At a Glance
Get a taste of the Camino de Santiago from Sarria to Santiago, an ideal choice for those seeking a short yet immersive pilgrimage experience for the treasured Compostela certificate and Pilgrim Passport. Wander at your own pace on this self-guided itinerary with the convenience of vehicle support, and stay in unique lodgings such as converted water mills and charming farmhouses. Immerse yourself in the allure of one of the world’s most iconic UNESCO routes, blending comfort with rustic charm in a truly unforgettable adventure.
The trek begins with your arrival in Sarria, where you embark on the Roman trail that leads out of the town into the Celerio Valley. Proceed to Portomarin through Sierra del Paramo and visit the churches in the city to stamp your pilgrimage passport. Arrive in Lestedo ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 7 nights’ accommodation on a twin share basis
- Meals as specified
- Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
- Route directions
- Luggage transfers between hotels
- Walking transfers
- Pilgrim’s Passport
Itinerary
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On the first day of the trip, arrive in Sarria, a municipality in Lugo Province, famed for its Galicia’s antique fairs, mediaeval churches, and the fortress of Sarria. Check in to your hotel in Sarria – the Rectoral de Goian. This old rectory was built in 1704 and retains its rural rustic charm from its façade to the interiors, all defined by resilient stone walls. The hotel shares proximity with the starting point of the Camino de Santiago trail, nestled in a valley surrounded by meadows. As you anticipate the adventure ahead, take a moment to soak in the natural beauty. If time is abundant, there is a nearby river beach to visit and embark on a short fishing expedition. Otherwise, partake in one of the table games or explore its garden and orchard, and enjoy a delicious dinner before retiring to your room for the night’s rest. |
Rectoral de Goian, Sarria
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Level 3, Approx. 23 km (14 miles), 3-5 hours walking Wake up to the fresh scents from the dew-drenched meadows in the valley and the brisk sunshine that blesses the stone walls with a rustic glow. Savour a hearty breakfast, the fuel for the day’s walk. This morning, embark on the Roman bridge that leads out of Sarria into the Celerio Valley. Walk through the quaint settlements that dot the southern flanks of Sierra del Paramo and descend into the village of Portomarin, once submerged by the Belesar Reservoir. Some of the remains of the village still reflect on the water’s surface and serve as visual treats on the walk. |
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Check into your hotel for the night at Casa Rural Santa Marina, a rural house situated on the banks of the Mino River. It offers rooms and wooden cabins surrounded by lush greenery. Rooms are cosy and equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and plush beds that absorb your tired body after a long day walking on country trails. |
Casa Rural Santa Marina, PortomarinBreakfast, Dinner |
Level 3, Approx. 21 km (13 miles), 3-5 hours walking This morning, a hearty breakfast puts the day on full throttle, and you can visit Portomarin’s famous attraction – Iglesia de San Juan, a 13th-century fortress Romanesque church. This church was transported brick by brick from the original town submerged by a lake to its present location at the top of a hill. After the church, proceed on the trail coursing through cornfields lined with ox-eyed daisies as you follow the path along Torres's stream. Ensure that your pilgrim's passport is stamped on the churches along the route dedicated to the order of St James before ending the trip to your hotel, an old rectory in the town of Lestedo. |
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Your accommodation, Rectoral de Lestedo, is a haven for relaxation within its stone-walled interiors featuring minimalistic décor. Feel a sense of oneness with nature as its wooden windows open sideways for adequate ventilation, offering views of the natural surroundings. |
Rectoral de Lestedo, LestedoBreakfast, Dinner |
Level 2, Approx. 14 km (9 miles), 2-3 hours walking With breakfast opening the day, fuel up and advance with O Coto in mind, winding through country lanes and bypassing fortified farmhouses. Arrive in the hill town of Palas de Rei, translated in English as Palace of Kings, as you continue up to the province of A Coruna. You walk past traditional raised Galician granaries and watch chickens sprint about and across the narrow streets for safety as you enter vineyards framed by views of Montes del Vacaloura. |
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Arrive at your hotel for the night at Casa de los Somoza in O Coto and repose in one of its 13 bedrooms, replete with comforting and essential amenities like cosy beds, Wi-Fi, and bathrooms. Enjoy a complimentary dinner at the restaurant, grab snacks at the snack bar, and relax on the outdoor furniture with views of the gardens. Otherwise, enjoy a massage and relieve your stressed body so that you wake up feeling renewed. |
Casa de los Somoza, O CotoBreakfast, Dinner |
Level 3, Approx. 21 km (13 miles), 3-5 hours walking Following an enriching breakfast, continue on the trail and make your first stop at the bustling country town of Melide to find locals relishing Galician seafood in exceptional restaurants known as pulperias or octopus restaurants. This town is remarkable for being the only destination where two Camino trails – Camino Frances and Primitivo meet, making it a bustling stop en route to Santiago de Compostela. Interestingly, St James' tomb was discovered in Melide. Visit the town’s Romanesque church to admire its elegant frescoes, and then continue to the lively market town of Arzua, passing country lanes flanked on both sides by bright yellow Celandine. Arrive at your final stop in style at an exotic stone manor house fenced by breathtaking countryside landscapes just outside the town. |
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Your accommodation for the night, Pazo de Santa Maria or Santa Maria Manor House, guarantees your ultimate comfort in amenities such as cosy queen beds, hydro massage bathtubs to relax, Wi-Fi, bathrooms, and TV on request. |
