Doing the Camino de Santiago in 5 stages
The Camino de Santiago with its rich history, its breathtaking scenery and its mix of culture and spirituality, attracts thousands of pilgrims around the world offering various routes whose goal in all is to reach Santiago de Compostela. In this post we will highlight the three best routes designed to enjoy the Camino de Santiago in five stages.
1. French Way from Sarria
The French Way from Sarria is a popular choice for those who wish to experience the essence of the Camino de Santiago in a shorter journey making the last 100 km to Santiago de Compostela. In these five stages, you will explore small charming villages of rural Galicia, beautiful landscapes and feel the connection with other pilgrims that this route offers.
Stage 1: Sarria-Portomarín
You will start your journey in Sarria and drive 22km to Portomarín. You will cross lush forests, rivers and small villages until you reach the stairs of Portomarín, which will indicate that you have reached your destination for the day. You can visit the church of San Nicolás and enjoy the views of the Belesar reservoir.
Stage 2: Portomarín-Palas de Rei
This stage is 25 km long and takes you through forests of eucalyptus and chestnut trees, discovering the natural beauty of Galicia and the friendliness and hospitality of the people who live in the area. At Palas de Rei you can visit the Romanesque church of San Tirso.
Stage 3: Palas de Rei-Ribadiso de Baixo / Arzúa
Depending on your chosen date, on the third day you will travel 27 km to the small village of Ribadiso de Baixo or 29 km to Arzúa. On the way you will pass through hills and forests and you can make a short stop in Melide, where you can taste its famous octopus.
Stage 4: Ribadiso de Baixo / Arzúa-O Pedrouzo
The fourth stage is 21 km from Ribadiso or 19 km from Arzúa, which will take you closer to your final destination. You will encounter green landscapes and small villages until you reach O Pedrouzo.
Stage 5: O Pedrouzo-Santiago de Compostela
The last stretch will take you through hills and forests before you reach the exciting finish in Santiago de Compostela. You will do the last 19 km that will take you to the city. You can stop to enjoy the moment at Monte do Gozo and follow the yellow arrow until you enter Santiago, which will welcome you with its majestic Cathedral.
2. Portuguese inland route from Tui
The Portuguese Way is another of the most popular routes of the Camino de Santiago full of great historical heritage, beautiful natural landscapes and a cultural touch that distinguishes it. Here is an itinerary of the Portuguese Way from Tui which is distributed in five stages with a distance of 116 km, thus fulfilling the requirements to obtain the Compostela in Santiago de Compostela.
Stage 1: Tui to Redondela
This first stage is the longest of the entire route, with a distance of 31.9 km to Redondela. You will start in Tui, walking through green paths and small forests until you reach O Porriño, a village with all kinds of services where you can take a short break, to take the road back to Redondela. There you can explore the old town and recover energy for the next stage.
Stage 2: Redondela to Pontevedra
The second stage starts in Redondela and ends in the beautiful city of Pontevedra, with its charming old town. It is a stretch of 19 km with several significant ascents and descents and highlights the contrast between the rural and urban landscape.
Stage 3: Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis
This third stage covers 23 km in which you will walk through natural landscapes with riversides until you reach Caldas de Reis. Enjoy the hot springs and explore the Alameda park, before resting for the next stage.
Stage 4: Caldas de Reis to Padrón
The fourth stage to Padrón has a distance of 19 km with some moderate slopes. At the end of the stage you will reach Padrón, where you will find the House-Museum of Rosalía de Castro, which is worth a visit, and where you can taste the famous local product, the Padrón peppers.
Stage 5: Standard to Santiago de Compostela
You have reached the end of the objective; this last stage of medium difficulty has a distance of 24 km with stretches of asphalt and rivers that you will cross to reach Santiago de Compostela. It is a stage where emotions are heightened, combining the joy of achieving the objective and the sadness of ending an unforgettable experience.
The Way of St. James from Ourense along the Silver Route
The Vía de la Plata is the Jacobean route that connects southern Spain with Santiago de Compostela. Starting in the Galician city of Ourense will allow you to complete in five stages the last 100 km linking the city with Santiago de Compostela.
Stage 1: Ourense-Cea
It starts in the city of Ourense and has a distance of 22 km. You will enter the villages of the province of Ourense with destination Cea, known for its famous bread with Designation of Origin.
Stage 2: Cea-Lalín
This second stage is the longest, with 32.8 km and the hardest of this Camino, but it is beautiful for its architectural heritage. You will cross several nature trails through villages and parishes to reach Lalín, where you can't miss the famous Galician stew, considered one of the best in Galicia.
Stage 3: Lalín-Bandeira
You will start this third stage of 17 km in Lalín, passing through the Pontiñas riverside promenade and the medieval bridge of Taboada. It is a stretch of great natural and architectural beauty. You will reach your destination, Bandeira, which belongs to the municipality of Silleda; an ideal place to try the Galician empanada.
Stage 4: Bandeira-Santa Cruz de Rivadulla
The route from Bandeira covers about 15 km, alternating between roads and dirt tracks and crossing bridges over the river Ulla, to say goodbye to the province of Pontevedra and enter A Coruña, where you will finish the stage.
Stage 5: Santa Cruz de Rivadulla-Santiago de Compostela
This last stage links Rivadulla with Santiago in 22 km. You will walk through lush forests and over the Roman bridge of Sar to enter Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy the entrance at the Obradoiro square and the special moment it brings.
Conclusions
The choice of one Camino de Santiago over another depends on several factors and the decision may be based on personal preferences, level of difficulty, time available or other motivations. It is important to inform yourself beforehand and reflect on which route best suits your preferences. Whatever it is, none of them will leave you indifferent, because the Camino will catch you. Have a good walk!
