Sarria → Portomarín: The Most Walked Stage

This is the stage where most pilgrims begin their last 100 km of the Camino Francés — the minimum distance to earn the Compostela. Because of this, it is the most crowded stage of the entire Camino, especially in peak season.

Stage Data

Distance: 22.2 km
Elevation gain: 450 m
Elevation loss: 530 m
Terrain: mixed (rural paths, asphalt sections, forest tracks)
Estimated time: 5-6 hours
Difficulty: medium-low

Route Description

You leave Sarria going down through the old town, cross the Celeiro River over a medieval bridge and enter the heart of rural Galicia. The first 10 km are gentle, between eucalyptus groves and stone villages.

Halfway you reach Ferreiros, a good spot for coffee. Then the path climbs slightly to Vilachá before the final descent toward the Belesar reservoir.

The arrival in Portomarín is spectacular: you cross a long bridge over the reservoir with panoramic views. The town was relocated in the 1960s when the dam was built, and the Church of San Nicolás was moved stone by stone.

Services Along the Way

Sarria: supermarkets, pharmacies, ATMs, pilgrim gear shops. Last point to buy what you need
Barbadelo (km 4): bar with terrace, visitable Romanesque church
Ferreiros (km 12): two bars, fountain
Portomarín: all services, supermarket, pharmacy, ATM

Albergues

Xunta albergue in Portomarín: €8, 60 beds, at the entrance of town
Private albergues: €12-18, several in town, some with double rooms
Guesthouses: €25-45 for a double

Tips

Leave Sarria early (before 7:30) to avoid the crowds
Stamp your credential at least twice: leaving Sarria and in Portomarín
In Portomarín, don't miss the staircase climbing up to town from the bridge
Dinner: try the Galician-style octopus — it's the local specialty

Sarria to Portomarín: Complete Stage Guide

French Way