2
introductory to moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 10 nights in a combination of simple hotels and farmhouse B&Bs
Meals
  • 9 Dinners
  • 10 Breakfasts

11 Days£1330GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: CSC

Trip highlights

  • Experience the history of the trail marked by crosses, statues and grain silos
  • Walk the last 115km of the Camino at a relaxed pace and qualify for the pilgrims certificate
  • Reach Santiago on foot and experience the famous pilgrims mass
  • Enjoying the camaraderie of fellow hikers and pilgrims

A hike along the Camino in northern Spain is one of the world's great walking experiences. This trip provides the perfect option for those who want to walk the last stage of the pilgrimage route at a relaxed pace of between 10 to 18km per day and stay in simple, comfortable accommodation. Completing the final 115kms to Santiago means you are eligible to receive the official Compostela certificate. Along the walk, gain a wonderful appreciation of the historic significance of the trail while reflecting on the meditative role that walking offers the pilgrim. Passing 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. It was a major medieval centre for pilgrims, and the ancient atmosphere can still be felt in the Old Quarter. We can assist with extra nights in Sarria and/or a transfer from Santiago airport to the joining hotel - please ask for our rates.

Meals:  D

We recommend before leaving Sarria that you take the time to visit the Monastery of Magdalena with its church and cloister. Today you will walk along lovely tree-lined paths, roads and gravel tracks, en route to Morgade. The path ascends gently and on the way you will pass through many small hamlets. Distance 13km/8mi, +260m/853ft

Meals:  B,D

As you head to Portomarin today you will pass through hamlets dotted along areas of cultivated land, grazing pastures and woodlands and view the first “horreos”, typical raised grain silos. It's a relatively easy walk until your descent, crossing the Dam of Portomarin where you can see ruins of the ancient flooded village, and into the town for your accommodation. Relax and stroll this afternoon in the cafe-lined main square and visit the church which was moved here stone by stone from the old town. Distance 9km/5.7mi, -385m/1263ft

Meals:  B,D

Today's route takes you uphill through brooms which have a lovely fragrance. Along the path you will pass charming hamlets and calvaries. Continue to Ventas de Naron. Distance 12.5km/7.8mi, +300m/986ft

Meals:  B,D

Descend initially to Ligonde where you will find a church dedicated to the apostle St James. Emperor Charles V stayed here on the 24th of March 1520. From Ligonde it's a fairly level walk to Palas de Rei. Distance 10km/6.25mi, -135m/444ft

Meals:  B,D

Today you will walk to Melide, which is one of the larger towns along the Galician section of the walk. Descend to Casanova and via Leboreiro before a small ascent takes you into Melide. We recommend trying the local speciality, ‘Pulpa a feira’ (octopus), usually served boiled and cooked with red pepper and paprika. The French Way and Camino Primitivo trails meet in Melide. Distance 12km/7.5mi, -120m/394ft

Meals:  B,D

The terrain becomes much easier today as you walk through an undulating landscape and forests full of Eucalyptus trees. After Castaneda the trail dips to Ribadiso da Baixo before leading to Arzua in the province of La Coruña. The French Way and Camino Norte trails meet in Arzua. Distance 14km/8.7mi

Meals:  B,D

Today is an easy walk with a few small hills to Salceda and your hotel. Distance 11.2km/7mi

Meals:  B,D

Today a gentle uphill then a steeper descent takes you to the town of O Pedrouzo. Continue via the villages of Amenal and San Paio to your hotel in the small town of Lavacolla, also known for its airport servicing the region. Distance 18km/11.25mi

Meals:  B,D

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 countryside. Continue downhill to the historic city of Santiago de Compostela. There is plenty to see and do – or you can simply relax and celebrate the end of your journey. Dinner is not included tonight so you can try one of the many restaurants in town. Distance 10km/6.25mi +70m/230ft, -110m/360ft

Meals:  B

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. We can book an extra night or two for you here, also a bus trip to Finisterre to see the Atlantic coastline.

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

  • 10 breakfasts, 9 dinners - 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.
  • 10 nights in a combination of simple hotels & farmhouse B&Bs on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities. Optional accommodation upgrades available on request: hotels in Portomarin & Palas de Rei, 4 star hotel or 5 star parador 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
  • 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 not listed as included
  • Excess luggage
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • A private transfer from Santiago airport or A Coruna airport to Sarria is available on request - please ask for our rates
  • 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.

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

introductory to moderate

2

The walking is graded introductory to moderate (2). Daily walks are between 10 and 18km 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 Mar to 15 Oct

Notes

Note:
The accommodations on this trip are simple and along the main trail. We also have a Rambler in Comfort option staying in 3-4 star hotels and with transfers (as there are limited hotels of this standard) - see trip code CSX.
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 winter 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

£1330GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Excess luggage (per piece, max 20kg in weight)GBP£70
  • Single SupplementGBP£490
  • Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£540
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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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.

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.

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