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Walking the Camino trail through northern Spain is truly one of the world’s great journeys on foot. This trip is the perfect choice for those wanting to experience the spirit of the Camino while enjoying a comfortable blend of charming hotels and Paradors—often set within beautifully restored historic buildings offering modern comforts. Walking more than 100 km, you’ll qualify for the official Compostela certificate, and along the way gain an appreciation of the Camino’s rich history and cultural significance while embracing the peaceful, meditative rhythm that walking provides. The route winds through ever-changing landscapes, with numerous reminders of pilgrims who have travelled before you—stone crosses, statues, and ancient landmarks scattered across the countryside. The gates of Galicia lead to the fabled Santiago de Compostela with its famous cathedral, site of the tomb of St James.
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20kg of CO2-e PP per day
(180kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Villafranca del Bierzo
Make your way to Villafranca del Bierzo and check into the Parador, your base for 2 nights. The Parador has great views of the northwest of the region of El Bierzo and to the south of the Ancares mountain range. Villafranca is the last important town in Leon towards Santiago and has a rich monumental heritage. Its old centre has been declared Property of Cultural Interest. Enjoy exploring the main square (Plaza Mayor), City Hall, calle del Agua (Water Street) and the arch where it ends, the convent of Agustinas Recoletas, and other palaces, or relaxing at the parador.
Meals: D
Day 2
Transfer to Herrerías and walk to O Cebreiro (5-6hrs), transfer back to Villafranca
This morning at 8.30am you will be transferred to Herrerías to start your Camino. This stretch is known for its physical challenge and spiritual reward, offering one of the most iconic experiences of the Camino. You will walk via La Faba to Laguna de Castilla, where there is a wonderful example of a functional Galician 'palloza'. This traditional structure has stone walls with a conical, slanting roof and is a typical dwelling of this region. Continue ascending through scrub land to reach O Cebreiro (at 1330m), from where a 4pm transfer will take you back to Villafranca. Distance 8km/5mi, ascent approx 550m/1800ft
Meals: B,D
Day 3
Enter Galicia and walk to Samos (6-7hrs), transfer to Monforte de Lemos
After breakfast, a transfer (at 8.30am) takes you back to O Cebreiro to continue your walk. Early morning mists give way to ethereal hilltops as you descend through the Sierra de los Ancares, with spectacular views along the way. In Hospital de la Condesa you can visit the Iglesia San Juan with its unusual stone roofed belfry and the cross of Santiago. Pass through the village of Triacastela on your way to Samos for your transfer (at 4pm) to Monforte de Lemos. Distance 30km/18.6mi Optional full day excursion available: Ribeira Sacra experience includes cellar visit and wine tasting, lunch and boat trip on the river Sil. Note extra night Monforte and return transfers are required. Must be requested at time of booking - extra costs apply.
Day 4
Transfer to Samos and walk via Sarria to Barbadelo (5hrs), transfer to Monforte
At 8.30am transfer back to Samos to commence your walk. Samos has as its centrepiece a large monastery founded in the sixth century, Monastery of St Julian, an active Benedictine monastery, one of the three monasteries that are still inhabited by monks in Galicia. The stage winds along the Sarria river, with moderate but frequent slopes. Pass through meadows, lush forests of chestnut and oak trees and small villages. It is worth mentioning the town of Sarria is a starting point for pilgrims wishing to complete the last 100km of the Camino Francés. From Sarria you will continue to Barbadelo, following a winding path between the river and railway to cross a stream. Climb up through ancient woodlands to meet your 4pm transfer back to Monforte. Distance 17.5km/10.8mi
Day 5
Walk through the hills of Galicia to Portomarin (5-6hrs)
Transfer to Barbadelo this morning (at 8.30am) to continue your walk. You are now experiencing rural Galicia at its best, following a well-worn path along granite stepping stones and narrow laneways to stay above the flood prone area below. Gently climb to Ferreiros and Vilacha among other villages before descending steeply to the bridge spanning the Miño river and the town of Portomarin. The Belesar reservoir flooded the old village of Portomarín in 1963. Its main historic buildings were rescued stone by stone: the Romanesque church of San Pedro, the church fortress of San Nicolás and some medieval palaces, and relocated to the new town. The usual accommodation here, a pazo, was partially relocated to its current spot at this time due to the flooding. Distance 18km/11.2mi
Day 6
Walk to Palas de Rei, transfer to Vilamaior (6.5hrs)
Today you will find varied terrain on your way to Palas de Rei. Leaving Portomarín, the route crosses the Miño River then ventures into rural landscapes, marked by small villages and cultivated fields. Pass through towns and villages including Ventas de Naron and Ligonde. If you have time, detour at Portos to Vilar de Donas to see the Church of San Salvador, constructed in the middle of the 12 century. After another gentle climb you will descend from O Rosario to Palas de Rei. An afternoon transfer (at 4pm) takes you to Vilamaior and your hotel. Distance 25km/15.5mi
