Spain
Country
7 days
Duration
October-January
When
Easy
Difficulty
Breakfast
Board
Yes
Luggage transfer

Sarria to Santiago: A pilgrimage through Spain’s natural beauty and rich culture

Embark on the Camino Francés for an unforgettable journey

The Camino Francés, particularly the stretch from Sarria to Santiago, stands as an unparalleled pilgrimage experience. It threads its way through the enchanting landscapes of northern Spain, offering a captivating blend of pristine natural beauty, deep-rooted cultural heritage, and the profound sense of community among fellow pilgrims. Beyond being a mere trek, this journey provides a platform to exchange stories and forge connections with kindred spirits. What’s more, it’s one of the shorter segments of the famed French Way, making it an ideal choice for those with limited time or pilgrims taking their first steps on the St. James Way.

Tour Highlights:

  • Historic pilgrimage route: Wander along the historic Camino Francés, retracing the footsteps of countless pilgrims through the ages. Conquer the final 100 kilometers from Sarria to Santiago to earn the revered Compostela, a testament to your pilgrimage accomplishment.
  • Cultural immersion: Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Spanish culture. As you traverse charming villages and historic cities along the route, gain insights into local architecture, savor delectable cuisine, and partake in age-old traditions that enrich your journey.
  • Accessible adventure: The Sarria to Santiago pilgrimage is renowned for its gentle and accessible terrain, making it suitable for both first-time pilgrims and seasoned travelers. While navigating the breathtaking landscapes of Galicia, including memorable stops in picturesque towns such as Portomarín and Palas de Rei, take advantage of the convenience of amenities designed to cater to the specific needs of pilgrims, ensuring a comfortable and rewarding pilgrimage experience.

This pilgrimage transcends physical exertion; it’s a spiritual and cultural odyssey that leaves indelible memories. Whether you are a novice pilgrim or an experienced traveler of the Camino, this route promises a unique and enriching adventure that should be embraced and cherished.

Arrival & Departure

By plane:
Santiago de Compostela.
Vigo.
A Coruña

By train:
Madrid to Sarria.
Barcelona to Sarria.
Lugo to Sarria.

By bus:
Santiago de Compostela to Sarria.
Lugo to Sarria.

Included Services

  • 6 nights B&B
  • Luggage transfer (optional)
  • Service hotline
  • Detailed travel documents
  • Flight + public transport
  • Travel insurance
  • Tourist tax, if due

FAQ

What is your refund and cancellation policy?

If you cancel your tour 60 days or more before the departure date, you will lose your deposit. If you cancel your tour between 60 and 45 days before the departure date, you will lose 50 per cent of the total tour price. If you cancel your tour within 45 days of the departure date, you will lose the full amount. If you fail to turn up on the first day of your tour, Outdoor Europe may not be able to make arrangements for you to join the rest of the tour, and you will lose the full payment. If, for any reason, Outdoor Europe has to cancel your tour, you will be offered an alternative tour or a full refund.

How do I book my tour?

You can book your tour directly on the Outdoor Europe website. Choose the tour from the dropdown menu, select the date you would like to start, and the number of participants in your group. You can either pay a deposit (60 days or more from the start of your tour) or pay the full amount. Click ‘book’ and follow the instructions. Once we have confirmed your payment, you’ll receive your confirmed tour itinerary within 10 days. There may be seasonal variations in the time it takes us to arrange everything. Please note that programmes on the tour pages are only examples — there may be several differences in the final programme you receive.

How do I pay for my tour?

When booking your tour, you can choose to pay by credit/debit card or direct bank transfer. Direct bank transfers will generally take longer to process, while credit and debit card payments are processed instantly. You are, by default, asked to pay a deposit of 25% of the total cost of the tour. If you choose this option, you will be asked to pay the remaining 75% one month before your tour. Please be sure to follow the payment links you receive in your invoice or reminder email, which we will send you when the second payment is due.

Do I get my own room?

This depends on the individual tour and when you book it. When hiking in the Alps, most people stay in dorms or shared rooms as the availability of single, double and family rooms are limited. We can only guarantee your own room on certain tours such as in the Lys and Ayas Valleys — but only if you book in time. If this is your preference, we will do our best to ensure you get your own room, but please expect to spend some nights in shared accommodation if there is limited availability.

Is baggage transfer included with all your Alpine tours?

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer this service with all our packages. Often, the huts or hotels we work with are in locations that can only be reached by foot or helicopter. Indeed, when choosing a tour that includes baggage transport, there may be one or two exceptions depending on the route. This will appear clearly on the tour page and in the program you receive when your booking has been confirmed.

How many days do your tours last?

All our tours include the day of arrival and the day of departure. This means that a six-day tour will include five nights of accommodation, a seven-day tour will include six nights, and so on. On the first day, guests are usually expected to arrive in the afternoon. And the program does not include any activities except for a briefing by our representative on the first evening. On the day of departure, guests are free to decide if they want to leave directly after breakfast or go on a shorter tour before their journey home.

What meals are included in your Alpine adventure tours?

Most of our tours will include Half Board (HB) services, which means breakfast, a three-course dinner, and a light-packed lunch. Please check the individual tour page for details, however, as variations occur with certain tours.

What is a self-guided tour?

We specialize in self-guided tours. These tours are designed for travelers who love the independence of hiking, skiing, or running on their own but want to know that everything else is taken care of. In some cases, we are able to offer luggage transport to lighten your load as you enjoy the Great Outdoors.

Do you offer group tours?

Whether you’re already a group of friends, business colleagues or a sports club looking for an active mountain adventure, we can design and organize your Alpine tour for you. We also offer guided group tours for individual participants on fixed dates.

