Difficulty Level 2/5, easy to medium. There is an average of 6-7 hours of walking per day on trails, dirt paths and roadways. The walking distances are generally long each day of this tour. Daily distances are between 17.9km/11.1mi and 28.6km/17.8mi. The daily elevation gain is between 884m/2900ft to 671m/2201ft, and the daily elevation loss is between 857m/2812ft and 672m/2205ft. No technically difficult hiking occurs on this trip, as this itinerary follows only easy paths and trails, however you must be in good physical shape to endure long distances over 5 consecutive days of walking.

Luggage transfers are included in trip price. You only need to carry a small backpack during hikes with the necessary items for the day. Your luggage will be transported by vehicle to next accommodations. You will meet your luggage every evening between 3-7pm. Bags must be left at hotel reception by 9am each morning.

Limited to 1 bag transported per person and a maximum weight of up to 20kg/44lbs per bag.

Availability to book from 2 participants. Solo travelers are possible with an additional supplement fees.

This trip has daily departures possible all year long. The best seasons are early spring and late fall. Between May and September is considered the busiest season. Winter is the quietest time of year.

7 days / 6 nights / 5 days of hiking

Start

On Day 1 in the afternoon at the first hotel in Sarria. Check-in is available after 3pm.

Finish

On Day 7 in Santiago de Compostela after breakfast and hotel check-out (~10am)

Self-guided tour, without a human guide. A digital travel packet (documents available in English & French) will be sent by email that includes access to our smartphone travel application for navigating hikes and accessing local maps (available in English only), the list of booked accommodations, any included travel vouchers and all the detailed information needed for a successful trip. If desired, we can provide a printed version of the travel packet for an additional fee. It will be waiting and available at the 1st accommodation of the itinerary with maps, topo guide and travel folder. This must be requested at the time of booking. There is no welcome meeting at the arrival hotel or general orientation meeting for this tour.

Accommodation

The first night, you will be in a 4* hotel in Sarria. Accommodations in double occupancy rooms. During the hike each night will be spent in comfortable 3* equivalent hotels along the way. The last night (day 6), you will be in a 4* hotel in the historic center of Santiago de Compostela. It is possible to book a single room, with a supplement fee, subject to availability.

Meals

Meals included: All breakfasts starting on day 2 to day 7. It is optional to book half-board, 6 dinners are then included day 1-6. For this option, dinners are planned at the hotel or in a restaurant near accommodations, depending on the night.

Lunches are not included, but there are many options to stop and have lunch or purchase picnic items along the way.

*Please let us know when you register if you have any food allergies or special dietary needs; we will do our best to adapt your meals.

Trip Starting Destination

This tour starts in Sarria, Spain

Trip Ending Destination

This tour ends in Santiago de Compostela, Spain

By Plane

The closest airport to use for this trip is the Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ). There are flight options from a few major EU & UK cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Paris & London. Home page | Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport | Aena

By Train

Santiago de Compostela to Sarria: 3-4 hours, multiple options per day. Madrid to Sarria: 4-6 hours, multiple options per day. Train Schedule and Tickets: Renfe | Train tickets

By Bus

Buses from Santiago airport or Santiago de Compostela to Sarria are available daily and take about 2 hours on average. Monbus: Buy bus tickets - Check bus schedules - Monbus

To get to Santiago de Compostela: ALSA Bus: Wherever you want to go - Alsa

Flixbus: Cheap coach and bus travel throughout Europe | FlixBus

Bla Bla Car (bus and carpool options): https://www.blablacar.co.uk/bus

Travel story

Would you like to share your best moments of the trip and share your experience with the greater Grand Angle hiking community? Send us your story and some photos illustrating your words that we can consider publishing on our blog.

Responsible tourism

Travelife Partner

Since 2025, Grand Angle has been recognized as a Travelife Partner, an international label that certifies our responsible practices regarding the environment, ethics, and sustainable management, both within our company, with our partners, and in the organization of our trips.

This label, the second level of a rigorous international certification, attests to our concrete actions in favor of responsible tourism. We are actively working toward the next level, Travelife Certified, in line with our sustainable development policy.

It is the client’s responsibility to arrive prepared with the items listed below to help insure a safe and enjoyable trip.

The following items are required for this trip unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.

• Hiking Boots/Shoes – waterproof, sturdy molded sole, deep tread and ideally well broken in (please note: buy boots/shoes 1/2 size to 1 size larger than street shoes to allow for feet swelling and thicker socks)
• Hiking Socks – one pair for every day or two days of the trip. Hiking/Sport specific padded socks, no cotton please!
• Sun Hat – wide brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo
• Warm Hat & Gloves – lightweight beanie and light-to-mid weight fleece or wool gloves
• Hiking Shirts – non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long sleeve shirts (please note: long sleeve shirts provide better sun protection)
• Warm Top – mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material such as merino wool, fleece or polypropylene
• Insulating Jacket – down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, heavy weight fleece jacket
• Hiking Pants & Shorts – nylon pants AND shorts, zip-offs or leggings
• Base Layer/Long Underwear – 1 pair of wicking tops and bottoms that are lightweight to midweight, synthetic wicking materials such as polyester, polypropylene, merino wool, etc.
• Rain Gear – waterproof jacket and pants or high-quality poncho, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. For the pants look for side zippers that will easily allow pulling them over footwear. A small umbrella can also be good.
• Casual Clothing & Footwear – comfortable clothes and shoes to wear in the evening after activities.

