Camino - Sarria to Santiago Rambler

Make your own way to the first hotel in Sarria. Sarria is located on a hilltop with a river on either side affording you great views of the region. It was a major medieval centre for pilgrims, and the ancient atmosphere can still be felt in the Old Quarter. We can assist with extra nights in Sarria and/or a transfer from Santiago airport to the joining hotel - please ask for our rates.

We recommend before leaving Sarria that you take the time to visit the Monastery of Magdalena with its church and cloister. Today you will walk along lovely tree-lined paths, roads and gravel tracks, en route to Morgade. The path ascends gently and on the way you will pass through many small hamlets. Distance 13km/8mi, +260m/853ft

As you head to Portomarin today you will pass through hamlets dotted along areas of cultivated land, grazing pastures and woodlands and view the first “horreos”, typical raised grain silos. It's a relatively easy walk until the steep descent leads you across the Dam of Portomarin where you can see ruins of the ancient flooded village, and into the town for your accommodation. Relax and stroll this afternoon in the cafe-lined main square and visit the church which was moved here stone by stone from the old town. Distance 10km/6.2mi, -385m/1263ft

Today's route takes you uphill through brooms which have a lovely fragrance. The slopes are not significant, but there are constant ups and downs, typical of the Galician relief. Along the path you will pass charming hamlets and calvaries. Continue to Ventas de Naron. Distance 12.9km/8mi, +300m/986ft

Descend initially to Ligonde where you will find a church dedicated to the apostle St James. Emperor Charles V stayed here on the 24th of March 1520. Fields for crops and livestock are interspersed with wooded countryside, mainly oak trees, and small villages. From Ligonde it's a fairly level walk to Palas de Rei. Distance 11km/6.9mi, -135m/444ft

Today you will walk to Melide, which is one of the larger towns on the Camino in Galicia. More than five river courses are crossed, as well as wooded areas with mainly native trees and crop fields. From Palas de Rei the trail descends to Casanova and Leboreiro before a small ascent takes you into Melide. We recommend trying the local specialty, ‘pulpa a feira’ (octopus), usually served with red pepper and paprika. The French Way and Camino Primitivo trails meet in Melide. Distance 14km/8.7mi, -120m/394ft

The terrain becomes much easier today as you walk through an undulating landscape and forests of Eucalyptus trees. After Castaneda the trail dips to Ribadiso da Baixo before leading to Arzua in the province of La Coruña. The French Way and Camino Norte trails meet in Arzua. Distance 14km/8.7mi