10 Best Things to Do in Sarria, Spain
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Looking for what to do in Sarria? You’re in luck!
This tiny Spanish city—known for being a popular starting point for the Camino de Santiago—has historical 13th-century churches, an old town with a main street that winds into the clouds to a view that will knock your wool socks off, and plenty of modern touches, too!
Where you’re excited to start the Camino or are just passing through, Sarria is worth taking some time to get to know.
In Sarria, you can learn more about how this town’s history is intertwined with the Camino. Plus, enjoy Galician culture while partaking in activities like eating, shopping, and enjoying nature.
In this article, we’ll explore the best things to do in Sarria, Spain.
10 Things to Do in Sarria, Spain
Sarria is a lovely Spanish town in Galicia, Spain where the old meets new. As smaller town (13K residents), you don’t need a whole week to explore Sarria. A full day or two will suffice to get the lay of the land, prep for or rest on your Camino, and see the top Sarria attractions.
In order to make the most of your time in Sarria, check out these 10 amazing things to do and see.
1. Walk the Camino de Santiago from Sarria
Sarria is the most popular place to begin a pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James in English). This is largely because the minimum distance to receive a certificate of completion for walking the Camino is 100 km (62 mi) — the iconic signpost for which is just outside of Sarria!
Technically speaking, Sarria to Santiago consists of the final 5-6 stages of the Camino Frances trail. The Camino Frances begins in St. Jean Pied de Port, France. At 800 km (500 mi), it takes roughly one month to complete. Thus, in Sarria, many pilgrims’ Caminos are coming to an end while others are just beginning — which makes Sarria a special place on the Camino, if you ask us.
Albergues del Camino said it best, “Sarria is a stage of joy for those who started before, or of hope for those pilgrims who start the route to Compostela here.”
Walking the Camino Frances from Sarria is a magnificent choice for your first Camino if you have just 5-6 days to walk. All the infrastructure you need from backpack transport to accommodations is readily available. Want more info on planning your Camino? Start with our Ultimate Guide to the Camino.
2. Stamp your Pilgrim’s Passport at Iglesia Santa Marina
First off, stop by the Iglesia Santa Marina de Sarria for pilgrim’s mass, which is held every evening and mid-day Sunday. Whether you are Catholic or not, attending pilgrim’s mass and receiving a blessing for your journey is a meaningful way to start the Camino.
After service, you can get your pilgrim’s passport (credencial) stamped. The church is normally open for a few hours during the day. You can pick up a pilgrim’s passport at the church; many albergues (pilgrim’s hostels) and shops have them, as well.
3. Get a Panoramic View at Mirador de la Cárcel
Although it’s quite the climb along the Rúa Maior, a stop at the Mirador de la Cárcel is worth every step. At this popular lookout point at the edge of the old town, you can take in a panoramic view of Sarria and accompanying valley. You’ll also find a bit of a pavilion with a stone cross and a mosaic with the city crest. A bold, graphic Sarria sign and some modern sculptures round out the tourist stop.
Before you move on, check out the old prison (cárcel in Spanish and presumably the lookouts’ namesake). It’s just adjacent to the lookout point, and you’ll locate it easily as it preserves the original signage of the prison, the Prision Preventiva. Lucky for you, it’s now the site of the tourist information center, so be sure to pop in with any questions you may have on visiting Sarria!
Note that some guests have complained of too much vegetation ruining the view in recent years. But, we think you’ll still enjoy a stop there (if walking the Camino, you’ll pass right by on your way out of Sarria, so there’s no need to make a special trip.)
Pilgrims’ Tip: If you plan to stop in any churches along the way, be mindful of opening hours. While you may be used to cathedrals being open most of the day in larger European cities, you will often find them closed along the Camino. If you’re interested in attending mass or getting your passport stamped, your best bet is to ask the hospitaleros (hosts at your accomodation). Information is also often posted near church doors.
4. Walk in the Footsteps of Ancient Pilgrims at Iglesia San Salvador
The Iglesia San Salvador de Sarria is located on the on the Rúa do Castelo just opposite the graphic Sarria sign and around the corner from the Mirador. This Romanesque church is worth a stop to collect a stamp on your way out of Sarria, pending opening hours. What makes this church so special is its connection to ancient pilgrimage route: it’s here that pilgrims returning from Santiago would spend the night if they presented their Compostela!
