Walk the Camino de Santiago

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Spain. Your adventure begins in Sarria in the Galicia region of northwest Spain. This autonomous corner of the country has its own language, cuisine and culture distinct from the rest of the country and is home of Santiago de Compostela – the finishing point of the Camino de Santiago. Over the next week, you’ll be walking the final 100 km of this iconic and world-renowned pilgrimage. Tonight, you’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you’ll meet up with your local leader and small group of fellow travellers. After, collect your 'Pilgrim's Passport' then perhaps head out to a local restaurant for your first foray into the exciting world of Galician cuisine.

Today is a gentle introduction to the Camino de Santiago, all about finding your feet and enjoying your scenic surroundings. Have your pilgrim passport handy as you’ll be getting this stamped at least twice a day throughout your journey. Kicking off from Sarria, walk a mostly asphalt path through beautiful countryside, passing forests of chestnut and oak trees, small farms, villages and wheat fields. You may like to stop for a breather at the Santiago de Barbadelo or the church of San Fiz de Reimondez. Some of the little farms you pass will be selling fresh produce like jams, bread and cheeses – perfect snacks to keep you going! Finish up for the day in the town of Portomarin. (B)

Much of today’s route is along a gravel path along a road with little traffic, often cutting through Galician forests and fields. Walk through the rural Monterroso region and pass by the little villages of Gonzar, Ligonde and Castromaior – a slight detour will take you to the impressive Roman ruins of Castro de Castromaior. There will be stalls along the way selling fruit, snacks and cold drinks, plus plenty of places to stop for a sit-down meal or a coffee. Around halfway, climb a gradual hill to Sierra de Ligonde, followed by a gentle descent. Today’s walk wraps up in Palas de Rei – this town is dotted with historical buildings and Romanesque architecture. This evening, get up close and personal with one of Galicia’s most mystical and celebrated specialties – the Queimada, or ‘fire drink,’ has its roots in Galicia’s Celtic past, and is made with the liqueur oruju, lemon and coffee beans, which is then set alight and said to ward off evil spirits. Your leader will make these drinks for the group tonight, ensuring you won’t be bothered by any evil spirits for the rest of your journey! (B)

Get ready for your longest day on this stretch of the Camino de Santiago, covering the distance from Palas de Rei to Arzua. Today’s terrain is undulating asphalt, so prepare for some ups and downs. First, walk to the town of Melide – home to around 9000 people, this is one of the most populated spots on your journey. Melide is renowned for its fantastic food, specialising in polbo a feira (a flavoursome octopus dish). You and your group will gather in Melide to tuck into a traditional polbo a feira lunch, which you may like to follow up with some melindres (mini glazed donuts popular in Melide). For those who wish to give their legs a rest, you’ll have the option to catch a taxi to Arzua, otherwise hit the road and continue the final stretch of today’s journey, crossing the Iso River and navigating a series of short but steep slopes. When you arrive, ask your leader about the revered cheese made in this region – definitely a must-try while here! (B/L)

Depart Arzua and reach a split in the path, where the right follows the main road, and the left cuts through shady forest. As the saying goes, the road less travelled is often the most rewarding, so veer left and enjoy a day of peaceful strolling, mostly through endearing forests and past little villages and farms – this is some of the most wonderful scenery on the whole Camino de Santiago. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the way to stop and fuel up. As you draw closer to O Pedrouzo, your base for evening, pass by the Fountain of Santa Irene, the water from which was said to cure diseases of crops and illnesses of children. (B)

Gear up for your final day of walking, conquering the leg between O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela, with each step taking you closer to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Begin by walking through dense green forest – with no cars or houses around, you may like to take this time to quietly reflect on all you’ve achieved over the past week. Next, follow a long stretch of road between Lavacolla and Monte do Gozo, then swap out rural landscapes for urban as you walk the final 5 km. Hear Galician bagpipes welcoming you to the cathedral, marking the end of your journey along the Camino de Santiago. Present your stamped pilgrim passport and receive your Camino certificate, proof that you have walked the 100 km to Santiago de Compostela. If you arrive at the cathedral before noon, you can enter and participate in the pilgrims’ mass, where a list of all those who have collected their Camino certificates in the last 24 hours will be read aloud. Visit the Museum of Pilgrimage to learn about the history of the Camino de Santiago and other places of pilgrimage across the world. This evening, why not treat yourself to a final dinner with the group in town – you’ve earned it! (B)

With no activities planned for today and the walking done and dusted, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay in Santiago de Compostela, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time. (B)