Why start the Camino in Sarria
Sarria is kilometre 111 of the French Way counting from Santiago de Compostela — and the furthest point from the Galician capital from which you can still earn the Compostela, the official certificate of having completed the Camino. To receive the Compostela, the Pilgrim Office in Santiago requires you to have walked at least the final 100 kilometres on foot — or the final 200 by bicycle — and to have documented it with at least two stamps per day in the pilgrim passport.
This makes Sarria a starting point with perfect logic: long enough for the Camino to be a genuine experience, short enough to complete in a week with manageable daily stages. It\'s the balance many people — especially those with limited time — are looking for.
Every year more than 200,000 pilgrims collect their Compostela in Santiago. Sarria is consistently the most popular starting point, ahead of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Burgos and León. The infrastructure is excellent: pilgrim services, gear shops, accommodation options for every budget and an unmistakeable atmosphere on the Rúa Maior.
Stages from Sarria to Santiago
The most common breakdown into 5 stages. Each can be shortened or lengthened depending on your fitness and preferences.
| Stage | From | To | Distance | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sarria | Portomarín | ~22 km | Moderate |
| 2 | Portomarín | Palas de Rei | ~25 km | Moderate |
| 3 | Palas de Rei | Melide | ~15 km | Easy |
| 4 | Melide | Arzúa → O Pedrouzo | ~33 km | Moderate |
| 5 | O Pedrouzo | Santiago de Compostela | ~20 km | Easy–Moderate |
What to see in Sarria
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Rúa Maior
The main street of Sarria's old town is the Camino itself. Medieval stone buildings, pilgrim services and the authentic atmosphere of a Camino town.
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Church of Santiago de Barbadelo
A Romanesque gem just outside Sarria, dating from the 12th century. One of the first stamps on the credencial for pilgrims starting here.
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Castle Keep (Torre del Homenaje)
The remains of the medieval castle of Sarria offer the best views over the town and the surrounding Galician countryside.
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Monastery of La Magdalena
An Augustinian monastery from the 13th century located on the pilgrims' route into Sarria. Now a hostel, still an architectural landmark.
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Old Town and Escalinata Mayor
The stone staircase leading up through the old quarter is one of the most photographed spots in Sarria. Pure Galician ambience.
Day trips from Sarria
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Lugo Roman Walls
35 kmThe only Roman city walls in the world that remain fully intact. UNESCO World Heritage Site, 35 km from Sarria.
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O Cebreiro
45 kmA mountaintop village on the Camino at 1,300 m altitude. Pre-Romanesque church, chalice of the Galician legend, stunning views.
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Ribeira Sacra
50 kmDramatic river canyons with terraced vineyards, Romanesque monasteries and boat trips on the Sil. Unmissable Galicia.
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Os Ancares
60 kmProtected natural area with pre-Celtic hillforts (castros), wolves and brown bears. Wild Galicia at its most authentic.
How to get to Sarria
- Train
- Renfe operates trains on the Lugo–Monforte–Ourense line, with a stop in Sarria. From Madrid (Chamartín) there are connections via Lugo or Ourense. Journey time from Lugo: approx. 30 minutes.
- Bus
- ALSA and Monbus operate regular services from Lugo, Santiago de Compostela and Madrid to Sarria. The bus station is a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
- Car
- Sarria is on the A-6 motorway (Madrid–A Coruña). Distances: Lugo 35 km · Santiago de Compostela 110 km · Madrid 490 km. Street parking is available on Rúa Maior and nearby streets.
- Airport
- The nearest airport is Santiago de Compostela (SCQ), approximately 1h15 by car. Hotel Kavia Sarria offers airport transfers on prior request.
Frequently asked questions about the Camino from Sarria
How many kilometres is it from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela?
From Sarria to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela it is approximately 111 kilometres along the official French Way (Camino Francés). The exact distance may vary slightly depending on the variant followed. The key point is that Sarria lies within the minimum 100 km required to obtain the Compostela.
How many days does it take to walk the Camino from Sarria?
Most pilgrims complete the route from Sarria in 4 or 5 days. The most common breakdown is: Sarria → Portomarín (22 km), Portomarín → Palas de Rei (25 km), Palas de Rei → Melide (15 km), Melide → O Pedrouzo (33 km) and O Pedrouzo → Santiago (20 km). If you prefer shorter stages, you can comfortably do it in 6 days.
Can I get the Compostela if I start in Sarria?
Yes. Sarria is more than 100 km from Santiago de Compostela along the French Way, which is the minimum requirement to receive the Compostela on foot. You'll need a pilgrim passport (credencial) and at least two stamps per day during the walk. At Hotel Kavia Sarria we stamp your credencial at reception free of charge.
Where can I get a pilgrim passport in Sarria?
The pilgrim passport (credencial) can be obtained at several points in Sarria: the Pilgrim Welcome Office, the parish of Santa Marina, some hostels and also at Hotel Kavia Sarria, where we also stamp it at reception.
Is the Camino from Sarria difficult for someone with no experience?
The Camino from Sarria has a moderate level of difficulty and is perfectly accessible for people with no prior hiking experience. The key is footwear (well-fitted trekking boots), not overloading your backpack (maximum 10% of body weight) and not pushing the pace in the first few days.
What time of year is best to walk the Camino from Sarria?
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are the most recommended seasons: mild weather and fewer crowds. July and August are busier. Winter sees very few pilgrims but is colder and wetter.
Where exactly is Sarria on the Camino de Santiago?
Sarria is a town in the province of Lugo, in Galicia, at kilometre 111 of the French Way counting from Santiago de Compostela. It is the last point that meets the minimum 100 km requirement for the Compostela.
What is there to see in Sarria before or after the Camino?
The cobblestoned Rúa Maior, the Romanesque church of Santiago de Barbadelo, the Keep of the medieval castle and the Monastery of La Magdalena. From Sarria it's an easy trip to Lugo (UNESCO Roman walls), O Cebreiro, the Ribeira Sacra and Os Ancares.