Camino Francés: Sarria to Santiago
About this trip.
Comparing firms? Every Camino holiday on Mooch, route by route.
Before you book: Walking holidays vs cycling holidays — when each one is the right answer · Which Camino route is right for you — an honest opinion on each of the seven
The last 100km of the Camino Frances, or French Way, runs from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. It's the most popular section of the Camino, and the final stage is the most popular Camino package. If you're short on time, you can walk it through the hilly landscapes of Galicia in five days. You still receive your certificate of completion, the Compostela, when you arrive at Santiago Cathedral.
Walking the last 100km
The route is hilly, with many shaded sections, and you're guaranteed to meet other walkers. There are plenty of facilities along the way, so you only need to carry the minimum. Drink plenty of water and keep your energy up between stops.
Portomarín is a mediaeval village on the river Mino, between Sarria and Santiago. A Romanesque staircase leads up into the town. The town used to sit lower down in the valley, but it was moved when the dam was built in the 1960s. The Church of St John had to be carefully taken down and rebuilt. It was built by the workshop of Master Mateo, who also made the Portico de Gloria in Santiago's cathedral.
About 1km past Castromaior, on the way to Melide, look out for the detour to Castro de Castromaior. These Celtic ruins are 2,000 years old, and recent digs have found signs that people lived there from around 4 BC until the Romans arrived. It's a good spot for a photo, and from the embankment you can see across the Galician countryside.
Arriving in Santiago de Compostela
Just before Santiago you pass the Mount of Joy. You can get a stamp at the small church there and see the Pilgrim Statues pointing towards the city. This is where you first see the cathedral in the distance. It's the reputed burial place of St James and many Spanish kings, including Alfonso IX. Few things feel quite like reaching Praza do Obradoiro in front of the cathedral at the end of the pilgrimage.
It's worth adding an extra day or two in the city. The bustling mediaeval streets are full of market stalls, restaurants, bars and buskers. There are also several museums, and Alameda Park is good for a relaxed stroll.
What the package includes
You stay on a bed and breakfast basis in hand-picked accommodation. The package also includes a holiday or pilgrim pack, 24/7 on-call support and a virtual face-to-face briefing before you leave. Luggage transfers between hotels are not included in the starting price and can be added.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard is it really?
The grading is set by the operator and usually reflects daily distance and total ascent. As a rule of thumb: if you can comfortably manage a 5-6 hour hillwalk at home on a weekend, a moderate-graded route will be fine. Read the day-by-day notes carefully, and train with a loaded pack in the months before.
Q2Can I do this solo?
Yes — self-guided walking holidays are well suited to solo travellers, and some operators waive the single-room supplement on certain departures. The route notes are written for confident independent walkers, and most operators run a 24/7 support line.
Q3Do I need to speak the language?
No. Hotels and restaurants on the route are used to English-speaking walkers. A phrasebook for menus and a few polite basics (hello, thank you, please) is all you really need. The operator's support line speaks English.
Q4Can I bring my dog?
Some routes are dog-friendly, others aren't — it depends on whether all the accommodation on the itinerary accepts dogs. Check with the operator before booking. If you do bring a dog, you'll need a pet passport, up-to-date rabies vaccination, and a lead for villages.
Q5What if it rains?
The route is walkable in rain — your luggage travels ahead regardless, so you'll always arrive somewhere dry. Some trails get slippery in wet weather and the operator's support line can arrange a taxi for any stage if conditions are properly bad.
Q6How do I get there from the UK?
Most routes are reachable by a short flight to a nearby airport, followed by train or transfer. The operator will usually point you at the nearest airport and can advise on rail connections. Some will book train tickets on your behalf for a small fee.
Q7Can I shorten or extend it?
Usually yes. Many operators offer shorter versions of a route as a standalone, and most will add extra nights at the start or end at their own rates. Ask when you enquire — they'll tailor it before booking.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Three walking holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest walking holidays on Mooch, both on the Camino. Prices are the operators' own, per person.
