We have improved our walking grade scale. Read more
■ Location: Spain
■ Duration: 7 nights
■ Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast Extra
■ Travel Dates: Apr-Sep 2027
■ Itineraries available: 1
■ Choice of Walking Grade: 8 details
■ Carbon Footprint: 427kg CO2 details
Non-members From
£1,599
ppInc flights
Members From
£1,549
ppInc flights
Members Save £50 on this booking and get a whole range of extra exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. details
The Hotel Alfonso IX is a warm and friendly 4-star hotel located in the town centre of Sarria. It has a total of 60 rooms spread over 3 floors. All rooms have Wi-Fi, air conditioning, hairdryers, telephones & TV.
Swimming pool facilities, where available, are open seasonally and subject to local weather conditions and hotel management discretion.
From September 2026, we have expanded our walking grade scale from 6 to 10 points. While the holidays themselves have not changed (the routes, daily distances and ascent levels remain the same), our newly expanded 1-10 scale offers greater distinction between holidays and clearer grade descriptions, so you can choose a holiday that best suits you.
Challenging walking grade 8
Challenging walks for fit, experienced walkers. Expect rugged or mountainous terrain, or some longer distances than typical for this grade. Typically, 12-13 miles (19-21km) with around 2,300ft (700m) of ascent.Return flights from London Gatwick, including baggage and transfers
Guided trail walking with a local leader
HF Holidays Tour Manager
7 nights' accommodation
7 breakfasts & 6 dinners
All in-destination transport
Luggage transfers on walking days
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Transfer from La Coruna Airport to Sarria, where you spend your first night.
Your first Camino walk is easier than it looks on the route profile and you'll immediately get into a rhythm on the peaceful country roads and quiet paths. Tree-lined sections provide welcome shade on sunny days and tiny hamlets are strung close together, it seems you have just left one as you enter the next. You'll find plenty of places to pause for snacks and swap stories with other pilgrims.
Walking from the monastery of La Magdalena in Sarria to the Gallician vineyards and along the banks of the Mino River, our route is lined by shaded groves of chestnuts and oaks, fields enclosed by traditional Celtic 'chantos', and examples of Galician Romanesque architecture in a landscape little changed for centuries
13.5 miles (22km) with 1,230 feet (375m) of ascent and 1,312 feet (400m) of descent
Stroll down the steep high street out of Portomarín then ‘switch gears’ on a gentle uphill track alongside the main road. Crossing the N-540 at Hospital de la Cruz, you can take a breather at today's highest point, Monte San Antonio. The rest of the day offers nothing but easy walking through gently rolling countryside with a pleasant 10-kilometre section on tarmac. The final 3 km veer off onto a dirt track again, as you approach the humming pilgrims’ town of Palas de Rei
15.5 miles (25km) with 1,640 feet (500m) of ascent and 951 feet (290m) of descent
From Palas de Rei you embark on a long but technically easy route, free of steep prolonged ascents or descents. Join the traditional pilgrim countdown as stone markers sprout up showing the distance left to Santiago Cathedral. Encountering cool shady stretches, you amble along to Melide, historic crossroads where the Original Way or ‘Camino Primitivo’ meets the popular French Route or ‘Camino Francés’. Just past this point, you’re treated to an aromatic section through eucalyptus trees and oak groves, trekking toward Arzúa and a well-earned coffee... or glass of local wine!
18 miles (29km) with 820 feet (250m) of ascent and 1,312 feet (400m) of descent
At first glance, this stage seems to provide little interest with its monotonous movement alongside the main road. Yet today ends up being one of the most exciting of the whole week as you feel the collective energy grow, joining hordes of fellow pilgrims all excited to be nearly there! Tiny hamlets dotted with shingle houses, hidden amidst wooded glades and eucalyptus trees, line the trail to Rua. Visit the ancient church of San Verisimo and the 18th century chapel in Santa Irene. It’s a relatively short day, leaving time to relax at your hotel and meld with the peaceful surroundings.
