Sarria to Santiago: Women’s Parador Trip

Today you will arrive by your own arrangements into Monforte de Lemos. After checking in, take time to settle in and meet your roommate if you’ve opted for a twin-share. If you arrive in the morning you can spend your day exploring the city of Monforte de Lemos and all it has to offer.

Monforte de Lemos in medieval times was a unique example of a feudal city fortress, around a monastery with a castle located on a strategic hill and surrounded by a walled enclosure dotted with defensive towers, at the foot of the mountain the river gave life to the settlement and the town was formed. These days the castle has been well preserved and converted to the exceptional Parador de Monforte de Lemos where you will begin your Camino adventure.

Later in the evening, gather with fellow travellers and meet a member of our local staff for a welcome briefing, where we’ll outline the trip and what to expect in the days ahead. It’s a great opportunity to connect with your group and build excitement for the journey. This will be followed by a welcome dinner arranged by RAW Travel—a perfect way to kick off your Camino and celebrate with new friends.

Meals: D

The town of Monforte de Lemos is a great base in which to explore the surrounding area if you are interested in a day trip, there are many natural forests, deep river canyons, traditional villages, Romanesque monuments and there are two main wineries which are renowned for their traditional methods and production that offer tastings in the area. Or perhaps you would like to start your journey relaxing and slowing down in preparation for your Camino enjoying the Parador’s facilities such as jacuzzi, swimming pool, gym, and wi-fi. The town centre has some fantastic tapas restaurants to explore as well as a great tourist office which provides information on the history of the town and the wineries surrounding.

Meals: B

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred from Monforte de Lemos to Sarria, where you’ll begin your Camino walk towards Santiago. Your first day on the trail is a gentle introduction, following peaceful woodland paths and quiet country roads. The route winds through a patchwork of small villages and hamlets, surrounded by lush, green Galician countryside. The terrain rises and falls gently, offering a scenic and immersive start to your Camino journey through this historic and rural landscape.

Meals: B

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

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

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

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

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

From Arzua the Camino passes through numerous tiny villages with their cafes, walking is mainly off road with plenty of shade from the numerous eucalyptus trees, through farmland and up and down river valleys. Salceda is a small village with a few restaurants and bars, your excitement and anticipation will begin to rise with only a few short kilometres to walk until you reach Santiago with its wonderful Cathedral.

Meals: B

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 of O’Pedrouzo.

O’Pedrouzo / Arco do Pino is a small but busy town with plenty or shops, restaurants and bars and the staging point for the last section of the Camino before entering Santiago de Compostela.

Meals: B

Today’s route will be busy as pilgrims begin the last stage of their walk into Santiago. The route passes through eucalypt forests with most of the route on quite roads and pathways. Lavacolla village is where pilgrims traditionally washed to purify themselves before entering Santiago. Lavacolla literally means ‘to wash your tail’.

Meals: B

The Pilgrim’s mass at Santiago Cathedral begins at midday, so allow yourself enough time to arrive as there may be queues. Enjoy the climb to Mount Gozo (Mount of Joy) and your first sight of the stunning cathedral spires 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. The final section of the walk is well signposted, guiding you into Santiago’s old quarter, with its beautiful historic buildings and narrow, shop-filled alleyways. As you descend into the heart of the city, follow the signs to the grand Praza do Obradoiro, where the majestic Cathedral of Santiago awaits. Standing before this ancient landmark, take a moment to reflect and celebrate your incredible achievement—shared with the fellow pilgrims who have walked beside you on this unforgettable journey.

Meals: B

Today you have the whole day to enjoy and explore historic Santiago, with its many enticing tapas bars, restaurants, and charming streets. You can attend the midday pilgrim mass and visit the famous Cathedral of St. James, which forms the heart of the city. Take time to watch the steady stream of pilgrims arriving into the square, completing their own incredible journeys. Later in the day, make sure to share a farewell drink or meal with your group—celebrating your achievement and the meaningful connections made along the way.

Meals: B