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A hike along the Camino in northern Spain is one of the world's great walking experiences. This trip provides the perfect option for those who want to walk the last stage of the pilgrimage route at a relaxed pace of between 10 to 18km per day and stay in upgraded accommodations. Completing the final 115kms to Santiago means you are eligible to receive the official Compostela certificate. Along the walk, gain a wonderful appreciation of the historic significance of the trail while reflecting on the meditative role that walking offers the pilgrim. Passing through mixed landscapes, there are numerous reminders of the pilgrims past who travelled the route including crosses, statues and grain silos. The gates of Galicia lead on to the fabled Santiago de Compostela with its famous cathedral, site of the tomb of St James.
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14kg of CO2-e PP per day
(143kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Sarria
Make your own way to the first hotel in Sarria. Sarria is located on a hilltop with a river on either side affording you great views of the region. It was a major medieval centre for pilgrims, and the ancient atmosphere can still be felt in the Old Quarter. We can assist with extra nights in Sarria and/or a transfer from Santiago or A Coruna airport to Sarria - please ask for our rates.
Meals: D
Day 2
Walk to Morgade, transfer back to Sarria (3.5hrs)
We recommend before leaving Sarria that you take the time to visit the Monastery of Magdalena with its church and cloister. Today you will walk through lovely tree-lined paths, roads and gravel tracks, enroute to Morgade. On the way you will pass through many small hamlets. This afternoon (at 3pm) you will be transferred back to the hotel in Sarria for a second overnight stay. Distance 13km/8mi, +260m/853ft
Meals: B,D
Day 3
Transfer to Morgade, walk to Portomarin (2-3hrs)
Transfer back to Morgade this morning (at 8.30am) to continue walking. On your way to Portomarin you will pass through many hamlets dotted along areas of cultivated land, grazing pastures and woodlands and view the first “horreos”, typical raised grain silos. It's a relatively easy walk until the steep descent leads you across the Dam of Portomarin where you can see ruins of the ancient flooded village, and into the town for your accommodation. Relax and stroll this afternoon in the cafe-lined main square and visit the church which was moved here stone by stone from the old town. Distance 10km/6.2mi, +50m/164ft, -385m/1263ft
Day 4
On foot to Ligonde, transfer to Lestedo (4hrs)
Today's route takes you through the brooms which have a magnificent fragrance. Along the path you will pass charming hamlets and calvaries. Over this stage you will pass through Ventas de Naron where you can fill your water bottles, over the gentle Sierra de Ligonde, then downhill through Previsa and Lameiros to Ligonde where you will find a church dedicated to St James. Emperor Charles V stayed in this modest village on the 24th of March 1520. In the afternoon (at 4pm) you will be transferred to your hotel in Lestedo. Distance 16km/10mi +420m/1378ft
Day 5
Transfer to Ligonde, walk to Coto (4-5hrs)
After breakfast you will transfer (at 8.30) back to Ligonde to continue walking. Today the walk is along a quiet country road, passing a 17th Century Wayside Cross en route. Continue through Palas de Rei and other small villages until you arrive at the hamlet of Coto. Distance 18km/10mi, +50m/164ft, -270m/886ft
Day 6
Walk to Castaneda (4hrs)
Today you will walk through Melide, which is one of the larger towns along the Galician section of the Compostela Trail. We recommend trying the local specialty ‘pulpa a feira’ (octopus), usually served with red pepper and paprika. The French Way and Camino Primitivo trails meet in Melide. Continue on foot to Castaneda and your hotel. Distance 15km/9.3mi, +20m/65ft, -120m/394ft
Day 7
Continue to Salceda, transfer to Lavacolla (4.5hrs)
The terrain becomes much easier today as you walk through forests of Eucalyptus trees. There are many villages along the way to stop for lunch. You will walk through Arzúa in the province of La Coruña, home of the D.O. Arzúa-Ulloa cheese, and continue to Salceda. An afternoon transfer (at 3pm) takes you to your hotel in Lavacolla. Distance 16.5km/10.3mi, +120m/393ft, -370m/1214ft
Day 8
Transfer to Salceda and on foot to Lavacolla (5hrs)
After breakfast a transfer (at 8.30) will take you back to Salceda to continue walking. The scenery today is lovely, as you pass more eucalyptus trees, large green fields and rural landscapes. Overnight again in Lavacolla. Distance 18km/11.2mi, +100m/328ft, -300m/984ft
Day 9
Walk to Santiago (3hrs)
The last day on the trail is always special. Today you will pass many ancient sites including monuments, chapels and bridges - all have a story to tell. You'll follow country lanes and forest paths through increasingly populated countryside. Continue downhill to the historic city of Santiago de Compostela. There is plenty to see and do, or you can simply relax and celebrate the end of your journey. Dinner is not included tonight so you can try one of the many restaurants in town. Distance 10km/6mi, +70m/230ft, -110m/360ft
Meals: B
Day 10
Free day in Santiago
Today you are free to enjoy the many cultural and gastronomic delights that Santiago offers. You can take in the noon Pilgrims Mass at the Cathedral or visit Fisterra on the coast (see details below).
Day 11
Trip concludes Santiago de Compostela
Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast.
What's included
What's not included
GRADE 2 - Daily walks are between 10 and 18km 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
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.
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.
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.
The closest airport is Santiago de Compostela, from the airport you need to take a bus to Sarria (with one change). Some people prefer not to fly into Santiago de Compostela and instead choose to fly into Madrid. From Madrid you can take the train to Sarria, the journey takes approximately 6 hours.
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 starts in Sarria which is 110km from Santiago, 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.
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