11 miles (18km) with 660 feet (200m) of ascent and 740 feet (225m) of descent
13 miles (21km) with 1,150 feet (350m) of ascent and 1,215 feet (370m) of descent
Celebrate your journey’s end and explore this magnificent city.
Transfer to La Coruna Airport
The Hotel Alfonso IX is a warm and friendly 4-star hotel located in the town centre of Sarria. It has a total of 60 rooms spread over 3 floors. All rooms have Wi-Fi, air conditioning, hairdryers, telephones & TV.
Swimming pool facilities, where available, are open seasonally and subject to local weather conditions and hotel management discretion.
Located on the Camino, the Pousada has everything you need for a good night’s rest. Rooms are clean and spacious, while the restaurant and bar feature a panoramic terrace from where you can wind down and watch the sun go down. You can even dip your toes in the outdoor pool, too. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel plus there’s self-service laundry should you need it.
A welcoming sight for walkers nearing the final stage of the Camino de Santiago, the Hotel Arzúa offers stylish, modern rooms that are fully air-conditioned. Each comes with its own private bathroom, free Wi-FI, and flat screen TV. Located near the edge of rural Arzúa, there are a host of low-key local bars and restaurants nearby, ideal for fuelling up before the final part of the journey.
Swimming pool facilities, where available, are open seasonally and subject to local weather conditions and hotel management discretion. Please note that not all hotels featured on this holiday have a swimming pool.
Located in the charming village of Palas de Rei, the Hotel Alda offers guests a warm welcome. The comfortable bedrooms are equipped with flat screen TV, hairdryer and Wi-Fi. A buffet breakfast will set you up for the day ahead, and lovely gardens and a terrace provide peaceful surroundings to relax at the end of the day.
Nestled in the peaceful Galician countryside near Santiago de Compostela, HolaCamp Camino offers a relaxing retreat for walkers on the Camino. Set amongst gardens and green spaces, this welcoming property features comfortable villa-style accommodation and a range of facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, bike hire and free Wi-Fi. The tranquil setting provides the perfect place to unwind after a day's walk, while the well-equipped rooms offer modern comforts in a picturesque rural setting.
Swimming pool facilities, where available, are open seasonally and subject to local weather conditions and hotel management discretion.
Hotel Alda San Bieito is a modern and elegant 3-star hotel from the 18th century, located in the very heart of Santiago de Compostela, 10 minutes’ walk from the Cathedral. The Abastos Market and Quintana Square are also a few minutes away. All rooms come with en-suite facilities as well as hairdryer, TV, Wi-Fi, telephone, air conditioning and heating.
It is important you let us know in advance if you have any special dietary requirements.
Breakfast
“el desayuno” – is a very simple affair in Spain. Breakfasts are usually continental and are served at each hotel.
Evening meal
“la cena” – your evening meals are arranged at your hotel or nearby restaurants and give a flavour of traditional, hearty Camino cuisine. Spaniards eat their evening meal quite late in comparison to the UK. We organise our evening meals to be served starting at approx 8:00-8.30pm, which is often the earliest time possible.
Lunch
"el almuerzo” - packed lunch is not included in the holiday price and will need to be purchased. You will usually be able to purchase lunch ingredients from local shops in the villages, although normally the leader will stop for lunch at a bar or restaurant where you can order lunch or eat your own lunch if you purchase a drink on the premises. Your leader will advise you of all the options.
Book your holiday ‘with flights’ and you can choose to depart from selected UK airports* to your destination. For latest flight times and prices please call us on 0203-974-8865 or email reservations@hfholidays.co.uk
If you choose to book your flights with us, we automatically include return transfers between the destination airport and hotel.
If you are booking on a land-only basis, you can join the group transfer at an additional cost. To do so, your arrival and departure times must be in line with the scheduled group flight timings. Guests travelling at different times will need to arrange their own transfers. Please contact us before booking to discuss the available options and costs.
It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
Walking boots
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof trousers
Insulated jacket/top
Walking clothing
Walking socks (plus spares)
Sunhat
Gloves/mitts and warm hat
Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)
Headtorch
High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
Swimcap (compulsory in Itialian resorts)
Sunglasses with a dark lens
Rucksack (15-30 litres)
Mobile phone
Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.)
