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Map of Walk the Camino de Santiago including Spain

Embark on Europe’s greatest pilgrimage

Whether you’re looking for a cultural odyssey, physical challenge, religious pilgrimage or to meet interesting travel companions, walking the Camino de Santiago is sure to be a life-affirming and personally enriching adventure. Over seven days, undertake a journey along the final 100km of Spain’s Camino de Santiago, travelling with a small group of likeminded travellers and a local leader to add a deeper layer to your discoveries. Follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims as you walk through beautiful Galician countryside, passing quaint hamlets, roman ruins and stilted horreos. The feeling of arriving at the finishing point in Santiago de Compostela simply can’t be beat.

Start
Sarria, Spain
Finish
Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Destination
Spain
Style
Original
Theme
Walking & Trekking
Code
ZMXJ
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Walk the final 100km of the iconic Camino de Santiago with a local leader to provide historical context and add a deeper layer of understanding to your discoveries.

  • Uncover scenes of the real Galicia as you walk through traditional countryside, quaint hamlets, ancient bridges, roman ruins and beautifully preserved horreos on stilts.

  • Fuel your journey with unique Galician specialties, including traditional polbo a feira octopus in Melide and world-renowned cheese in Arzua.

  • Take a load off – literally! Your luggage will be transferred between your accommodation each day, meaning you’ll only have to carry a day pack, and your luggage will be waiting at your hotel.

  • Take a sip of Galicia’s Celtic history as your leader shows you how to make the traditional and mythical Queimada drink – prepare for a fiery show!

  • Feel an unbeatable sense of accomplishment as you complete your journey in the fascinating ancient city of Santiago de Compostela and collect your Camino certificate.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip involves plenty of walking and is best suited to travellers with a good level of mobility. Good footwear is a must.

  • There will be some long walking days and we recommend reading descriptions of all walks carefully. Your longest walking day is 29km, but there will be the option to take a taxi to shorten the walking distance.

  • During your trip you will visit numerous religious sites. You will need to bring clothes that cover the shoulders and knees. A light scarf is a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot. Your leader will be able to advise when such clothing is necessary.

  • This trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations and working with new partners can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

Group hike of pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago, Spain
spain_santiago-de-compostela_cathedral-tower
Spain Santiago de Compostela
Group lunch enjoying fresh octopus, also known as Pulpo
Inside the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, Spain
Pilgrim walking to Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Preparation of Queimada, a Galician punch that is set on fire

Itinerary
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Welcome to Spain! Your adventure begins in Sarria in the Galicia region of northwest Spain. This autonomous corner of the country has its own language, cuisine and culture, distinct from the rest of Spain, but is perhaps most famous for being the home of Santiago de Compostela, the finishing point of the Camino de Santiago. Over the next week you will be walking the final 100km of this iconic and world-renowned pilgrimage. A meeting will take place at 6pm this evening where you’ll meet up with your local leader and small group of fellow travellers joining you on your journey. After your meeting you may like to head out to a local restaurant for your first foray into the exciting world of Galician cuisine.
Accommodation
  • Pension (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today is a gentle introduction to the Camino de Santiago – it’s all about finding your feet, so be sure to take your time and pause to enjoy your scenic surroundings. Have your pilgrim passport handy as you will be getting this stamped at least twice a day throughout your journey. Kicking off from Sarria, walk a mostly asphalt path through beautiful countryside, passing forests of chestnut and oak trees, small farms, villages and wheat fields. You may like to stop for a breather at the Santiago de Barbadelo or the church of San Fiz de Reimondez – your leader will be on hand to share historical facts and interesting tidbits about the highlights you pass on your journey. Some of the little farms you pass will be selling lovely fresh produce like jams, bread and cheeses – perfect snacks to keep you going! After around 4.5 hours of walking (excluding stops) finish up for the day in the delightful town of Portomarin. An excellent spot to recharge your batteries, the town features an inviting array of restaurants and lovely views of the Embalse de Belesar lake. When the town was flooded by the creation of the Belesar reservoir, they dismantled the town’s historic buildings and rebuilt them on higher ground, so they can still be admired today.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Sarria to Portomarin guided walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s walking distance is 22km, taking approximately 5-6 hours (excluding stops).

