length
13 Days
difficulty
Moderate
trip cost
from $2100 pp

Highlights
Madrid to Santiago
- Begin your journey in the exciting city of Madrid
- Free time to explore Spain’s exciting capital
- Walk the final 100km of the Camino Trail; qualify for your Compostela
- Finish in the historic city Santiago; visit the final end point at the Cathedral
Itinerary
Madrid to Santiago
ARRIVE IN MADRID
Welcome to Madrid, the starting point for your exciting journey! Today is an arrival day so you can arrive at any time. Please make your own way to the starting hotel in Madrid.
FREE DAY IN MADRID
Today is a free day at leisure to enjoy the sites of Madrid at your own pace.
Meals: B
MADRID TO SARRIA
The morning is free before taking an afternoon train from Madrid to Sarria which sees you arrive into Sarria in the evening. Sarria is the starting point for your Camino. On arrival at Sarria train station you will be transferred to your hotel.
Sarria is a busy, modern town with plenty of shops, hotels, restaurants and bars, but its origins are Celtic and it was an important and major medieval centre for pilgrims. Remnants of its ancient past can still be seen in the old quarter along Rua Major. The church of Igrexia de Santa Maria has an ancient pilgrim’s mural. If you follow the Camino route to the top end of town you will see the ancient convent Monasterio da Madalena, the ruins of the castle and the medieval bridge Ponte Aspera that crosses the River Celerio.
Nowadays the town is bustling with peregrinos, from those that started their Camino 100’s of kilometers back, to pilgrims like you that walk the final 100 kilometres to Santiago de Compostela to qualify for their Compostela.
Meals: B
WALK SARRIA TO MORGADE (12KM)
Time to finally get onto the Camino Trail and on your way to Santiago. The majority of your first walk is a great introduction as it is along sheltered woodland pathways or quiet country roads and passes through many hamlets and small villages. The scenery along the way is wonderfully green and lush and very rural. The trail climbs and falls repeatedly as it passes tiny hamlets full of history.
Meals: B
WALK MORGADE TO PORTOMARIN (10KM)
The high point of the day (660m) at Pina dos Corvos has wonderful views over the reservoir and surrounding countryside. From here begin your steep descent, crossing the Mino Reservoir over its modern bridge into Portomarin.
Portomarin has been inhabited for thousands of years and its importance grew with the popularity of the Camino in the middle ages. At one time it had three orders of Knights: the Knights Templar, the Knights of St John and the Knights of Jerusalem, which may go some way to explaining the castle like edifice of the 12th century Romanesque Igelsia San Nicolas church which still stands in the square at the centre of town. The town was previously divided by the Rio Mino but was flooded in 1960 to create the Mino Reservoir. Every historic monument was moved brick by brick to the town that stands on the hill today; you can see pictures of the old town in some of the bars and cafes that line the main street.
Meals: B
WALK PORTOMARIN TO VENTAS DE NARON (12KM)
Today’s walk is uphill for pretty much all the way, however the gradient is never too steep. The path crosses and runs parallel to the main road to Gonzar, though you spend most of your days walking on woodland tracks and quiet roads
Meals: B
WALK VENTAS DE NARON TO PALAS DE REI (11KM)
A climb to start the day takes you to Sierra Ligonde, today’s high point at 720m. The walk is then downhill to Ligonde and Eirexe and onto A Calzada. There is a detour here of 2 km to the National Monument, Vilar de Donas where the Knights of Santiago are buried and is worthy of a visit if you have time. A gentle climb now takes you through several small hamlets to Alto Rosario, a good vantage point on a clear day and then down into Palas de Rei.
Palas de Rei or Palace of the King has little to remind you that it was once home to a king. Today it is a small country town with plenty of services available.
Meals: B
WALK PALAS DE REI TO MELIDE (15KM)
Today’s walk is mostly on paths through quiet woodland, crossing over the main road to Arzua several times and guiding you through six river valleys to reach a high point of 515m at Coto.
On route you will pass Melide, a busy town founded in the 13th century and has many historic buildings and churches including the Capilla de San Pedro and San Roque next to which stands a 14th century stone cross said to be the oldest in Galicia. The museum and the buildings around the Plaza de Convento are well worth a visit. Melide is also famous for Pulpo Gallego, octopus cooked Galician style and reputed to be the best in Spain.
