Walk the Camino De Santiago

The yellow scallop shell signing the way to santiago de compostela on the st james pilgrimage route
Duration: 7 nights
Type: Guided trails
Walking Grade: 3
from £1,449pp

The 1000-year-old pilgrimage route to the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela – believed to be final resting place of St James the Apostle – is one of the world’s most-walked network of trails. There are nine routes that make up the official Camino de Santiago, but our favourite is the so-called Camino Frances (the French Way). While the full trail measures a leg-aching 497 miles, the final 70-mile stretch is undoubtedly the most scenic. Pass through medieval villages in the golden countryside of Sierra de Ligonde and catch your first sight of the finish line from the hilltop monument in Monte de Gozo Park.

What you’ll love

  • Walking one of the world's most famous trails
  • Following a network of ancient pilgrimage routes
  • Exploring medieval villages and monasteries
  • Marvelling at the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
  • The shared sense of achievement at completing this special route with others
  • A more personalised experience thanks to small group sizes (maximum 16 people)

What’s included

  • Return flights from London Gatwick, including baggage and transfers
  • Guided trail walking with a local leader
  • 7 nights' accommodation
  • 7 breakfasts & 6 dinners
  • All in-destination transport
  • Luggage transfers on walking days

Trip Notes

Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.

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.

Hotel Alfonso IX, Sarria

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.


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

Hotel Pousada de Portomarín, Portomarín

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.


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

Hostal Alda, Palas del Rei

Located in the charming village of Palas de Rei, the Hostal 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.


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

Hotel Arzúa, Arzúa

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. 


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

Hotel Amiuka, O Pino

The family-run Hotel Amiuka combines modern design with sustainability, built to passive house standards for energy efficiency. Set in delightful countryside, this contemporary hotel offers a peaceful garden with loungers—perfect for unwinding after a day’s walk. The restaurant serves locally sourced produce, while the 12 well-appointed bedrooms feature air conditioning, a minibar, a safe, a hairdryer, and Wi-Fi.

The Vila Sen Vento (15th September 2025 departure only)

The Vila Sen Vento is a charming rural retreat set in lush, green surroundings. Accommodation is in comfortable on-site villas, each equipped with a TV, hairdryer, safe, and Wi-Fi. After a day’s walk, you can unwind by the outdoor swimming pool, relax on the sun terrace, or enjoy a drink at the bar. If you're feeling energetic, there’s a paddle tennis court to make use of. Breakfast is delivered to your villa, while dinner is served at the resort’s nearby restaurant.


Burst back into modern life as you rush along past the regional airport and cross the highway, railway and ring-road drawn by an immense, irresistible magnet: Plaza Obradoiro. The urban hustle and bustle will not deter you and it’s still easy to imagine ancient pilgrims weeping with joy as they glimpsed the distant spires. Historically, pilgrims pause at Monte do Gozo to set their sights then make one last stop at the spring in Lavacolla, to cleanse their face and feet before meeting their beloved saint. This is a triumphant your eagerly awaited goal awaits you at the impressive cathedral, the final resting place of the Apostle St James.

13 miles (21km) with 1,150 feet (350m) of ascent and 1,215 feet (370m) of descent

Hotel Bonaval, Santiago de Compostela

Hotel Bonaval is a modern and elegant hotel from the 18th century, overlooking the towers of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and next to the Bonaval park. It is located in a very quiet area and a step away from the historic centre. All rooms come with en-suite facilities as well as hairdryer, TV, Wi-Fi, telephone, air conditioning and heating.


Celebrate your journey’s end and explore this magnificent city.

Hotel Bonaval, Santiago de Compostela

Hotel Bonaval is a modern and elegant hotel from the 18th century, overlooking the towers of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and next to the Bonaval park. It is located in a very quiet area and a step away from the historic centre. All rooms come with en-suite facilities as well as hairdryer, TV, Wi-Fi, telephone, air conditioning and heating.


Transfer to La Coruna Airport


Itinerary map for Camino de Santiago

Hotel Alfonso IX, Sarria

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.

Hotel Pousada de Portomarín, Portomarín

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.

Hostal Alda, Palas del Rei

Located in the charming village of Palas de Rei, the Hostal 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.

Hotel Arzúa, Arzúa

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. 

Hotel Amiuka, O Pino

The family-run Hotel Amiuka combines modern design with sustainability, built to passive house standards for energy efficiency. Set in delightful countryside, this contemporary hotel offers a peaceful garden with loungers—perfect for unwinding after a day’s walk. The restaurant serves locally sourced produce, while the 12 well-appointed bedrooms feature air conditioning, a minibar, a safe, a hairdryer, and Wi-Fi.

Hotel San Bieito, Santiago De Compostela

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.

Essential information

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)  
  • 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)

Guest reviews

All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.

Extra Savings for Members

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If you choose land only, you will be responsible for making your own travel arrangements, including your flights and airport transfers at your destination. Any flights booked independently will also not be covered by our ATOL license.

Date (Start - End) Itinerary Double / Twin Room Single Room Notes / Offers Trip Notes Book
2026

20 Apr - 27 Apr 2026

7 nights

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18 May - 25 May 2026

7 nights

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07 Sep - 14 Sep 2026

7 nights

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21 Sep - 28 Sep 2026

7 nights

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Flight from London Gatwick Airport

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Date (Start - End) Itinerary Double / Twin Room Single Room Notes / Offers Trip Notes Book
2026

20 Apr - 27 Apr 2026

7 nights

Itinerary

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18 May - 25 May 2026

7 nights

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07 Sep - 14 Sep 2026

7 nights

Itinerary

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21 Sep - 28 Sep 2026

7 nights

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Important information

  • With flights holidays: Price includes return flights to La Coruna Airport, hold baggage and airport transfers
  • Independent travellers can join our transfer from La Coruna Airport - please contact us for prices

*If you prefer to make your own travel arrangements, please ensure you’ve selected a land-only option before proceeding to book.

Duration:
7 nights
Type:
Guided trails
Walking Grade:
3

7 nights from £1,449pp

or call 020 3974 8865

For group bookings of 10+ guests click here

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Carbon Footprint 427Kg of CO₂e

Average carbon footprint per person Learn More

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