French Way from Sarria

Sarria to Santiago de Compostela · May 1–8, 2027 (6 spots remaining) and May 30–June 6, 2027

At a glance

May and September 2026 are sold out. Next French Way departures: May 1–8, 2027 (6 spots remaining) and May 30–June 6, 2027. Both follow the same Sarria-to-Santiago stages. 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

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.

Day by day

Travel

Fly to Madrid

Depart home and fly to Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD).

Arrival

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.

Lodging: La Posada de La Casona de Sarria — Rúa Porvir 50, 27600 Sarria

Day 1

Sarria → Portomarín

~14 mi

Your first full walking day on the French Way — rolling Galician countryside and the descent into Portomarín beside the Belesar reservoir.

Lodging: Porto Santiago Boutique & Rooms — Estrada de Circunvalación 19, 27170 Portomarín (also PortoHome II nearby)

Day 2

Portomarín → Palas de Rei

~15 mi

Cross the Miño region through quiet hamlets and eucalyptus groves toward Palas de Rei.

Lodging: Casa Roan y Casa Grande — Sestelo 4, 27215 Lodoso (shuttle from trail)

Day 3

Palas de Rei → Arzúa via Melide

~18 mi

Pass through Melide — famous for pulpo (octopus) — and continue through dairy country into Arzúa, heart of Galician cheese country.

Lodging: Viviendas Uso Turístico Arzúa — Ramón Franco 86, 15810 Arzúa

Day 4

Arzúa → O Pedrouzo

~12 mi

A shorter stage through shaded oak woods toward the final night's rest before Santiago.

Lodging: HolaCamp Camino — Pino 24, 15823 O Pino (shuttle from trail)

Day 5

O Pedrouzo → Santiago de Compostela

~14 mi

The final miles through Lavacolla and Monte do Gozo, then the descent into Santiago. Cathedral tour in the afternoon.

Lodging: Hotel Praza Quintana — Rúa da Conga 9, 15704 Santiago de Compostela

Madrid airport to Chamartín train

We plan to meet at Chamartín for pilgrims who want to ride to Sarria together. Meetup time and train tickets are emailed before your departure.

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)