Way from Sarria to Santiago

The generic route we propose takes place over 7 days – 6 nights – 5 stages. If you have fewer days available, we can also design the Camino de Santiago in 4, 5, or 6 days.

We understand that your goal remains reaching the Cathedral of Santiago, so we can consider different alternatives:

> Propose that you walk more kilometers per day, as long as your physical condition allows it.

> Eliminate some stages that may be less attractive and cover those kilometers by vehicle.

The Camino de Santiago from Sarria, in the Lugo region, is part of the French Way variant, and as you can see in the preceding itinerary, it consists of 5 generic stages with an average of 22 km per day. However, at Viajes Mundiplus, we can adjust the kilometers based on your physical capacity and the level of relaxation with which you want to approach this millennial route.

This itinerary we have designed for the Last 100 Km of the Camino de Santiago from Sarria with shorter stages than the established ones is intended for those who want to complete this section of the French Way with even greater relaxation.

The stage breakdown we have prepared is ideal for families with young children and for older individuals who, due to physical aspects, can only or prefer to walk fewer kilometers than the general stages.

Thus, our new proposal for doing the Camino from Sarria in 10 days would be:

Adjusted Itinerary (10 days-9 nights-8 stages)

We know that one of the main attractions of doing the Camino de Santiago with organized trips in the Galician lands is being able to enjoy its varied gastronomic offer: Lacon with grelos, octopus, tetilla cheese, empanadas, stews, etc.

Completing the journey on the Camino Francés is an ideal alternative not only to get to know the customs of these historically marked villages. It’s also the perfect excuse to enjoy a very varied gastronomy.

Furthermore, as you may know, this is the most popular route of all that lead to the Cathedral of Santiago. What do we mean by this? You’ll find a plethora of gastronomic offers along your way through any town. So many, that it’s completely impossible to list them all in these lines.

That’s why we want to help a bit in a detailed way. If you don’t know where to eat along the Camino Francés from Sarria to Santiago, we’ll give you some suggestions. Of course, we’ll also talk about the typical dishes that characterize this route.

Gastronomy on the Camino Francés

Eating well during this journey is as important as having good equipment or sleeping in comfortable accommodations. Throughout the route of this path, you’ll find different restaurants offering the Pilgrim’s Menu. The vast majority include bread, a drink, two dishes of traditional gastronomy, and dessert.

Additionally, the dishes have an excellent price. Best of all, you’ll be able to taste products characteristic of these localities, including: cheeses, chestnuts, or honeys, as well as different typical dishes. Among the main ingredients are octopus, fish (eels), seafood, and game meats.

Similarly, don’t miss out on the main desserts, including: the tender sponge cakes of Samos and the Portomarín cake. The latter is made with a base of almonds and sweet melindres, similar to a glazed donut typical of many Galician regions.

Typical dishes and products you’ll find on the Camino Francés

It’s normal that if you’re thinking of making such a long journey, you’ve thought about what to eat during this trek. And those few kilometers deserve a good gastronomic reward. Of course, in all the towns from Sarria to Santiago you can find delicious products and typical dishes that you’ll love.

Sarria

Among the typical dishes you can enjoy in Sarria, we can highlight octopus “a feira,” potato omelettes, and padrón peppers. They also offer a great variety of meats such as T-bone steak or grilled ribeye.

Similarly, homemade croquettes are delicious, as are game meats (partridge or wild boar). And as if that weren’t enough, you can try the celtic pig. This is a native breed of pig recovered with which they prepare excellent sausages (chorizo or pressed cracklings).

You should also consider visiting the bread museum and the production of tetilla cheeses. There you’ll have an unparalleled gastronomic experience.

Portomarín

In this town, you can taste quality Galician products such as chestnuts, breads, cheeses, pork, and veal. Additionally, you can taste the typical dish. This is made with eel, which is a teleost fish that lives between the sea and the river, so its meat is highly valued.

Similarly, you can’t miss the exquisite eel empanadas accompanied by orujo spirits. And for dessert, we recommend the typical Paradela cake, made with flour, eggs, sugar, and almonds.

Palas de Rei

This is a well-known town on the Camino de Santiago Francés. Undoubtedly, its typical dish is Padrón peppers and Herbón peppers. So you should eat some fried peppers, toasted and topped with coarse salt.