Pazo de Santa Maria, ArzuaBreakfast, Dinner |
Level 3, Approx. 19 km (12 miles), 3-5 hours walking This morning, relish a sumptuous buffet breakfast with organic options and follow the Colonnaded streets of Arzua into the open country. As you stride through the scenery, you will see local farmers donning berets, tending to their vines, and building haystacks with pitchforks. The route elevates and drops through river valleys, highlighting the scenic charms of the country outdoors as you cross rushing streams. Your trek terminates at a unique accommodation – O Muino de Pena, a converted water mill by Javier, where its original machinery has been transformed into eye-catching period designs. |
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Find unhinged comfort in one of its 7 rooms, defined by wood, stone, and iron. These rooms feature amenities such as Wi-Fi, individual heating, flat-screen TVs, and heated bathrooms. Some rooms feature river views, while the whistling sounds of the Mera River waterfalls inspire natural sentiments. Unwind at the serene lounge with a fireplace, visit the ethnographic museum, and enjoy dinner at the restaurant before retiring to bed. |
O Muino de Pena, RuaBreakfast, Dinner  |
Level 3, Approx. 21 km (13 miles) 3-5 hours walking On the penultimate day of this glorious trek, wake up to the soothing, rippling sounds of the nearby Mera River. Eat a delicious breakfast and brace for the last lap of the trail with the finishing line in mind. Afterward, journey toward Monte de Gozo (Mount of Joy) and experience the burst of emotions old pilgrims felt when they first set their eyes on the spires of Santiago. Advance into Santiago and further into its historic centre, flanked on all sides by pilgrims filled with glee and wonder as they approach the prize of the trip. The cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses the hallowed shrine of Apostle James, making it the ultimate delight of every pilgrim. Admire its fascinating baroque façade and visit the pilgrim office to collect your pilgrim certificate. Check into the historic Virxe da Cerca hotel in front of the old food marketplace, saturated with a kaleidoscope of colours. The hotel features two modern and historic buildings, split by two centuries of history, housing 42 rooms. Settle into one of the rooms, outfitted with air conditioning and heating, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and more. Enjoy a well-earned night’s rest. |
Hotel Virxe da Cerca, SantiagoBreakfast |
This morning, wake up in the majestic pilgrim city of Santiago. Your journey is complete, and you have fully earned your Compostela certificate. Pack your luggage, exchange last pleasantries with new acquaintances, and join your transfer service (if booked) back to the airport for departure, loaded with scintillating memories. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneNoneDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure point is Sarria, Spain
- The finish point is Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Sarria. The closest major airport to Sarria is Santiago de Compostela Airport (Airport Code: SCQ), located approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) away. This airport offers domestic and some international flights, making it a convenient option for travelers heading to Sarria.
- Airport transfers are not included. Joining location starts in your accommodation in Sarria making your own arrangements there. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.
In April and October expect temperatures in the 40-60°F/5-15°C with high chance of rain showers though it could also be simply partly cloudy and more temperate. Temperatures in May, June and September tend to be about 10°F/5°C warmer than April and October. Expect a combination of sun, showers and clouds. July and August are typically sunny and warm (60-80°F/15-25°C). Occasionally in summer there can be hot days so it is always important to make sure you have enough water.
The walking level on this trip is rated Level 2 Leisurely/ Moderate.
Level 1 Leisurely: Experience is not necessary; anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk will thrive. Walks are often optional. Trails are seldom flat, so expect a reasonable number of ascents and descents. You normally walk for two to five hours per day; daily ascents will likely be around 985ft to 1,640ft (300m to 500m), perhaps with the odd day around 1,970ft (600m).
Level 3 Moderate: Expect easy, medium-length walks or harder, shorter walks. Some experience is useful, but not essential. Good health and reasonable fitness are important. There will be walks at higher altitudes and some longer, harder days. Generally, though, the underfoot conditions will be fair. A walking day is normally five to seven hours; daily ascents will likely be around 1,640ft to 2,625ft (500m to 800m), perhaps with the odd day around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m).
Level 5 Challenging: Fitness is vital with extended walking in mountainous terrain. You might also experience high altitude, challenging climates and remote locations. Trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident in your physical condition. Walking days are usually between six and eight hours, although they may be longer for passes or peaks. Daily ascents can be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Level 7 Tough: Trekking experience is essential and preferably at altitude. You need complete confidence in your ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain. You may encounter extreme altitude and weather conditions and may need to use ice axes and crampons. Stamina is essential as walking days last six to nine hours (sometimes more on occasions). Daily ascents will likely be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Split and optional grades: Where a trip falls between two grades, an intermediate or ‘split’ grade is used. For example, Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). Occasionally there are optional ascents available; in this case, the grade will be highlighted.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
In the genuine spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
