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Route Description
The Sarria to Santiago section is the most frequented part of the Camino de Santiago, offering an ideal experience for pilgrims seeking the Camino's quintessence. This route promises delightful walks and exquisite local gastronomy, fostering interactions with fellow pilgrims amidst stunning natural landscapes. Starting from Sarria, a Galician town approximately 100 km from Santiago, this segment spans just over 100 km - the minimum distance for earning the “Compostela” certificate, confirming completion of the pilgrimage. Travelers will traverse enchanting forests, farmlands, and quaint villages, following trails flanked by stone walls, typical of Galicia's verdant scenery. The journey culminates in Santiago de Compostela, where pilgrims receive their “Compostela” and can explore the city's historic old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pros
Short and can be done in a week
Cons
Crowds are the biggest complaint. But remember it's not Disney, crowds are relative.
Cultural and Spiritual Highlights
Portomarín: This town is known for its Church of San Juan, which was relocated stone by stone to higher ground when a reservoir was created in the 1960s. The church contains interesting Romanesque and Gothic elements.
Gonzar: A small village with a 13th-century church dedicated to San Tirso.
Hospital de la Cruz: This historical pilgrim hospital is a beautiful stone building that now serves as an albergue (hostel) for modern-day pilgrims.
Palas de Rei: A town with a rich history, Palas de Rei features the Church of San Tirso and the Church of Santiago, both of which are worth visiting.
Melide: Known for its pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus), Melide is home to several churches, including the Church of Santa María.
Arzúa: Famous for its cheese, Arzúa also boasts several churches, such as the Church of Santa María, the Chapel of Magdalena, and the Convent of Mary Magdalene.
O Pedrouzo: A village with various services for pilgrims, including accommodation options, restaurants, and the Church of Santiago.
Monte do Gozo: This "Mount of Joy" offers panoramic views of Santiago de Compostela in the distance, providing pilgrims with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation as they approach their final destination.
Lavacolla: Historically, pilgrims would wash themselves in the Lavacolla River before entering Santiago de Compostela as a symbolic act of purification.
Comments on Bicycling
Surface Conditions: Most of the route is on well-maintained asphalt roads, making it suitable for road bikes. However, there are some sections with gravel paths or cobblestones, which may be less comfortable for cyclists. It's essential to check the specific conditions of the route before setting out.
Elevation: While the Camino Frances is not extremely hilly compared to some other cycling routes, there are still some significant climbs and descents along the way. Be prepared for elevation changes, especially in the Galician region.
Traffic: Some sections of the Camino Frances share the road with motorized traffic. While many drivers are accustomed to sharing the road with pilgrims and cyclists, exercise caution, especially on narrow and winding roads.
Pilgrims: The Camino Frances is a popular walking route, and you will encounter many pilgrims on foot. It's essential to be respectful and considerate of their journey, as they have the right of way.
Accommodations: Many albergues and hostels along the Camino Frances are primarily designed for walkers and may not have secure bike storage. Be prepared to lock up your bike securely or make other arrangements for its safekeeping.
Weather: The weather in the region can be unpredictable, especially in the Galician region. Be prepared for rain, fog, and cooler temperatures, even during the summer months.
Navigation: Having a good map or GPS device with the Camino route marked can be helpful, as some sections of the route may not be well-signposted for cyclists.
Pilgrims' Office: If you wish to obtain a Compostela (the certificate of completion) in Santiago de Compostela, be aware that cyclists need to cover at least the last 200 km of the Camino on a bicycle to qualify. Sarria is a popular starting point for cyclists for this reason.
Getting to the Starting Point
Major International Hub - Madrid-Barajas Airport (Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport - MAD):
Estimated Travel Time to Sarria: Approximately 7-8 hours by train.
You can fly into Madrid-Barajas Airport, which is one of the largest international airports in Spain. From there, you can take a train to Sarria. The journey will take around 7-8 hours by train.
Major International Hub - Barcelona-El Prat Airport (Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport - BCN):
Estimated Travel Time to Sarria: Approximately 11-12 hours by train.
Fly into Barcelona-El Prat Airport, another major international airport in Spain. You can take a train from Barcelona to Sarria, which will take approximately 11-12 hours.
Nearby Airport - Santiago de Compostela Airport (Lavacolla Airport - SCQ):
Estimated Travel Time to Sarria: Approximately 2-3 hours by bus or train.
You can also consider flying directly into Santiago de Compostela Airport, which is closer to Sarria. From there, you can take a bus or train, which will take approximately 2-3 hours to reach Sarria.
Nearby Airport - A Coruña Airport (Alvedro Airport - LCG):
Estimated Travel Time to Sarria: Approximately 2.5-3.5 hours by bus or train.
A Coruña Airport is another nearby option. You can fly into A Coruña and then take a bus or train to Sarria, which will take approximately 2.5-3.5 hours.
Cities Along the Route (distance from start of primary route, city name, distance to end in kilometers)
660
Sarria
115
722.2
Melide
52.8
765.1
Lavacolla
9.9
672
Morgade
103
733.2
Ribadiso da Baixo
41.8
770.6
Monte do Gozo
4.4
682
Portomarin
93
736.3
Arzúa
38.7
775
Santiago de Compostela (End of Frances)
0
707.8
Palas De Rei
67.2
758.9
O Amenal
16.1
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