Itinerary

"On The Road Again."


Sarria to Santiago de Compostela

Itinerary

9 days - 8 nights - 5 days walk.

Final stage of the Pilgrim route - pilgrims who walk this section are entitled to the Pilgrim's Certificate.

I have pinched the basis of this itinerary fae a tour ah found on the internet. Because of the window ahm working within, it provided a good platform for planning. So ah apologise for making it sound like a holiday brochure!!

Day 1: Arrive in Sarria (If I catch the buses!), a modern town with old quarter and check in to Hotel. Get Credential from the Church of Santa Marinha. Attend Pilgrims’ Mass at 19.00. Evening meal and bed.

*** Hotel NH Alphonso IX (47€)
Rua do Peregrino,
2927600 Sarria
00 34 982 530 005

Day 2: Walk Sarria - Portomarin. 14.4 miles / 23 kms.

A peaceful walk in shady oak woods, pretty villages and on quiet country roads. (Sounds good so far!) The village of Barbedelo (580m) has a beautiful Romanesque church that is worth a visit. The next significant village is Ferreiros. After arriving in Portomarin (550m), relax on one of the numerous terraces of the main plaza. (Sounds even better!)

Hotel Villa Jardin (40€)
Rua do Mino,
1427178 Portomarin
0034 982 545 0054

Day 3: Walk Portomarin - Palas de Rei 14.4 miles / 23 kms.

From the village, the Camino crosses the river Minho and climbs steadily uphill. (Not too steep I hope!) On the way, is Gonzar and the Romanesque Church of Santa María, Castromaior. The calm of the Galician Cemetery in Ligonde on a sunny day is a rest in itself. (Dead peaceful, so it is!) In Eirexe, the Romanesque portal of the Church is a beauty and features a sculpture of Daniel and animals, as well as Santiago de Peregrino inside. Finally arrive in Palace do Rei (565m).

* Hotel Casa Benilde (40€)
Rua Mercado,
S / N 27200 Palas de Rei
00 34 982 380 717

Day 4: Walk Palas de Rei - Arzua 17.5 miles / 28 kms.

The Camino continues slightly downhill, (That's more like it!) passing the village of Casanova and the charming village of Leboreiro. At Melide (454m), there are many restaurants serving some local specialities. (Spicy tentacles - hope I have said that right!) Later, the Camino follows a forest track and crosses several streams until reaching the village of Boente with its Church of Santiago. Next the medieval village of Ribadiso, and finally Arzùa (389m). This small town has two Churches worth a visit - Santa María and La Magdalena.

** Hotel Suiza (35€)
Carretera N 547 SANTIAGO - LUGO
6415810 Arzua
0034 981 500 908

Day 5: Walk Arzua – Rua 11.3 miles / 18kms.

This shaded section of the Camino passes through woods, along streams and through sleepy villages. Time to visit the Chapel of Santa Irena, with its unique statues of Santiago. The rest of the way to Rua/O Pino is on a good and quiet country road. Rua (310m) is one of the less crowded stopping points before Santiago de Compostela.

* Hotel O Pino (36€)
Rua de Arca,
2315821 Pino
00 34 981 511 148

Day 6: Walk Rua – Santiago de Compostela 11.9 miles / 19 kms.

(Nearly there!)The next stage goes through Lavacolla where pilgrims traditionally washed in the river before reaching Santiago de Compostela. The tall eucalyptus trees line the way to Monte del Gozo (368m). From the "Mount of Joy" can be seen the goal - the Cathedral of Santiago! After a descent to the city (264m, population 80000) the UNESCO World Heritage Site can be seen up-close. Savour the marvellous architecture and the wonderful atmosphere of this cultural and spiritual mecca for the next 3 days. (Oooh! Ma feet are sore!!)

** Hotel Pazos Alba (51.36€)
Do Pombal,
2215705 Santiago De Compostela
00 34 981 585 338

Days 7&8: Sightseeing in Santiago de Compostela.

Day 9: Train departs for San Sebastian at 09.25.