3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in a combination of hotels & farmhouse B&Bs
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£910GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: CT6

Trip highlights

  • Experience the history of the trail marked by crosses, statues and grain silos
  • Walk the last 115km of the Camino to the tomb of St James in Santiago and qualify for the pilgrims certificate
  • Reach Santiago on foot and experience the famous pilgrims mass
  • Enjoying the camaraderie of fellow hikers and pilgrims

This stage of the famous Camino pilgrimage route offer the chance for time starved travellers to walk the final 115kms into Santiago and gain a wonderful appreciation of the historic significance of the route. To be eligible for the official Compostela certificate of completion, which is issued by the Pilgrim's Office in Santiago de Compostela, walkers must walk at least 100kms of the iconic pilgrim route. Walking through mixed landscapes, there are numerous reminders of the pilgrims past who travelled the route including crosses, statues and grain silos. The gates of Galicia lead on to the fabled Santiago de Compostela with its famous cathedral, site of the tomb of St James.

Countries:

Spain

Starting Point:

Sarria

Finishing Point:

Santiago de Compostela

Itinerary

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Make your own way to the first hotel in Sarria. Sarria is located on a hilltop with a river on either side affording you great views of the region.

Meals:  D

We recommend before leaving town that you take the time to visit the Church of the Convent of La Magdalena. Over the “Meseta Lucense”, the Lugo Plateau, you will pass through many hamlets dotted along areas of cultivated land, grazing pastures and woodlands and view the first “horreos”, typical raised grain silos. A relatively easy walk until your descent, crossing the Dam of Portomarin, where you can see ruins of the ancient flooded village, and on into the town for your accommodation. Distance 22km/13.7mi

Meals:  B,D

The route takes you through the brooms, with their magnificent fragrance. Along the path you will pass charming hamlets and calvaries. Over this stage you will pass through Ventas de Naron where you can fill your water bottles, 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 the 24th of March 1520. Distance 24km/14.9mi

Meals:  B,D

Walk today to Melide through the small towns of Coto and Leboreiro. Melide is one of the larger towns along the Galician section of the Camino Trail. We recommend you try the local speciality, ‘Pulpa a Feira’, octopus usually served boiled and cooked with red pepper and paprika. Distance 14km/8.7mi *or 7 day option - walk Palas de Rei to Arzúa (combining days 4 & 5) - distance 30km or around 9hrs. Discount applies. Must be requested at time of booking.

Meals:  B,D

The terrain becomes much easier today as you walk through the villages of Carballal, San Xuilan do Camino and Lebereiro, and past Eucalyptus trees. You can stop at one of many villages along the way for lunch. Crossing over the River Seco on the Magdalena Bridge you will reach Furelos and continue to Arzúa, in the province of La Coruña. Distance 14km/8.7mi

Meals:  B,D

Today’s walk will bring you to the small town of Rua which has a population of only 50 people. The walk today is lovely, as you pass large green fields and rural landscapes. Distance 18km/11.1mi

Meals:  B,D

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 countryside. The last day on the trail is always a special one. Continue downhill to the city. Arriving in the fabled Santiago de Compostela there is plenty to see and do – or simply relax and celebrate the end of the journey. Dinner is not included tonight so you can try one of the many restaurants in town. Distance 21km/13mi

Meals:  B

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. If you'd like to add an extra night, please ask for our rates.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts, 6 dinners (no dinner in Santiago): Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by chicken, red meat, fish or a pasta dish & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes.
  • 7 nights in hotels & farmhouse B&Bs on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities (upgrade to superior hotel in Arzua (recommended) and Santiago - supplement applies)
  • 7 day itinerary (combine days 4 & 5) inclusions: 6 nights accommodation, 6 breakfasts and 5 dinners (no dinner in Santiago)
  • Digital information pack with route notes, maps & GPX
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Pilgrim Passport
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Sarria and from Santiago de Compostela
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide – this is a self guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • A private transfer from Santiago airport or A Coruna airport to Sarria is available on request - please ask for our rates
  • Excess luggage
  • Accommodation upgrade to superior hotel in Arzua (supplement applies)
  • Accommodation to superior hotel or Parador in Santiago (supplement applies)
  • Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

Comfortable hotels

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. Generally our meals will be taken at the hotel and this is another key factor in our selection process.

Comfortable hotels

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. Generally our meals will be taken at the hotel and this is another key factor in our selection process.

Suitability

moderate

3

The walking is graded moderate (3). Daily walks are between 14 and 24km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to mountainous. This is a well worn path where route finding will be reasonably straight forward (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Feb to 15 Nov

Notes

Note:
A 7 day option is available with the stage from Palas de Rei to Arzúa reduced to one days walk - 30km or around 9hrs. Discount applies. A festive season surcharge may apply from 23 Dec to 2 Jan. Ask our office for details.
Note:
Other dates are available on request. Supplements may apply outside of the main season due to additional charges for luggage transfers and hotel closures (some transfers may be required to confirm your booking).
Note:
Departures in November to February are likely to experience wetter and colder conditions than at other times with snow possible. Winter can be a magical time to experience the Camino with fewer people and more local encounters, but the walking day is shorter. In addition, hotel closures are possible which may require a change in overnight towns.

Priceper person from

£910GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Discount for 7 day itinerary (incl 5 dinners)GBP£-50
  • Fisterra Day Trip ex Santiago - daily departures 15 April to 31 OctoberGBP£50
  • Upgrade to superior hotel in Arzua - twinshare ppGBP£80
  • Upgrade to superior hotel in Arzua - singleGBP£170
  • Single Supplement - 7 day tripGBP£250
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - 7 day tripGBP£270
  • Single Supplement - 8 day tripGBP£300
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - 8 day tripGBP£320
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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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.

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

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Walking the Camino de Santiago with UTracks