Routes and stages
The Camino Francés from Sarria to Santiago
Sarria is the most popular starting point of the whole Camino: just over 100 km to Santiago, enough for the Compostela, in five days. Stages, how to get there, stamps, budget and how to avoid the crowds.
In this guide
Sarria is where more pilgrims start than anywhere else. The reason is simple: from Sarria to the cathedral it is about 115 km, just over the 100 km you must walk to receive the Compostela, and it fits comfortably into five days. If you have a week’s holiday and want to walk the real Camino, this is the easiest way.
The five stages from Sarria
These are stages 28 to 32 of the Camino Francés, about 114.6 km in total:
| Day | Stage | Km | What it has |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sarria → Portomarín | 22.2 | The 100 km marker and the arrival over the reservoir |
| 2 | Portomarín → Palas de Rei | 25.0 | A long, gentle climb to the Ligonde hills |
| 3 | Palas de Rei → Arzúa | 28.8 | Melide and its octopus; the longest day |
| 4 | Arzúa → O Pedrouzo | 19.3 | Eucalyptus woods and hamlets |
| 5 | O Pedrouzo → Santiago | 19.3 | Monte do Gozo and the Praza do Obradoiro |
Palas de Rei to Arzúa is the longest and has plenty of ups and downs. To make it shorter, sleep in Melide and walk on the next day. Many people take six days instead of five, and enjoy it more.
Getting to Sarria
Sarria, in the province of Lugo, has a train station with connections from Madrid, Ourense, Lugo and A Coruña, and buses from Lugo and Santiago. The nearest airports are Santiago de Compostela and A Coruña; from Santiago airport, most people take a bus or train into Santiago and then a train or bus to Sarria (or a shared transfer). Arrive the afternoon before, sleep in Sarria and start early.
Stage by stage
Sarria → Portomarín. Up the old-town steps and into oak woods, stone walls and hamlets. Halfway, the famous 100 km marker. Portomarín greets you across the Belesar reservoir: the original village was flooded in the 1960s and its Romanesque church moved stone by stone.
Portomarín → Palas de Rei. A long, steady climb, partly beside a quiet road, through Gonzar, Castromaior (with an Iron Age hill fort) and Ligonde.
Palas de Rei → Arzúa. The longest day, with river valleys one after another. Melide, where the Camino Primitivo joins, is famous for pulpo a feira (octopus). Then Boente and Ribadiso, by a medieval bridge.
Arzúa → O Pedrouzo. Short and pleasant, through eucalyptus and hamlets. The Camino del Norte joins at Arzúa.
O Pedrouzo → Santiago. Past the airport, through Lavacolla, up to Monte do Gozo for your first view of the cathedral spires, and into the old town and the Obradoiro.
Each stage has its own page in Spanish with the profile, villages and services: Sarria – Portomarín, Portomarín – Palas de Rei, Palas de Rei – Arzúa, Arzúa – O Pedrouzo and O Pedrouzo – Santiago.
The Compostela from Sarria
To receive the Compostela walking from Sarria you need:
- The pilgrim passport (credential), from home or in Sarria itself (parishes and some albergues).
- At least two stamps a day all the way from Sarria. Albergues, churches, bars, town halls and tourist offices all have them.
- To walk the route on foot, continuously.
More in the pilgrim passport and the Compostela.
How much does it cost from Sarria?
Sleeping in albergues and eating pilgrim menus, five days from Sarria usually cost around €200–300 on the Camino itself, plus getting there and back. Private rooms and hotels double that. Details in how much the Camino costs.
Sarria without the crowds
Sarria to Santiago is the busiest section of any Camino. In May, June, August and September the paths can be crowded. Some ideas:
- Start early or late. Groups tend to leave at the same time; half an hour either way makes a big difference.
- Don’t sleep where everyone does. Reference stages end in Portomarín, Palas de Rei, Arzúa and O Pedrouzo; villages in between are quieter.
- Book ahead in high season, especially as a group.
- Consider other 100 km starts: Tui on the Portuguese Camino, Ferrol on the Camino Inglés, or Lugo on the Primitivo.
FAQ
How far is it from Sarria to Santiago?
About 115 km on the Camino Francés, by our measurements.
How many days from Sarria to Santiago?
Five is usual. Six or seven if you want to take it easy; four if you are fit.
Do I need to book albergues from Sarria?
In high season it is strongly recommended, especially for groups. Out of season there is usually room without booking.
Is the Camino from Sarria hard?
Not hard, but not flat either: there are plenty of ups and downs, especially from Palas de Rei to Arzúa. With some training, anyone can do it.
Can I walk from Sarria with children?
Yes, it is one of the most popular sections for families. Shorten the stages and book accommodation.
