Camino de Santiago (self-guided)
The Camino de Santiago (the Way of St James) has been an important pilgrimage walk since medieval times. Today a registered World Heritage Site, the Camino continues to draw travellers’ from around the world, all bound for the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela where tradition states is the home of the relics of St James (Santiago). This self guided walking adventure explores the final stage of the Camino Francés (the French Way) walking from the town of Sarria to Santiago de Compostela covering the last 100 kilometres of the greater 780 kilometre route that originates in France.
One of the most scenic and traditional of all Camino routes, you will walk alongside fellow pilgrims, traversing the hilly landscape of Galicia, one of Spain’s greenest and most rugged regions. Whether it’s a spiritual experience you seek or an exhilarating walk in Spain’s beautiful northwest, you will encounter impressive historical sites, wonderful old hamlets and warm Galician hospitality at every turn. Buen Camino!
Itinerary
| Day Number(s) | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Sarria. |
| 2 | Walk peaceful country roads and oak woods via the villages of Barbadelo and Ferreiros. Cross the river Miño to Portomarin and its 13th century church of St Nicolas (5-6 hours/23 km). |
| 3 | Ascend to the Mountains of Ligonde. Pass small rural villages all the way to Lestedo (4-5 hours/21 km). |
| 4 | Walk via Palas de Rei to the town of Melide. Explore the treasures of its medieval centre, including the former monastery Church Santci Spiritu and Santa Maria de Melide (4-5 hours/19 km). |
| 5 | Walk via the ancient pilgrimage villages of Boente and Castañeda to the city of Arzúa, where the Camino Frances (French Way) meets the Camino del Norte (North Way) (3-4 hours/15 km). |
| 6 | Walk from Arzúa to Rúa through woods and green meadows by streams and small villages. Visit the Chapel of Santa Irene along the way (4-5 hours/19 km). |
| 7 | Leave Rúa and walk to the small village of Lavacolla. Ascend to Monte del Gozo (Mount of Joy) (368m) for first views of Santiago’s Cathedral of Towers. Walk the final leg through the town to Praza do Obradoiro and the gates of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela (4-5 hours/19 km). |
| 8 | The journey ends after breakfast in Santiago de Compostela. |
Trip Highlights
Gallery
Video
From Our Blog
Past Travellers' Ratings & Comments
Gretel - Australia, 17 Sep, 2011
My daughter and I really enjoyed this trip - the walking was easy, hotels on the whole good and a fascinating journey. Spending 6 days walking was good and it is a very different experience arriving in villages, towns and a city on foot. We met interesting people en route.
At A Glance
Trip Length |
8 days |
Trip Code |
PECM |
Activities |
|
| Walking (Moderate), Self-Guided (Moderate) | |
Minimum Passengers |
|
| 2 people | |
Countries Visited |
|
| Spain | |
Start City |
|
| Sarria | |
End City |
|
| Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain | |
