Camino Frances: 5-Day Challenging Hike

DAY 1: Arrival in Palas de Rei

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Palas de Rei.

DAY 2: Palas de Rei to Arzua

30km • 7 - 10 hrs • (↑) 590m

A day of mostly 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). 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 3: 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 4: A Rua to Santiago de Compostela

21km • 5 - 7 hrs • (↑) 460m

The 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 you pass through the village of Lavacolla, where pilgrims traditionally washed themselves after weeks or months of travelling. The end of the walk leads you through medieval streets in the old town of Santiago de Compostela and past grand squares, fountains, palaces and churches before you arrive at the Praza do Obradoiro and the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago.

DAY 5: 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.