Day 7
Continue to Arzua (6-7hrs)
Transfer at 8.30am back to Palas de Rei to commence your walk. It's a long walk with constant ascents and descents. The terrain becomes easier as you pass through the villages of Casanova and Leboreiro and past eucalyptus trees. Crossing over the River Seco on the Magdalena Bridge you will reach Furelos and Melide - the latter a great place to recharge your batteries with a good tapa of its famous ‘pulpo á feira’ (octopus). Continue to your comfortable lodging in Arzua in the province of La Coruña. Distance 29km/18.1mi
Day 8
Walk from Arzua to Rua, transfer to Pazo Andreade (5-6hrs)
Today’s walk will bring you to the small town of Rua, which has a population of only 50 people. The walk is picturesque through fields and rural landscapes, chestnut forests and small villages. A transfer at 4pm takes you to your accommodation. Distance 18km/11.2mi
Day 9
Transfer to Rua, walk to Santiago (6hrs)
Transfer back to Rua (at 8.30am) to commence your walk. Today you will pass many ancient sites including monuments, chapels and bridges – all have a story to tell. Follow country lanes and forest paths through increasingly populated countryside. The last day on the trail is always a special one. Walk into the city - the Parador is adjacent to the cathedral. Arriving in the fabled Santiago de Compostela, there is plenty to see and do – or you can simply relax and celebrate the end of the journey. Dinner is not included tonight so you can try one of the many restaurants in town. Distance 20km/12.4mi
Meals: B
Day 10
Trip concludes
Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.
What's included
What's not included
The accommodation on this trip is a mix of charming hotels and Paradors. Paradors are hotels often within historic buildings, with updated interiors designed for comfort. They provide a cultural insight to Spain's' rich history. Stay in paradors in Villafranca, Monforte de Lemos and Santiago, and on other nights in comfortable manor houses, charming hotels and 'pazos'.
GRADE 3 - Daily walks are between 8 and 30km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to mountainous. This is a well worn path where route finding will be reasonably straight forward (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.
Per Person, Twin Share
The walking is graded moderate (3). Daily walks are between 14 and 24km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to mountainous. This is a well worn path where route finding will be reasonably straight forward (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.
There are many bars and cafes at various points along the trail where you can stop and fill up on a slice of Spanish Tortilla, or a bocadillo. These spots will also have facilities you can use if you're buying something, and will often be happy to refill your water bottle.
Card is accepted is most places, but please be aware that some individual bars or cafes may be cash only. You will also find along the way some special stamps offered for donations - it is worthwhile having some coins handy for these.
In order to secure your place on the trip we recommend you book as soon as you are ready. Bookings open for the following year in mid September.
We are able to cater for gluten free diets, however at times, choices are limited. Breakfasts served at the hotels are generally continental style and we suggest bringing your own gluten free breads or cereals. We also recommend bringing your own snacks. Generally in Europe it is quite easy to purchase gluten free foods from supermarkets and shops, but can be harder in restaurants.
This trip can be booked from 1 February to 15 November. The summer months tend to be busy months on the Camino Trail and the weather can be quite hot. In our experience starting the trip in late April or May, or from September to early October, is the best time to travel. The trail is less busy and the weather is cooler. Galicia experiences rain year round.
The Pilgrim's Passport or 'Credencial' is included on this trip and you will receive one locally. The Pilgrim's Passport makes a great souvenir and way to track your walk. You can ask to have your Pilgrim's Passport stamped at churches, your hotels and many other places along the route.
The Compostela is a certificate of completion of the Camino de Santiago and you must walk at least the last 100km into Santiago to receive it. This trip does cover more than the minimum distance, so you will be able to receive your Compostela at the end of the walk. To show that you have walked the last 100km you will need to have at least 2 stamps per day in your Pilgrim's Passport.
The Camino Trail is exceptionally well waymarked, with yellow arrows and markers used frequently throughout the route. It is nearly impossible to get lost on this walk.
It is possible to book an extra night at any of the hotels we use which would allow you to have a rest day. However, this does need to be advised at the time of booking.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.
Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.
With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love.
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