Highlights of the Camino de Santiago Walk
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through the enchanting landscapes of Spain. This multi-day tour takes you from the charming town of Sarria to the historic city of Santiago de Compostela. Along the way, you'll traverse the Celerio Valley, explore the submerged village of Portomarin, and marvel at the stunning architecture of Palas de Rei. You'll also get to sample local delicacies in Melide's pulperias and stroll through the vibrant streets of Arzua. The tour culminates with a visit to the iconic Santiago Cathedral, a symbol of the end of the pilgrim's journey. Each day is filled with unique experiences, comfortable accommodations, and delicious meals, making this tour a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Included
Food along the Camino de Santiago is generally fresh local produce, simply prepared and presented with lots of great flavours. The emphasis in the majority of restaurants is on hearty fare for hungry walkers.Galicia in particular is famous for having excellent seafood. Among other dishes you may encounter the ‘empanada gallega’, a simple flat pie which can be stuffed with almost anything including pisto (Spanish ratatouille), tuna or meat, mixed with a base of lightly fried onions, green peppers and tomato. Pimientos are small green peppers, usually lightly fried in olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt. Lacón con Grelos is a popular meat based dish - boiled meat from the front leg of a pig. Grelos are turnip leaves - the lacón and grelos are boiled together and served with sausage and potatoes. Stews are also common to revitalise hungry visitors - Caldo Gallego is a Galician broth full of cabbage, potatoes and beans, often with ham, sausage and pork added to make a filling main course. Dessert is sometimes the ubiquitous ‘flan’ - a variation on crème caramel, or pancakes stuffed with honey, sugar, custard or jam. Along the Camino you can always find ‘tarta de Santiago’ a dry cake made with almonds, often with a sugar dusted cross on the top - sweet, delicious and filling. There are five Denominaciones de origen in Galicia: Ribeiro, Valdeorras, Rias Baixas, Ribeira Sacra and Monterrey. Although known almost exclusively for their white wines, each also produces red wine.
Your accommodation for the week is diverse including restored parish houses, converted water mills and stylish farmhouses, all packed with period features. A phrase book will come in handy for some of the hotels where the owners don't speak English.
hotel: 7 night(s);
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
Route directions and maps
Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking transfers
Pilgrim's Passport
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Sarria
Day 1: Arrival in Sarria
Begin your journey in the picturesque town of Sarria. Check into your hotel, the Rectoral de Goian (or similar), where you can relax and prepare for the exciting days ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Sarria to Portomarin
Day 2: Sarria to Portomarin
- Roman Walls of Lugo
- Bodega Ronsel do Sil
- More
Start your day with a walk along the ancient Roman bridge leading out of Sarria. Traverse the Celerio Valley and cross through quaint hamlets before descending into the intriguing village of Portomarin, known for its submerged original village. Spend the night at the Casa Rural Santa Marina (or similar).
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Portomarin
Day 3: Exploring Portomarin
- Porta da Estación
- More
Spend the day exploring Portomarin, starting with a visit to the town's historic church. Follow the Torres stream through fields of daisies and stamp your Pilgrim Passport in the local churches. End the day at the beautifully restored Rectoral de Lestedo (or similar).
Day 4 – Day 4: Journey to Palas de Rei
Day 4: Journey to Palas de Rei
- Roman Bridge of Lugo
- Igrexa de San Froilán
- More
Today, journey to the hillside town of Palas de Rei. Along the way, you'll pass fortified farmhouses, traditional Galician granaries, and enjoy views of the Montes del Vacaloura. Your accommodation for the night is the Casa de los Somoza (or similar).
Day 5 – Day 5: Melide to Arzua
Day 5: Melide to Arzua
- Penas de Rodas
- Roman Bridge
- More
Start your day in the bustling town of Melide, where you can sample local seafood in the town's pulperias. Visit the Romanesque church before heading to the lively market town of Arzua. Your final stop for the day is the elegant Pazo de Santa Maria (or similar), located in the tranquil countryside.
Day 6 – Day 6: Exploring Arzua's Countryside
- Santiago de Compostela
- More
Spend the day exploring the rural charm of Arzua. Walk through colonnaded streets and open country, observing local farmers at work. The day ends at the breathtaking O Muino de Pena (or similar), a converted water mill with spectacular period features.
Day 7 – Day 7: Journey to Santiago de Compostela
- Santiago de Compostela
- More
- Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
- Muíños de Vento
- More
Today, you'll make your way towards Santiago de Compostela. Stop at Monte do Gozo, where ancient pilgrims first saw the spires of Santiago. Upon reaching the city, visit the magnificent Santiago Cathedral and collect your Pilgrim Certificate. Check into the historic Hotel Virxe da Cerca (or similar) for the night.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure from Santiago de Compostela
Day 8: Departure from Santiago de Compostela
Your memorable journey comes to an end as you prepare to leave Santiago de Compostela. Take with you the memories of an incredible journey through the beautiful landscapes and historic towns of Spain.
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