Sarria to Compostela in 8 days
8 days / 7 nights
Why walk from Sarria to Compostela in 8 days
Sarria to Compostela in 8 days is the most balanced way to complete the final hundred kilometres of the French Way. By dividing the route into shorter stages, the journey becomes far more manageable and allows you to enjoy the Galician landscape without pressure or rush.
You’ll have time for charming hamlets, woodland paths and the small details of the Camino that are often missed on quicker itineraries. The pilgrim atmosphere remains strong, but the gentler rhythm invites you to experience the way, not just reach the end.
If you want to experience the essence of the Camino over a full week, walking at your own pace and without any sense of a race, Sarria to Compostela in 8 days is an ideal choice: accessible, authentic and deeply rewarding.
These are the highlights of the trip:
Sarria
Portomarín
Palas de Rei
Melide
Arzúa
O Pino / Amenal
Lavacolla
Monte do Gozo
Santiago de Compostela
Price from
Pricing
Prices are per person and may vary depending on travel dates and accommodation availability along the Camino. Rates are based on 8 days / 7 nights.
- Per person sharing (twin / double): €519
- Per person in single room: €790
- Seasonal adjustments: July +€25 · August, September, Easter, bank holidays and peak dates +€50
- Third-person reduction: 10% when sharing a room with two adults
Please request your preferred dates to receive an accurate quote.
Availability
Availability
The Sarria to Compostela in 8 days route is available year-round, with fully flexible start dates to suit your plans. Bookings depend on accommodation availability along the Camino, particularly during peak season and public holidays.
It’s best to request your dates in advance to secure comfortable options at each stage, though I’ll always look for equivalent alternatives if needed.
Itinerary
Day 1: Accommodation in Sarria
Arrival in Sarria on your own and overnight in the town. If you have time, it’s well worth visiting the Torre de la Fortaleza and the Monasterio de la Magdalena.
Day 2: Sarria – Portomarín · approx. 22 km
Sarria lies close to the famed final 100 km of the French Way — the minimum walking distance required to earn the Compostela. The stage passes through villages in the municipalities of Sarria, Paradela and Portomarín, with notable landmarks such as the Church of Santiago de Barbadelo, San Fiz de Reimondezo and San Nicolás. And whatever you do, don’t miss Portomarín’s famous almond cake.
Day 3: Portomarín – Palas de Rei · approx. 24 km
This stage is shaped by the Ligonde ridge, which separates the river basins of the Miño and the Ulloa. Although some sections follow paved roads, the stage offers excellent Romanesque churches — including the option to detour to Vilar de Donas — along with former pilgrims’ hospitals and the notable Lameiros wayside cross.
Day 4: Palas de Rei – Melide · approx. 16 km
Leaving Palas, the Camino crosses the Campo dos Romeiros before entering Leboreiro, a medieval hamlet. The route continues towards Furelos and its medieval bridge before reaching the town of Melide, famed for its gastronomy — especially its pulpo á feira (Galician-style octopus).
Day 5: Melide – Arzúa · approx. 14 km
A short and very pleasant stage. From Melide the Camino continues towards Boente and Castañeda before arriving in Arzúa, known for its cheese with Protected Designation of Origin. The terrain is gentle, combining woodland paths with small local roads.
Day 6: Arzúa – O Pino / Amenal · approx. 19 km
With almost forty kilometres still to go before Santiago, dividing the distance over two days is by far the most sensible option. This section offers easy terrain, soft gradients and tracks that run close to the N-547. The arrival in O Pino / Amenal marks the penultimate day of the journey.
Day 7: O Pino / Amenal – Santiago de Compostela · approx. 22 km
The final stage of your Camino. The route leads through eucalyptus, pine and oak woodland before reaching Lavacolla, where medieval pilgrims traditionally washed and purified themselves before entering Santiago. After passing the airport, the path climbs gently to Monte do Gozo — the hill from which the cathedral can be seen for the first time.
From Monte do Gozo onwards, the Camino becomes urban, following the district of San Lázaro, then Rúa de San Pedro, Porta do Camiño, Rúa das Casas Reais and Praza de Cervantes, before finally reaching the cathedral. Pilgrims enter through the Holy Door in Holy Years, or otherwise through the Azabachería entrance.
Day 8: Santiago de Compostela
Free day in Santiago to enjoy the city, collect the Compostela, visit the cathedral and bring your journey to a close before the end of services.
Accommodation Types
Accommodation along the Camino
Accommodation is organised according to the standard options available along the Camino. These are simple, functional establishments intended to provide a comfortable rest after each stage. They typically include hostales, guesthouses or basic-category hotels, always located within the town or village at the end of each stage.
Rooms and services
Rooms are normally doubles, with the option of single use for a supplement. They include a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. The category may vary between stages depending on local availability, but always with an adequate level of comfort.
Upgrade options
If you would prefer something a little more special, it’s possible to request higher-category accommodation such as casas rurales (rural guesthouses) or pazos — historic Galician manor houses. Upgrades usually involve a supplement and are confirmed on a case-by-case basis, depending on real availability along the route.
Location and accessibility
All accommodation is positioned close to the official Camino route to make both arrival and the next morning’s start straightforward. When several options exist in the same locality, the most suitable one is assigned according to availability and logistics.
Staying in Pazos (on request)
For those seeking a more authentic and traditional touch, some stages of the Camino offer the possibility of staying in Galician pazos. This option isn’t included as standard but can be arranged on request, subject to real availability on your chosen dates.
Price includes
What’s Included in the Sarria to Compostela in 8 days route
- Accommodation in hotels, pensiones (guesthouses) or rural guesthouses, depending on availability.
- Daily breakfast included.
- Luggage transfers between stages (1 bag per person).
- Pilgrim Passport (Credencial).
- Travel documentation and traveller support.
- 24-hour assistance throughout the route.
Price does not include
What’s Not Included in the Sarria to Compostela in 8 days route
- Train, flight or bus tickets to or from the starting point.
- Meals not specified in the programme.
- Additional transfers outside the established itinerary.
- Services not expressly listed as included.
- Supplements for special accommodation requests (e.g. pazos or higher-category hotels).
Optional Services
Optional Services
- Bike or e-bike hire, plus accessories (panniers, helmet, basic repair kit).
- Discount for a third person on an extra bed when sharing a room with two adults (10%).
- Transport, storage and forwarding of your own bike or luggage between stages.
- Pick-up from your hotel, hostel or agreed meeting point within the historic centre. Service available daily from 08:30 to 22:00.
- Cancellation and travel assistance insurance with extended cover.
- Extra night in Santiago or at the starting point on request.
- Room upgrades to higher categories (subject to availability at destination).
Remarks
- Arrival in Sarria: if you need transport from anywhere else, just ask. I can arrange private or shared transfers.
- Departure from Santiago: transfers are available to the airport, train station or bus station.
- Option to add extra nights in Sarria or Santiago.
For more information, contact me:
Don’t forget to mention the name of the tour and the date or dates that you are interested in.
Links of interest
- Xacobeo Galicia – Official Camino information
- Pilgrim’s Office – Credencial, Compostela and official guidelines
- Xunta de Galicia – Stages and on-route safety
- AESA – Useful travel information for Spain
These resources are reliable, regularly updated and widely used by international pilgrims. They are the ideal complement to the information for Sarria to Compostela in 8 days.
If you need a shorter option, you may prefer:
Sarria to Compostela in 7 days.
And if you’d like to walk at a more relaxed pace:
Sarria to Compostela in 11 days.
If you’re looking for activities, tours or experiences along the way, you can browse a curated selection here:
Galicia – Experiences on Civitatis.