OVERVIEW

For over a millennia, the Camino has been widely regarded as the longest pilgrimage route in Europe. Over the centuries, millions of pilgrims have been drawn to the experience of joining walkers from across the globe to complete a journey unlike any other. The last 100km of the Camino is one of the most popular and for good reason! Starting out in the Galician town of Sarria, collect your Camino passport and follow tracks and trails into the rich history of northwest Spain.

This week-long walk heads across a timeless landscape, discovering ancient churches and medieval towns along the way. Whilst many choose to walk the Camino for spirituality, often trekkers  complete the journey for the experience of meeting other walkers, the wealth of Spanish culture and the beautiful simplicity of it all. The grand finale is the buzz of walking into Santiago's Plaza de Obradoiro and to the steps of Santiago's impressive Baroque cathedral. Later, after collecting your 'Compostela' (pilgrim's certificate), hop between tapas bars sampling typical Galician dishes and toast your achievement.

Highlights

  • Walk the final 100km of the Camino from Sarria to Santiago
  • Visit the majestic cathedral at Santiago de Compostela
  • Spend each day walking alongside fellow pilgrims on this world-famous route
  • Visit the Church of El Salvador, a national monument to the Knights of Santiago
  • Discover ancient villages and medieval churches
  • One of the world's best treks to complete solo or with friends

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
SELF GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
8 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Easy to Moderate

Grade 2 - Easy to Moderate

Some uphill sections and occasional steps. Walks are generally shorter and walking experience is not required.

PRICE FROM
$ 1305

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 555

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of a room when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

per person

Book now

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7
  • Day 8

DAY 1
Arrive Sarria

The bustling Galician town of Sarria marks the start of the final Camino stage to Santiago de Compostela. Beyond its modern centre, seek out the historic streets where you can visit the 13th century O’Salvador gothic church and the medieval fortress of Sarria. Later on, collect your pilgrim passport and try out typical tapas dishes of pimientos de padrón (fried peppers) and pulpo a feira (octopus cooked in olive oil and paprika).

Meals Included: None
Accommodation: Hotel Alfonso IX
Begin your Camino in the comfortable Hotel Alfonso, located in central Sarria which means you can easily join the Camino trail the next morning. All rooms have their own bathroom and there is a small cafe to grab a cafe con leche before heading out to further explore Sarria.

DAY 2
Walk to Portomarin

Begin the day with a walk through a woodland of ancient oak, birch and chestnut forests, before joining the official Camino trail. Marked by the famous scallop shell waymarks of this world-renowned route, stroll alongside fellow pilgrims as the trail undulates across grazing pastures and farm tracks, passing through tiny hamlets where you see many traditional ‘horreos’ granaries. Descend into Portomarin via the Mino Reservoir, the former site of Portomarin town. In the 1960’s Portomarin was moved brick by brick to higher ground, including the imposing structures of San Nicolas and San Pedro church.

Walk: 23km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Pousada de Portomarin
This modern hotel has been welcoming pilgrims for the last 50 years. A typical simple walkers hotel, rooms are comfortable, ensuited and bright. Other facilities include a bar, café, restaurant and a swimming pool open during the high summer months.

DAY 3
Walk to Palas de Rei

The day begins with a steady climb through pine forests, cornfields and across meadows. Today’s high point is Sierra Ligonde (720m). Here you can make a small detour to the 14th-century Romanesque church of El Salvador at Vilar de Donas, a national monument to the Knights of Santiago. The last gentle climb of the day passes through age-old villages and descends into the village of Palas de Rei (Palace of the Kings), where you will spend tonight.

Walk: 26km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Beilde
Nestled in the pedestrian area of Palas de Rei, this small and friendly hotel has simple en-suite rooms. Very popular with Camino walkers, the hotel has a great atmosphere at breakfast as fellow hikers are preparing for the day ahead. Close to all the town facilities, this hotel makes for a pleasant stay.

DAY 4
Walk to Arzua

A long but manageable day follows secluded trails through woodlands and into a region dotted with medieval castles, churches and ancient settlements. After leaving Palas de Rei you will soon reach the classic Camino village of San Xulian with its tiny 12th-century church. The trail continues to climb, crossing Porto de Boi and through the villages of Campanilla and Leboreiro, where you can visit a 13th-century Romanesque church. Before arriving in Arzua you pass the ancient town of Melide, famous for the classic Galician dish of ‘Pulpo a Galega’ (octopus).

