portomarin is located only a few minutes walk from the old town center. Right on the edge of the village, it offers both easy access to all amenities and the quietness needed for a peaceful night. With a focus on local and seasonal produce, the dinner served at the hotel restaurant will showcase the best of Galicia traditional dishes

This morning you are up for a small challenge, as the Camino rise uphill steadily at the start of your walk.

On the way to Palas de Rei stop to visit the Romanesque church in Eirexe, with its portal featuring a sculpture of Daniel with animals, as well as Pilgrim Santiago. As you pass through local farms, hamlets and picturesque churches, you will truly start feeling the connection with the Camino. You will find numerous cafés along the way, as many opportunities to meet the locals and pilgrims alike.

The youngest ones will be spoilt on arrival at Palas de Rei. They will find at the accommodation a childrens’ playground and a large shaded garden providing them a safe environment to play. It is the ideal place for the whole family to relax and enjoy the rest of the day.

Full of charm, your accommodation provides all the comforts your family will need. With a spacious terrace, it is the perfect place for al fresco dining

The Camino trail continues downhill, passing the village of Casanova and the delightful village of Leboreiro. The mix of woodlands and villages will make this short section a very entertaining and enjoyable experience.
Melide holds a special place on the Camino, as it is at the junction of the Camino Francés and the Camino del Norte, which means you are likely to meet fellow pilgrims and hear interesting stories. If time allows, we recommend that you explore the authentic medieval streets of this charming village.

For the little ones who fancy some playtime outdoors, we recommend the popular San Roque children’s playground, right in the center of the village, where they will be able to play with the local youngsters. Melide is famous for its exquisite octopus, known to be the world’s best, so make sure not to miss it before you leave and try it for dinner in one of the many pulperías.

You will stay at a modern and centrally located hotel that will offer all the comforts for you and your family

After a hearty breakfast, your day on the trail will take you to Arzua, 14km from Melide. The Camino crosses several streams and follows a track bringing you to the village of Boente and the church of Santiago. The medieval village of Rivadiso is your last stop before reaching your final destination for the day. Upon leaving Rivadiso, you will cross a Roman bridge over the River Iso before completing the last 3km to Arzua. The village of Arzua is famous throughout Galicia for its creamy and tasty cheese, the Arzua-Ulla cheese.

To arouse your young ones’ curiosity, we recommend a visit to the Honey & Cheese educational center where they can learn about the origins and the methods of production from ancient times to the present days. It is a great opportunity for them to connect to the territory of Galicia as well as food and nature.

For your night in Arzua, we have selected a charming central hotel, with an outdoor swimming pool for the whole family to enjoy. An authentic dinner will be served on-site so you can fully experience the Galician hospitality

This section of the Camino offers a nice variety of terrains and landscapes. You will sometimes follow the road on a good side walking path, venture through picturesque meadows, and cross eucalyptus tree forests. It is an enjoyable walk with no difficulty and numerous possibilities to stop at cafes along the way for a drink or a snack.

After a good day on the trail, your children will be pleased to see that your accommodation has a pool where they can make the most of the warm Spanish afternoon. The spacious garden and terrace make it a perfect place for the whole family to enjoy some relaxing time together.

In Rua-Pedrouzo, your rural hotel offers the perfect combination of countryside charm and modern comfort, with a spacious garden and swimming pool (opening dates to be checked). During the summer season, you can allow yourself a lazy day by the pool. The local chef’s signature dishes served in the restaurant will be the perfect conclusion to your day.

Today you are setting off for your final day on the Camino before discovering the majestic city of Santiago.

Rows of tall eucalyptus trees line your journey to Monte do Gozo (Mount of Joy 368m) and it is from here that you can catch your first glimpse of the Cathedral of Santiago.

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 cozy cafes.

The city also has numerous options for children to have fun. If after five days on the Camino they fancy a little bit of time off, we recommend the little train. It is a great way for the whole family to discover the city while resting their legs! The natural history museum is very popular among families. Even the youngest ones are eager to learn about animals and their natural habitat. Of course, if it is some playtime they are after, you will find a good number of playgrounds scattered around the city.

In order for you to be at the heart of it all, we have selected a centrally located hotel. On top of its rustic charms and views of the old town, it offers a peaceful garden.