Last 100 km of the Camino de Santiago: Sarria to Santiago Guide

The Last 100 km of the Camino de Santiago: Sarria to Santiago

The final 100 kilometres of the Camino Frances, from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela, is the most popular stretch of the entire pilgrimage. It is the minimum distance required on foot to earn the Compostela certificate, making it the perfect option for those with limited time who still want an authentic Camino experience.

Why the last 100 km?

The Catholic Church and the Pilgrim Office in Santiago require a minimum of 100 km walked (or 200 km cycled) to receive the Compostela — the official certificate of pilgrimage. Sarria, a town in the province of Lugo, sits just beyond that 100 km mark, making it the most common starting point.

You will need a credencial del peregrino (pilgrim passport) stamped at least twice per day in the last 100 km. Stamps can be collected at hostels, churches, bars and municipal offices along the way.

Stage-by-stage breakdown

#### Stage 1: Sarria to Portomarin (22.5 km)

The opening stage eases you into the rhythm. You leave Sarria through narrow medieval streets, cross the Rio Celeiro and enter a landscape of oak forests and small hamlets. The terrain is gentle with rolling hills. The arrival into Portomarin is dramatic — you descend to a modern bridge over the Belesar reservoir and cross into a town that was relocated stone by stone when the original village was flooded in the 1960s.

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Highlights: Monastery of A Magdalena in Sarria, views over the Mino valley, Portomarin's relocated Romanesque church of San Nicolas

#### Stage 2: Portomarin to Palas de Rei (25 km)

This is the longest stage of the five and the most physically demanding, with a steady climb out of Portomarin followed by rolling terrain through the Sierra Ligonde. You pass through tiny villages like Gonzar, Castromaior and Eirexe before arriving in Palas de Rei.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: Views from Alto do Rosario, the hamlet of Ventas de Naron, arrival into Palas de Rei with all services

This is where many pilgrims choose to take a proper rest. Casa Andaina is right in the centre of Palas de Rei, on the Camino itself. With a full kitchen, private bedrooms and space for groups, it is the ideal place to recharge before tackling the remaining stages. Being at the midpoint of the last 100 km, Palas de Rei is strategically located for a rest day if you have the time.

#### Stage 3: Palas de Rei to Arzua (29 km)

The longest single stage. You walk through deep Galician countryside — eucalyptus groves, stone villages and medieval bridges. Melide, at the halfway point, is where you must stop for pulpo a feira (Galician-style octopus). The Camino Primitivo joins the Frances here, so expect more pilgrims from this point on.

• Difficulty: Moderate to hard (distance)
• Highlights: Leboreiro village, Furelos medieval bridge, Melide's octopus restaurants, Ribadiso's riverside hostel

Tip: If 29 km feels too much, consider splitting this stage with an overnight stop in Melide (15 km from Palas de Rei).

#### Stage 4: Arzua to O Pedrouzo (19 km)

A welcome shorter stage after the previous long day. The terrain is gentler, winding through eucalyptus forests and small settlements. Arzua is known for its cheese (Denominacion de Origen Arzua-Ulloa), so stock up before you leave.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: Arzua cheese tasting, peaceful forest walking, Santa Irene chapel and fountain

#### Stage 5: O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela (20 km)

The final day. Emotions run high. You walk through forests near the airport, pass through Lavacolla (where medieval pilgrims washed before entering the city) and climb Monte do Gozo — the Hill of Joy — where you catch your first glimpse of the Cathedral towers. The descent into Santiago leads through suburbs to the historic centre and the Praza do Obradoiro.

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Highlights: Monte do Gozo viewpoint, entering the old town, arriving at the Cathedral, the Pilgrim Office for your Compostela

Getting to Sarria

• By train: Direct trains from Madrid (5 hours), connections from Barcelona via Madrid. Also trains from Lugo and Monforte de Lemos.
• By bus: ALSA and Monbus operate routes from Madrid, Lugo and Santiago to Sarria.
• By car: Drive to Sarria, park, and arrange a transfer back from Santiago after finishing (or take the bus back to collect your car).
• Pilgrim transfers: Local services like Taxi Castro in Palas de Rei offer airport pickups and stage-to-stage transfers for pilgrims.

Practical tips for the last 100 km

• Book accommodation ahead in summer. The last 100 km is busy from May to October. Rural houses and private rooms fill up fast.

• Start early each day. Leave by 7:00 or 7:30 to avoid heat and crowds, especially on the longer stages.

• Carry enough water. Fill up at every fountain. Stretches of 8 to 10 km without water are common.

• Protect your feet. Blisters are the number one problem. Wear broken-in boots or trail shoes. Apply Vaseline or anti-blister tape on hot spots before they develop.

• Eat well. Pilgrim menus are abundant and affordable (10 to 13 euros for a three-course meal with wine). Cook in your accommodation kitchen to save money.

• Get your stamps. Two stamps per day minimum in the last 100 km. Do not forget or you risk complications at the Pilgrim Office.

• Take a rest day. If your schedule allows, Palas de Rei at the midpoint is the best place to rest. You will arrive in Santiago feeling stronger.

The Compostela

At the Pilgrim Office (Oficina del Peregrino, Rua das Carretas 33), present your credencial with the required stamps. The office is open daily. In peak season expect a wait of 30 to 90 minutes. You will receive the Compostela — a Latin certificate confirming your pilgrimage — free of charge. A distance certificate is also available for a small fee.

The last 100 km is not the entire Camino, but it is enough to change how you see walking, landscape and what you truly need for a good day.

For pilgrims who prefer full logistics — luggage transport, food experiences and stage coordination — OurWay.Travel manages everything from Palas de Rei, so you can focus on walking.