Camino Francés – Sarria to Santiago de Compostela

This stretch of the Camino Francés will earn you the pilgrims’ certificate if you get your pilgrim passport stamped twice a day. You will begin the walk under the sentinel gaze of Sarria Castle on peaceful country roads lined by shady oak woods. Quiet villages host beautiful Romanesque churches such as the one in Eirexe whose beautiful portal features a sculpture of Daniel and animals, as well as Santiago de Peregrino. There are hamlets every few kilometers so you will not have to worry about food or water. At Melide, stop in one of the many restaurants to try the local specialty pulpo before heading to the medieval village of Ribadiso where you can relax on the river bank. Beyond Arzua the Camino will pass through woods, along streams and through sleepy villages like Santa Irene, home to a small chapel with unique statues of Santiago and the Fountain of Eternal Youth which, according to legend, would heal and grant youthfulness to whoever washed in its waters. At the spring in Lavacolla, pilgrims traditionally washed in its waters before presenting themselves before Saint James. Tall eucalyptus trees line the way to Monte del Gozo (the “Mount of Joy”) from where you will see your final goal – the UNESCO World Heritage Site la Catedral de Santiago.

The Experience – this is far more than a mere trekking adventure. This is a retreat that can recalibrate and revitalize your life with God and others. This retreat is primarily for ministry leaders (pastors, elders, missionaries, NGO leaders), limited to 10 people. This intimate, facilitated group experience also builds in private time for you to pray, reflect and process what the Holy Spirit might say to you in this season.

For this pilgrimage you will stay in economical albergues, which are traditional bunk houses typical of the Camino. You will share the room with others. Please read the inclusives tab to the left for other distinctives of this pilgrimage.