Sarria to Santiago in 5 Days: Last 100km Camino de Santiago Itinerary
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Walking the Camino de Santiago from Sarria? I’ve put together a detailed Sarria to Santiago itinerary that you can complete in as little as 5 days.
Sarria is the most popular starting point for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago. And, it’s obvious why: Sarria is a lush, relatively easy, and short route. It also qualifies for a Compostela certificate.
But, that’s not to say you’re taking the easy way out by walking from Sarria! I’ve walked Sarria to Santiago. Sadly, I’ve got blisters to prove it!
We’ll detail the route, stages, and helpful tips in this post on walking the Camino de Santiago from Sarria to Santiago! Let’s begin.
Sarria to Santiago Route Overview
Overall, the Way of St. James from Sarria to Santiago is a relatively easy to moderate walk. It consists of rolling hills through forests, farms, and little villages and towns.
Expect about 60% of the walk on footpaths and gravel roads. The rest of the route is along cobblestone or asphalt.
Fortunately, this section is absent of any major inclines or descents, rocky paths, or similarly challenging terrain.
In fact, Sarria sits just at the other side of the mountain. Pilgrims entering Sarria along the Camino Frances from the east will experience spectacular views at 5,305 ft (1337 m). Sarria’s elevation is 1594 ft (486 m). As you can imagine, it’s quite the descent on foot!
The Camino Frances from Sarria is a great section to walk. It captures the essence of what the Camino is all about.
Plus, this section of the Camino is full of albergues, cafés, bars, and restaurants. There is a stop every few miles/kilometers to rest.
You’ll also have the opportunity to meet other pilgrims while enjoying the interesting Galician countryside and culture.
But don’t get us wrong. The walk from Sarria to Santiago is certainly no cakewalk! It requires a fair amount of training, the right gear, and mental fortitude.
Sarria to Santiago de Compostela Stages
The following itinerary gives 5 suggested stages and recommended albergues (pilgrims’ hostels) for starting the Camino in Sarria.
If this is too demanding, you can easily split the stages. Walking it in 6-7 stages or even a 10-14 day “Camino lite” is completely doable. Simply shorten (or lengthen) each stage.
Stage 1: Sarria – Portomarín
13.6 mi/ 21,9 km
The walk from Sarria to Portomarín is an easy first day on the Camino.
Today is a special day because you will see the official 100 km to Santiago distance marker, one of the many powerful symbols of the Camino! Make sure you don’t miss it. It’s about halfway through the day, just past Ferreiros.
After a few hours on winding paths and passing vendors selling Camino shells, you’ll arrive at the Miño River.
Overlooking the river, lovely Portomarín sits elevated on the other side. To get to town, you must walk across a large bridge and head up some stairs, which are a particular challenge late in the day. But you can do it!
When you finally arrive in Portomarín, you’re in for a treat. The town has many albergues and hotels as well as a pharmacy, grocery store, and several eating establishments—several with amazing views of the river.
Recommended Accommodation in Portomarín: Albergue PortoSantiago ($16/€14) | Ultreia ($37/€35) | Huellas Albergue-Turístico ($17/€16) | Albergue Ferramenteiro ($13/€12) | Albergue de peregrinos de Portomarín ($8.50/8€)
Pilgrim’s Tip: If you’d like to get a jumpstart on the trip, consider staying just outside of Sarria at Casa Barbadelo. We had a wonderful time there. Food was served all day, and they had a fantastic pool! Alternatively, shorten your first day by walking to Casa Morgade ($15/14€) or the Albergue de Peregrinos de Ferreiros ($8.50/8€). These are about about halfway to Portomarín.
Stage 2: Portomarín – Palas de Rei
15.1 mi/24,3 km
From Portomarín, you’ll spend most of the day road walking mixed with jaunts in rural zones.
While it’s a bit of a climb early in the day out of Portomarín, it doesn’t last long. The rest of the day is rolling hills.