It also stands out for its wide variety of fish and seafood (spider crab, shrimp, clam, octopus, carioca, trout, lamprey). It also includes among its specialties game meats in season and Galician veal.

It’s important to mention that cheeses and pork-derived products are in high demand among its visitors.

Arzúa

The quintessential product of this town is Arzua-Ulloa cheese. Its production takes place in the municipalities of Arzúa, Melide, O’Pino, Monterroso, and Palas de Rei. It’s a soft cheese produced with matured cow’s milk with a fine, elastic, bright yellow rind.

Its aromas are butter and yogurt with hints of vanilla, cream, and nut. Additionally, it has a sweet and sour taste at the same time. It’s ideal to taste alone or accompanied, as well as with quince jelly.

Pedrouzo

In this place, you can find products such as cheese, Ulla river wine, honey, fresh garden produce, and of course, veal and pork meats. Additionally, you can taste the rooster and hen of the piñeira breed, as it’s a dish exalted in the gastronomy of this locality.

Similarly, this locality offers typical Galician dishes such as octopus, Galician stew, and empanada.

Santiago de Compostela

In the capital of Galicia, you can taste a wide variety of traditional Galician cuisine dishes. We highlight octopus, fish, seafood, assorted empanadas, raxo, lacon with grelos, and broths.

Additionally, you can enjoy the famous tarta de Santiago, adorned with the Cross of Santiago. Also, you must try the Monterroso ham, the queixo do cebreiro or the Samos sponge cakes.

Restaurants with Gastronomic Specialties

Of course, along the Camino de Santiago, there are establishments that are a must-visit. For example, on the route from Sarria to Santiago, there are restaurants with a wide variety of starters, wines, products, and specialties in typical dishes with an unparalleled presentation.

In Sarria, you can find pulperías do Luis, Roma, and A Travesia Dos Soños.

In Portomarín, O Mirador, Restaurante Pérez, and Posada del Camino stand out.

Likewise, in Palas de Rei, you’ll find A Parada das Bestas, Mesón A brea, and Pulpería a Nosa Terra.

In Melide, we highlight its well-known Pulperías Ezequiel and A Garnacha.

Similarly, in Arzúa, the restaurants offering a wide menu selection include Casa Nene, Fonte do Picho, and Casa Teodora.

Another excellent place in Pedrouzo is the establishment O KM19 and Café-Bar O Pedrouzo.

In Santiago de Compostela, you have Abastos 2.0, Damajuana, and O Gato Negro, one of the most popular establishments in Santiago.

We provide you with different options on How to get to the Camino de Santiago from Sarria. This town marks the minimum distance, if you walk the Camino, of 100 kilometers to obtain the certificate of “La Compostela”.

Option 3: Train (Renfe). Direct trains every day from Madrid and Barcelona. Currently, on the stretch from Madrid to Sarria, the train arrives in Ourense and from here Renfe provides travelers with a bus from Ourense to Sarria (approximately 1h 15′). This is due to ongoing construction works until July 2023 inclusive.

Option 4: Plane

The nearest airport to Sarria is Santiago de Compostela, approximately 1h 15′ by car.

From here, there are two possibilities to get to Sarria:

‘ By bus, option seen previously.

‘ Private transfer with us: pick up at Santiago Airport and direct transfer to Sarria in approximately 1h 15’. Consult us for the service fee.

Upon your arrival in Sarria, a memorable experience begins, and in the next point, we recommend what to see and do on your Camino de Santiago from Sarria.

Stage from Sarria to Portomarin

In Sarria, we can see, among other things, the Church of San Salvador, a Romanesque church with a Gothic façade, and the convent of A Magdalena. We will admire the tower of the ancient medieval castle, as well as the Rúa Maior.

We leave Sarria through the Ponte Aspera to continue towards Barbadelo and Ferreiros, where we find two Romanesque churches: the Church of Santiago (Barbadelo) and the Church of Santa María (Ferreiros).

Portomarin is a beautiful town bathed by the Belesar Reservoir, where the ancient city is submerged (it can be seen in summer when the river’s flow is lower).

