In Viajeros Canallas we do the French Camino de Santiago from Sarria in 7 days and 5 stages. Please note that the first day is reserved for a group meeting where all the participants of this trip will be able to get to know each other and follow the latest recommendations of our team in order to prepare for the Way.
Below, we explain in summary form how each of the stages of the French Way of Saint James will be developed:
Day 1: Meeting and accommodation in Sarria
The first step of our organised Camino de Santiago will be a meeting of all the members of the group in the hostel selected by our expert and founder Alberto Lence.
The necessary information will be provided two days before the start of the trip via a WhatsApp group.
We will meet at 18:30 so that everyone has time to arrive and at 19.00 we will start the meeting in which our Camino experts will explain the last details and recommendations for this trip.
To finish, there will be a dinner where travellers and guides will spend time together and bond before setting off on their journey. An excellent opportunity to meet new people.
Day 2: Stage 1, Sarria - Portomarín
Distance to be covered: 22 kilometres. Estimated time: 5-6 hours. Difficulty: Low.
This first day of the pilgrimage will not be at all difficult. The stage does not involve any difficulty whatsoever as the terrain is gentle and undulating.
The route from Sarria to Portomarín is particularly well known for crossing many forests in the rural part of Galicia. In this stage you will find some of the most beautiful landscapes of the French Way of St. James and we will have the added incentive of passing through the 100th kilometre of this millenary route.
On this day you will see some examples of Romanesque art as well as medieval bridges and rustic footbridges. We will also be able to appreciate the Galician rural architecture and admire the hórreos (raised granaries) of the area.
These constructions were used to store crops and were usually made of stone or wood. It is curious to see how they are raised from the ground by means of pillars.
On the other hand, if we turn our eyes to nature we can appreciate masses of chestnut and oak trees as well as beautiful watercourses. The famous "corredoiras" will take us from village to village.
The end of this stage shows us Portomarín, at the foot of the Belesar Reservoir, formed by the Miño River.
Day 3: Stage 2, Portomarín - Palas de Rei
Distance to be covered: 25 kilometres. Estimated time: 6 hours. Difficulty: Low.
On this day we will continue to walk through rural areas and cross small villages. We will start the walk by crossing the Belesar reservoir over a footbridge.
You should be aware that a large part of the route from Portomarín to Palas de Rei runs along paths close to the road. You will, however, be able to see good examples of Romanesque churches that brighten up the landscape.
We will cross the village of Castromaior, where Castro de Castromaior is located. This is one of the most important archaeological sites of the Iron Age in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. We will also find many signs that indicate that we are in a pilgrimage area, such as the famous "cruceiros" (stone crosses).
Day 4: Stage 3, Palas de Rei - Ribadixo de Baixo
Distance to be covered: 27 kilometres. Estimated time: 7-8 hours. Difficulty: Medium.
This is the longest and most beautiful stage of our route. We will pass through small villages of La Coruña and trails until we reach Melide.
Among other things, we will find masses of eucalyptus and pine trees. There will also be numerous medieval bridges, among which the Leboreiro and Furelos bridges stand out. The cobbled pass of the Catasol River is considered one of the most idyllic spots on the Way, together with the village of Ribadiso do Baixo.
Day 5: Stage 4, Ribadixo de Baixo - Pedrouzo
Distance to be covered: 21 kilometres. Estimated time: 5-6 hours.
The predominant vegetation of the stage is eucalyptus forests as well as pastures and meadows. On this day we will advance along quiet forest tracks linking small villages.
In general, the terrain will be pleasant and easy to walk. We will walk through masses of trees with gentle swings alternating with areas close to the road. We will have to cross the road several times to reach Pedrouzo.
The Ermita de Santa Irene hermitage and its baroque fountain are worth mentioning at this stage.
Day 6: Stage 5, Pedrouzo - Santiago
Distance to be covered: 19 kilometres. Estimated time: 5 hours. Difficulty: Low.
Being the last stage of our French Camino de Santiago is one of the most special and emotional of the whole journey. It is not the most technically demanding stretch so pilgrims can concentrate on the view of the Cathedral of Santiago from Monte del Gozo.
The climb to San Marcos from Lavacolla will require some effort. This place owes its name to the stop that pilgrims used to make before arriving in Santiago to wash themselves in the river that flows through it and to present themselves to the Apostle.
From Monte de Gozo, only 5 kilometres from the end of the road, we can already begin to make out our destination: the imposing façade of the Obradoiro. At this point our deepest feelings will unconsciously come to the surface.
Congratulations pilgrim, we have done it!
Day 7: Farewell
