French way / Camino Frances
Section 8

The route begins in Sarria and finishes in Santiago de Compostela. Traverse the hilly landscapes of Galicia, certainly some of the most beautiful of all the caminos. Reward your efforts in Santiago de Compostela, the heart and hub of all pilgrimages on the Way of St. James.

Everyday, during the walk, you are guaranteed a high level of comfort and gastronomy. The Camino is clearly marked with the “Scallop Shell” showing you the way. This walk can be physically demanding and requires a reasonable level of fitness. However, it’s a highly rewarding walk that includes numerous cultural highlights.

Town: Internet, ATM, shops, all facilities. Hotel: 3* hotel 100m from the historical centre, en-suite.

DAY 2 – Sarria to Portomarin (6h 23km +230m -300m)
Expect a peaceful walk in shady oak woods, pretty villages and on quiet country roads. The village of Barbedelo (580m) has a beautiful Romanesque church that is worth a visit. The next significant village is Ferreiros. When you arrive in Portomarin (550m), you can chill out on one of the numerous terraces of the main plaza.

Town: Internet, ATM, shops, all facilities. Hotel: 3* hotel with lounge, sauna, outdoor swimming-pool, large garden and great views of the river below. Situated right in the heart of town. En-suite. Meals: Half Board

DAY 3 – Portomarín to Palace do Rei (6h15 23km +340m -140m)
From the village, the Camino crosses the river Minho and climbs steadily uphill. On your way, you will be crossing Gonzar and passing the Romanesque Church of Santa María, Castromaior. The calm of the Galician Cemetery in Ligonde on a sunny day is a rest in itself. In Eirexe, the Romanesque portal of the church is a beauty and features a sculpture of Daniel and animals, as well as Santiago de Peregrino inside. You will then arrive in Palace do Rei (565m).

Town: Internet, ATM, shops, all facilities. Hotel: 3* hotel, close to the church, and in the middle of a big park. En-suite. Meals: Half Board

DAY 4 – Palace do Rei to Arzùa (7h 28km +140m -340m)
Today, the Camino continues slightly downhill, passing the village of Casanova and the charming village of Leboreiro. At Melide (454m), stop in one of the many restaurants to try some local specialties. Later today, the Camino will follow a forest track and cross several streams bringing you to the village of Boente with its church of Santiago. Then the medieval village of Ribadiso, and finally Arzùa (389m). This small town has 2 churches that you can visit, Santa María and La Magdalena.

NOTE: If you wish to take your time, we can split this walking day in 2 (15km & 13km), staying overnight in the bustling market town of Melide. Here you will stay in a charming 2* hotel in front of the “Refugio de Peligrino”, in the centre of the town.
Included in our guided tours

Town: ATM, shops, all facilities. Hotel: Traditional 2* hotel in the city centre, en-suite. Meals: Half Board

Town: ATM, shops, all facilities. Hotel: 2* hotel in a renovated 19th-century country house with a large garden and swimming pool. En-suite. Meals: Half Board

DAY 6 –Rúa to Santiago de Compostela (5h20 19km +150m -186m)
You are nearly there! The next stage will be Lavacolla where pilgrims traditionally washed in the river before reaching Santiago de Compostela. The tall eucalyptus trees line your way to Monte del Gozo (368m). From the “Mount of Joy” you can see your goal – the Cathedral of Santiago! After a descent to the city (264m, population 80000) you will be able to witness this UNESCO World Heritage Site up-close. Marvel at the architeture and relish the wonderful atmosphere in this cultural and spiritual mecca.

Town: Internet, ATM, shops, all facilities. Hotel: 3* hotel in the historic centre. Renovated 18th-century family house, en-suite. Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7 – Santiago de Compostela
After breakfast we bid you farewell.

If you wish to stay in the area, we recommend that you:

- Take your time and visit the magnificent historic centre.

- Continue with us along the wild “Camino Fisterra” (Finisterre Way), and stay overnight at the 2* hotel in the light house!

- or take a bus to Fisterra. (Bus to fisterra: 9am, 10am, bus back in Santiago 16:45 & 19:00. takes 3hours)

- Visit the unspoilt sandy coves and beaches of the west coast. With very few tourists, you are guaranteed a very special experience. Ask us for more information.

Meals: Breakfast

• Luggage transferred from hotel to hotel
• Rooms en-suite
• Half Board during the hike
• Detailed Walking Notes
• Map
• Pilgrim passport
• Transfer from/to airport ONLY GUIDED TOURS

• Flights
• Insurance (recommended)
• Drinks
• Dinners in Sarria or Santiago

*Subject to minimum group requirements.