Where to Stay Between Sarria and Santiago: A 5-Day Camino Plan

Where to stay between Sarria and Santiago ?

Walking the Camino de Santiago from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela is a very popular choice for pilgrims (especially locals) who want to complete the final section of the Camino Francés. The route covers just over 114 kilometres (71 miles) and is often walked in five days.

Planning where to sleep each night can make this part of your Camino much easier. You will need to consider your daily walking distance, the accommodation available in each town and how much time you want to spend enjoying the journey.

In this guide, we explain where to stay between Sarria and Santiago, outline a traditional five-day itinerary and share an alternative for pilgrims who prefer shorter walking days.

Can You Walk from Sarria to Santiago in Five Days?

The answer is a definate Yes. Many pilgrims walk from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela in five stages. The route is approximately 114 kilometres, although your exact distance may vary depending on your route choices and accommodation location.

The five-day itinerary includes overnight stops in Portomarín, Palas de Rei, Arzúa and O Pedrouzo before reaching Santiago. Most days involve walking around 19 to 29 kilometres, so it is worth considering your fitness, walking experience and the time you want to spend resting.

If you need shorter stages, you can extend the walk to six or seven days. There is no need to follow the traditional schedule if a different plan suits you better.

Day 1: Sarria to Portomarín

Distance: Approximately 22 kilometres.

Your Camino begins in Sarria, one of the busiest starting points on the Camino Francés. Before setting off, make sure you have your pilgrim credential and enough water for the day.

The route passes through Galician countryside, wooded paths, small villages and rural settlements. You will encounter rolling terrain, with some climbs and descents along the way.

Your destination is Portomarín, a town beside the Miño River. It is known for its distinctive church and its history, as the original settlement was relocated when a reservoir was created.

Portomarín has a wide range of accommodation, including private albergues, guesthouses and hotels. After arriving, you can explore the town, enjoy a meal and prepare for the next stage.

Browse our Sarria accommodation directory if you need a place to stay before starting your walk, or explore albergues and accommodation in Portomarín for your first night on the route.

Day 2: Portomarín to Palas de Rei

Distance: Approximately 25 kilometres.

The second day begins with a climb out of Portomarín. The route continues through green Galician countryside, small settlements and wooded sections before reaching Palas de Rei.

This is another substantial walking day, so set off at a comfortable pace and take breaks when needed. Check where you can refill your water bottle and buy food along the way. I use a 2 Ltr water bladder which will normally get me through the day.

Palas de Rei is a popular overnight stop with a choice of albergues, hostels, pensions and hotels. It is a useful place to rest before the longest stage of the five-day itinerary.

Compare places to stay in our Palas de Rei accommodation directory.

Day 3: Palas de Rei to Arzúa

Distance: Approximately 29 kilometres.

This is the longest day in the traditional five-day itinerary. The route passes through villages and woodland, with several climbs and descents along the way.

Melide is an important stop along this section. It is well known for pulpo a feira, a traditional Galician octopus dish, and offers places to eat and take a break before continuing. We had seconds when we passed through Melide as it was really tasty.

From Melide, the Camino continues towards Arzúa through rural countryside and wooded paths. The final kilometres can feel tiring after a long day, so allow enough time for breaks and avoid rushing to reach your accommodation.

Arzúa is known for its local cheese and has a good range of albergues, guesthouses and hotels. It is a convenient place to spend the night before the final two stages to Santiago.

Explore our Arzúa accommodation directory to compare your options.

Is this stage too long? If walking close to 29 kilometres in one day does not suit you, consider splitting the distance with an overnight stop around Melide or another suitable village. This is one of the main reasons to allow six days instead of five.

Day 4: Arzúa to O Pedrouzo

Distance: Approximately 19 kilometres.

After the previous day’s long walk, the stage from Arzúa to O Pedrouzo is shorter. The route passes through eucalyptus woodland, rural settlements and quiet stretches of countryside.

Although this stage is generally shorter, it still includes uneven paths and changes in elevation. Take your time and enjoy the walk rather than treating it simply as a day to recover.

O Pedrouzo is a popular overnight stop before Santiago. You will find albergues, pensions and other accommodation, along with places to eat and prepare for your final day.

Browse our O Pedrouzo accommodation directory to find a place to stay.

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Day 5: O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela

Distance: Approximately 19 kilometres.

Your final walking day takes you from O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela. The route passes through woodland and the outskirts of the city before leading you towards the historic centre.

Many pilgrims pass Monte do Gozo, where there can be views towards Santiago, before continuing to the cathedral and Praza do Obradoiro.

Reaching Santiago is a memorable moment, whether this is your first Camino or one of many. Allow time to celebrate your arrival, visit the cathedral and collect your Compostela if you meet the requirements.

If you want to stay overnight after finishing, it is worth booking ahead during busy periods. A private room can be welcome after several days of walking, especially if you want to rest, explore the city or attend a Pilgrim’s Mass.

Use our Santiago de Compostela accommodation directory to compare albergues, pensions and hotels.

Where Should You Book Accommodation?

The Sarria to Santiago section is particularly popular, especially during the main walking season. Accommodation can become busy, so consider booking ahead if you have fixed dates, want a private room or plan to stay in a specific town.

When comparing places to stay, check the price, sleeping arrangements, laundry facilities, meals, opening dates and cancellation conditions. Remember that some albergues accept advance reservations while others do not.

For more advice, read our guide to how to book albergues on the Camino de Santiago.

Remember Your Pilgrim Credential

If you plan to request a Compostela, carry your pilgrim credential and collect stamps along the route. Pilgrims completing the final 100 kilometres on foot generally need to document their journey with at least two stamps per day during that section.

Albergues, churches, cafés and other establishments may provide stamps. Collecting them is also a lovely way to remember the places you visit along the Camino. You can get your Camino Passport from Ivar at The Camino de Santiago Forum store and cost from €3/$3.

Enjoy your Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela

Walking from Sarria to Santiago in five days is a practical option if you are comfortable with the daily distances. The traditional itinerary takes you through Portomarín, Palas de Rei, Melide, Arzúa and O Pedrouzo before reaching Santiago de Compostela. It is a busy section of the Camino but can be introduction to longer Caminos in the future.

If you prefer shorter stages, consider allowing six days or more. A little flexibility can make the walk more enjoyable and give you extra time to rest, explore villages and appreciate the Galician countryside.

Buen Camino!