Self-guided French Camino Sarria to Santiago Route

Today you will check in to your hotel in Sarria. You can spend the day exploring the local surroundings, from the castle, to the convent, to the churches and pretty shops overflowing with antiques. Sample some local dishes like Galician stew, octopus or quail before heading to your hotel for dinner and a good night’s rest.

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, you will set out for the beautiful town of Portomarín. This peaceful route will take you through sleepy hamlets, peaceful countryside and impressive Romanesque churches. Portomarín is a unique town, which was rebuilt after the original settlement was flooded by a reservoir. You can check out the San Juan church with was lovingly moved stone by stone by the residents, and in autumn months you might catch a glimpse of the old town’s ruins in the depths of the river Miňo! After exploring the local town, you can indulge in a wonderful meal at your hotel after a long day on the trail.

Refreshed by a good night’s sleep, you will head out into the local forest, relishing the comforting smell of pine. You can visit the beautiful Romanesque church of Santa María de Castromayor in Ferreiros, a hamlet that was specially built to serve the pilgrims’ horses in times gone by. After leaving a message at the Ventas de Narón cross, you will arrive in Palas de Rei where you will stay for the night.

Make sure you eat a hearty breakfast, because you have a long walk ahead of you today! There are plenty of delicious local dishes to help you reach Arzúa tonight. You can stop off in a little village to try sugared doughnuts, fried octopus or creamy local cheese. Check out the lovely medieval town of Ribadiso, before unwinding over dinner at Arzúa.

Today’s pilgrimage will take you over gurgling streams, through charming villages and beneath the shade of eucalyptus forests. You can visit the famous fountain of Santa Irene which, according to legend, has the power to heal the ailing pilgrim on his journey to Santiago. Enjoy your penultimate evening meal at your hotel in O Pedrouzo and, if you like, you can attend the pilgrims’ mass at the Romanesque-Gothic church of St Eulalia.

After 100 km on the Camino de Santiago, you will finally reach your destination. As you reach the top of Monte do Gozo, you will catch sight of the twin spires of the cathedral of Santiago. Take a moment to soak up this wonderful landscape, a view that’s been touching weary travelers for a thousand years! Reflect on the new memories and friendships that you have forged as you descend to Santiago to collect your pilgrims’ certificate, attend the pilgrims’ mass and visit the ancient relics and tombs.

Today you will bid your sad farewells to the French Way and your fellow pilgrims. If you would like to take some time to explore the vibrant city of Santiago, you can pre-book some additional nights in the hotel to relax and unwind. Alternatively, enjoy one last breakfast at the hotel before heading to your onward journey.