7 Nts The French Camino - Final Stretch

Day 1. Sarría

Sarría is a modern town with a lovely old quarter and a popular starting point for the Camino de Santiago. Many pilgrims choose to depart from Sarría because the distance from this point to Santiago de Compostela covers the necessary 100 kilometres required to receive a Pilgrim’s Certificate or Compostela. Take a stroll through the town’s historic district and enjoy the atmosphere at any of the riverside terraces where you can sample traditional tapas or a glass of the famous local Albariño white wine.

Overnight: Sarría

 

Day 2. Sarría - Portomarin (21.4 km)

Time to set off. Leave Sarría and enter a classic Galician countryside of meadows, woods and farmsteads. Your walk takes you along shaded trails, footbridges and country lanes lined with wildflowers. Along the way, you’ll spot many traditional Galician hórreos (elevated granaries) and lots of pretty villages where you can stop for water or assess our progress. A lovely descending trail takes you to your final stop, the town of Portomarin, where you can visit the castle-style church of San Juan.

Overnight: Portomarin

 

Day 3. Portomarin - Palas de Rei (33 km)

The Camino climbs out of Portomarin, then weaves in and out of forests and scrubland.

Today you cross the river Miño, Galicia’s longest river, and ascend steadily towards the Sierra de Ligonde. Pass charming hamlets such as Gonzar and Ventas de Narón, as well as more raised granaries and traditional stone crosses, before reaching the lively little town of Palas de Rei.

Overnight: Palas de Rei

 

Day 4. Palas de Rei - Arzua (28.8 km)

The Camino continues along shrub-lined tracks and byroads, passing the traditional village of Leboreiro and the lively market town of Melide, where you will find many restaurants serving octopus, Galicia’s most classic dish. Next, the Camino crosses several streams and follows a forest trail, bringing you to the village of Boente, the pretty medieval hamlet of Ribadiso and finally the town of Arzúa, famous for its local cheese.

Overnight: Arzua

 

Day 5. Arzua - Rua (19 km)

After our night in Arzúa, the Camino will take you through hamlets and farmlands, up and down shallow river valleys, and through forests of eucalyptus, pine and deciduous trees. Follow a mix of country backroads and forest tracks as far as Pedrouzo where you can relax, have dinner and look forward to your final day of walking.

Overnight: Rua

 

Day 6. Rua - Santiago de Compostela (20.8 km)

Your last day! Leave Pedrouzo and pass through more woods, before descending a country track towards the hamlet of Amenal. The Camino continues along quiet roads and rivers until a path lined with rows of tall eucalyptus trees leads you to the pilgrim complex overlooking Santiago de Compostela known as Monte do Gozo (Mount of Joy). Descend through the outskirts of the city, then weave through the narrow streets of the old town until you reach Plaza do Obradoiro and the beautiful Santiago Cathedral.

Overnight: Santiago de Compostela

 

Day 7. Free day in Santiago de Compostela

Time to relax and explore this magnificent spiritual and cultural city, the goal of every pilgrim from medieval times right up to today. You may like to reflect on your journey in the magnificent Cathedral, where you can also visit the shrine containing the relics of the Apostle Saint James. Exploring the narrow cobbled streets of the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sampling some local dishes, and kicking back in a terraza are other highlights of this beautiful historic city.

Overnight: Santiago de Compostela

 

Day 8. Santiago de Compostela.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the end of your Camino adventure.