Itinerary
- Day 1
Madrid
You'll arrive in Madrid and have the afternoon to check out Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace at your own pace. Later, join a tapas and bar tour through the city where you'll try traditional Spanish food and get a feel for how locals spend their evenings. It's a good introduction to Madrid's food scene and energy.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Plaza Mayor
- Visit Royal Palace
- Visit Prado Museum
- Tapas and bar tour in Madrid
Landmarks/POIs Plaza Mayor Royal Palace Prado Museum - Day 2
Madrid to Sarria
After breakfast, head to the train station for a long journey to Sarria. Once you arrive, get settled in your accommodation and take some time to rest up. This is your chance to relax before starting the Camino walk itself, so use the day to recover from travel and prepare yourself mentally.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 3
Sarria to Portomarin
Your Camino begins with a 22 km walk taking about 4 to 5 hours. You'll pass through villages like Ferreira and Lavandeira, where bars and hostels are scattered along the route. The path crosses the Miño river before reaching Portomarin. Take time to visit the Church of San Nicolás, which was carefully rebuilt stone by stone after the original flooded.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Camino de Santiago walk (22 km)
Optional Activities
- Visit Church of San Nicolás de Portomarin
Landmarks/POIs Church of San Nicolás de Portomarin Miño River - Day 4
Portomarin to Palas de Rei
Today's 24 km stage takes roughly 5 to 6 hours. You'll climb uphill to Sierra de Ligonde around km 13, then gradually come down toward Palas de Rei where refreshment stops are available. If you have energy left, Pambre Castle is worth seeing to check out some fine Galician noble architecture.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Camino de Santiago walk (24 km)
Optional Activities
- Visit Pambre Castle
Landmarks/POIs Sierra de Ligonde Pambre Castle - Day 5
Palas de Rei to Arzua
This is the toughest day with 29 km and steep terrain, often called the 'leg-breaker' stage, taking 6 to 7 hours. At Melide around km 15, stop for traditional pastries and other services. Later in Arzua, try the local Arzúa-Ulloa cheese and get your credential stamped at the Church of Santiago. Routes merge here with other Camino paths, so expect more pilgrims.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Camino de Santiago walk (29 km)
Optional Activities
- Try traditional pastries in Melide
- Taste Arzúa-Ulloa Cheese in Arzúa
- Stamp credential at Church of Santiago de Arzúa
Landmarks/POIs Church of Santiago de Arzúa - Day 6
Arzua to O Pedrouzo
After a good night's rest and solid breakfast, you'll walk 19 km in around 4 hours. This section from Arzúa toward Santiago is less demanding than yesterday. You can stop in Santa Irene, Rúa, or O Pedrouzo depending on your pace. Just note the last 2 km from Rúa to O Pedrouzo run along the N-547 asphalt road.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Camino de Santiago walk (19 km)
- Day 7
O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela
Your final walking day covers 21 km in about 4 to 5 hours. At km 15 you'll reach Monte do Gozo where you see the Cathedral towers for the first time. Walk through the Porta do Camino and Santiago's old town streets, then enter the Cathedral itself. Head to the Pilgrim's Office at rúa das Carretas 33 to get your credential stamped and receive your Compostela certificate at no cost. End with drinks and pinchos to celebrate.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Camino de Santiago walk (21 km)
Optional Activities
- Receive Compostela certificate at Pilgrim's Office
- Receive optional Certificate of Distance
- Celebration drinks and pinchos in Santiago
Landmarks/POIs Monte do Gozo Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela Porta do Camino Pilgrim's Office - Day 8
Santiago de Compostela
No walking today, so sleep in if you'd like. Take a full day to wander Santiago de Compostela on your own schedule. Pick up souvenirs from your journey and consider climbing to the Cathedral roofs for panoramic views of the city if heights don't bother you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Santiago de Compostela
- Shop for souvenirs
- Climb Cathedral roofs for panoramic views
Landmarks/POIs Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela - Day 9
Santiago de Compostela to Finisterre
Travel by bus to Finisterre and head to the lighthouse at the cape. Walk around and learn about shipwreck legends from these coasts, which the Romans called 'the end of the known world.' You'll have free time during lunch to try fresh Atlantic seafood in the village and just sit with the views.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Excursion by bus to Finisterre
- Visit Finisterre Lighthouse
Optional Activities
- Lunch in Finisterre village
Landmarks/POIs Finisterre Lighthouse - Day 10
Finisterre to Madrid
After breakfast, pack everything for the long train ride back to Madrid. Use the journey to rest after nine days on the Camino. Once you arrive in the capital, settle in, freshen up, and change into something nice. Finish your trip with a final tapas and bar tour celebrating what you've accomplished.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Tapas or bar tour in Madrid