The town is divided into two neighborhoods: San Nicolas and San Pedro. A visit to the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows is a must, as well as the magnificent church-fortress of San Nicolás, erected by the monk-knights of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem in the 12th century. The church was built by a workshop of disciples of Master Mateo. Portomarin produces one of the most recognized spirits in Galicia and holds an annual festival.

The Romanesque façade of the Church of San Pedro, the Pazo de Berbetoros from the 17th century, and the Pazo del Conde da Maza from the 16th century are other attractions that you can find in this beautiful town.

In Sarria, we can see, among other things, the Church of San Salvador, a Romanesque church with a Gothic façade, and the convent of A Magdalena. We will admire the tower of the ancient medieval castle, as well as the Rúa Maior.

We leave Sarria through the Ponte Aspera to continue towards Barbadelo and Ferreiros, where we find two Romanesque churches: the Church of Santiago (Barbadelo) and the Church of Santa María (Ferreiros).

Portomarin is a beautiful town bathed by the Belesar Reservoir, where the ancient city is submerged (it can be seen in summer when the river’s flow is lower).

The town is divided into two neighborhoods: San Nicolas and San Pedro. A visit to the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows is a must, as well as the magnificent church-fortress of San Nicolás, erected by the monk-knights of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem in the 12th century. The church was built by a workshop of disciples of Master Mateo. Portomarin produces one of the most recognized spirits in Galicia and holds an annual festival.

The Romanesque façade of the Church of San Pedro, the Pazo de Berbetoros from the 17th century, and the Pazo del Conde da Maza from the 16th century are other attractions that you can find in this beautiful town.

Stage from Portomarin to Palas de Rei

In Gonzar, we can visit the most important monument in this town: the Parish of Santa María.

In Castromaior, we find the small Church of Santa María, a simple and rustic Romanesque style but very well preserved. Inside, there is a Romanesque statue of the Virgin and an altarpiece from the 16th century.
In Ventas de Narón, we can see the Chapel of Magdalena.

The Church of Santiago in Ligonde, in neoclassical style, preserves the Romanesque portal of its predecessor. Just before entering the town, we find the Lameiros cross (1670), where the four sides of the base represent the Calvary or death of Jesus (hammer, nails, thorns, and skulls), while the cross depicts the relief of motherhood or life.

Stage from Palas de Rei to Melide

We begin in San Xulián do Camiño with the Parish Church of San Xulián, a Romanesque temple from the 11th century.

In Leboreiro, we can see the Romanesque Church of Santa María, where the tympanum of the portal and the 16th-century murals stand out.

In Disicabo, we highlight the small medieval bridge of Magdalena.

At the entrance to Furelos, we find a splendid four-eyed medieval bridge. Next to it, the Parish Church of San Juan.

Near Palas de Rei, although outside the route of what to see on the Camino de Santiago from Sarria, is the Church of Vilar de Donas in Romanesque style, the former Priory of the Order of Santiago. It dates from the 13th century. The Latin cross-shaped church has three vaulted apses and a crucero with ribbed vaulting. Inside, we can see several tombs of important knights of the Order of Santiago, as well as well-preserved frescoes. It is one of the most well-known examples of Galician Romanesque linked to the French Way.

The Pambre Castle, located in Ulloa, is one of the best examples of military medieval architecture in Galicia. It was built at the end of the 14th century by Don Gonzalo Ozores de Ulloa. The castle is situated on a rocky outcrop. It is surrounded by a defensive wall about 5 meters thick. It is accessed through a small pointed door. The square-shaped building has four towers at the corners and a keep in the center. Inside, we find the Chapel of San Pedro.

In Melide, as the endpoint of this stage on the Camino de Santiago from Sarria, we recommend the following places to visit:

– First of all, we cannot pass without tasting their famous octopus, in any of its renowned “pulperías.” It also has a magnificent ethnographic museum, Terra de Melide, recently built and unique in the area. Gastronomy on the French Way is one of the most renowned, not only on the Camino de Santiago from Sarria but also throughout Spain.