Passport
Visa (if applicable)
Copy of your travel insurance policy
UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC)
Recommended
Collapsible walking poles
Swimwear and travel towel
Snacks
Dry bags
Rubbish bags
Insect repellent
Optional extras
Camera
Sit mat
Flask for hot drinks
Durable lunch box
Gaiters
GPS device (excluding Bhutan, Georgia and India)
Before booking, you should check with your doctor to see whether any health precautions are needed for your trip. Health advice and requirements can change, so we recommend doing this in good time before travel.
As a general rule, travellers should ensure they are up to date with routine UK vaccinations and boosters, including, for example, MMR and diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Some countries may require you to have specific vaccinations such as Malaria, Rabies and Yellow Fever. Please check with your GP if you are unsure.
Please note that the use or possession of some common prescription or over-the-counter medicines is restricted or banned in certain countries. If you will be carrying medication, you should check with the relevant embassy or consulate before travelling. As an extra precaution, we recommend keeping medication in its original packaging, carrying a copy of your prescription, and, where possible, asking your pharmacist to provide the medication name in the language of the country you are visiting.
For further country-specific health advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk. If you are travelling from outside the UK, please consult your own doctor and check local entry requirements.
This information is for those travelling with a full ‘British Citizen’ passport; for all other nationalities or passport holders, please check with your local consulate for advice.
This information applies to travellers holding a full British Citizen passport. Entry requirements vary by destination and can change at short notice. For most EU and worldwide destinations, passports must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Some countries also require a minimum period of validity remaining on your passport (often up to 6 months beyond your return date), even if you are not staying that long.
We strongly recommend ensuring your passport has at least six months’ validity remaining at the time of travel to avoid any issues.
If you hold a different type of British passport or a passport issued by another country, you must check the requirements with the relevant embassy, consulate, or official government website.
Visa rules depend on your nationality, destination, length of stay, and purpose of travel, and they can change frequently. It is your responsibility to check whether you require a visa before travelling.
British passport holders should check the latest entry, passport validity and visa requirements for their destination on the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Travel insurance is a condition of booking. Therefore, if you have not already arranged insurance, it is imperative that you do so before you travel.
For more information about healthcare and its costs, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/
Standards for drinking water vary widely around the world. In many destinations, tap water may not be safe to drink, brush your teeth with, or use for making ice. Where advised, you should drink only bottled or treated water and ensure that bottle seals are intact before use. If bottled water is unavailable, water should be boiled or filtered.
Staying well hydrated is particularly important in hot climates and during active holidays. Carry water with you and drink regularly.
If you are unsure about local water safety, check official country-specific health advice before travel, or ask your accommodation or local guides for guidance once you arrive.
Ticks are tiny creatures that live in vegetation and can attach themselves to passing animals or walkers and may carry a risk of Lyme Disease. Please refer to NHS advice and guidelines for information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/
Your local leader will give you a Pilgrim´s Passport, which is stamped on each stage of the route and certifies that you have completed the 100 km minimum need to qualify for completion of the pilgrimage. Your leader will register you online and with this you will receive the “Compostela”, the accreditation in Latin.
The scallop shell is a symbol of the pilgrimage and some walkers like to carry it as they walk. Scallop shells can be purchased at souvenir shops along the way for a few euros.
We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.
Learn moreCode: XAD07-LDW13
Dates & availability
Walk the Camino De Santiago
Non-members
£1,599
£1,429
ppMembers
£1,549
£1,379
ppNon-members
£1,909
£1,589
ppMembers
£1,859
£1,539
ppNon-members
£1,899
£1,609
ppMembers
£1,849
£1,559
pp7 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£1,899
£1,609
ppMembers
£1,849
£1,559
pp
We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.
Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.
Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent, group and self-guided bookings).
If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday
If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests
We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations
If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday
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Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries
Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members
© 2026 HF Holidays Limited. Registered in England, number 5713R. VAT Number 125 4899 87. All Rights Reserved.
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