Walking the Camino from Sarria in 5 Days: Stages and Tips

Sarria is the most popular starting point of the whole Camino: it sits just over 100 km from Santiago, so it is the shortest walk on the Camino Francés that still earns the Compostela. It is a great choice if you have a week off, but it is also the busiest stretch, and a little planning makes a big difference.

The five stages

Day 1: Sarria to Portomarín (about 22 km). Oak woods, stone villages and the 100 km marker, then a steep entry into Portomarín over the Miño reservoir.

Day 2: Portomarín to Palas de Rei (about 25 km). A long, steady climb out of the valley, then rolling farmland with few shady sections.

Day 3: Palas de Rei to Arzúa (about 28.5 km). The longest day, with the medieval bridge of Furelos and Melide, famous for its octopus (pulpo á feira).

Day 4: Arzúa to O Pedrouzo (about 19 km). Gentle eucalyptus forest and plenty of cafés; a good day to rest your legs.

Day 5: O Pedrouzo to Santiago (about 19.5 km). Past Monte do Gozo and into the old town to the Praza do Obradoiro.

See every stage with climbs, albergues and photos in our Camino Francés stage guide.

Getting to Sarria

Sarria has a train station on the line from Madrid and Ourense to Lugo, and buses run from Santiago, Lugo and Santiago airport. Many people sleep in Sarria the night before so they can start early.

Tips for the busiest stretch

From May to September beds fill fast, so book private albergues or guesthouses ahead or start walking early. Remember you need two stamps a day in your credencial on this final 100 km. If five days of 20-28 km feels like too much, split Palas de Rei to Arzúa at Melide and take six days.

Want to check your own pace? Try the Camino Planner.