Starting from Portomarin, much of today’s route is along a gravel path alongside the road with little traffic, often cutting through gorgeous Galician forests and fields. Walk through the rural Monterroso region and pass by the little villages of Gonzar, Ligonde and Castromaior – a slight detour from the latter will take you to the impressive Roman ruins of Castro de Castromaior. There will be stalls along the way selling fruit, snacks and cold drinks, plus plenty of places to stop for a sit-down meal or a coffee. Around halfway, climb a gradual hill to Sierra de Ligonde, followed by a gentle descent. Today’s walk wraps up in Palas de Rei, an interesting town dotted with historical buildings and Romanesque architecture. This evening, prepare for a real treat as you get up close and personal with one of Galicia’s most mystical and celebrated specialties. The Queimada, or “fire drink” has its roots in Galicia’s Celtic past, and is made with the liqueur oruju, lemon, and coffee beans, which is then set alight and said to ward off evil spirits. Not only is the result delicious, watching it come together is quite the show! Your leader will make this exciting drink for the group tonight, ensuring you won’t be bothered by any evil spirits for the rest of your journey!
Accommodation
  • Pension (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Portomarin to Palas de Rei guided walk
  • Roman ruins of Castromaior visit
  • Queimada drink preparation & tasting
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s walking distance is 25km, taking approximately 5-6 hours (excluding stops).

Get ready for your longest day on this stretch of the Camino de Santiago, covering the distance from Palas de Rei to Arzua. Today’s terrain is undulating asphalt, so prepare for some ups and downs. First, walk to the town of Melide – home to around 9000 people, this is one of the most populated spots on your journey. Melide is renowned for its fantastic food, specialising in polbo a feira, a flavoursome octopus dish. You and your group will gather together in Melide to tuck into a traditional polbo a feira lunch, which you may like to follow up with some melindres, mini glazed donuts popular in Melide. For those who wish to give their legs a rest, you’ll have the option to catch a taxi to Arzua, otherwise hit the road and continue the final stretch of today’s journey, crossing the Iso River and navigating a series of short but steep slopes. On arrival in Arzua, be sure to ask your leader about the revered cheese made in this region – definitely a must-try while here!
Accommodation
  • Private apartment (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Palas de Rei to Arzúa guided walk
  • Local speciality lunch in Melide
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s walking distance is 29km, taking approximately 6-7 hours (excluding stops).

Depart Arzua and reach a split in the path, where the right follows the main road, and the left cuts through shady forest. As the saying goes, the road less travelled is often the most rewarding, so veer left and enjoy a day of peaceful strolling, mostly through endearing forests and past little villages and farms – this is some of the most wonderful scenery on the whole Camino de Santiago. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the way to stop and fuel up. As you draw closer to O Pedrouzo, your base for evening, pass by the Fountain of Santa Irene, the water from which was said to cure diseases of crops and illnesses of children.
Accommodation
  • Pension (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Arzúa to O Pedrouzo guided walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s walking distance is 20km, taking approximately 5 hours (excluding stops).

Gear up for your final day of walking, conquering the leg between O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela, with each step taking you closer to the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Begin by walking through dense green forest – with no cars or houses around, you may like to take this time to quietly reflect on all you’ve achieved over the past week. Next, follow a long stretch of road between Lavacolla and Monte do Gozo, then swap out rural landscapes for urban as you walk the final 5km. Hear the sounds of Galician bagpipes welcoming you to the cathedral, marking the end of your journey along the Camino de Santiago, a truly massive accomplishment. Present your stamped pilgrim passport and receive your Camino certificate, proof that you have walked the 100km to Santiago de Compostela. If you arrive at the cathedral before noon, you can enter and participate in the pilgrims’ mass, where a list of all those who have collected their Camino certificates in the last 24 hours will be read aloud. The group will also pay a visit to the Museum of Pilgrimage to learn about the history of the Camino de Santiago and other places of pilgrimage across the world. This evening, why not treat yourself to a final dinner with the group in town – you’ve earned it!
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela guided walk
  • Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim's museum visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s walking distance is 20km, taking approximately 5 hours (excluding stops).

With no activities planned for today and the walking done and dusted, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay in Santiago de Compostela, just get in touch ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

6 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

On foot

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights), Pension (3 nights), Private apartment (1 night)

Included activities

  • Sarria to Portomarin guided walk
  • Portomarin to Palas de Rei guided walk
  • Roman ruins of Castromaior visit
  • Queimada drink preparation & tasting
  • Palas de Rei to Arzúa guided walk
  • Local speciality lunch in Melide
  • Arzúa to O Pedrouzo guided walk
  • O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela guided walk
  • Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim's museum visit

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Walk the Camino de Santiago trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1 in Sarria.
2. This trip ends on Day 7 and you are free to leave at any time.
3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip and subject to availability at the time of booking. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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