Meals: B
WALK MELIDE TO ARZUA (14KM)
From Melide the path winds through woodlands of oak, pine and eucalypt, passing over several valleys though Boente, Castañeda and then Ribadiso from where you can see the Hospital San Anton, one of the oldest pilgrim hospitals in existence. From Ribadiso follow the country road on a steep uphill climb and through the outer suburbs before entering Arzua.
Arzua with a population of around 7000 is the last large town before you reach Santiago. The 14th century Capilla de la Magdelena is the town’s main monument. Arzua is most famous for its local cheese, Queixo, a smooth creamy cheese made from cow’s milk which most restaurants feature in some way and is definitely worth trying. The town also celebrates its cheese with a Queixo Cheese festival every March.
Meals: B
WALK ARZUA TO O PEDROUZO (21KM)
The majority of today’s walk to O Pedrouzo is through wonderful pine and eucalyptus scented woodland. The path is mostly level, passing through three shallow river valleys with a gradual climb up to Alto de Santa Irene at 404m. The country lanes and woodland paths pass through many small hamlets. The final section climbs steeply to a main road, into eucalyptus woodland and onto A Rua and the village to O Pedrouzo. O Pedrouzo /Arco do Pino is a small but busy town with plenty of shops, restaurants and bars and the staging point for the last section of the Camino before entering Santiago de Compostela.
Meals: B
WALK O’PEDROUZO TO SANTIAGO (20KM)
Today’s route will be a busy as pilgrims begin the last stage of their walk into Santiago. The pilgrims mass at Santiago Cathedral begins at midday so you will need to leave early to arrive on time. The first section of today’s route passes through eucalypt forests with most of the route on quiet roads and pathways before the final kilometres and a climb to Mount Gozo before descending into the suburbs of Santiago. The path runs alongside the airport and you will see many crosses of twigs and branches used by pilgrims to decorate the fence.
Lavacolla village is where pilgrims traditionally washed to purify themselves before entering Santiago and Lavacolla literally means to wash your tail. At Monte Gozo, Mount of Joy, you will first sight the stunning Catedral de Santiago spires.
The final section is well signposted into the old quarter with its wonderful historical buildings and narrow shop filled alleyways, until you finally reach the Praza Obradoiro and the wonderful ancient Cathedral.
Meals: B
FREE DAY IN SANTIAGO
Today you have the whole day to enjoy and explore historic Santiago with its many enticing tapas bars and restaurants. You can attend the midday pilgrims mass and look around the famous Cathedral of St James which forms the city’s heart and watch the steady stream of pilgrims arriving into the square as they finish their epic journey.
Meals: B
DEPART SANTIAGO
You are free to check out of your hotel any time before 10am. If you would like to explore Santiago further you are able to leave your bags with reception.
Meals: B
Inclusions
What you get
- 12 nights excellent accommodation including historic hotels and character country houses
- Private ensuite rooms on a twin share or single room basis
- Daily breakfast
- PM train to Sarria
- Luggage transfer each day from hotel to hotel when walking (1 x 15kg bag per person)
- Camino guidebook with maps (one book per two people in twin/double share)
- Pilgrim’s passport per person
- Spanish phrasebook (one book per two people in twin/double share)
- Document case
- Luggage tags
- Maps of your hotel locations
- Local and Australian emergency contact numbers
- Pre-trip Camino guidance and planning
- Dedicated local support person in Spain for reassurance
- Single supplement $1050
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Travel insurance
- Flights to/from Spain
For an extra indulgence, upgrade your hotel in Santiago to a Parador from $150 per person/per night twin share and $220 per person/per night single occupancy, when booked 6 months in advance (subject to availability).
RAW Travel also offers tailormade arrangements and can adapt this itinerary to suit your needs – just ask us about this and we can advise on how to best vary the itinerary to suit your needs. Please note that tailormade arrangements incur higher costs due to the extra work involved.

Exclusive Guide
Camino De Santiago
Discover inspiration, travel essentials, practical information and more in our free Destination Guide. All you need to know about walking the Camino de Santiago routes through Spain, Portugal and France!