Walk: 29km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Teodora
A family run business, brothers Jesus and Gabriel manage this popular Camino stopover. The restaurant is popular with locals and serves dishes such as fresh sardines and beef shank, which are complemented by local wines, such as a perfectly chilled Albarino and Ribeiros white wine.

DAY 5
Walk to Rua

The penultimate day of walking weaves its way towards Santiago across farmland and woodland. The trail heads through several villages including Cortobe and Fondevila which have seemingly stood still in time since the middle ages. A gentle ascent leads up to the 18th-century hilltop chapel of Santa Irene (named after a Christian martyr). The last few km’s of today’s route follows a shaded trail through eucalyptus woods before arriving in the lively town of Rua.

Walk: 17km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel O’Pina
For over fifty years Hotel O’Pina has been welcoming pilgrims on the last leg of their journey to Santiago. Small and hospitable, the en-suite rooms are spacious and the hotel restaurant is famous for its fresh, daily serving of Empanada Gallega (Galician pie).

DAY 6
Walk to Santiago de Compostela

Today, the Camino leads you into the heart of Santiago de Compostela to the majestic cathedral in Plaza de Obradoiro. Leaving Rua, rural trails give way to an urban environment as fellow walkers begin to converge for the last leg of this historic route. As you pass through Lavacolla, before crossing the stream, tradition would usually see pilgrims bathe and purify themselves in preparation for their arrival to Santiago. The final stretch to Santiago heads into the magnificent historic centre where you can present your pilgrim passport and receive your ‘Compostela’ certificate. With 2 nights in Santiago, you can relax and recharge your legs this afternoon, before exploring this UNESCO listed city tomorrow.

Walk: 23km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Lux Santiago
Spend 2 nights in Hotel Lux, only a few minutes walk from the historic centre. Within easy reach of local bars and restaurants you can spend the evenings sampling local lobster and octopus dishes. Rooms have their own bathroom, comfortable beds and wifi.

DAY 7
Rest day in Santiago de Compostela

A day to rest and enjoy the spectacular atmosphere of this world-famous city. You can return to Plaza de Obradoiro and the Cathedral built in honour of Saint James and depending on the day, you may even be able to attend mass. For some, the journey continues onto Finisterre, which in Roman times was thought to be the end of the world. After another 4 days of walking, many pilgrims continued to the coast to bathe after their long journeys. Nowadays, the additional days of walking add a closing chapter to your Camino experience. If you wish to add Finisterre on to your experience, this can easily be done for you. Just let us know at the time of booking.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Lux Santiago

DAY 8
Onward Travel

Depending on your onward travel plans, you can spend the morning soaking up the atmosphere of the plaza before heading off on your journey home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 25+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • 7 breakfasts
  • Luggage transfers as described
  • Pilgrim Passport
  • Route Notes, Maps and GPX tracks
  • 24/7 telephone support
  • Walk the final 100km of the Camino from Sarria to Santiago
  • Spend each day walking alongside fellow pilgrims on this world-famous route
  • Discover ancient villages and medieval churches

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

During this tour, you will stay in simple, small family-run hotels and guest houses that have been welcoming walkers of the Camino for many years. All rooms are en-suited and typically, in the style of the Camino, accommodations have a great atmosphere as the majority of other guests will be fellow walkers. As this walk is a very busy route it is usual for similar accommodations to be used other than that listed.

Single Rooms
If you are travelling with family and/or friends but would like single rooms, we would advise booking as soon as your plans are finalised to secure your rooming preferences. Single rooms incur an additional single occupancy fee.

Dining
You will be provided with 7 breakfasts. If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know at the time of booking so we can let your hosts know. Should you have severe food allergies, it’s always worth bringing a few of your own snacks with you.

You will find many of the accommodations have their own restaurant which serves regional dishes, using local ingredients. Although dinners aren’t included in this tour, dinners can be included each evening as a supplement if you wish.  You can either order lunch from your accommodation or buy local cheeses and meats along with a wide variety of different breads you will find along the Camino.

  • NIGHT 1

  • NIGHT 2

  • NIGHT 3

  • NIGHT 4

  • NIGHT 5

  • NIGHT 6 & 7

FITNESS GUIDE

It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed.  Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.

The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, average daily distance is 16.8km, average daily elevation is 448m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.

ngraph

DISTANCE - ABOVE AVERAGE

Distance training is a major consideration in your overall training program. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 17-25 km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row. Take every opportunity you can to walk. If you have a fitness watch or phone, you should try to reach >15,000 steps every day.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - BELOW AVERAGE

Elevation is not a major consideration in your overall training program. However, you should still incorporate some form of resistance training to increase your endurance.

