Sarria to Compostela in 11 days

Day 1: Accommodation in Sarria

Arrival in Sarria on your own and overnight in the town. Sarria sits close to the famous final 100 km of the French Way — the minimum distance required to earn the Compostela. If time allows, it’s worth visiting the Torre de la Fortaleza and the Monasterio de la Magdalena.

Day 2: Sarria – Morgade · approx. 12 km

This stage passes through places steeped in Camino history, including the Church of Santiago de Barbadelo. In Rente you’ll find a fountain decorated with the Pelegrín, the mascot of Xacobeo 93. In Cortiñas you’ll encounter a false 100-km marker — the real one appears a little further on. The route continues to Morgade with its “Demon’s Fountain” and the Chapel of the Trinity, where pilgrims traditionally leave handwritten notes about their journey.

Day 3: Morgade – Portomarín · approx. 11 km

The stage crosses the villages of Paradela and Portomarín. In Mirallos you’ll see the Romanesque Church of Santa María. A mix of lanes and paths leads through A Pena, O Couto, Rozas, Moimentos, Mercadoiro and Moutrás, passing a wooden cross covered in pilgrim offerings. Approaching the Miño river, the route enters Portomarín via its medieval bridge. Don’t miss the Church of San Nicolás or the town’s famous almond cake.

Day 4: Portomarín – Ventas de Narón · approx. 13 km

Leaving Portomarín, the route crosses the Torres river, a tributary of the Miño. After a short ascent along the slopes of Monte de San Antonio, the terrain levels out, following paths near the local road. Toxibo welcomes you with an impressive hórreo, while Gonzar features the Church of Santa María. In Castromaior, the Celtic settlement and Romanesque church are well worth a visit. After Hospital da Cruz the stage ends in Ventas de Narón, a historic point on the French Way.

Day 5: Ventas de Narón – Palas de Rei · approx. 12 km

Beyond Ventas de Narón a small chapel marks the start of an ascent over the Ligonde ridge, which divides the Miño and Ulla river basins. In Os Lameiros, the Chapel of San Marcos and its distinctive wayside cross are key landmarks. Passing through Ligonde, the route continues among religious and traditional buildings before reaching Lestedo, once home to a pilgrims’ hospital. Several small hamlets lead the way to Palas de Rei.

Day 6: Palas de Rei – Melide · approx. 16 km

Leaving Palas through the Campo dos Romeiros, the route alternates between roads and tracks before reaching San Xulián do Camiño. The landscape becomes more rural and scenic, crossing the River Pambre and entering the province of A Coruña. A woodland path brings you to the medieval hamlet of Leboreiro and its Church of Santa María. After the riverside recreation area of Furelos, the stage finishes in Melide.

Day 7: Melide – Arzúa · approx. 14 km

Melide, known for its pulpo á feira, also preserves notable cultural and historical heritage. Pastures and eucalyptus woodland guide you to Boente. After a series of ascents and descents the route reaches Ribadiso, one of the Camino’s most atmospheric spots. The terrain softens as you continue towards Arzúa, famous for its protected-origin cheese.

Day 8: Arzúa – Salceda · approx. 12 km

The stage begins with a visit to the Fonte dos Franceses before crossing the Vello river. The route continues to As Barrosas and its Chapel of San Lázaro. After crossing the Brandeso river, a steady climb leads to the hermitage of San Paio. A Peroxa and Burres mark your entry into the municipality of O Pino, followed by the Languello stream and Boavista, before arriving in Salceda where the rural landscape begins to thin out.

Day 9: Salceda – Lavacolla · approx. 15 km

A mix of dirt paths and road sections leads to San Miguel de Cerceda, where pilgrims from the Northern Way join the French route. Passing the Chapel of Santa Irene, the stage continues to Amenal. After crossing the river, the path climbs to Cimadevila. A stone monolith marks your entry into Santiago’s municipality, and the hamlets of San Paio and A Esquipa guide you to Lavacolla.

Day 10: Lavacolla – Santiago de Compostela · approx. 10 km

The route passes the Church of San Pelayo de Sabugueira and follows the TVG studios before reaching Monte do Gozo, where pilgrims enjoy their first view of Santiago. From there, the path descends through San Lázaro, Os Concheiros and Casas Reais, entering the historic centre and arriving at the Praza do Obradoiro and the Cathedral.

Day 11: Santiago de Compostela

Free day in Santiago to explore the city, visit the Cathedral, collect the Compostela and bring your journey to a close before the end of services.