• Backpack – a 30-45 Liter sized comfortable pack with a hip belt and waterproof cover for use day-to-day while hiking.
• Personal Luggage – small duffel bag, suitcase or backpack – for extra clothes and casual clothes. This bag stays at hotel. One bag limit per person, 15kg/33lbs maximum weight allowance.
• Hydration System – 2+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system and an additional back-up water bottle
• Trekking Poles – telescopic/adjustable poles to help reduce the impact on joints and support hikers in steep and/or rocky terrain. (Note: strongly recommended)
• Headlamp – preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries (please note: always test headlamp before trips and travel/pack without batteries in device)
• Picnic/Lunch Kit – knife, plate or bowl, box with closeable lid, utensils, etc.
• Phone & Charger – local sim card or international plan may be needed. Consider bringing a small power bank to use to recharge devices during trip activities.
• Waterproof Travel Case or Pouch – used to keep important documents (i.e. passport, health/travel insurance, etc.) & phone safe from weather/water
• Sunglasses, Sunscreen, & Lip Balm
• First Aid Kit – see first aid kit suggestions below*
• Personal Toilet Paper Kit – most public restrooms outside of lodging will have toilet paper available, but it is good to be prepared with a personal toilet paper kit to potentially use during portions of this tour. Along the trail, there may be the need to use natural settings for toilets (i.e. digging catholes, etc.) when there are no public toilets available. Kits should include toilet paper, wet wipes, sanitizer & sealable plastic bag(s) for carrying out used paper/wipes.
• Toiletries
• Contact Lenses & Glasses – if wearing contact lenses, please also bring back-up pair of glasses and contacts.
• Prescription Medication – with emergency back-up supply. Please inform trip leader of any medications used.
• Money – It is good to have some local currency, often smaller local businesses do not accept credit cards and/or prefer cash. Some public restrooms require small amounts of cash to use.

• 2-3 Face Masks; 1-2 Over-the-counter Rapid Antigen COVID-19 Tests (recommended but optional)
• Travel Power Adapter – Electric power voltage in Spain is 230 V / 50 Hz and the plugs are C & F type
• Support Braces – consider bringing any joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries (i.e. knee, ankle, elbow, etc.)
• Sleep Mask & Ear Plugs
• Bug Repellent
• Quick Drying Towel or Bandana(s)
• Swimsuit

After years of experience planning adventure travel around the world, we've learned that anything can happen, and every traveler should carry a basic personal first aid kit. We want to ensure our guests are well-prepared and make smart informed travel decisions. In many of the places we operate trips, it may be challenging to find certain medications and/or first aid supplies, and sometimes common items you desire may not be available in the destination you are travelling. That's why it's good to be prepared and carry a small supply of first aid supplies, any prescription medication, and/or over-the-counter medications you may require during your travels.

We recommend discussing your travel plans, vaccination requirements, and any medication usage with your primary healthcare provider before embarking on our trips. This helps ensure you have a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

Here is a basic list of what we think makes a good personal travel first aid kit:

• Medications – Brands of your choice, all medications should be either prescribed directly by your doctor or discussed with a doctor prior to use
• Electrolyte Replacement/Drink Mix – brand of choice
• Creams – Antibiotic ointment, Anti-Itch: Hydrocortisone, Arnica
• Eye Problems: Dry/Itchy – Eye drops
• Feminine Hygiene – Tampons
• Wound Care – a various pack of bandages, antiseptic swabs
• Blister Care – blister kit made up of items of your choice
• Sun Protection – sunscreen, SPF lip balm
• Various Items – Athletic tape/”KT Tape”, Nail clippers, Tweezers, Small bottle of hand sanitizer, Sewing kit (clothing/button repairs), Disposable surgical gloves (1-2 pairs)

It is recommended that you prepare your items in the following manner for your travels to this trip.

“Carry-on Bag(s)” - This is the bag you will bring with you on the plane. We recommend all your pertinent information be in this bag (passport, travel documents, etc.) as well as your most important gear items (hiking footwear, jacket, prescription medication, etc.) in case any checked luggage items becomes lost or delayed.

“Checked Bag(s)” - This bag will be checked and contain the rest of your personal items (clothing and gear, etc.).

