How many days are needed to walk the French Way from Sarria

The most popular stretch to obtain the Compostela

The French Way from Sarria is the most chosen starting point for pilgrims who want to experience the full Camino de Santiago in a few days. With its approximately 115 kilometers to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, this stretch meets the minimum distance required to obtain the Compostela — the official pilgrim certificate — and offers a perfect combination of nature, charming villages and adapted services.

The number of days needed depends on your pace, your physical condition and whether you want to enjoy the Camino calmly or in a more athletic format. In general, between 5 and 7 days are needed to complete the route comfortably, although shorter or extended versions exist.

➤ The classic itinerary: 5 stages to enjoy the Camino

Most pilgrims divide the French Way from Sarria into 5 main stages, with average distances of between 20 and 25 km per day. This is the most popular, balanced and recommended version for those who want to enjoy the landscape without rushing.

• Day 1 – Sarria → Portomarín (22 km): first contact with Galician rural paths, stone villages and oak forests. Arrival in Portomarín, a village rebuilt stone by stone beside the Miño river.
• Day 2 – Portomarín → Palas de Rei (25 km): wooded paths, gentle hills and small villages. Ideal stage to adapt to the Camino’s rhythm.
• Day 3 – Palas de Rei → Arzúa (28 km): the longest day, but with an essential stop in Melide to try the famous octopus “á feira”.
• Day 4 – Arzúa → O Pedrouzo (19 km): a quiet stage between meadows, forests and villages where the Jacobean atmosphere is felt in every step.
• Day 5 – O Pedrouzo → Santiago de Compostela (20 km): the final stage, marked by the emotion of seeing the Cathedral’s towers from Monte do Gozo and the joy of reaching the goal.

This five-day route is the standard format for agencies, groups and first-time pilgrims. It allows for a comfortable pace, enjoying the surroundings and reaching Santiago without exhaustion.

➤ Extended version: 6 or 7 days for a more relaxed Camino

If you prefer to enjoy the French Way from Sarria more calmly, you can divide the stages to reduce the daily kilometers. This is especially recommended for older people, families with children or those seeking a more contemplative experience.

• Day 1 – Sarria → Morgade (12 km) and Day 2 – Morgade → Portomarín (10 km): dividing the first day into two parts allows you to acclimate better to the Camino.
• Day 3 – Portomarín → Ventas de Narón (13 km) and Day 4 – Ventas de Narón → Palas de Rei (12 km): very calm option with time to visit churches and villages.
• Day 5 – Palas de Rei → Melide (15 km) and Day 6 – Melide → Arzúa (13 km): ideal stage for lovers of Galician gastronomy.
• Day 7 – Arzúa → O Pedrouzo (19 km) and arrival in Santiago the following day.

Doing the Camino in 6 or 7 days will allow you to enjoy more of the landscape, the villages and the pilgrim atmosphere. It is also a good option to avoid overloads or injuries.

➤ Fast version: 4 days for the most active

Some pilgrims with experience or good physical condition choose to complete the French Way from Sarria in just 4 days. It is a more intense option, with long stages of up to 30 km. Although possible, it requires good prior preparation and a constant rhythm.

• Day 1: Sarria → Portomarín (22 km)
• Day 2: Portomarín → Palas de Rei → Melide (30 km)
• Day 3: Melide → O Pedrouzo (33 km)
• Day 4: O Pedrouzo → Santiago (20 km)

This option is ideal for pilgrims with little time or those seeking a physical challenge, although not recommended as a first experience.

➤ Factors that influence the duration of the Camino

The time required to complete the French Way from Sarria can vary depending on different personal and external factors:

• Physical condition: good preparation reduces fatigue and allows for a steady pace.
• Weather: in summer, heat may slow progress; in autumn, rain may require walking more calmly.
• Type of accommodation: those who book in advance usually maintain a more stable rhythm.
• Personal goal: some seek sport; others, reflection and enjoyment of the landscape.

The key is to adapt the Camino to you, not the other way around. It doesn’t matter how many days you take, but how you live them.

➤ Tips to plan your days on the Camino

To make the most of your experience, keep these practical tips in mind before leaving Sarria:

• Plan your stages in advance, but keep some flexibility in case changes or necessary rests arise.
• Start walking early (between 7:00 and 8:00 am) to avoid the hottest hours and arrive with time to rest.
• Book accommodation in advance if you travel in high season (May–September).
• Enjoy each stage: take time to visit churches, talk to other pilgrims and try local cuisine.

➤ Arrival in Santiago: the end of a journey and the beginning of another

When the pilgrim reaches the towers of the Cathedral of Santiago from Monte do Gozo, tiredness turns into emotion. Every step taken, every day lived, makes sense when entering the Plaza del Obradoiro. It doesn’t matter whether you took five or seven days: what matters is that you arrived walking, with a heart full of gratitude and a backpack full of experiences.

• Pick up your Compostela at the Pilgrim’s Office.
• If you can, attend the Pilgrim’s Mass.
• Treat yourself to an extra day in Santiago to enjoy its historic centre without rushing.

Whether you take five, six or seven days to walk the French Way from Sarria, the experience will last a lifetime. Each day is a step toward Santiago… and toward yourself.