Camino Frances: Slower-Paced

Sarria is, for many, the starting point of the Camino de Santiago, since it is very close to the last hundred kilometers, which is the minimum distance to walk to obtain the “Compostela”. That´s why the medieval Sarria does not disappoint. The first day is a day to acclimatize, rest and prepare for the adventure that will begin the next day. Arrival in Sarria on behalf of the client.

This first stage is smooth, without many slopes, with a comfortable route. Leaving Sarria will meet many other pilgrims who, like you, begin their adventure. You enter the deepest and most beautiful Galicia.

In the middle of the Galician forests, today you will be captivated by the beauty of the chestnut trees, oaks, rivers and meadows. The old town of Portomarín is located under the waters of the Belesar reservoir. The river Miño will be the one that announces that are already arriving to your destination.

Begin descending to the Belesar Reservoir and, once you have reached this point, you will ascend to the Monte de San Antonio. During this stage you will be able to visit the Castro de Castromaior, which is located on top of a hill.

Today you will pass through the village of Lestedo, just after the town of Eirexe, where it is worth visiting its unique cemetery. Walking through lush forests, you will arrive at the town of Palas de Reis, one of the most traditional on the Camino de Santiago.

Leave the province of Lugo behind to enter the province of A Coruña. Get out of Palas through “Campo dos Romeiros”, a key point for the pilgrims' meeting, and walk towards Leboreiro, a pleasant way surrounded by lush forests. Fonally, you reach Melide crossing the river through a medieval bridge.

Once again, there are few kilometers that awaits you today. Enjoy some of the charming towns along the way such as Boente and Castañeda until you reach Arzua, a town famous for the cheese.

Quiet stage and shorter than the next one, which will take you to the place of Lavacolla, the one prior to your arrival in Compostela. You will continue walking and enjoying nature as you pass.

Continue enjoying the nature of the Camino de Santiago. This will be the shortest stage of your journey. A day to take it easy and prepare to face the last sections with full energy.

Arrive at Lavacolla, the town where the airport of Santiago de Compostela is located. Tradition says that this was where the pilgrims used to wash just before entering Compostela, which would give the name the etymological meaning of "washing the neck", lava-colla.

You are already at the gates of Compostela. The path runs through fairly quiet sections, between rural areas and small villages. Your greatest difficulty today will be the ascent to Monte do Gozo, but as soon as you reach the top, everything will be joy, as its name suggests. From there, you can have your first panoramic view of the city and the towers of the cathedral, your final destination. Once in Monte do Gozo, the stage is already downhill or flat and immediately you will find yourself on the urban route, which you will enter through San Lázaro neighborhood.

Buen Camino, see you soon!