Looking for a new challenge?
A walking holiday can be a welcome alternative to the classic sun and beach holiday, where the focus is often on eating and drinking as much as you can and doing as little as you can. So why not do the final stage of the Camino Frances through the gentle, beautiful rolling hills of the Spanish region of Galicia?
Walking the camino is seen as a special time for self-reflection, an escape, and an opportunity to disconnect and detox from the technology in our lives. Being away from work commitments and the Internet can give the time needed to decompress; there’s a kind of spirituality in the physical and mental commitment to the daily rhythms of the task.
Others see the final 100kms of walking the camino as a great social experience, a time to meet fellow pilgrims, discover local traditions while rewarding themselves with great food after a good day’s walk.
Probably the friendliest, most inclusive walking route in the world
The popularity of the camino has exploded in recent years, with 347,538 pilgrims completing the walk in 2019.
When most people talk about “The Camino”, they’re referring to just one of many routes to Santiago de Compostela, the Camino Francés or French Way. This route starts at St. Jean Pied-du-Port in France, crosses the Pyrenees, and continues westwards across Spain about 60 miles south of the coast. It passes through Pamplona, Burgos, Leon, and a host of smaller towns and villages, and is about 500 miles in length, depending on how many detours you take.
Walking the final 100km of the Camino Frances enables you to collect your Compostela certificate on arrival in Santiago.
This trip with World Journeys perfectly captures the essence of the Camino de Santiago, so if you are looking for the classic camino experience, this is the perfect tour for you! The camaraderie on this busy section, the natural beauty of the area, the outstanding local cuisine and friendliness of the locals to make this an un-missable long-distance walk.
You will be walking the last 100kms of the famous Camino Francés from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela over 7 days, across the green rolling landscapes of rural Galicia.
The towns that break your walk along this stretch are small and rustic and offer a real snapshot of what Galician life is all about. The route is peppered with charming old churches and ancient religious relics that give the walk even greater significance.
We always strive to book the best available accommodation in each town, with clean, comfortable rooms and friendly, welcoming local hosts.
Walking the camino – your intinerary
Day 1: Santiago To Sarria
Day 2: Sarria To Portomarin
Much of today you will be walking along shady tree-lined roads and pathways, this morning passing through pretty small hamlets such as Cortinas and Abrea. Distance walked: 22km
Day 3: Portomarin To Palas de Rei
The Camino crosses the Minho river then steadily climbs upwards, before passing through the settlement of Gonzar and Castromaior. Continue along country roads edged by bright yellow gorse, pine and oak trees. Reach Eirexe then cross the Alto Rosario, and then descend into the village of Palas de Rei where you will overnight. Distance walked: 24km.
Day 4: Palas de Rei To Arzua
Today’s walk crosses six shallow river valleys and pathways through woodland. Cross the provincial border to the hamlet of O Coto, before traversing a medieval bridge edged by woodland to the quintessential camino village of Leboreiro and on to Arzua. Distance walked: 28km.
Day 5: Arzua To Rua
Throughout today you’ll be walking through different villages: Brea, Calzada, Rua and A Calle; the meaning of which is synonymous with ‘Camino’. Distance walked: 19km.
Day 6: Rua To Santiago
It was a tradition for pilgrims to wash in the river at Lavacolla before reaching Santiago. Tall, eucalyptus trees sway on the way to the ‘Mount of Joy’ Monte de Gozo. From here the spires of Santiago de Compostela’s cathedral come into view. Walk into the city and marvel at the fascinating architecture and unique atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With your ‘Compostela’ certificate in hand, it is time to explore the magic of Santiago’s Old Town, a wonderful UNESCO World Heritage city.
Day 7: Santiago
Check out of your hotel.
Included in your camino adventure
- Transfer from Santiago airport or railway station to Sarria
- 6 nights’ accommodation in small rural hotels with breakfast daily
- A detailed information pack including route notes, maps and local information
- Transportation of one piece of luggage per person (maximum 18kg)
- Camino guide book