On this stretch, you’ll pass several hamlets with gorgeous old churches and other interesting things to look at including farm animals.
There are plenty of places to stop for food and water, too.
Be sure to watch for cars any time you are near or need to cross the road.
Although Palas de Rei used to be an important city (rei means king, if that gives you any indication), today it’s relatively a small town. Still, this part of the route was tied to the Knights of the Order of St. James. You’ll find a 12th Century church here, Vilar de Donas, that was part of the monastery of the Order of St. James.
Recommended albergues in Palas de Rei: Albergue A Casiña di Marcello ($16/€15) | Albergue de peregrinos Os Chacotes ($8.50/€8) | Pensión San Marcos ($75/€71) | O Cabalo Verde ($27/€26) | Pensión KM66 ($53/€50)
Stage 3: Palas de Rei – Arzúa
17.96 mi/28,9 km
Stage 3 is a rather scenic walk into Melide. Here, the countryside is full of hórreos (elevated grain storage), bridges, and gorgeous stone buildings. You’ll pass through Melide, where you should stop to eat pulpo a la gallega, Galician’s famed steamed octopus.
After lunch in Melide, continue on the rolling hills to Arzúa. You may notice even more pilgrims on the road today as both the Northern Way and the Primitive Way merge with the French was in Melide.
You will come in contact with the N-547 highway multiple times on this stretch, crossing under it several times. Just before town, it’s another hill climb, making this the hardest day on the Camino from Sarria.
Arzúa itself doesn’t have much to see, but it is famous for its cheese. It holds a cheese festival in March.
It’s advisable to spend the rest of the day resting, doing laundry, or other chores. Don’t forget to get your passport stamped at the Church of Santiago de Arzúa.
Recommended Accommodation: Albergue Ultreia ($13/€12) | Albergue Vía Lactea ($16/€15) | Cruce De Caminos Arzúa ($16/€15) | Albergue San Francisco ($16/€15) | Albergue Los Tres Abetos ($17/€16)
Stage 4: Arzúa – O Pedrouzo
11.87 mi/19,1 km
On this rather comfortable stage, you pass through various forests, small towns, and meadows. Certainly, you’ll see your fair share of cows. Watch your step!
As you come into O Pedrouzo, you’ll be on a main roadway. Be sure to look both ways as you cross the street and stick close to the shoulders any time you’re near the roadway.
Shops, albergues, and restaurants line the way today, so be sure to stop and enjoy. There’s also a pharmacy in Salceda if you need one. If you’re traveling in spring or summer, there will be lots of blooming flowers to admire, too. We loved seeing all the varieties of hydrangea in early July!
The excitement of reaching Santiago is palpable now. Savor your last moments with new friends and a glass of wine before settling into bed for the big day tomorrow!
Recommended Accommodation in O Pedrouzo: Albergue Edreira ($13/€12) | Albergue O Burgo ($15/€14) | Albergue Mirador de Pedrouzo ($19/€18) | Pensión Arca ($74/€70) | Albergue Espiritu Xacobeo ($14/€13)
Stage 5: O Pedrouzo – Santiago de Compostela
5.65 mi/19.4 km
It’s your last day on the Camino de Santiago! Get up early, and head into Santiago de Compostela. You will get your first glimpse of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela from Monte de Gozo park, just 3.1 mi (5 km) away.
When you reach Monte de Gozo, take some time to explore the park and its sculptures. Then, descend into Santiago. Upon crossing the highway, you’ll come into the city, where a colorful sign adorned with ribbons welcomes you. But, your journey isn’t over yet.
Continue about another hour along the sidewalk towards the historical center, following the yellow arrows. Surely, they are a bit harder to spot now that you’re in the city. Once you’ve come to the old city alleys that are lined with tourist shops, you’re almost there: standing in the Plaza del Obradoiro in front of the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela!
When you’re done celebrating in the Plaza del Obradoiro, go to pick up your compostela. The Pilgrim’s Reception Office is down the street to the right if you’re facing away from the church.