Additionally, we highlight the Melide Cross, which is said to date from the 19th century and is considered to be the oldest in the entire Galician region. Next to this magnificent cross, we find the Chapel of San Roque (a Romanesque jewel), which many people have found a resemblance to the 10€ banknote. The banknote simply reflects an example of strict Romanesque and is not associated with any specific monument (thus avoiding any issues). At least we can say that the arches and columns of the door of this chapel in Melide reflect the purity and perfection of the Romanesque style.

– We also highlight the Church of Sancti Spiritus and the Romanesque temple of Santa María.

– In the surroundings of Melide, we can also visit the Pre-Romanesque Church of San Antoniño de Toques, located in a spectacular setting in the middle of a waterfall that flows alongside the Church. The Pre-Romanesque style church consists of a nave. Above the triumphal arch is a Romanesque carving of a Calvary dating from the 13th century.

Outside the route of what to see on the Camino de Santiago from Sarria, but well worth a visit if we have time, is the Monastery of Santa María de Sobrado dos Monxes, located near Melide. It is one of the main medieval monasteries in the province of A Coruña and all of Galicia. It is believed to date from the 10th century, as several writings have been found that mention it. It has undergone numerous reforms from the 16th to the 18th century.

Today, the Church of the Monastery of Sobrado dos Monxes is in good condition, as well as part of its monastic dependencies, thanks to the work of the Benedictine monks who inhabit it. The church dates from the 17th century and is in Baroque style. It features a spectacular façade with two slender towers. The entire interior is worth admiring. The monastery has three cloisters. It was declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument.

The Pre-Romanesque Church of San Antoniño de Toques, located in a spectacular setting in the middle of a waterfall that flows alongside the Church. The Pre-Romanesque style church consists of a nave. Above the triumphal arch is a Romanesque carving of a Calvary dating from the 13th century.

Stage from Melide to Arzúa

In Boente, we highlight its Church of Santiago, with a statue of the Apostle from the 19th century.

In Ribadixo do Baixo, after crossing the medieval bridge, we find the Ribadixo Pilgrim’s Hospital, the last historical space that remained open for the pilgrim’s service. In the Ribadixo recreational area, we can stop for a moment to refresh our feet in the river.
In Arzúa, the Church of Santiago stands out, with the Gothic Chapel of Magdalena, which belonged to a disappeared hospital. Next to a carballeira, the chapel of A Mota also stands out.

About 5 km outside the route of what to see on the Camino de Santiago from Sarria, we find the Pazo de Brandeso, where Valle-Inclán set part of his novel *Sonata de otoño*. The Pazo is privately owned and cannot be visited. It is a stately building with a chapel on its main façade.

Stage from Arzúa to Pedrouzo

In this stage, we can highlight the Parish Church of San Verisimo in the town of Ferreiros.
In Santa Irene, we can visit the Chapel of Santa, which gives the town its name. A hermitage dedicated to this Portuguese martyr saint. Also noteworthy is a Baroque fountain, said to have healing properties for the skin.

We cannot miss the opportunity to taste the magnificent Tetilla cheese from Arzúa. Since 1989, this artisanal cheese, made from natural whole cow’s milk, has received the *Produto Galego de Calidade* designation. It is produced in all the municipalities of the Arzúa-Ulloa region: Arzúa, Curtis, Melide, O Pino, Santiso, Sobrado dos Monxes, Toques, Touro, and Vilasantar (in the province of A Coruña), as well as Friol, Monterroso, and Palas de Rei (in the province of Lugo).

Stage from Pedrouzo to Santiago

Before reaching Santiago, about 4 km away, Mount Gozo offers an incredible panoramic view of the city.

In Santiago de Compostela, we find the most important monument of our entire route, the Cathedral of Santiago, whose façade has been recently restored, dedicated to the Apostle Santiago. And as details of the Cathedral:

It was consecrated in the year 1128 and is a good example of a pilgrimage church.

In Romanesque style, with later Renaissance and Baroque elements from the 18th century. It has a Latin cross-shaped plan, with three naves divided by semicircular arches, a tribune, transept, and ambulatory.

From Master Mateo, the Pórtico de la Gloria stands out as the best example of Spanish Romanesque.
As a tradition, any pilgrim who wants to and is able to, attends the 12:00 and 19:30 pm Mass in the Cathedral. There, with a bit of luck, they may witness the magnificent botafumeiro in action. *In 2019 and 2020, due to restoration works inside the Cathedral, this Mass was held in other nearby churches. The Cathedral is preparing its best ornaments for the upcoming Holy Year 2021-2022.

