Fly to Madrid
Depart home and fly to Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD).
French Way from Sarria + Finisterre
Sarria to Santiago de Compostela, plus a Finisterre excursion · April 30–May 8, 2027
At a glance
This trip is April 30–May 8, 2027. The group follows the Sarria-to-Santiago stages, then travels together to Cape Finisterre. Exact train times, meetup hours, and lodging are emailed for your group.
- Travel: Fly to Madrid
- Arrival: Train from Madrid Chamartín to Sarria
- Walking days: 5 stages, ~71–76 miles total
- Finish: Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
- Excursion: Finisterre (Cape Finisterre)
The classic final stage of the Camino Francés — Galician forests, medieval bridges, and the long-awaited arrival at Praza do Obradoiro. We travel together on the train to Sarria and spread into smaller groups on walking days, with a designated meeting point each evening. After Santiago, the group continues to Finisterre — the traditional “end of the earth” on the Atlantic coast.
Day by day
Madrid → Sarria
Connect from the airport to Chamartín station and board the train to Sarria. Short walking tour of Sarria — old church for your first pilgrim stamp, medieval tower, and old bridge. Group dinner together.
Sarria → Portomarín
~14 miYour first full walking day on the French Way — rolling Galician countryside and the descent into Portomarín beside the Belesar reservoir.
Portomarín → Palas de Rei
~15 miCross the Miño region through quiet hamlets and eucalyptus groves toward Palas de Rei.
Palas de Rei → Arzúa via Melide
~18 miPass through Melide — famous for pulpo (octopus) — and continue through dairy country into Arzúa, heart of Galician cheese country.
Arzúa → O Pedrouzo
~12 miA shorter stage through shaded oak woods toward the final night's rest before Santiago.
O Pedrouzo → Santiago de Compostela
~14 miThe final miles through Lavacolla and Monte do Gozo, then the descent into Santiago. Cathedral tour in the afternoon.
Finisterre
After arriving in Santiago, travel together to Cape Finisterre (Fisterra) — the traditional “end of the earth” on the Atlantic coast.
Madrid airport to Chamartín train
We plan to meet at Chamartín for pilgrims who want to ride to Sarria together. That group train is your included transfer to the trailhead. Meetup time and train tickets are emailed before your departure. Getting from the airport to Chamartín (Cercanías train, taxi, or Uber) is not included.
- From Terminal 4 (T4): Follow signs for Cercanías or Renfe (separate from the Metro, though nearby). Trains run every ~20 minutes.
- Travel time: About 15–19 minutes direct to Chamartín (2–3 stops).
- Cost: €1–3 (buy at machines or counters).
- From T1, T2, or T3: Take the free AENA shuttle bus to T4 (~10–15 minutes, every 5–10 minutes). There is no direct Cercanías train from the other terminals.
- Tight connections: If your flight is delayed and time is short, take a taxi or Uber from the airport directly to Chamartín.
On the trail
- Dinner together on the first night in Sarria; other meals are flexible with trail meal cash provided.
- Many restaurants close for afternoon siesta — plan snacks accordingly.
- Grocery stores and pharmacies are available near most hotels.
- Most accommodations are walkable; shuttles are coordinated where needed.
- Always carry water. WhatsApp is the best way to reach the group on the trail.
Walk at your own pace
We regroup throughout each stage so faster walkers can linger and slower walkers never feel rushed. See our training checklist to prepare for ~10-mile days.
Before you fly
- Pre-trip Zoom with your cohort
- WhatsApp group for trail day updates
- Train meetup at Madrid Chamartín (see logistics above)
Pricing & payment schedule
| Milestone | Due | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Holding deposit (holds your place) | Due now | $50 |
| Non-refundable deposit | January 30, 2027 | $375 |
| Final payment | March 16, 2027 | $1,925 |
| Total | $2,350 |