Can you create a tour just for me and my friends?

Yes, absolutely! Outdoor Europe can design the perfect mountain adventure for you and your friends or colleagues. Whether you want to hike, ski, run, cycle or climb, we have the expertise and experience needed to create a bespoke package for any level of experience or physicality. Please contact us if you would like us to create a customized package for your group.

Are your outdoor adventure tours family-friendly?

There are few better ways to spend time with your children than with an active holiday in the mountains. Sharing a mountain adventure with your child is a memory that will last a lifetime. We try to design child-friendly variations (marked ‘family’) of all our Alpine tours. Children can hike, ski or bike a lot longer than you might expect, as long as you make it entertaining for them. However, they will respond instantly to the way you behave, so please consider whether you are able to create a safe environment for your children when faced with the many different challenges of an alpine environment.

Do you offer discounts for children?

Yes, we are able to offer a discount for children on most of our tours, provided they are not yet 13 years of age on the first day of the tour. Please see the individual tour page for our child discounts.

Can I travel on my own?

Many single travellers chose Outdoor Europe due to our high level of service and our expertise in self-guided mountain tours. And the safety of one of our representatives will only ever be just a phone call away. However, please expect additional costs, as our prices are based on two persons — the industry standard for outdoor tours of this nature. Private rooms and other services are often more expensive for individual travellers. You can find information about any additional costs for individual travellers on the tour page.

Will I manage?

We are all different. Some of our clients are 70+ and have lived an active lifestyle all their life. Others may be twenty years younger and have barely left their office chair. It is very difficult to judge the physical and mental ability of a person on the basis of a phone conversation. If you are in doubt, each tour is rated for level of physicality, which you can learn more about here. You are of course welcome to call us and we will do our best to advice you. Find your level of physicality here (link to Find your level page).

What if I get lost?

Our local partners know every square inch of this beautiful Alpine region. During the introductory briefing, you will receive an app, physical maps and a phone number to call if you need advice. In some cases, you’ll be able to forward your location to a local guide with the press of a button. This may prove helpful if you become lost.

Do I need travel insurance?

We recommend that you speak to your insurance provider to ensure your existing policy covers mountain-based activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. Please note that any costs relating to emergency situations and the potential need for evacuation are the sole responsibility of the client.

Will I be able to cope with the physical challenge?

We are all different. Some of our clients are more than 70 years old and have lived an active lifestyle all their life. Others are twenty years younger and have barely left their office chair. It is very difficult to judge the physical and mental capabilities of a person on the basis of a phone conversation. If you are in doubt, each tour is rated for the level of physicality involved, which you can learn more about on our Find Your Level page. You are, of course, welcome to call us, and we will do our best to advise you.

Can I bring my dog?

Enjoying the mountains with your best friend can be a joyful experience, which is why we try to make our tours dog friendly wherever possible. Unfortunately, it is not always possible due to local rules. Selected tours are marked ‘Dog Friendly’ on the tour page. This means that your dog can stay with you in your private room or, in a few cases, the hut will have a separate or external room for dogs. Please refer to the individual tour page for more information.

*This tour is based on a minimum of two participants. Only the services mentioned above are included in the price.

Sarria to Santiago

Embark on a transformative journey along the Camino Francés, from Sarria to Santiago, where natural beauty and rich culture converge. This historic pilgrimage offers an accessible path for both first-time and seasoned pilgrims. Explore picturesque villages, earn the revered Compostela, and immerse yourself in Spanish culture, creating enduring memories.

Total distance:  123 km

1

Arrival Sarria

Accommodation in Sarria. Upon arriving at this beautiful town, you can sit on one of the terraces at Malecón and enjoy a cold drink while admiring the beautiful views of the Sarria River. Follow the river to reach the area of O Chanto where you can take a dip in the swimming pool. Don’t miss visiting the Convent of Magdalena.
Sarria is an art lover’s paradise. You will have the opportunity to discover ancient artifacts and learn about the art of restoration.

2

Sarria-Portomarín

You will walk along rural path or “correidoiras” under oak trees and small villages like Lavandeira or Ferreiros.
Already at the gates of Portomarín, you will cross the River Miño, under whose water rests the old Portomarín.
You will visit the Church of San Nicolás of Portomarín, rebuilt stone by stone.

  •  23 km
  • 4-5 hours
3

Portomarín - Palas de Rei

You will first ascend to Castromaior and then to the Sierra de Ligonde. Later, you will gradually descend through the villages of Eirexe and Ligonde to the town of Palas de Rei. Once in Palas, you will have the opportunity to visit the Castle of Pambre.

  • 25 km
  • 5-6 hours
4

Palas de Rei - Arzúa

You will walk through beautiful rural roads and medieval bridges to Melide, where you can stop to try a portion of its famous octopus “á feira”, one of the most famous Galician dishes. You will continue through an agricultural landscape that will take you to Arzúa after crossing the beautiful river Iso.

  •   30 km
  • 5-6 hours
5

Arzúa - Rúa

You will not leave Arzúa without savoring its delicate cheese of Designation of Origin Arzúa-Ulloa and without stamping your credential in the Church of Santiago de Arzúa. Green hills will be your traveling companions to the town of Rúa. You will also find hermitages like Santa Irene.

  • 24 km
  •  5-6 hours
6

Rúa - Santiago

After bypassing Pedrouzo, you’ll climb through Amenal and drop down to Lavacolla, and then climb again to the Monte do Gozo. From here you’ll get your first view of the Cathedral’s towers. You’re now just 4 km from Compostela, which you’ll reach through the beautiful streets of the old town.

  • 21 km
  •  4-5 hours
7

Departure

Departure after breakfast or extra days

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