Walking the Camino is an incredible journey that will immerse you not only in Europe’s grand history, food and culture but most importantly the extraordinary camaraderie that exists along these routes. The spirit of the Camino de Santiago is alive and well among people from all over the world. It is a ‘bucket list’ experience you will never forget!
Portuguese Coastal Camino
Lisbon to Santiago – Portuguese Coastal Camino
- Explore Lisbon’s abundant history, fine cuisine and lively culture
- Fresh cod and grilled sardines the world famous ‘Pastéis de Nata’
- Lush fields, olive and citrus groves, beautiful beaches and wild coastlines
- Roman remains, old Knights Templar towns, Moorish bastions
$5,995.00
Portuguese Coastal Camino
Porto to Santiago – Portuguese Coastal Camino
- Savour the slower pace of this much quieter Camino
- memorable encounters with friendly locals along the way
- Rest or explore with a free day in Porto, a vibrant and fascinating riverside city
- Make an optional visit to Tui or a day trip to the Cies Islands
$3,195.00
Camino de Santiago
The Camino Stage 1. St Jean Pied de Port to Logrono
- Cross the imposing and beautiful Pyrenees from France into Spain
- Enjoy a sip of wine at the famous wine fountain of Irache
- History, vibrant basque culture, nightlife in Pamplona
- Join a Tapas or Pincho tour in the streets of Pamplona and Logrono
$1,890.00
Camino de Santiago
The Camino Stage 3-5. Leon to Santiago
- Walk the final 300km of the Camino Trail
- This self-guided trip allows you to set your own pace
- Finish in this historic city of Santiago; visit the final end point of your walk at the Cathedral
$2,940.00
Camino de Santiago
The Camino Stage 3-5. Leon to Santiago: Women’s Trip
- Walking over 300km of the French Camino Trail
- Visit the final end point of your walk at the Cathedral in Santiago
- Self-guided trip; set your own pace, we look after your accommodation and luggage transfers
$3,050.00
Camino de Santiago
The Camino Stage 5. Sarria to Santiago: 11 day
- Walk the final 100km of the Camino Trail
- Qualify for your Compostela
- Finish in this historic city of Santiago
- Visit the final end point of your walk at the Cathedral
$1,650.00
Camino de Santiago
The Camino Stage 5. Sarria to Santiago: Women’s Trip
- Walk the final 100km of the Camino Trail
- Qualify for your Compostela
- Finish in Santiago and visit the final end point of your walk at the Cathedral
$2,250.00
Camino de Santiago
The Camino Stage 5. Sarria to Santiago: The Essentials Trip
- Walk the final 100km of the Camino Trail
- Qualify for your Compostela
- Finish in this historic city of Santiago
- Visit the final end point of your walk at the Cathedral
$995.00
Le Puy French Camino
The Conques Trip: Le Puy Camino
- Discover historic UNESCO World Heritage site
- Make your way through fairytale villages and beautiful countryside
- Local cuisine that is ever changing as you pass through different regions
- Explore and be awed by the ‘Les plus beaux villages de France’
$2,200.00
Camino de Santiago
The Full Camino
- Self-guided walking trip; Set your own pace
- Enjoy Spain’s rich legacy of history, culture, food and art
- Ideal for single travellers who like the details of their trip well planned
- Country roads, forest tracks over old villages, cities born from the Camino trail
$5,995.00
Camino de Santiago
The Full Camino: Walk and Cycle
- Enjoy a sip of wine at the famous wine fountain of Irache!
- Bring a rock from home to leave at the Cruz de Ferro
- Indulge the tastebuds, visit the Museo del Chocolate in Astorga
- Finish your pilgrimage walk into the city of Santiago de Compostela
$6,200.00
Camino de Santiago
The Highlights Trip – Camino
- Walk the best sections of the Camino
- Use trains to visit other cities along the route
- Follow in the footsteps of millions of pilgrims
- Dedicated local support person in Spain
$2,590.00
TRIP date selection
when would you like to travel?
Please select your preferred dates for on-demand trips or select a scheduled date for group departures. If you have booked a self-guided trip please understand that because your trip date is on demand and we must check availability of all properties on your chosen dates before it can be fully confirmed