The entire old town is spectacular and takes us back to medieval times without us realizing it. It is home to the Santiago Market. We also highlight the Galicia Pavilion in the San Lázaro district, the Pantheon of Illustrious Galicians (next to the museum), the Chapel of As Animas, the Praza de Cervantes, the Museum of the House of Troya, and more.

On the other hand, you can also explore the surroundings of Santiago and take organized excursions to the Costa da Morte and Rias Baixas.

Another tradition is the embrace of the image of the Apostle Santiago and the visit to his tomb.

The Cathedral Museum is a must-visit, as well as the visit to the Cathedral’s roofs.

The Monastery of San Martín Pinario, opposite the Plaza de la Azabachería.

The Portada del Parador de los Reyes Católicos, in the Plaza del Obradoiro, was founded as a pilgrim hospital.

To conclude our *What to See on the Camino de Santiago from Sarria to Santiago*, we recommend discovering these incredible places for yourself and sharing with us your thoughts on them.

The section from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela is approximately 115 kilometers. As you may know, 100 kilometers is the minimum distance required to obtain the “Compostela”, the official certificate that proves you have completed the Camino.

As you may have seen, it is generally divided into 5 stages (plus the arrival and departure days), walking around 20-25 kilometers per day. However, the number of stages may vary depending on each pilgrim’s pace and preferences.

• If you need to complete the Camino de Santiago from Sarria in 6 stages, we can help you adjust the itinerary by dividing one of the planned stages.
• Doing the Camino de Santiago from Sarria in 4 stages? Yes, it is possible, but we do not recommend it. Besides not fully enjoying the experience, combining two of its stages may be quite physically demanding.

Yes, it is recommended to obtain the pilgrim’s credential before starting the Camino. This document is necessary to stay in hostels and to have it stamped at each stage, which is a requirement to obtain the Compostela upon completion.

The best times are spring (April to June) and autumn (September and October), when the weather is more pleasant and there are fewer pilgrims than in summer.

This section is considered of moderate difficulty. The terrain is hilly with some ascents and descents, but it does not have significant slopes, making it suitable for pilgrims with a basic physical condition.

Although the section is accessible, it is recommended to have a basic physical preparation. Doing some previous walks and resistance exercises can help you enjoy the journey more and avoid injuries.

By completing at least the last 100 kilometers of the Camino and getting your pilgrim’s credential stamped at least twice a day, you can request the Compostela at the Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago.

It is important to wear comfortable, well-worn shoes, a light backpack, suitable clothing for different weather conditions, a raincoat, sunscreen, and personal hygiene items.

Yes, the Camino de Santiago is generally safe, and many people do it solo. Of course, it is always advisable to take basic precautions and stay aware of your surroundings.

Galician cuisine is rich and varied. You will be able to enjoy dishes such as Galician-style octopus, empanada, Galician broth, and local cheeses like Arzúa-Ulloa.

Most accommodations and cafés offer free Wi-Fi. Mobile coverage is generally good, although there may be rural areas with limited signal.

The Camino from Sarria to Santiago is full of historical, cultural, and natural landmarks:

• Portomarín and its Church of San Nicolás: This town was rebuilt stone by stone in the 60s due to the construction of a reservoir. Its Romanesque fortress church, dedicated to San Nicolás, is an impressive example of medieval architecture.
• The Lameiros cross in Ligonde: Considered one of the most beautiful and ancient crosses on the Camino. It dates back to the 17th century and depicts scenes of the crucifixion and purgatory, offering a deep insight into Galician spirituality.
• The enchanted forest of Ribadiso: Before reaching Arzúa, pilgrims cross this lush forest along the banks of the Iso River. It is a perfect place to connect with nature and enjoy a moment of serenity.
• Melide and its Galician-style octopus: This town is famous for its cuisine, especially the octopus served in traditional “pulperías”. It’s a must-stop to taste authentic Galician food.

Monte do Gozo: A few kilometers from Santiago, this hill offers the first view of the cathedral towers. It is an iconic place where pilgrims celebrate their proximity to their goal.