When it comes to pilgrimage routes around the world, one of the most notorious is the Camino de Santiago, also known as the ‘Way of Saint James.’ There are a host of starting points for this, but one of the most popular if you’re heading for a week is Sarria, which is located around 62 miles from Santiago de Compostela. With this being the minimum distance required to earn the Compostela certificate (the certificate recognizing the pilgrimage to the Tomb of St. James) it makes it the perfect place to begin. In this article we take a look at what to expect from each day of your journey and some tips to help you make the most of it. Be sure to book with a reputable company such as Orbis Ways, who can help to organize every step of the journey for you and includes everything from your accomodation to your luggage transfers, travel insurance and taxes.
Day 1 – Arrival in Sarria
Your journey will begin in Sarria which is a charming town packed with history and plenty to see and do. When you’re here, take in the natural beauty but also gather some supplies from your trip ahead if needed.
Day 2 – Sarria to Portomarin – 13,7 miles | 22,1 km
On your first walking day you’ll travel through picturesque villages which look like they’ve been frozen in time. You’ll tread through peaceful woodland paths and see sights such as the River Miño and the Romanesque church of Barbadelo.
Day 3 – Portomarin to Palas de Rei – 15,4 miles | 24,7 km
Your third day from Portomarin to Palas de Rei offers you the chance to see small hamlets and really immerse yourself in the natural beauty of rural Galicia. Along the way you will see sights such as the Church of Vilar de Donas which is a beautiful building from the Roman times.
Day 4 – Palas de Rei to Arzua – 17,8 miles | 28,6 km
Day four sees you pass through the medieval village of Melide where you can sample their national dish of the octopus. You’ll then get the chance to walk through beautiful countryside and woodland paths, making for a great way to wear off your food!
Day 5 – Arzua to A Rua – 11,3 miles | 18,1 km
The walk from Arzua to A Rua is, again, a scenic one, where you pass luscious green landscapes, farmlands and quintessential villages. There is plenty of wildlife and quiet where you can reflect and just revel in the peace.
Day 6 – A Rua to Santiago de Compostela – 13,6 miles | 21,8 km
The final leg of the pilgrimage comes on day 6, where you will walk through forest and small hamlets before arrive at the Monte de Gozo. From here you’ll catch sight of the Cathedral de Santiago which is where you’re heading.
Day 7 – Santiago de Compostela
Once your pilgrimage is over, you’ll have time to explore the Santiago de Compostela which is a UNESCO World Heritage site city. There is some of the most incredible architecture you’ll ever see here as well as delicious food and quaint places to visit.
This should offer you a brief overview of what to expect when you head on the Camino de Santiago 7 day journey from Sarria. Whether you’ve done a pilgrimage before or if this is your first one, it’s a route that you will never forget. When booking with Orbis Ways, you know you’re with a company you can rely on. With so many 5* reviews and a wide array of products, they won’t let you down.