FLAT TERRAIN

Whilst training for walking on flat and hard terrain, you should focus on building endurance and ensuring you can maintain a comfortable pace.

Start with regular walks on sidewalks, roads, or paved paths to get used to the surface. Maintain a proper posture and engage your core muscles to support your back, keeping a steady gait. Ensure that you have comfortable, supportive footwear with adequate cushioning. If endurance is important, consider incorporating low-impact cross-training activities like swimming or cycling into your routine.

GENERAL INFO

AVAILABILITY

This tour is available from the start of March through November. Regardless of when you travel there are often celebrations along the Camino, specific to the individual towns or regions. From Galician literature festivals through to the nationwide celebrations of Semana Santa, walking the Camino is a colourful experience.

THE WALKING

The Camino is a well-trodden route, so the trails are very well defined for the most part. You will follow an ancient pilgrim trail and therefore, whilst sections of the walk will take you deep into the picturesque countryside, you will also walk through urban environments and alongside roads, as you follow the truest route possible.

You should be used to walking up to 30km with up to 500m of ascent and descent. On any typical day you will hike on rocky trails, farm and forest tracks and cover long sections in the open countryside. You will make sustained climbs to hilltop towns, villages and across the rolling countryside. You will also walk on some roads, so please be mindful of all road users at all times.

A moderate active lifestyle makes walking enjoyable, an exercise regime of 2 to 3 times a week is needed, in addition to your usual walks. The route is very well waymarked by the iconic scallop-shell markers and with the many other walkers on the trail it’s very easy to find your way.
For each of the walks, you will be provided with daily walk notes, a map and the GPX tracks if you wish to use for your own device.

WEATHER

The route runs across northern Spain and through a variety of terrain. During the early and latter part of the season, conditions can be changeable from temperate warms days through to frosty mornings and very cool nights. From May to September, rainy days are less frequent and temperatures are steadily between 20-24 degrees, however, it is possible that you may experience a few cloudy days. See weather averages here.

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

The tour starts in Sarria and finishes in Santiago. The best way to reach Sarria is by arriving at one of the following airports; Madrid, Santiago de Compostela or Bilbao Airport.

The most straightforward way to reach Sarria is from Santiago, it is around a 2hr 30min train or bus journey changing once in Ourense. If you would prefer a private transfer we can always arrange these for you.

From Madrid, it is around a 7-hour journey from the main Chamartin train station and around an 8-hour journey from Bilbao Station

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

MAP

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    PER PERSON
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 1 Mar 2024 - 31 Oct 2024
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $1435

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $515
  • 1 Mar 2025 - 31 Oct 2025
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $1305

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $555

FAQS

Q: What happens if I don’t want to walk one of the days, can I travel with the luggage?

Unfortunately, walkers cannot travel with the luggage. The information you are provided with has details for local taxi numbers, bus and train timetables should you wish to not walk on any day. Your accommodation hosts will also have up to date information and advice should you wish to travel to the next destination by local transport. As always, you can call us in the office should you need help during your walk.

Q: Where would you suggest adding an extra night?

Santiago, of course! This city is worthy of an extra day and not just to further explore the grand cathedral. Santiago boasts a wealth of medieval architecture, tapas bars and restaurants. We can also arrange an onward walk to the coastal point of Finisterre. Regarded as the end of the world by the Romans, many pilgrims continue on walking for several days to reach Finisterre. Having completed the Camino, it is an extra 4 days to reach Finisterre with a transfer back to Santiago on the fifth day.

Q: Can you extend our stay in Santiago de Compostela?

Of course, please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to extend your time in Santiago.

Q: Can my children walk with me?

We don't allow children under the age of 16 to do this walk.

Q: We’re travelling as friends but would like single rooms?

Subject to a single occupancy payment, single rooms are available. However, due to the limited accommodation single rooms might not always be available for every night of the tour, but we will let you know your options throughout the booking process.

Q: Can we reduce the days walked?

We wouldn’t suggest completing the itinerary in less than 8 days and 7 nights.

Q: Can we extend the days walked?

Of course, we’re happy to discuss your needs. If you feel you would prefer the ultimate Camino walk, you may wish to look at walking the full Camino route for 40 days or Leon to Santiago in 16 days.

