O Cebreiro to Compostela in 10 days
10 days / 9 nights
Why walk from O Cebreiro to Compostela in 10 days
Starting in O Cebreiro means beginning the French Way in one of its most iconic settings: mountain landscapes, tiny stone hamlets, traditional pallozas and a genuine sense of crossing into Galicia by its most historic gateway. It’s around 120 kilometres, spread across eight moderate walking days — ideal if you prefer a gentler rhythm without losing the essence of the Camino.
The route brings a steady mix of climbs, woodland paths, rural scenery and classic stops such as Triacastela, Sarria, Portomarín, Melide and Arzúa. There’s no rush: just good walking, good atmosphere and plenty of time to enjoy each section and the people you meet along the way.
A calmer, more spacious Camino — perfect if you want to savour the journey, take in the landscapes and reach Santiago with the satisfaction of several days walking at your own pace.
These are the highlights of the trip:
Price from
Pricing
Prices are per person and may vary depending on travel dates and accommodation availability along the Camino. Rates are based on 10 days / 9 nights.
- Per person sharing (twin / double): €675
- Per person in single room: €1,075
- 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 O Cebreiro to Compostela in 10 days route is available year-round, with fully flexible start dates to match 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 O Cebreiro / Pedrafita do Cebreiro
Arrival in O Cebreiro on your own and overnight in the area. This tiny mountain hamlet is one of the most atmospheric points on the French Way, home to the pre-Romanesque Church of Santa María la Real and the traditional stone-and-thatch pallozas.
Day 2: O Cebreiro – Triacastela · approx. 22 km
Your Camino in Galicia begins with a mix of ascents and descents between the sierras of O Courel and Os Ancares. You will climb to the Alto de San Roque, marked by the iconic pilgrim statue, before continuing through Hospital, O Padornelo and Fonfría. A stony downhill trail leads towards Fillobal and finally Triacastela.
Day 3: Triacastela – Sarria · approx. 19 km
A scenic day through woodland, farmhouses and small Galician hamlets. The route leads to the historic Monastery of Samos — one of the oldest in the West — passing Renche, Lastres, Freituxe and San Martiño before reaching the monastery itself. After visiting Samos, the Camino continues via Teiguín, Pascais, Gorolfe, Reiriz and Guiada before entering the town of Sarria.
Day 4: Sarria – Portomarín · approx. 23 km
Sarria is a classic starting point as it sits just above the famous final 100 km of the Camino. This stage offers Romanesque churches, rural pathways, medieval bridges and a string of historic villages across the municipalities of Sarria, Paradela and Portomarín, finishing with the descent to the Miño River and the approach to Portomarín.
Day 5: Portomarín – Palas de Rei · approx. 25 km
A gentle climb through woodland opens the day before the path continues beside quiet country roads. Points of interest include Gonzar, Castromaior and its Celtic hillfort, and the Church of San Salvador in Vilar de Donas — one of the area’s Romanesque gems. The stage continues through several hamlets before reaching Palas de Rei.
Day 6: Palas de Rei – Melide · approx. 16 km
Leaving Palas through the traditional Campo dos Romeiros, the route heads towards San Xulián do Camiño and crosses the Pambre River before entering the province of A Coruña. A woodland path leads to the medieval village of Leboreiro and then to the Furelos River, crossed by a beautiful stone bridge on the way into Melide.
Day 7: Melide – Arzúa · approx. 14 km
Melide is famous for its octopus, but also for its heritage. From here the Camino continues through Boente and Castañeda before descending to Ribadiso, one of the most picturesque corners of the French Way. A final gentle stretch leads into Arzúa, known for its PDO-protected local cheese.
Day 8: Arzúa – O Pino / Amenal · approx. 19 km
Because nearly 40 km separate Arzúa from Santiago, it is sensible to break the distance here. This stage crosses farmland, forests and small hamlets, passing the Fountain of the French, the Vello River and the Chapel of San Lázaro. After crossing the Brandeso River, the route continues through A Peroxa and Burres before reaching the municipality of O Pino and finishing in O Pino / Amenal.
Day 9: O Pino / Amenal – Santiago de Compostela · approx. 22 km
The final day leads through eucalyptus woods and quiet rural paths. After Amenal and Cimadevila, the Camino reaches Lavacolla, where medieval pilgrims traditionally purified themselves before entering Santiago. A gentle climb leads to Monte do Gozo, offering the first view of the cathedral towers. From here, the route continues into the city, through the historic quarter, and ends in the magnificent Praza do Obradoiro.
Day 10: Santiago de Compostela
Free time in Santiago to explore the old town, visit the cathedral, attend the pilgrim’s mass or collect your Compostela. 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 usually 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 availability in each locality, but always with an adequate level of comfort.
Upgrade options
If you 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 carry a supplement and are confirmed case by case, as availability varies along the route.
Location and accessibility
All accommodation is located close to the official Camino route to make both arrival and the following day’s start straightforward. When several options exist in the same town, the most suitable one is assigned according to availability and logistics.
Staying in Pazos (on request)
For a more traditional and authentic touch, some stages of the Camino offer stays in Galician pazos. These historic manor houses are not included by default but can be arranged on request, subject to real availability on your chosen dates.
Price includes
What’s Included
- Accommodation in hotels, pensiones (small 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 Sarria to Compostela in 7 days
- 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. 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 O Cebreiro: if you need transport from anywhere else, just ask. I can arrange private or shared transfers.
- Departure from Santiago: transfers to the airport, train station or bus station are available.
- 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 guidelines
- Xunta de Galicia – Stages and safety on the Camino
- AESA – Useful travel information for Spain
These resources are reliable, up to date and widely used by pilgrims. They are an excellent complement to the information for O Cebreiro to Compostela in 10 days.
If you prefer a shorter option from Sarria, you can consider the itineraries Sarria to Compostela in 7 days or Sarria to Compostela in 8 days. And if you’d like a more relaxed pace, the extended itinerary Sarria to Compostela in 11 days may suit you better.
If you’d also like to enjoy excursions, guided visits or activities in Galicia before or after your Camino, you can book a variety of options via Civitatis: Galicia activities and excursions – Civitatis.