Important Note: Again, it is recommended to either wear or pack in your “Carry-on Bag” the main gear items you need for this trip vs. putting them in your checked “Travel Bag” (in case luggage is delayed). Hiking footwear is probably the hardest item to replace last minute if items become lost or delayed past the intended start date of the trip. Lost or delayed luggage has become more and more common in major airports for international travel since the global pandemic.

During this trip, the packing system needs to be in 2 bags.

Extra Luggage - “Checked Bag(s)” & ”Carry-on Bag(s)”: This bag will contain all the items you want to bring along on the trip. It will be transferred by vehicle, and you will have access to it at the end of each day of activity, but not throughout the day. Limited to 1 bag per person and a maximum weight of 20kg/44lbs per bag.

• For your transported luggage: a backpack or a travel bag in good condition. A GPS tracker is recommended for international travel luggage.

Extra luggage is not allowed on this trip beyond the 1 bag requirement. Maximum 20kg/44lbs per bag. Extra luggage, not needed during your trip, is not easily stored due to different starting and ending hotels. Extra bags/luggage transfers may be available upon request and with the addition of a supplemental fee.

Day Backpack (not provided): All guests will need a backpack, which they will be responsible for carrying during trip activities. Items in this bag should include anything you may need throughout the day during the trip. (i.e. rain gear, warm layers, water, sunscreen/lip balm, snacks/food, camera/phone, etc.).

Spain, a member of the European Union, capital city: Madrid.

This trip is located in the Galicia region.

Documents

Travellers from the European Union, including children, need a valid identity card or passport. Check with the authorities in your home country for the conditions of entering this destination.

Health/Insurance

Do not forget your card and/or policy details for your health insurance and/or travel insurance.

Spain Country Code: +34

European Emergency Number: 112

Office of Tourism - Sarria Address: Paseo Malecón, 15, 27600, Sarria (Lugo) Phone: +34982530099 Visit Sarria - Sarria Tourism Office (sarriaturismo.com)

Office of Tourism - Santiago de Compostela Address: Vilar, 43, 15705, Santiago De Compostela (A Coruña) Phone: +34981555129 Official Tourism Website of Santiago de Compostela and its Surroundings (santiagoturismo.com)

Central European Time (CET/UTC+1) and Central European Summer Time (CEST/UTC+2) during daylight saving time.

Spanish

Spain is a Member-State of the European Union and uses its uniform currency – the Euro €. Spain, as is the case with the other Member-States of the E.U. uses eight coins as follows: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 and 2 Euros. The banknotes are issued in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros. Currency exchange rates are clearly displayed in every bank that accepts currency exchange, while credit card holders may acquire money from the ATMs of the collaborating banks.Euros can also be exchanged for notes of other foreign currencies at exchange offices that are situated at the airport and certain main ports, in the larger cities, as well as at many tourist destinations. A passport is required when exchanging currencies.

The Compostela

This is a document that pilgrims register for to certify that they have completed a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.

To obtain it, you must:

• Complete the final 100km/ on foot or horseback, and the last 200km by bike, of any of the Official Caminos de Santiago, and arriving at Santiago de Compostela.
• Stamp the Pilgrim Passport at least twice a day.

You can stamp the Pilgram Passport at places along the walk like churches, cathedrals, monasteries, lodgings, dining establishments, cafes, shops, tourist offices, etc.

More information here: The Compostela: accreditation of the pilgrimage to Santiago

Register as a Pilgrim here:

• Single Register | Pilgrim's welcome office (oficinadelperegrino.com)
• Groups Register | Pilgrim's welcome office (oficinadelperegrino.com)

The weather along the Camino de Santiago can vary depending on the route and the time of year. Along the French Way, which stretches from Northeast to Northwest Spain, winters are generally mild with occasional rainfall, while summers rarely exceed 25ºC. In the northern regions of Spain, there is an average of 1584 to 2223 hours of sunshine per year. Even during the winter months, cold temperatures are accompanied often by sunny skies. The climate in northern Spain is characterized by mild winters, moderate summers, and regular precipitation.

• Spring is a popular time for pilgrimages, with temperatures gradually warming from 13°C (55°F) in March to 18°C (64°F) in May. However, spring days may still feature a mix of rain and sunshine.
• Summer marks the peak season for the Camino, with generally warm temperatures from June to August. Despite warm temperatures elsewhere in Spain, the north may experience cooler weather. While the sun shines for most days, there is a higher chance of rain in places like Sarria, with average temperatures around 25°C (77°F).
• Autumn is another favored season for pilgrimages, with temperatures decreasing to around 23°C (73°F) in September, 18°C (64°F) in October, and 13°C (55°F) in November. With the drop in temperatures, there's also an increased likelihood of rain.
• Winter presents significant challenges for pilgrims due to cold temperatures, snow, and ice. Rainfall is common during this season, with temperatures averaging around 3°C (°37F) to 12°C (54°F).

Sustainable travel