Premium French Way from Sarria
The French Camino de Santiago from Sarria is the most travelled stretch of the pilgrimage.
Here you will enjoy stunning landscapes, lush forests and charming villages.
If you choose this route, you can savour traditional Galician culinary specialities such as Arzúa-Ulloa cheese and visit medieval castles such as the Castle of Pambre.
Don't miss this life-changing experience!
What does this route consist of?
111 kms
6 nights
5 stages
€/pax.
Included Services
- Accommodation in hotels and rural houses
- Rooms with private bathroom
- Travel insurance
- Welcome Pack with Credential
- 24 hour assistance
- Complete route itinerary
- Vehicle available for emergencies
- Free cancellation up to 15 days before
Optional Services
- Breakfasts
- Dinners
- Transfer to the starting point
- Luggage transport
- Airport transfer
- Garage in Santiago
Gallery
Stages of the Premium French Way from Sarria
Day 1
Sarria
Night at Sarria
Once you arrive in Sarria, we recommend that you take a stroll around the village and gaze upon its monuments and streets, where you can start soaking up the atmosphere of the Camino. This picturesque village has historical landmarks that are well worth exploring, such as the Monastery of the Magdalena and the Castle.
You can also relax in Chanto Park, or have a coffee in the village centre.
Day 2
From Sarria to Portomarín
Night at Portomarín
22,2 km
5 horas
Your Camino will begin with this stretch that runs alongside peaceful paths between centuries-old oak trees and historic granaries. The village of Portomarín is located on the banks of the Minho River and has lovely monuments worth visiting such as the Church of San Nicolás, renowned for having had to be moved to another location when its original site was flooded after the construction of the Belesar reservoir.
Day 3
From Portomarín to Palas de Rei
Night at Palas de Rei
24,8 km
6 horas
After leaving Portomarín behind, the Camino starts to climb as you ascend the Serra de Ligonde. You can visit the villages of Gonzar and Castromaior, where the beautiful Romanesque Church of Santa María is located. You will then continue downhill to Palas de Rei, site of the famous Pambre Castle, a well-preserved 14th century fortress that will transport you to a dream-like world.
Day 4
From Palas de Rei to Arzúa
Night at Arzúa
28,5 km
7 horas
This stage will take you along winding paths and beautiful scenery, whose most stunning and ever-present feature is the Iso River. When you get to Arzúa, we recommend you visit the church of A Magdalena, although in this case the star of the show is a food: the cheese bearing the designation of origin of Arzúa-Ulloa, which you must try.
Given the length of this stage, we offer you the possibility of dividing it into two parts, spending one night in the town of Melide, where you can enjoy monuments such as the old pilgrims' hospital, which today is a museum, or the Chapels of San Antonio and San Roque. We also suggest a culinary stop to taste the famous local octopus 'á feira' (boiled in copper cauldrons with potatoes and sweet paprika).
Day 5
From Arzúa to O Pino
Night at O Pino
17,7 km
4 horas
This stage of the route begins with a descent that runs through magical forests and streams that create an idyllic landscape. This is quite an easy section, so you may like to take the opportunity to visit the Chapel of Santa Irene and the Church of Santa Eulalia de O Pedrouzo.
Day 6
From O Pino to Santiago De Compostela
Night at Santiago de Compostela
22 km
5 horas
When you leave O Pino, you will head towards the end of your journey via Lavacolla. You will then journey to Monte do Gozo, where you will be able to glimpse the towers of the cathedral on the horizon. You will arrive in Santiago through the neighbourhood of San Lázaro, winding down towards the historic city centre, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, until you reach Plaza Obradoiro, where you will finally see the Cathedral of Santiago from up close. If you like and managed to get an early start, you can attend the pilgrim's mass, celebrated at 12 noon.
Frequently asked questions about the route
These stamps prove that you have traveled the path continuously. Additionally, it is recommended to obtain stamps throughout the entire journey to have a complete record of your pilgrimage, although this is not mandatory for the Compostela.
Hiking boots: Preferably waterproof, as they offer good ankle support and are ideal for uneven terrain.
Trekking shoes: They can be a lighter and more comfortable option, especially if you are used to walking long distances with them.
Rest sandals: To wear in hostels and let your feet breathe after a long day.
It is crucial that the footwear is well-worn and fitted to avoid blisters and discomfort.
Practice by walking long distances, gradually increasing, and wear the footwear you will take on the Camino to avoid blisters. Walk with a backpack loaded with the weight you plan to carry, adjusting it for greater comfort.
Train on different types of terrain to simulate the conditions of the Camino. Good training includes walks several times a week, gradually increasing the distance and weight. This will prepare you physically and mentally for the pilgrimage.
This route is very popular and frequented by many pilgrims, which increases safety. There are good infrastructures with numerous hostels, restaurants, and services along the way, facilitating access to help if necessary.
The signage is excellent and the path is well maintained, reducing the risk of getting lost. Criminal incidents are rare, although it is always advisable to take basic precautions, such as watching your belongings and avoiding isolated areas at night.
Additionally, there is access to medical services in the main towns along the Way.
Discover more about safety on the way.
Insurance covers medical expenses in case of illness or injury, including hospitalization and medications. It can also cover repatriation in serious emergencies.
It protects against loss, theft, or damage to luggage and personal belongings. Additionally, it offers coverage for cancellation or interruption of the trip due to unforeseen events, reimbursing non-recoverable costs.
Personal Identification: ID card (EU) or passport (other countries).
Pilgrim's Credential: For stamping and obtaining the Compostela (provided by Tubuencamino).
Health Card: EHIC (EU) or travel medical insurance (others).
Visa: If your country requires it.
Reservation Confirmation: For hostels or transportation, in printed or digital format.
Carry digital and physical copies of your documents.
- You have 24-hour assistance.
- We have a support vehicle in case of emergency to take you to the next accommodation or a suitable point.
Afterwards, we review the rest of the itinerary with you to:
- Reduce distances on the following days, if possible.
- Recommend using luggage transport so you can walk lighter.
The goal is for you to reach Santiago enjoying the Camino, not suffering it.
If this is your first Camino or you’re not in great shape:
- We recommend walking several weeks beforehand with the footwear you’ll use, gradually increasing distances.
- We can divide long stages (such as Palas de Rei to Arzúa) or add extra nights to make the effort more manageable.
- You can hire luggage transport to walk only with a small daypack.
The most common ways to get there are:
- By train: connections to Sarria (direct or via Monforte de Lemos) from cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, or Bilbao.
- By bus: regular services from Lugo and other Galician cities.
- By plane + bus/train: the nearest airport is Santiago de Compostela; from there you can travel to Lugo by bus and continue to Sarria by bus or train.
If you prefer, you can book our Transfer to the starting point and we’ll take you directly to Sarria from Santiago or another agreed location.
When booking, simply tell us your fitness level and we’ll advise you on the best option.
It’s the perfect option if:
- You want to obtain the Compostela.
- You only have one week of holidays.
- You’re looking for a balance between walking, enjoying the surroundings, and arriving in Santiago with energy.
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