If you’re looking to attend pilgrim’s mass, you’ll need to stop by in the summer, when it’s held on Sundays and holidays, only. (Your best bet for pilgrim’s mass is Iglesia Santa Marina.)
5. Snap Photos at Fortaleza de Sarria
Rising 14 m (45 ft) proudly into the sky, you can’t miss the tower of Sarria, the Torre de Batallón. These ruins are a part of the town’s medieval fortress (aka castle). Originally built in the 13th century and rebuilt in the 14th century after an uprising, you unfortunately cannot go inside or atop the ruins of the Fortaleza de Sarria, but you can get some good pictures!
Although the tower and ruins themselves don’t offer much excitement, with some luck (or planning), you can enjoy the traditional fair which showcases products outside the tower (3/mo).
6. Visit the Convento de la Magdalena
Perhaps the crown of Sarria, if not just for it’s placement atop the hill near the old town, this monastery’s roots go back several centuries. Originally founded in the 13th century, it was once used as a pilgrim hospital by Italian monks. Today, part of its premises are, quite fittingly, used as a pilgrim’s hostel.
If you want to taste a bit of the history of Sarria, try to stop in for a visit and to stamp your pilgrim’s passport. When inside (you may need to pull the bell cord to be let inside), you can walk through the garden, the cloisters and the church. It’s well worth the visit!
Daily mass is held in the evenings. Enquire at the adjoining albergue (pilgrim’s hostel) for details as services seem to rotate between parishes.
7. Try Baked Goods at Panaderia Pallares
No trip to — well just about anywhere — is complete without visiting a bakery for freshly baked treats. Founded in 1876, Panadería Pallares is a family owned bakery serving up all sorts of sweet treats, bread, and savory pies.
In 2012, the family opened a museum to commemorate the history of the bakery and its interesting ties to Sarria. At the time of this writing, the museum is currently closed to the public. You can still enjoy the bread, though!
Once you’ve gotten your snack, head back out to peruse the oddities at one of the many local antique and furniture shops. If you’re up for it, you could even take your snack to the benches at O Chanto park.
Looking for something more substantial to eat? Check out our picks for the best restaurants in Sarria.
8. Stroll O Chanto Recreational Park on the Sarria River
Located off the Paseo da Ribeira, Parque O Chanto is a sweet little park along the river. If you’re in the mood for some quiet time, it’s the perfect place to stroll the river bank, snack at the picnic tables (or at the O Chanto outdoor restaurant), and people watch under the shade.
If you’re feeling warm, there’s also a municipal pool nearby — or perhaps you’ll be brave enough to just dip your feet in the river in summer!
According to Spain’s tourism office, fishing and hunting in several game reserves, hiking, and horse-riding can also be arranged if you’re looking for more than a stroll in the park.
9. Admire the Pilgrims’ Murals
Upon entering Sarria from the west, you’ll pass a row of fiery-colored murals (Where We Be got some great shots.).
If you’re just starting in Sarria, ask the tourist info for the exact location so you can grab some photos in front of the wall!
There are also plenty of mosaics and decorative shells, one of the symbols of the Camino to snap photos of.
10. Attend an Event, Fair, or Market
Like many towns in Spain, Sarria has markets and festivals to experience throughout the year. These are wonderful for indulging the senses and are particularly good locales to learn about Galician culture and practice Spanish with locals.
Be sure to check out these three events in Sarria:
- Campo da Feira – covered market held the 6, 20, 27 of each month
- Feira de San Isidro – big celebration held each spring
- Esmorga Fest – music festival held annually since 2015
You won’t be sorry if you stop by any of these markets and events!
Last Thoughts: What to Do in Sarria
Not only is Sarria famous for being a known starting point on the Camino de Santiago, but the town itself is also just as amazing. There are lots of fun things to do and see in Sarria including historical churches, events, and places to eat. It’s not hard to see why so many pilgrims enjoy spending time in Sarria.
PS: Don’t forget to check out our Ultimate Guide to Sarria for everything you need to know for planning a trip to the popular Camino starting point!
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