Camino Frances: 13-Day Gentle Hike

DAY 1: Arrival in O Cebreiro

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to O Cebreiro.

DAY 2: Alto San Roque to Triacastela

Distance 17km • Approximate Walking Time 4 - 6 hours • Ascent (↑) 260m

After a morning transfer to Alto San Roque, you start high in the mountains of Galicia where early morning mists typically burn away with the sun and offer wonderful views of ethereal hills that stand out like islands in the clouds. Descend gently down the hills of the Sierra de Rañadoiro and pass though many idyllic villages and tiny hamlets on your way. Woodland tracks and paths often provide enchanting views over the green, pastoral hills of Galicia. You finish your walk in the picturesque village of Triacastela.

DAY 3: Triacastela to Samos

10km • 3 - 4 hours • (↑) 265m

Today’s walk follows the valley of the river Oribio where the Camino Frances leads you through small picturesque villages. At the end of your walk the route descends into the village of Samos, home to the famous Benedictine monastery of San Xulián de Samos. It was founded in the 6th century and is one of the oldest in the Western world. Guided tours of the church and grounds are regularly provided by the monks.

DAY 4: Samos to Sarria

15km • 4 - 5 hours • (↑) 315m

From Samos you initially follow the Rio Sarria on a combination of tracks, shaded by trees, and small country roads. The route passes many rural settlements and small chapels before leading you through the little village of Aguiada. From here the Camino follows a footpath along a quiet road into Sarria.

DAY 5: Sarria to Ferreiros

13km • 4 - 5 hrs • (↑) 410m

You begin your walk in the oldest part of Sarria with views across the town before passing the monastery of La Magdalena. A medieval footbridge leads you into charming countryside. Here the Camino guides you along quiet country tracks and paths that weave through fields and woodland. The route passes through many peaceful, rural communities, offering countless opportunities for taking relaxing breaks at cafes, restaurants and “honesty stalls”. Complimentary transfer to your overnight accommodation.

DAY 6: Ferreiros to Gonzar

16km • 4 - 6 hrs • (↑) 350m

After a complimentary transfer back to Ferreiros more cafes and restaurants will tempt you to take an early break today. As you descend into the valley of the river Mino and cross over the Embalse de Belezar reservoir you can often enjoy stunning views of Portomarin, a picturesque town that was rebuilt in the 1960s on a nearby hill after the original town was flooded. Complimentary transfer to your overnight accommodation.

DAY 7: Gonzar to Palas de Rei

17km • 4 - 6 hrs • (↑) 340m

In the morning you will be transferred back to Gonzar. Today you are following in the footsteps of Spanish kings and Roman emperors. The route guides you through small villages over the hills of the Sierra Ligonde. Here you pass two former pilgrim’s hospitals

that are said to once have sheltered such illustrious guests as Charlemagne, Emperor Charles V and his son King Phillip II of Spain. The walk then descends to Portos, where you have the option to take a detour to the ancient seat of the Knights of Santiago at Vilar de Donas. A final gentle ascent brings you to the little hill of Alto Rosario where pilgrims used to pray the rosary and from where you soon arrive in Palas de Rei.

DAY 8: Palas de Rei to Melide

15km • 4 - 5 hrs • (↑) 270m

A short day of easy, level walking along woodland paths and tracks. You pass through tiny settlements with ancient romanesque churches and over medieval bridges. All along the route little cafes invite you to stop for a snack or a coffee. Once you are in Melide, where the Camino Primitivo joins the Camino Frances, the traditional ‘pulperias’ will try to tempt you to sample one of Galicia’s specialities - pulpo (octopus).

DAY 9: Melide to Arzua

14.5km • 4 - 5 hrs • (↑) 320m

Another day of pleasant and gentle walking across three shallow river valleys and mostly on shaded woodland paths and tracks, where cafés and riverside picnic areas are perfect for breaks. In Ribadiso you pass a medieval pilgrim hostel, one of the oldest hostels still operating along the Camino. Your day finishes near the 14th century chapel of La Magdalena in the town of Arzua, which is famous for its local cheese.

DAY 10: Arzua to A Rua

18km • 4 - 6 hrs • (↑) 380m

As other routes join the Camino Frances you will find more and more pilgrims sharing the walk towards Santiago with you. The walk leads you through quaint hamlets and, as the vegetation becomes more Mediterranean, the oak and chestnut woodlands of eastern Galicia slowly give way to eucalyptus and pine forests and even the occasional palm tree. Stay and relax in the tranquil settlement of A Rua before continuing to Santiago de Compostela tomorrow.

DAY 11: A Rua to Lavacolla

11km • 3 - 4 hrs • (↑) 270m

The second last day of the Camino brings you once more through little villages, woodlands and open country along quiet paths and tracks. Not far from Santiago de Compostela you come to the village of Lavacolla where it is said that, after weeks or months of travelling, pilgrims traditionally bathed in the local stream to purify themselves before their arrival in Santiago.

DAY 12: Lavacolla to Santiago de Compostela

10km • 3 - 4 hrs • (↑) 190m

From Lavacolla the Camino soon reaches the top of Monte do Gozo, the Hill of Joy. Here is the place where pilgrims can get their first view of their destination, the spires of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The end of your walk then leads you through medieval streets and past grand squares, fountains, palaces and churches before you arrive at the magnificent cathedral.

DAY 13: Departure from Santiago de Compostela

There are regular flights from Santiago Airport as well as bus and train services from Santiago to other Spanish cities and airports. Full details provided upon booking.