Leon Cathedral along the Camino de Santiago
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Final Stages of the Camino de Santiago: Tours & Information
Many Camino pilgrims choose to experience the final stage of the
Camino de Santiago. This article will explain why the last section of the Camino is so popular, how far you need to walk or cycle to collect your Compostela (Pilgrim's Certificate), and present eight affordable walking and cycling tour options for you to achieve this goal.
How Long is the Final Stage of the Camino de Santiago?
According to the
Pilgrim's Reception Office, the official service behind Camino credentials, pilgrims need to walk at least 100km or 62 miles of the Camino de Santiago to be eligible for the Compostela (Pilgrims Certificate). The general starting point for walking the final stage of the Camino Frances (the most popular route) is the town of Sarria, which is actually 115km or 72 miles from Santiago.
Pilgrims who cycle the Camino need to cover 200km or 124 miles to be eligible for the Compostela. For cyclists doing the Camino Frances, this starting point is in Leon, and for those riding the Camino Portuguese, the starting point is in the delightful city of Porto.
Why is the Final Stage of the Camino de Santiago so Popular?
Travellers enjoy walking or cycling the final section of the Camino de Santiago for several reasons.
- By completing the final stage of the Camino de Santiago, pilgrims are eligible for the Compostela (Pilgrim's Certificate), which is an official document certifying the Camino has been completed.
- It's ideal for those travellers who are short on time, as the final stage of the Camino de Santiago takes 7-8 days.
- The final stage of the Camino highlights the essence of a Camino pilgrimage. You get to experience the day to day walking, the social atmosphere of your fellow pilgrims, the changing landscape of northern Spain, and get to enjoy the delicious regional cuisine.
Which Tours Can I Walk the Final Stage of the Camino de Santiago?
There are four routes and six tours that cover the final 100km stage of the Camino de Santiago trails leading to Santiago de Compostela.
1. Sarria to Santiago: Camino Frances
This is the most popular section of the Camino to walk and covers the last 115km of the Camino Frances from Sarria to Santiago. With UTracks, there are different ways to complete this
2.Tui to Santiago: Portuguese Way
Follow the famous scallop shells from the Portuguese town of Tui on this final section of the Portuguese Camino. This is the last of four stages of the Portuguese Way Camino.
3. Ferrol to Santiago: The English Way
Walking the route from Ferrol to Santiago along the English Way (Camino Ingles) isn't just completing the final stage of the English Camino, it's the entire trail! This is a naturally short Camino as it follows the trail English pilgrims walked from the historic port town of Ferrol, after arriving from the United Kingdom, to the holy city of Santiago de Compostela.
4. Ourense to Santiago: Camino Sanabres
The Camino Sanabres is one of the oldest Camino trails, actually predating Christian pilgrims. This is a short Camino trail that, like the English Way, has no final section and can instead be walked in its entirety.
5. Baiona to Santiago: Camino Portuguese
Walk the final stage of the Portuguese Coastal Route and absorb one of the quieter, less busy Camino paths, with ample reminders of past pilgrims offering an insight into its religious significance.
6. Monforte to Santiago: Camino de Invierno
Explore the newest Camino trail to be recognised as an official Camino de Santiago route, the Camino de Invierno (in 2016). Also known as the Winter Way, this path avoids the high elevation of O Cebreiro and embraces vineyards and rivers among quiet and remote landscapes.
Learn more here.
Which Tours Can I Cycle the Final Stage of the Camino de Santiago?
If you prefer to pedal, these cycling tours will reward you with a sense of achievement for having completed the Camino.
1. Leon to Santiago: Camino Frances
This is the second and final stage of the Camino Frances cycling pilgrimage. Starting in the cathedral city of Leon, this tour includes breathtaking scenery, typical Spanish villages, and a few challenging sections that you can reward yourself with the delicious regional cuisine and wines of northern Spain.
2. Porto to Santiago: Portuguese Way
The first half of the Portuguese Way for cyclists begins in Lisbon, Portugal's capital, whereas this journey starts a bit further north in the stunning city of Porto. During this fantastic ride, you can expect coastal views, divine port wines, and the laidback local culture of the area.
Have you collected your Compostela or do you intend to? Let us know in the comment section which route you want to do.