Recommended Accommodation in Santiago: Parador de Santiago – Hostal Reis Catolicos ($137-254/€129-240) | Casa Douro ($62/59€) | Albergue The Last Stamp ($24/€23) | Blanco Albergue ($16/€15) | Albergue SIXTOS no Caminho ($19/€18) | Hotel Atalaia B&B ($95/€18)
[OPTIONAL] Stage 6: Lavacolla – Santiago de Compostela
17.96 mi/28,9 km
As an alternative, consider staying in Lavacolla (10.3 km from the church) or at the Albergue de Monte de Gozo instead of continuing into the city. We recommend doing this so that you can arrive at the Cathedral in the morning and attend mass at noon. It makes for a much shorter last day on the Camino de Santiago, which many pilgrims prefer.
What to Know Before Walking Sarria to Santiago de Compostela
Before walking from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela, there are a few important things to note. We’ll review them in this section to help you prepare.
How Far is Sarria to Santiago de Compostela?
The distance from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela is about 72 miles (115 km).
Is the Camino Crowded from Sarria?
Sarria is the most popular starting point of the Camino de Santiago.
Accordingly, you’ll find many other pilgrims along the route, especially during the high season.
Walking with lots of pilgrims may be a comfort to you. After all, there’s safety in numbers.
Consider staying off-stage if it’s solitude you seek. This means walking shorter or longer distances to avoid accommodations recommended by major guidebooks.
Time of year is also something to consider. The summer months, particularly July-August are the most crowded times on the Camino.
Why is the Route From Sarria so Popular?
If you’re debating whether or not to walk from Sarria, here’s why hundreds of thousands of pilgrims think it’s the best place to start each year:
- The trail from Sarria is relatively easy to complete. It’s free from any major inclines, rocky pathways, and the like.
- You can walk from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela in under one week. It goes without saying this is great since many of us have limited vacation time!
- Walking the Camino Frances from Sarria, Spain qualifies you for a Compostela certificate. This shows that you officially completed the Camino de Santiago! The last 100 km is the shortest distance needed to obtain a Compostela (official certificate).
- Sarria to Santiago has great infrastructure, making it easily accessible.
- The route through lush Galicia is beautiful, lined with Eucalyptus trees and farmland.
Where to Get a Pilgrim’s Passport in Sarria
In order to stay at pilgrim’s hostels and get your Compostela, you need to pick up a pilgrim’s passport (credencial).
You may purchase a paper credential ($2/€2) at most albergues or the Iglesia Santa Marina.
Each day of your journey to Santiago, collect stamps from accommodations, restaurants, churches, and other points of interest in your passport.
It’s important note, you must get two stamps per day from Sarria in your pilgrim’s passport to qualify for the Compostela. It was very easy to find two or more stamps each day from Sarria, in my experience.
What About Accommodation From Sarria?
As Sarria to Santiago can be quite crowded, more and more pilgrims choose to pre-book their albergues in the high season.
In our opinion, this isn’t necessary if you’re flexible. Besides, public albergues don’t allow advanced bookings. If that’s something that you want to do, keep that in mind. Find out more about albergues.
How Do You Get to Sarria to Start the Camino?
The best way to get to Sarria from Santiago de Compostela is by bus. Do note that the bus leaves once daily. Trains are also available from many cities in Spain.
See details on how to get to Sarria in our full guide.
Last words on Sarria to Santiago
Like every Camino route, walking from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela has its pros and cons. Overall, it’s a great itinerary for those who’d like to walk for a week or less and get a Compostela certificate.
If time allows, we highly recommend you spend some time in Santiago de Compostela after your walk. Gets started by finding out where to stay in Santiago.
More Camino Articles
Like this Camino Frances from Sarria itinerary? Here are some additional Camino de Santiago articles to check out.
- Best Things to Do in Sarria, Spain
- Where to Eat in Sarria, Spain
- How Much Does the Camino de Santiago Cost?
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