Two weeks on the Camino? Sarria to Santiago Highlights

The most popular section of Spain’s Camino Frances is the final 115km from Sarria to Santiago. Many walkers choose this stage because it’s the minimum distance required to earn a Compostela (Pilgrim’s certificate). If your short on time, it’s the perfect option as you only need a week or two.

There is something for everyone along this final stretch: historic sites and churches, beautiful views, local cuisine and the companionship of other pilgrims, to name a few. The countryside is beautiful and it is the perfect walk to get a taste of Spanish culture and the rural lifestyles in Spain. There are plenty of villages to stop at along the way, too, so you can walk as little as 10km per day or up to 30km per day. It’s easily accessed by rail from Madrid.

Sarria

Walk the granite staircase (Escalinata Maior) to the old quarter, taking in historic stone houses and views. Check out the scenic lookout, home to a modern take on the cross at calvary (Miradoiro do Carcera); the views across the whole township and across to surrounding mountain ranges are spectacular. Don’t miss the Antiga Prison Comercal, a gallery showcasing local artists and is a great place to add a stamp to your passport.

Portomarin

The Mirador restaurant and bar has magnificent views of the Mino River and a great menu and wine list. The Igrexa de San Juan church was relocated before the original town was flooded with the creation of the Belesar Reservoir. Look out for the numbers on each stone which were used to rebuild.

Castromaior

An archaeological site here is missed by many pilgrims as it isn’t signed, but it is in John Brierley’s A Pilgrim’s Guide. Take the time to walk through this significant site, where the remains of the castle interior walls are surrounded by several deep trenches used to defend against the Roman soldiers.

Melide

Try the local delicacy of pulpo (octopus) at one of the two famous pulperia (Ezequiel or A Garnacha), which are both on the Camino path. There are also churches and museums to explore.

Arzúa

This town is renowned for its Queixo (cow cheese) so be sure to try some in a deli or with your meal at a local restaurant.

Casa Tia Dolores

Between Salceda and O’Pedrouzo is Casa Tia Dolores – a unique beer garden where pilgrims can leave their mark when they have finished their beer. They write on their empty beer bottle and it is placed in the garden.

Villamaior

Casa de Amancio has a great little cafe where pilgrims over the years have left blessings by way of coins tucked in amongst the stone walls. It is a great place to stop for refreshments before the final climb up to Mt Gozo.

Mount Gozo

The Mount Gozo monument to the visit of Pope John Paul II is an impressive monument that is visible from a few kilometres away. Less prominent are the smaller statues of two pilgrims looking towards Santiago which are to the left. Follow the path to the smaller pilgrim statues for uninterrupted views down to Santiago de Compostela.

Santiago

• Walk through the arch and down the stairs to the Cathedral entrance with bagpipes playing
• Receive your Compostela
• Wander the pedestrianised UNESCO World Heritage listed ‘Old town’ of Santiago de Compostela
• Stand (or sit) in the Plaza de Obradoiro with hundreds of pilgrims and reflect on your journey
• Visit the central Santiago Cathedral and see the swinging of the Botofumeiro
• Visit the Mercado de Abastos de Santiago (market) and enjoy a picnic in one of the parks
• Indulge in some of the freshest seafood in Spain in one of the many restaurants

Lugo

Lugo is also an excellent starting point for pilgrims looking to start their journey on a less crowded path for their initial days to Santiago. You’ll enjoy 2 days of very quiet trails on the Camino Primitivo before joining the Camino Frances to Santiago. Lugo can also be visited as day trip if you have spare day in Sarria. As the only city in the world that is completely surrounded by intact Roman walls, it is an impressive place to visit.

Samos

Also worth a visit is the impressive Benedictine monastery of Samos, on a section of the Camino de Santiago that runs between Triacastela and Sarria. In Samos village itself there are shops including bakeries and banks.

Walk Sarria to Santiago – what we offer

• Sarria to Santiago (9 days)
• Sarria to Santiago (11 days)
• Sarria to Santiago Group Trip (11 days)
• Sarria to Santiago Women’s Parador Trip (14 days)
• Sarria to Santiago: The Essentials Trip (8 days)

Other ways to reach Santiago

Did you know that there are many other wonderful ways to experience the crowning glory of walking into Santiago, earn your Compostela and meet people from around the world?

Lugo to Santiago (Camino Primitivo) 9 days
Walk the original path followed by pilgrims back in the early days of the Camino. Marvel at Spain’s only Roman-walled city in Lugo then enjoy 2 days of very quiet trails before joining the Camino Frances.

Ribadeo to Santiago (Camino del Norte) 12 days
Discover Ribadeo’s coastline and the spectacular Praia das Catedrais while enjoying the solitude of hiking through peaceful rural Galicia. Join the excitement with many pilgrims as the Camino routes converge near Arzua.

Baiona to Santiago (Portuguese Coastal Camino) 10 days
Explore the beautiful Galician towns of Baiona, Redondela, Pontevedra and Caldas de Reis. Fabulous scenery, fine accommodation and delicious Galician cuisine make this journey a truly memorable experience.

Vigo to Santiago (Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino) 10 days
Take in spectacular views and traverse delightful mountain paths as you walk from vibrant Vigo to Santiago. This itinerary includes a boat trip from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures along the Rio Ulla – a real highlight! If you walk the Spiritual Variant you are not technically allowed to receive a Compostela because of the boat trip involved from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesures.

Porto to Santiago (Portuguese Coastal Camino) 15 days
Walk along Portugal’s stunning Atlantic coastline and through rural Galicia. Explore charming fishing villages and historic towns. Savour delicious local seafood and take refreshing dips in the ocean. See also our 18-day option.

Choose from our self-guided Camino itineraries

RAW Travel is Australia’s leading walking tour operator for the Camino de Santiago. We offer options for all of the Camino routes in France, Portugal and Spain. Whether you want to take the inland route via the Camino Frances, walk through France on Le Puy Camino, enjoy the coastal route on the Portuguese Camino or take on the challenge of the Camino del Norte, we have the best self-guided walking holidays for you to choose from. We can also tailormake the perfect pilgrimage, just for you.