Duration: 11 Days
The history of the Camino de Santiago goes back to the 9th Century, when the tomb of the evangelical apostle St. James was discovered in what is today Santiago de Compostela. Since then, pilgrims from all over the world have walked St. James’ Way, originally seeking forgiveness for their sins, and nowadays often just to spend time on a journey of personal growth. This is a challenging experience as it involves a significant physical effort as you walk through forests and along busy roads for many miles each day for a total of approximately 71 miles.
Your rewards will be intangible, but priceless: an opportunity to enjoy nature, meditate, search for answers, and challenge your limits, discover beautiful rural areas of northern Spain, and make friends with whom you’ll have shared one of the most significant experiences of your life. At the end of your journey, relax on an excursion by coach to Finisterre and Muxia and a guided tour of Santiago de Compostela. You will receive the Compostela Certificate upon completion of the entire route on foot.
Traveller Notes
Your walking and spiritual experience is best enjoyed in small groups, and therefore the group size is limited to a maximum of 20 participants per departure and, of course, your Tour Director who will assist along the way.
Hiking is much easier without luggage; one piece of luggage per person, not exceeding 20 kg/44 lbs., will be transferred during your walk, from the lobby of your overnight hotel to the next overnight accommodation.
To make this itinerary more sustainable, transfers from Madrid to Sarria and from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid are by train. The only transportation by coach will be transfers between hotel and railway station and vice versa in Madrid and Sarria and the included excursion to discover Finisterre and Muxia or the occasional short transfer by car to any hotels that are not located directly on the Camino. Most of the itinerary will be on foot, enjoying the hike through the green Galician region. Daily distances are listed in the day-by-day itinerary.
Mass services are available every evening at each overnight town/village. In Santiago de Compostela, celebrate your personal achievement attending the Pilgrim Mass.
Special departure: Departure July 16 arrives in Santiago on St James’ Festive day
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2024, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2024.
Check into your hotel and, if you have time, start exploring this bustling city on your own with the help of the CosmosGO app. Later, meet your tour companions and the Tour Director during the included welcome dinner at your hotel. Your Tour Director will explain the dos and don’ts of the walk and give you some important advice. (D)
Transfer to the train station to board the train to Sarria (you will be responsible for carrying your own luggage). On arrival, check in at the hotel and spend the evening at leisure, or spend free time to see the early-Gothic Church of O Salvador on the Main Street, the 13th- century Convent of the Magdalena at the outskirts of the old town, or enjoy a drink with your fellow pilgrims on the river walk next to the hotel. (B,D) Today’s distance (by train): 313mi / 504 km
Approximately 23 km/14.3 mi – Average 6 hrs – Difficulty 3/3).
This is the real start of the journey. May every step be a thought on peace and an extension of loving kindness. Expect a peaceful walk in shady oak forest and through pretty villages on quiet country roads. The village of Barbadelo has a beautiful Romanesque church that is worth a visit. You will also pass through the village of Ferreiros. On arrival in Portomarín, relax at one of the many outdoor cafes in the main square. (B,D)
Approximately 20 km/12.5 mi – Average 4.5 hrs – Difficulty 2/3.
Let your mind wander and the feet follow. Begin the day by crossing over the Belesar dam footbridge, then start a gradual climb to the village of Ligonde. This stage mainly runs along andanderos (paths) next to the road or, in some cases, along paved trails. There are many signs indicating the pilgrim route, including the famous cruceiros (crucifixes). Check out the Cruceiro of Lameiros and the Monastery of Our Saviour of Vilar de Donas (2 km/1.2 mi detour off the Camino). Overnight in Lestedo. (B,D)
Approximately 18 km/11.2 mi – Average 4 hrs – Difficulty 2/3.
Keep an open mind and heart, let go of expectations, and enjoy the feeling of freedom along this ancient pilgrim path. The Camino takes you into the province of Coruña, with its fine eucalyptus and pine expanses, and numerous medieval bridges, such as the ones in Leboreiro and Furelos. Melide is an obligatory stop for food lovers; the best-known local delicacy here is octopus. (B,D)
Approximately 14 km/8.7 mi – Average 3.30 hrs – Difficulty 2/3.
The Camino can be a powerful catalyst for positive change. Today’s landscapes are similar to the previous day’s, with some idyllic locations such as the Camino in Ribadiso da Baixo near Arzúa. Arzúa is where the modern town with its bars, restaurants and the Church of St James overshadow the Medieval centre. (B,D)
Approximately 25 km/15.5 mi – Average 6 hrs–Difficulty 2/3.
Finding the courage to face our fears and stepping outside our comfort zone can lead us to self-discovery. The route today is a nice and leisurely walk over gentle slopes and through woodland, combined with some stretches along the road, which you will have to cross on occasions. (B,D)
Approximately 15 km/9.5 mi – Average 4 hrs – Difficulty 2/3.
Our experiences and encounters are waymarks to the inner path. This is the last stage of your Camino de Santiago. Today, distance will not matter. There is a climb to San Marcos, from Lavacolla, passing Monte do Gozo before descending to Santiago de Compostela. Congratulations, you made it! If you have walked all stages of the Camino, you will receive your Pilgrim Certificate. Give thanks by attending the [M] Pilgrim Mass in the magnificent Cathedral. (B,D)
You have reached your goal; now reach the end of the world. Complete the experience with a morning excursion by coach to the stunning Cape Finisterre peninsula, on the Atlantic Ocean, believed in Roman times to be the end of the world. Stop in Muxia, a small town on the coast, and visit the Sanctuary of our Lady of the Boat. This very scenic region not only offers wild beauty, but also delicious seafood and interesting legends. Return to Santiago in the early afternoon and meet your Local Guide for a guided walking sightseeing tour of the magical old city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Today's Distance by coach: 117 mi / 187 km (B)
Take the spiritual growth and appreciation for simple things back home with you. This is your most important souvenir of the Camino. Today we transfer to the Santiago train station to catch a train to Madrid (you will be responsible for carrying your own luggage). Your Tour Director will be at hand for any assistance or suggestions on how to spend the last night in the Spanish capital.
Today’s Distance by train: 373 mi / 600 km (B)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning (B)
