French Way - Sarria to Santiago

Your Camino begins in the lively pilgrim town of Sarria, the most popular starting point for the final 100 kilometers to Santiago. Upon arrival, we gather for a relaxed welcome and orientation dinner — an opportunity to meet your fellow travelers, review the week ahead, and settle into the rhythm of the journey. You’ll receive your pilgrim passport (credential), the small but meaningful document that will be stamped along the way and ultimately lead to your Compostela. With anticipation in the air, your Camino officially begins

Distance: 22 km / 13.5 miles
Average walking time: 5–6 hours

Today we walk from Sarria to Portomarín. Sarria is named after the River Sarria, whose name is believed to originate from a pre-Roman Celtic tribe, the Seurri, who once inhabited this region.

Sarria is also considered the unofficial starting point for pilgrims walking the minimum required distance to Santiago. Just a few hours into today’s walk, we pass the 100-kilometer marker — a meaningful milestone for many pilgrims.

The route leads through shaded forest paths, small villages, and quiet countryside before arriving in Portomarín, a historic town overlooking the Miño River. Its main church, San Nicolás, was carefully relocated stone by stone when the valley was flooded, preserving the town’s heritage.

Distance: 25 km / 15.5 miles
Average walking time: 6–7 hours

Today we walk from Portomarín to Palas de Rei, crossing rolling hills, eucalyptus groves, and rural hamlets. Leaving Portomarín, the trail gently ascends, offering long, peaceful stretches that encourage a steady walking rhythm.

Palas de Rei derives its name from Pallatium Regis — “Palace of the King” — believed to reference a former Visigothic royal residence. Today, it remains a welcoming Camino town with a strong pilgrim tradition.

Distance: 15 km / 9 miles
Average walking time: 3.5–4 hours

Today’s walk from Palas de Rei to Melide is shorter and especially scenic. The Camino winds through wooded trails, medieval stone bridges, and traditional Galician villages that feel largely untouched by time.

Melide is a highlight for many pilgrims. It is famous for its pulpo a la gallega and marks the point where the Camino Primitivo joins the Camino Francés, bringing together walkers from different routes and journeys.

Distance: 14 km / 8.5 miles
Average walking time: 3–4 hours

Today we walk from Melide to Arzúa through gentle countryside, oak forests, and small farming communities. The terrain is easy and social, with many pilgrims walking at a similar pace.

This section reflects Galicia’s rural character — green fields, stone walls, and quiet villages. Arzúa is well known for its local cheese, queso de Arzúa-Ulloa, and its lively Camino atmosphere as Santiago draws nearer.

Distance: 19 km / 12 miles
Average walking time: 4.5–5 hours

Today’s route takes us from Arzúa to O Pedrouzo, passing through eucalyptus forests and peaceful paths. With the end of the Camino approaching, many walkers use this day for reflection and quiet conversation.

O Pedrouzo is the final overnight stop for most pilgrims. The town carries a sense of anticipation as conversations turn toward arrival in Santiago and the meaning of the journey.

Distance: 20 km / 12.5 miles
Average walking time: 5–6 hours

Our final walk begins early as we head toward Santiago de Compostela. From Monte do Gozo — the “Hill of Joy” — pilgrims catch their first glimpse of the cathedral towers in the distance.

The Camino concludes in the Praza do Obradoiro, in front of the cathedral. Arrival is often emotional — a shared moment of completion, gratitude, and connection with pilgrims from around the world.

The walk ends here, but for many, the Camino experience continues long after the final steps.

After breakfast, a local historian guides us through the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, revealing the layers of history and transformation that have shaped this sacred site since the original 9th-century chapel. Standing where centuries of pilgrims have gathered is a powerful and unforgettable moment. Following the tour, we share our final “¡Buen Camino!” and leave you at the Cathedral in time to attend the noon Pilgrims’ Mass if you would like — a meaningful and fitting close to your journey.