Explore the mythical land known as the "End of the World" by the celts.
Be closer to traditions and nature as you stay in typical rural guesthouses
Time travel along 1000 years of history and meet people from every horizon.
Indulge yourself in rooms en-suite in selected hotels along the way and enjoy a high level of comfort.

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Departures:

>Self-Guided
Any time, all year round!

>Guided
See Guided Departures page

Our Camino Rustic walking holiday offers a unique chance to explore the Camino Frances / French Way to Santiago de Compostela in a more traditional way. You will stay in family-run "casas rurales" (rural guesthouses), often century-old buildings and tastefully renovated. It also gives you a chance to be closer to nature and make your journey to Saint-James even more authentic. Gastronomy is also a highlight on the Camino Rustic, with traditional meals cooked in our selected guesthouses.

The route begins in Sarria and finishes in Santiago de Compostela. Traverse the hilly landscapes of Galicia, certainly some of the most beautiful of all the caminos. Reward your efforts in Santiago de Compostela, the heart and hub of all pilgrimages on the Way of St. James.

Day 1 - Sarria
Sarria is a small city with a small old quarter but a few old buildings still worth a visit: the castle, the convent of Magdalena, the churches of Santa Marina and El Salvador. Or, you can simply chill out on the terrace of one of the numerous bars and restaurants set on the banks of River Sarria.

Town: ATM, shops, all facilities. Accomodation: 3* hotel 100m from the historical centre, en-suite room.

Day 2 – Sarria to Portomarin (6h 23km +230m -300m)
We begin this section with a very enjoyable day, at 111 kilometres from the Cathedral of Santiago. Straight after leaving Sarria, you will be deep into the Galician rural life and landscapes, walking through numerous typical Galician hamlets and farmlands. This first walking day ends when crossing over the Belesar dam, nested in the valley of Portomarin.

Guesthouse:Tastefully renovated stonehouse, peaceful garden. En-suite room. Meals: On-site breakfast & dinner

Day 3 – Portomarín to Palace do Rei (6h15 23km +340m -140m)
With a few uphill sections, today is a bit more challenging than yesterday. The Camino meets up several times with the national road, nonetheless most of the day is spent through woodlands and briar. On your way, you will be crossing Gonzar and passing the Romanesque Church of Santa María, Castromaior.

Guesthouse:Traditionnal Galician house, fully renovated. Great garden. En-suite room. Meals: On-site breakfast & dinner

Day 4 – Palace do Rei to Arzùa (7h 28km +140m -340m)
Whether you choose to walk to Arzua in once or to split it in Melide, there are uphill bits on both halves of the day, hence the challenge of today’s walk. When leaving Palas do Rei, the Camino mainly follows the national road, still passing through few hamlets. At Melide (454m), stop in one of the many restaurants to try some local specialties. Once passed Melide, the Camino goes back to the countryside, following forest tracks and quiet country roads. After a last uphill section from Ribadesa de Baixo, you will reach Arzua for a well deserved rest.

Guesthouse: Beautiful stonehouse surrounded by a spacious garden. Traditional home-cooked food. En-suite room. Meals: On-site breakfast & dinner NOTE: If you wish to take your time, we can split this walking day in 2 (15km & 13km), staying overnight in the bustling market town of Melide. Here you will stay in the same guesthouse as the one described above.

Day 5 – Arzùa to Rùa-O Pino (5h15 18km +50m -130m)
Today is a short and nice stage, and you may get to Rua before even noticing it! This is a peaceful walk, and as you walk through the day, eucalyptus trees become more and more part of the landscape. Finally, you will reach Rua, one of these typical Galician hamlets, at only 19 kilometres from Santiago!

Guesthouse: Family-run country guesthouse, spacious and bright dinning room. En-suite room. Meals: On-site breakfast, dinner

Day 6 – Rúa to Santiago de Compostela (5h20 19km +150m -186m)
You are nearly there! The next stage will be Lavacolla where pilgrims traditionally washed in the river before reaching Santiago de Compostela. The tall eucalyptus trees line your way to Monte del Gozo (368m). From the "Mount of Joy" you can see your goal - the Cathedral of Santiago! After a descent to the city (264m, population 80000) you will be able to witness this UNESCO World Heritage Site up-close. Marvel at the architeture and relish the wonderful atmosphere in this cultural and spiritual mecca.

Accomodation: 3* hotel in the historic centre. Renovated 18th-century family house, en-suite. Town: ATM, Internet, shops, all facilities Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 7 – Santiago de Compostela
After breakfast we bid you farewell.

If you wish to stay in the area, we recommend that you:
- Take your time and visit the magnificent historic centre.
- Continue with us along the wild "Camino Fisterra" (Finisterre Way), and stay overnight at the 2* hotel in the light house!
- Visit the unspolit sandy coves and beaches of the west coast. With very few tourists, you are guaranteed a very special experience. Ask us for more information to walk it via our Green Camino Walking holiday!

Town: ATM, Internet, shops, all facilities Meals: Breakfast

The accommodation we have selected on our Camino Rustic is the best in terms of authenticity, healthy food, tradition, peace of mind and comfort. From ancient pilgrim hospitals to 17th century farmhouses, often of typical Galician architecture and always wonderfully renovated, these "casas rurales" are all set in beautiful locations. Some grow their own vegetables or produce their own wine. As well as spacious gardens, some even have a swimming pool in which to relax after the walk! Our selected accomodations gain in character and peace of mind and therefore guesthouses are often out of town (2-10km) with a reduced access to town centre. A short transfer (not included) is required to reach them.

These guesthouses have been carefully selected for their character, comfort, location, and friendliness, and are subject to availability. If the guesthouse described is not available we provide an alternative of the same standard of comfort and price.

• Nights in authentic guesthouses full of character during the walk
• Nights in 3* hotels in Sarria and Santiago de Compostela
• Luggage transferred from hotel to hotel
• En-suite Rooms
• Half-board during the hike
• Detailed Walking Notes
• Map
• Pilgrim passport

• Flights
• Insurance (recommended)
• Drinks
• Dinners in Sarria and Santiago de Compostela from/to airport