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This final stage of the iconic Camino de Santiago is perfect for time-conscious travellers seeking a meaningful walking experience. Covering the last 115km from Sarria to Santiago, it offers the chance to earn the official Compostela certificate, awarded to pilgrims who walk at least 100km to the sacred city. Over five rewarding and sometimes tough days on foot, you’ll travel through the rolling landscapes of Galicia, passing forests, quiet hamlets, stone farmhouses and historic churches. Along the way, there are many signs of the pilgrims who came before – from ancient grain silos and wayside crosses, to the timeless rhythm of village life. As you near the final stretch, anticipation builds toward your arrival at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, believed to house the tomb of St James the Apostle. Whether you walk for spiritual, cultural or personal reasons, this stage of the Camino offers a deep connection to history and a lasting sense of achievement.
Spain
Sarria
Santiago de Compostela
12kg of CO2-e PP per day
(73kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive in Sarria
Make your own way to Sarria and the first hotel. A medieval town full of history and Jacobean tradition, Sarria is located on a hilltop with a river on either side affording you great views of the region. It is the most popular starting point to walk the Camino to Santiago.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Walk through the hills of Galicia to Portomarin (6hrs)
We recommend visiting the Church of the Convent of La Magdalena before you set out today. On today's walk you will pass through many small villages dotted along areas of cultivated land, grazing pastures and woodlands, and see “horreos”, the typical raised grain silos of the area. It's a relatively easy walk until the steep descent to cross the bridge over the Miño River and the Belesar Reservoir, where you can see ruins of the ancient flooded village. Continue into Portomarin and your accommodation. Distance 22km/13.7mi
Meals: B
Day 3
To Palas de Rei (6-7hrs)
The route today takes you past farmland, charming hamlets and calvaries. You will pass through the hamlet of Ventas de Naron, over the gentle Sierra de Ligonde, then downhill through Previsa, Lameiros and Ligonde where you will find a church dedicated to the apostle St James. Emperor Charles V stayed here in the modest village of Ligonde, on 24 March 1520. Continue to Palas de Rei and your accommodation. Distance 24km/14.9mi
Day 4
Leave Lugo province to enter La Coruña, walk via Melide to Arzúa (9hrs)
Today's walk offers scenic beauty and heritage, from forests and quiet rivers to churches and medieval bridges, taking you through the small towns of Coto and Leboreiro. Crossing the River Seco on the Magdalena Bridge you will reach Furelos. Continue to Melide, one of the larger towns along the Galician section of the Camino, where we recommend trying the local speciality, ‘Pulpa a Feira’, octopus usually served boiled, sprinkled with salt and paprika and drizzled with olive oil. The terrain becomes easier as you walk through the rural landscapes and villages that reflect the tradition and agricultural life of Galicia. Continue to Arzúa, home of the D.O. Arzúa-Ulloa cheese. Distance 28km/17.5mi Optional upgrade available to stay in a 'pazo' (Galician traditional house) a little out of town - supplement applies and must be requested at time of booking.
Day 5
Continue to Rúa or Pedrouzo (5-6hrs)
Today’s walk will bring you to the small town of Rua which has a population of only 50 people. The walking is lovely, with gentle slopes leading past green fields and rural landscapes, gradually becoming more urban. Or if you're booked to stay in Pedrouzo, it's a little along the way. Distance 18km/11.1mi
Day 6
Arrive Santiago (5-6hrs)
The last day on the trail is always special. Today you will pass many ancient sites including monuments, chapels and bridges – all have a story to tell. Follow country lanes and forest paths through increasingly populated landscapes. At Monte do Gozo take a small detour for spectacular views of Santiago then continue downhill to the city. Arriving in fabled Santiago de Compostela there is plenty to see and do – or you can simply relax and celebrate the end of your journey. Distance 21km/13mi
Day 7
Trip concludes Santiago de Compostela
Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. If you'd like to add an extra night, please ask for our rates.
What's included
What's not included
During the trip you will stay in a collection of hand picked accommodation ranging from quality hotels, farmhouse B&Bs and guesthouses. Location is one of the key factors, with clean mainly spacious rooms, ensuite facilities, helpful staff and a comfortable relaxed atmosphere.
GRADE 3 - This trip covers the final stage of the Camino over 5 days of walking, with daily distances ranging from 14 to 28km (9 to 17.5 miles). Trails are well-marked, mostly on compacted paths and country roads, with a mix of flat and gently undulating terrain with some more challenging sections of around 250m in ascent. While route-finding is generally straightforward, some extra attention is needed when approaching or leaving towns. As this is a self-guided trip, you’ll need to be confident using the provided route notes and maps. You’ll walk at your own pace, with time to enjoy the historic villages, local cuisine, and cultural highlights along the way. A good level of fitness is essential to complete the daily distances comfortably. If you’re looking for a slightly more relaxed pace, consider our 8-day itinerary, which spreads the journey over 6 walking days with shorter average distances.
Per Person, Twin Share
There are many bars and cafes at various points along the trail where you can stop and fill up on a slice of Spanish Tortilla, or a bocadillo. These spots will also have facilities you can use if you're buying something, and will often be happy to refill your water bottle.
Card is accepted is most places, but please be aware that some individual bars or cafes may be cash only. You will also find along the way some special stamps offered for donations - it is worthwhile having some coins handy for these.
The fitter you are the more you will enjoy the trip. Please refer to the grading description which outlines fitness requirements for this trip.
In order to secure your place on the trip we recommend you book as soon as you are ready. Bookings open for the following year in mid September.
The closest airport is Santiago de Compostela, from the airport you need to take a bus to Sarria (with one change). Some people prefer not to fly into Santiago de Compostela and instead choose to fly into Madrid. From Madrid you can take the train to Sarria, the journey takes approximately 6 hours.
We are able to cater for gluten free diets, however at times, choices are limited. Breakfasts served at the hotels are generally continental style and we suggest bringing your own gluten free breads or cereals. We also recommend bringing your own snacks. Generally in Europe it is quite easy to purchase gluten free foods from supermarkets and shops, but can be harder in restaurants.
This trip can be booked from 1 February to 15 November. The summer months tend to be busy months on the Camino Trail and the weather can be quite hot. In our experience starting the trip in late April or May, or from September to early October, is the best time to travel. The trail is less busy and the weather is cooler. Galicia experiences rain year round.
The Pilgrim's Passport or 'Credencial' is included on this trip and you will receive one locally. The Pilgrim's Passport makes a great souvenir and way to track your walk. You can ask to have your Pilgrim's Passport stamped at churches, your hotels and many other places along the route.
The Compostela is a certificate of completion of the Camino de Santiago and you must walk at least the last 100km into Santiago to receive it. This trip starts in Sarria which is 110km from Santiago, so you will be able to receive your Compostela at the end of the walk. To show that you have walked the last 100km you will need to have at least 2 stamps per day in your Pilgrim's Passport.
The Camino Trail is exceptionally well waymarked, with yellow arrows and markers used frequently throughout the route. It is nearly impossible to get lost on this walk.
It is possible to book an extra night at any of the hotels we use which would allow you to have a rest day. However, this does need to be advised at the time of booking.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Personal Experience
We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.
Great Value & Quality
Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.
Self-Guided Specialists
We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.
self guided walk
hotel, pension
8Days
Moderate to Challenging
hotel, guesthouse
Moderate
self-guided walking
hotel, manor house