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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
Dates & 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.



















