Skip to content

  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Camino de Santiago for Beginners.

Find your accommodation, the downloadable GPX route, pilgrim passport and sites on the final 100km of the Camino Francés. Everything you need to experience the Camino pilgrimage, minus the fuss.

Camino de Santiago for Beginners: Adventure Awaits on the Final 100km of the Camino Francés

Overview

Distance: 113.5km
Duration: 5–6 Days
Start: Sarria
End: Santiago de Compostela
Ability: Expert-level hike requiring very good fitness. The route features well-marked and mostly accessible paths, suitable for experienced hikers.
Terrain: A mix of forest tracks, country lanes, village roads, and occasional asphalt sections, with gentle elevation changes.
Best For: Long-distance walkers, and cultural hikers wanting an historic walking holiday through Galicia’s rural heartland.

Many people only walk the final 100km of the Camino Francés, which suits time and budgets. You still get to explore the  diverse landscapes, charming villages, culture (and food!!) as you make your way to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a first-timer, and you are looking for a community to walk this trail with, it offers a bucket-list challenge.

However, if walking alongside 450,000 other pilgrims doesn’t appeal, you might prefer one of our shorter, quieter trails, offering a more modern historical focus but no less of a human journey. Or, for something more expansive and rewarding, consider the Western Front Way hike in a similar spirit.

BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION DIRECTLY:

Sarria:

  • Hotel Mar de Plata: Located about a block from the train station, this hotel offers convenient access for walkers starting their journey.

  • Hotel Novoa: Situated on the main street, this hotel provides comfortable rooms and is close to various amenities in Sarria.

  • Travesia Rooms: A well-regarded option offering clean and comfortable accommodations. ​

  • Pension Escalinata: Known for its friendly service and central location, making it a convenient choice.

  • Pilgrims' hostel of the Xunta de Galicia: The hostel sleeps 40 and costs €10, (includes disposable sheets, pillowcases, and blankets). No reservations are allowed. The pilgrim's credential is required

Portomarín:

  • Pensión Mar: A modest yet clean pensión offering a comfortable stay. ​

  • Vistalegre Hotel: This hotel boasts spectacular facilities and comfortable rooms, ideal for resting after a day on the path. Offers gluten-free breakfast!

Palas de Rei:

  • Casa Leopoldo: An outstanding bed and breakfast known for its hospitality and comfort. Packed lunches are also available to order.

  • La Pallota de San Cristobal: Five comfortable private rooms with bathrooms, a terrace-garden, a bar/café area, and a restaurant. All rooms have heating, a television, a hairdryer, amenities, and breakfast is included. 

Arzúa:

  • Lar da Mota: Very comfortable private rooms with a bathroom; including a buffet breakfast. The hotel restaurant serves Malaysian, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine which might make a wonderful change to the taste buds! Vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free options are also available.

  • Fogar de Lecer: Comes with glowing reviews, this recently renovated country house in Arzúa, includes a garden and terrace.  The rooms offer free WiFi, a private bathroom, a hair dryer and bed linen. Guests may eat in the on-site restaurant, which is open for dinner and lunch. ​

O Pedrouzo: 

  • Pensión A Solaina: Known for amenities and comfortable rooms and located in central O Pedrouzo. It's your last stop with just over 20km from Santiago de Compostela. It has 12 rooms. 3 double rooms with a double bed and a private bathroom. 6 twin rooms with a shared bathroom and 3 triple rooms with shared bathroom.

Santiago de Compostela:

  • Hotel Rua Villar: A beautiful accommodation, located just 15 meters from the Cathedral of Santiago. It has 17 rooms: 4 single , 9 standard double, 2 gallery double and 2 superior double. All feature a bathroom and there is laundry service! It includes a buffet breakfast.

  • Parador de Santiago Hostel Reis Catolicos: What more can you ask to end your time on the camino but a final stay at a beautiful 15th-century parador next to Santiago’s cathedral. Originally a Royal Hospital for the Catholic Monarchs, the hostel boasts the largest collection of paintings from the Madrid School of Art in the Paradores collection! All rooms offer air-conditioning and room service; a restaurant and laundry services available. 

  • Hotel Praza Quintana: Highly rated for its excellent location and elegance. It is a deserving option for walkers finishing their journeys.

These establishments have been recommended by fellow pilgrims and offer a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets. It's advisable to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons, to ensure availability.​

 

A (Very) Brief history of the Camino de Santiago

The Camino de Santiago is an ancient pilgrimage route leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, where the remains of Saint James are believed to be buried. Dating back to the 9th century, it became one of the three most significant Christian pilgrimages during the medieval period, drawing thousands of pilgrims seeking spiritual growth and reflection along its path. That's it in a nutshell!

The Knowledgeable Pilgrim

Don't leave the Santiago without understanding more about the culture and countryside you have just spent days walking through. Here are a few recommendations while you are in Santiago.