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Overview

OVERVIEW

For over a millennia, the Camino has been widely regarded as the longest pilgrimage route in Europe. Over the centuries, millions of pilgrims have been drawn to the experience of joining walkers from across the globe to complete a journey unlike any other. The last 100km of the Camino is one of the most popular and for good reason! Starting out in the Galician town of Sarria, collect your Camino passport and follow tracks and trails into the rich history of northwest Spain.

This week-long walk heads across a timeless landscape, discovering ancient churches and medieval towns along the way. Whilst many choose to walk the Camino for spirituality, often trekkers  complete the journey for the experience of meeting other walkers, the wealth of Spanish culture and the beautiful simplicity of it all. The grand finale is the buzz of walking into Santiago's Plaza de Obradoiro and to the steps of Santiago's impressive Baroque cathedral. Later, after collecting your 'Compostela' (pilgrim's certificate), hop between tapas bars sampling typical Galician dishes and toast your achievement.

Highlights

  • Walk the final 100km of the Camino from Sarria to Santiago
  • Visit the majestic cathedral at Santiago de Compostela
  • Spend each day walking alongside fellow pilgrims on this world-famous route
  • Visit the Church of El Salvador, a national monument to the Knights of Santiago
  • Discover ancient villages and medieval churches
  • One of the world's best treks to complete solo or with friends

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
SELF GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
8 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Easy to Moderate

Grade 2 - Easy to Moderate

Some uphill sections and occasional steps. Walks are generally shorter and walking experience is not required.

PRICE FROM
$ 1305

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 555

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of the accommodation when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

per person

Book now
Itinerary

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7
  • Day 8

DAY 1
Arrive Sarria

The bustling Galician town of Sarria marks the start of the final Camino stage to Santiago de Compostela. Beyond its modern centre, seek out the historic streets where you can visit the 13th century O’Salvador gothic church and the medieval fortress of Sarria. Later on, collect your pilgrim passport and try out typical tapas dishes of pimientos de padrón (fried peppers) and pulpo a feira (octopus cooked in olive oil and paprika).

Meals Included: None
Accommodation: Hotel Alfonso IX
Begin your Camino in the comfortable Hotel Alfonso, located in central Sarria which means you can easily join the Camino trail the next morning. All rooms have their own bathroom and there is a small cafe to grab a cafe con leche before heading out to further explore Sarria.

DAY 2
Walk to Portomarin

Begin the day with a walk through a woodland of ancient oak, birch and chestnut forests, before joining the official Camino trail. Marked by the famous scallop shell waymarks of this world-renowned route, stroll alongside fellow pilgrims as the trail undulates across grazing pastures and farm tracks, passing through tiny hamlets where you see many traditional ‘horreos’ granaries. Descend into Portomarin via the Mino Reservoir, the former site of Portomarin town. In the 1960’s Portomarin was moved brick by brick to higher ground, including the imposing structures of San Nicolas and San Pedro church.

Walk: 23km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Pousada de Portomarin
This modern hotel has been welcoming pilgrims for the last 50 years. A typical simple walkers hotel, rooms are comfortable, ensuited and bright. Other facilities include a bar, café, restaurant and a swimming pool open during the high summer months.

DAY 3
Walk to Palas de Rei

The day begins with a steady climb through pine forests, cornfields and across meadows. Today’s high point is Sierra Ligonde (720m). Here you can make a small detour to the 14th-century Romanesque church of El Salvador at Vilar de Donas, a national monument to the Knights of Santiago. The last gentle climb of the day passes through age-old villages and descends into the village of Palas de Rei (Palace of the Kings), where you will spend tonight.

Walk: 26km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Beilde
Nestled in the pedestrian area of Palas de Rei, this small and friendly hotel has simple en-suite rooms. Very popular with Camino walkers, the hotel has a great atmosphere at breakfast as fellow hikers are preparing for the day ahead. Close to all the town facilities, this hotel makes for a pleasant stay.

DAY 4
Walk to Arzua

A long but manageable day follows secluded trails through woodlands and into a region dotted with medieval castles, churches and ancient settlements. After leaving Palas de Rei you will soon reach the classic Camino village of San Xulian with its tiny 12th-century church. The trail continues to climb, crossing Porto de Boi and through the villages of Campanilla and Leboreiro, where you can visit a 13th-century Romanesque church. Before arriving in Arzua you pass the ancient town of Melide, famous for the classic Galician dish of ‘Pulpo a Galega’ (octopus).

