14 September 2026 · 2 min read
Sarria to Santiago in 5 days: the practical guide
The five most walked stages of the Camino, with distances, where to stay and the typical mistakes.
Sarria is the most popular starting point on the Camino de Santiago: 115 km from the cathedral, just above the 100 km required for the Compostela, with trains from Madrid and A Coruña. These are the five classic stages.
The stages
- Sarria – Portomarín, 22 km. Sunken lanes, oak woods and the 100 km marker at Ferreiros. You cross the Belesar reservoir on the bridge and climb the Portomarín stairs.
- Portomarín – Palas de Rei, 25 km. A long, gentle climb to the Sierra de Ligonde (720 m). Plenty of bars.
- Palas de Rei – Arzúa, 28 km. The longest. Stop in Melide for octopus.
- Arzúa – O Pedrouzo, 19 km. Eucalyptus woods; a rest day.
- O Pedrouzo – Santiago, 19 km. Monte do Gozo and the city. Leave early for the pilgrim mass at noon.
Where to stay
Xunta public albergues cost €10 and take no bookings; they open at 13:00 and fill by mid afternoon in high season. Private ones cost €12–18 and can be booked. From May to September, book at least the first two nights.
Typical mistakes
- Planning on 4 km per hour without breaks: count 3.5.
- Stamping the credential once a day: in Galicia you need two stamps daily.
- Arriving in Santiago on a Saturday with nothing booked.
On Xacobea every stage has its elevation profile, villages with services and accommodation with dated prices.
Frequently asked questions
How far is it from Sarria to Santiago?
About 115 km on the Camino Francés, split into five stages of 19 to 28 km.
Do I need to book albergues from Sarria?
In high season (May–September) yes, at least the first two nights; Xunta public albergues take no bookings.
Do I get the Compostela starting in Sarria?
Yes: Sarria is over 100 km away and with two stamps a day in the credential you receive the Compostela.