Sarria to Santiago in 5 Days: Complete 2026 Itinerary

Sarria to Santiago in 5 days: the perfect plan

The last 115 km of the Camino Francés are the most popular stretch of any pilgrimage route — and for good reason. They fit into a week's holiday, they earn you the minimum distance for the Compostela, and they concentrate the best of rural Galicia. This 5-stage itinerary is the most balanced option: no day exceeds 29 km and every stage ends in a village with good services.

If you're still deciding on dates, check our guide to the best time to do the Camino. And remember: you need to stamp your pilgrim credential at least twice a day from Sarria onwards.

Itinerary at a glance

| Day | Stage | Km | Difficulty |

|-----|-------|----|------------|

| 1 | Sarria – Portomarín | 22 | Medium |

| 2 | Portomarín – Palas de Rei | 25 | Medium |

| 3 | Palas de Rei – Arzúa | 29 | Medium-hard |

| 4 | Arzúa – O Pedrouzo | 19 | Easy |

| 5 | O Pedrouzo – Santiago | 20 | Easy |

Day 1: Sarria – Portomarín (22 km)

The first stage sets off from the steps of Sarria's Rúa Maior. The path climbs gently through oak woodland and stone hamlets until the famous km 100 marker at As Pajezas — the most photographed spot on the Camino. Then it descends towards the Belesar reservoir and the bridge over the Miño into Portomarín.

• Where to eat: grab something in Mercadoiro or Vilachá before the final descent; in Portomarín, octopus at a traditional casa de comidas near the church of San Nicolás.
• Where to sleep: Portomarín has hostels and guesthouses, but they fill up fast in high season.
• Tip: leave before 8:00 am. This stage sees the most first-time pilgrims and services get overwhelmed by mid-morning.

Day 2: Portomarín – Palas de Rei (25 km)

An initial climb to the Sierra de Ligonde, the highest point of the Galician stretch after O Cebreiro. You'll pass through Gonzar, Castromaior (with its Iron Age hillfort — worth the 5-minute detour) and Ventas de Narón.

• Where to eat: at Ligonde or Airexe at the halfway point; in Palas de Rei, pulpo á feira or a pilgrims' set menu in the town centre.
• Where to sleep: Palas de Rei is the best strategic stop on this stretch. At Casa Andaina you sleep right in the town centre, directly on the Camino, in private rooms with an equipped kitchen — perfect for recovering energy at the midpoint.
• Tip: if you're travelling as a group, book Palas de Rei 2-3 months ahead — it's one of the most in-demand stops on the route.

Day 3: Palas de Rei – Arzúa (29 km)

The queen stage: the longest, but also one of the most beautiful. Eucalyptus forests, the medieval village of Leboreiro, the Romanesque bridge at Furelos and Melide — the octopus capital — right at the halfway mark.

• Where to eat: a mandatory stop at one of Melide's octopus restaurants (km 15). Ezequiel and A Garnacha are the classics.
• Where to sleep: Arzúa, famous for its Protected Designation of Origin cheese.
• Tip: get an early start and mentally split the stage into two: Palas–Melide and Melide–Arzúa. A long lunch break in Melide makes the whole day much more manageable.

Day 4: Arzúa – O Pedrouzo (19 km)

A short, gentle stage through hamlets and shaded sunken lanes. The perfect day to walk slowly, stop at Santa Irene, and arrive early to rest your legs before the big finale.

• Where to eat: in Salceda or A Calzada at the midpoint.
• Where to sleep: O Pedrouzo (O Pino), the last stop before Santiago.
• Tip: use the free afternoon to prepare your arrival — check your credential (you need at least 2 stamps per day from Sarria) and book dinner early.

Day 5: O Pedrouzo – Santiago de Compostela (20 km)

The big day. You'll cross Monte do Gozo, from where you get your first glimpse of the Cathedral towers. Walking through the Porta do Camiño and arriving at the Praza do Obradoiro is a moment you won't forget.

• Tip: leave very early if you want to reach the noon Pilgrim Mass and collect the Compostela without queuing.

Rough budget

For 5 days, budget between €200 and €350 per person in guesthouses, including meals. You'll find the full breakdown in our Camino de Santiago budget guide.

Start on the right foot: sleep well the night before

Many pilgrims arrive in Sarria the evening before with barely enough time to get settled. A calmer alternative: stay at Casa Andaina, 38 km from Sarria, arrive at your own pace, and use Palas de Rei as your base. We have 3-bedroom apartments from €140/night and the full house for up to 10 people from €250/night, with a kitchen, fibre WiFi and central heating. Book direct with no commissions: +34 982 204 131 — and take a look at our pilgrim offers.