Walk: 29km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Teodora
A family run business, brothers Jesus and Gabriel manage this popular Camino stopover. The restaurant is popular with locals and serves dishes such as fresh sardines and beef shank, which are complemented by local wines, such as a perfectly chilled Albarino and Ribeiros white wine.

DAY 5
Walk to Rua

The penultimate day of walking weaves its way towards Santiago across farmland and woodland. The trail heads through several villages including Cortobe and Fondevila which have seemingly stood still in time since the middle ages. A gentle ascent leads up to the 18th-century hilltop chapel of Santa Irene (named after a Christian martyr). The last few km’s of today’s route follows a shaded trail through eucalyptus woods before arriving in the lively town of Rua.

Walk: 17km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel O’Pina
For over fifty years Hotel O’Pina has been welcoming pilgrims on the last leg of their journey to Santiago. Small and hospitable, the en-suite rooms are spacious and the hotel restaurant is famous for its fresh, daily serving of Empanada Gallega (Galician pie).

DAY 6
Walk to Santiago de Compostela

Today, the Camino leads you into the heart of Santiago de Compostela to the majestic cathedral in Plaza de Obradoiro. Leaving Rua, rural trails give way to an urban environment as fellow walkers begin to converge for the last leg of this historic route. As you pass through Lavacolla, before crossing the stream, tradition would usually see pilgrims bathe and purify themselves in preparation for their arrival to Santiago. The final stretch to Santiago heads into the magnificent historic centre where you can present your pilgrim passport and receive your ‘Compostela’ certificate. With 2 nights in Santiago, you can relax and recharge your legs this afternoon, before exploring this UNESCO listed city tomorrow.

Walk: 23km
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Lux Santiago
Spend 2 nights in Hotel Lux, only a few minutes walk from the historic centre. Within easy reach of local bars and restaurants you can spend the evenings sampling local lobster and octopus dishes. Rooms have their own bathroom, comfortable beds and wifi.

DAY 7
Rest day in Santiago de Compostela

A day to rest and enjoy the spectacular atmosphere of this world-famous city. You can return to Plaza de Obradoiro and the Cathedral built in honour of Saint James and depending on the day, you may even be able to attend mass. For some, the journey continues onto Finisterre, which in Roman times was thought to be the end of the world. After another 4 days of walking, many pilgrims continued to the coast to bathe after their long journeys. Nowadays, the additional days of walking add a closing chapter to your Camino experience. If you wish to add Finisterre on to your experience, this can easily be done for you. Just let us know at the time of booking.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Lux Santiago

DAY 8
Onward Travel

Depending on your onward travel plans, you can spend the morning soaking up the atmosphere of the plaza before heading off on your journey home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

What’s Included

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 25+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • 7 breakfasts
  • Luggage transfers as described
  • Pilgrim Passport
  • Route Notes, Maps and GPX tracks
  • 24/7 telephone support
  • Walk the final 100km of the Camino from Sarria to Santiago
  • Spend each day walking alongside fellow pilgrims on this world-famous route
  • Discover ancient villages and medieval churches
Accommodation & Dining

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

During this tour, you will stay in simple, small family-run hotels and guest houses that have been welcoming walkers of the Camino for many years. All rooms are en-suited and typically, in the style of the Camino, accommodations have a great atmosphere as the majority of other guests will be fellow walkers. As this walk is a very busy route it is usual for similar accommodations to be used other than that listed.

Single Rooms
If you are travelling with family and/or friends but would like single rooms, we would advise booking as soon as your plans are finalised to secure your rooming preferences. Single rooms incur an additional single occupancy fee.

Dining
You will be provided with 7 breakfasts. If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know at the time of booking so we can let your hosts know. Should you have severe food allergies, it’s always worth bringing a few of your own snacks with you.

You will find many of the accommodations have their own restaurant which serves regional dishes, using local ingredients. Although dinners aren’t included in this tour, dinners can be included each evening as a supplement if you wish.  You can either order lunch from your accommodation or buy local cheeses and meats along with a wide variety of different breads you will find along the Camino.

  • NIGHT 1

  • NIGHT 2

  • NIGHT 3

  • NIGHT 4

  • NIGHT 5

  • NIGHT 6 & 7

Fitness Guide

FITNESS GUIDE

It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed.  Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.

The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, average daily distance is 16.8km, average daily elevation is 448m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.

ngraph

DISTANCE - ABOVE AVERAGE

Distance training is a major consideration in your overall training program. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 17-25 km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row. Take every opportunity you can to walk. If you have a fitness watch or phone, you should try to reach >15,000 steps every day.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - BELOW AVERAGE

Elevation is not a major consideration in your overall training program. However, you should still incorporate some form of resistance training to increase your endurance.

