Sarria is where most pilgrims who walk the Camino start their route, since it’s the closest point from which you can walk it and get the Compostela. Our first stage from here offers us already some of the best experiences that you can find in the Camino: forests and nature, small picturesque villages, romanesque churches like the one in Barbadelo…

We continue our journey through rural Galicia. Today’s stage begins with a gentle uphill climb until the Hospital da Cruz, at around km. 12. After that, we pass through the Ligonde mountain range until reaching Palas de Rei, a place with a long history (it already appeared in the Codex Calixtinus), turned today into a modern town with all kinds of services for passing pilgrims.

Today’s stage is as beautiful as challenging, since it will have several ups and downs, and we’ll have to cross the N-547 roadway several times. The beauty of the galician forests and rivers will more than make up for it.

The town of Mélide, halfway through the stage, is known for its “pulpo a la gallega” (galician style octopus). If we have more artistic interests, we can visit the San Roque chapel, where we’ll find the oldest “cruceiro” (calvary, or stone crucifix) in Galicia.

We are getting closer to Santiago, and the Camino gives us today a respite with a relatively easy stage, with the N-547 roadway as the only obstacle. Apart from that, the road goes through forest tracks and eucalyptus forests.

Our destination, Pedrouzo, is the last important town before reaching Santiago.

Our final stage, like all those that take place nearby big cities, goes through residential zones and highways. The most emotional moment will be without a doubt the arrival to the Monte de Gozo, the hill from which we’ll be able to see Santiago for the first time.

The city of Santiago has so many attractions that it’s a good idea to stay for at least an extra day in order to visit them all. Art the very least, if we arrive before noon, we’ll be able to attend the Pilgrim’s Mass in the cathedral. After that, we can rest in the Obradoiro square and mingle with pilgrims from all countries who have also arrived during the day.