Camino Frances: 8-Day Gentle Hike

DAY 1: Arrival in Portomarin

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

DAY 2: Gonzar to Palas de Rei

17km • 4 - 6 hrs • (↑) 340m

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 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 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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.