FLAT TERRAIN

Whilst training for walking on flat and hard terrain, you should focus on building endurance and ensuring you can maintain a comfortable pace.

Start with regular walks on sidewalks, roads, or paved paths to get used to the surface. Maintain a proper posture and engage your core muscles to support your back, keeping a steady gait. Ensure that you have comfortable, supportive footwear with adequate cushioning. If endurance is important, consider incorporating low-impact cross-training activities like swimming or cycling into your routine.

General Info

GENERAL INFO

AVAILABILITY

This tour is available from the start of March through November. Regardless of when you travel there are often celebrations along the Camino, specific to the individual towns or regions. From Galician literature festivals through to the nationwide celebrations of Semana Santa, walking the Camino is a colourful experience.

THE WALKING

The Camino is a well-trodden route, so the trails are very well defined for the most part. You will follow an ancient pilgrim trail and therefore, whilst sections of the walk will take you deep into the picturesque countryside, you will also walk through urban environments and alongside roads, as you follow the truest route possible.

You should be used to walking up to 30km with up to 500m of ascent and descent. On any typical day you will hike on rocky trails, farm and forest tracks and cover long sections in the open countryside. You will make sustained climbs to hilltop towns, villages and across the rolling countryside. You will also walk on some roads, so please be mindful of all road users at all times.

A moderate active lifestyle makes walking enjoyable, an exercise regime of 2 to 3 times a week is needed, in addition to your usual walks. The route is very well waymarked by the iconic scallop-shell markers and with the many other walkers on the trail it’s very easy to find your way.
For each of the walks, you will be provided with daily walk notes, a map and the GPX tracks if you wish to use for your own device.

WEATHER

The route runs across northern Spain and through a variety of terrain. During the early and latter part of the season, conditions can be changeable from temperate warms days through to frosty mornings and very cool nights. From May to September, rainy days are less frequent and temperatures are steadily between 20-24 degrees, however, it is possible that you may experience a few cloudy days. See weather averages here.

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

The tour starts in Sarria and finishes in Santiago. The best way to reach Sarria is by arriving at one of the following airports; Madrid, Santiago de Compostela or Bilbao Airport.

The most straightforward way to reach Sarria is from Santiago, it is around a 2hr 30min train or bus journey changing once in Ourense. If you would prefer a private transfer we can always arrange these for you.

From Madrid, it is around a 7-hour journey from the main Chamartin train station and around an 8-hour journey from Bilbao Station

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

Map

MAP

Departure Dates

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    PER PERSON
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 1 Mar 2024 - 31 Oct 2024
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $1435

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $515
  • 1 Mar 2025 - 31 Oct 2025
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $1305

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $555
Faqs

FAQS

Q: What happens if I don’t want to walk one of the days, can I travel with the luggage?

Unfortunately, walkers cannot travel with the luggage. The information you are provided with has details for local taxi numbers, bus and train timetables should you wish to not walk on any day. Your accommodation hosts will also have up to date information and advice should you wish to travel to the next destination by local transport. As always, you can call us in the office should you need help during your walk.

Q: Where would you suggest adding an extra night?

Santiago, of course! This city is worthy of an extra day and not just to further explore the grand cathedral. Santiago boasts a wealth of medieval architecture, tapas bars and restaurants. We can also arrange an onward walk to the coastal point of Finisterre. Regarded as the end of the world by the Romans, many pilgrims continue on walking for several days to reach Finisterre. Having completed the Camino, it is an extra 4 days to reach Finisterre with a transfer back to Santiago on the fifth day.

Q: Can you extend our stay in Santiago de Compostela?

Of course, please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to extend your time in Santiago.

Q: Can my children walk with me?

We don't allow children under the age of 16 to do this walk.

Q: We’re travelling as friends but would like single rooms?

Subject to a single occupancy payment, single rooms are available. However, due to the limited accommodation single rooms might not always be available for every night of the tour, but we will let you know your options throughout the booking process.

Q: Can we reduce the days walked?

We wouldn’t suggest completing the itinerary in less than 8 days and 7 nights.

Q: Can we extend the days walked?

Of course, we’re happy to discuss your needs. If you feel you would prefer the ultimate Camino walk, you may wish to look at walking the full Camino route for 40 days or Leon to Santiago in 16 days.

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