Camino Groups

May 2023 - Sarria to Santiago, led by Barbara Byrne.

Feb 5th Update - Last 2 rooms remaining!

Sarria to Santiago is the most popular section of the most popular Camino route – the final 115km of the Camino Francés. Sarria is the 1st town on this route that is more than 100km from Santiago – enough to qualify you for your “compostela” certificate for officially having completed the Camino.

This walk takes you through the rolling hills of Galicia – similar to much of the Irish countryside in many respects. A moderate level of fitness will do; it’s a walk that’s well within the compass of most.

This group is being led and organised By Barbara Byrne; Barbara will be bringing her own brand of mindfulness and yoga to the week! 

More than any other section of the Camino, this final section from Sarria is all about people – you will find yourself in the middle of an eclectic mix of groups and individuals, from Spain and from abroad, those who begin in Sarria and those who have walked hundreds of kilometres from their various starting points. You will pass through farmyards and forest of eucalyptus and pine, while the many stopping points along the route make this the most social of Camino routes.

Along the way, you pass through the towns of Portomarín, Palas de Rei, Melide, Arzúa and Pedrouzo, each with their own character and with a variety of restaurants and cafes. Whether you opt for the “Menu del Día” dinner option or indulge in the seafood and vino delights of Galicia, you won’t be short of choice when it comes to wining and dining. 

Contact us directly if you’re interested in travelling with us!

Arzúa Plaza

Interested? Get in touch

  • May 21st – 28th. (Sunday – Sunday)
  • €765 pps (not including flight).
  • Single Supplement €220 for 1st 3 places, €300 thereafter.

This group is being led and guided by Barbara Byrne and the week will have Mindfulness and Yoga as a central theme. 

  • 7 nights’ accommodation in ensuite rooms on a B&B basis.
  • Airport transfers from Santiago to Sarria and from Santiago to Santiago airport for the return flight to Dublin.
  • Bag transfer each day.
  • Pilgrim Passport (Issued by Camino Society Ireland – the only official Irish pilgrim passport).
  • Barbara Byrne will lead the group for the week and Mindfulness and Yoga will be a central theme.
  • Detailed walking notes and accommodation maps.

Note:

  • Flights are not included in the prices.
  • We recommend that you have adequate travel insurance in place for your trip. 
Sunday, May 21st, Day 1
  • Fly from Dublin To Santiago. 
  • Transfer to Sarria for overnight,
  • Sarria is the most popular starting point of all; it is the first town lying more than 100km from Santiago on the Camino Francés, so many pilgrim set sail from here!
Monday, May 22nd, Day 2
  • Walk 22km to Portomarín, getting your first sense of the typical Galician farms that you walk through. Portomarín has a fascinating history, the original town being flooded by the development of a major hydroelectric plant further along the Miño river.
  • The town as you find it today was relocated above the water levels of the flooded plain. The church was reconstructed brick by brick from the original!
Tuesday, May 23rd, Day 3
  • Walk 24 km to Palas de Rei. By now, you will have begun to notice the ubiquitous Horreos – stone and wooden structures that were used to store corn and keep it away from pesky rodents! Now mostly ornamental, the Horreo is as much a symbol of Galicia as the scallop shell is of the Camino.
Wednesday, May 24th, Day 4
  • Walk 29km to Arzúa. This is your longest and toughest day – but when you make it to Arzúa, you know you’re well on your way. The second half of the day is hilly, but the picturesque hamlet of Ribadiso helps to ease away thoughts of weary limbs.
  • You also pass through the town of Melide, the self-styled Galician capital of pulpo (octopus). You have to try some!
Thursday, May 25th, Day 5
  • Walk 19km to Pedrouzo. Don’t let the shorter distance completely fool you! There are still some hills to be negotiated as you pass through some more small hamlets and farmyards. Pedrouzo itself is a small town that has grown in the last couple of decades, now serving as a satellite town for the city of Santiago. You will see the placenames of Arca, Pedrouzo and Pino intermingled – they all refer to the same town!
Friday, May 26th, Day 6
  • Walk 20km to Santiago. After skirting around the airport near Lavacolla, you will arrive at Monte de Gozo about 5km from Santiago. This marks the traditional spot where pilgrims would wash themselves in preparation for their arrival into Santiago. Nowadays, it is a great gathering spot for groups to meet up, before walking into Santiago together.
  • Congratulate yourself on your achievement – now’s your chance to collect your Compostela from the Pilgrim Office and to enjoy all that Santiago has to offer.
Saturday, May 27th, Day 7
  • Free day in Santiago de Compostela to explore this INESCO World Heritage Site city.
  • The old town is centred around the stunning cathedral and is one of the world's great places to watch the world go by!
  • Collect your "compostela", sample some of Galicia's fine wines and amazing food - the world is your oyster! 
Sunday, May 28th, Day 8
  • Free time in the morning in Santiago before your transfer to Santiago airport for return flight home.