Where to sleep on the French Way of the Camino de Santiago from Sarria: types of accommodation and tips
The French Way from Sarria offers a complete experience of nature, culture and spirituality. But as important as walking is resting well. Choosing the right type of accommodation will make the difference between a comfortable trip and an exhausting experience.
Luckily, this stretch —one of the most popular and best prepared on the Camino de Santiago— has a very wide network of accommodations adapted to all budgets and types of travellers: from the classic pilgrim hostels to charming hotels in Galician manor houses.
- Total distance: about 115 km between Sarria and Santiago.
- Average duration: 5 or 6 nights, depending on pace and stages.
- Options: from shared accommodation to rural hotels and country houses.
Hostels are the most traditional and economical option for sleeping on the Camino. There are public hostels (managed by associations or municipalities) and private hostels (with more services and beds). Both are ideal places to live with other pilgrims, share stories and feel the true Jacobean spirit.
Public hostels usually open on a first-come, first-served basis, without prior reservations, while private ones allow bookings in advance. Most offer kitchens, laundry, common areas and require the pilgrim credential.
- Average price: between €10 and €18 per person/night.
- Advantage: social and economical atmosphere.
- Tip: bring earplugs and a lightweight towel.
Guesthouses and inns are an intermediate option between a hostel and a hotel. Perfect for those who want more privacy and rest after walking. They usually offer double or single rooms with private bathrooms, heating and, in many cases, breakfast included.
In towns like Portomarín, Palas de Rei or Arzúa these types of accommodations are plentiful, often run by Galician families who take care of every detail. The friendly attention and personal treatment make the pilgrim feel at home.
- Average price: between €25 and €45 per night.
- Advantage: comfort, rest and family-run service.
- Tip: book in advance in high season (June–September).
For those seeking a special touch without giving up comfort, the French Way from Sarria has many rural hotels and charming country houses. These accommodations, often located in restored old mills or farmhouses, offer tranquility, authenticity and local gastronomy.
Some even include gardens, swimming pools or transfer service to the Camino, making them ideal for couples or small groups who want to combine the pilgrim spirit with a more relaxed experience.
- Average price: between €50 and €80 per night (double room).
- Advantage: natural surroundings, silence and quality rest.
- Tip: check if they offer transfer to/from the Camino.
If you want a different experience, Galician manor houses —old restored noble homes— allow you to sleep among stone walls, centuries-old gardens and traditional furniture. Many are located a few kilometres from the main stages, offering free transport to the Camino each morning.
It is an ideal option for those who want to experience the Camino with a touch of history, elegance and calm. Galician hospitality is felt in every detail: homemade breakfasts, lit fireplaces and the sound of rain on the slate roofs.
- Average price: between €80 and €120 per night.
- Advantage: historical charm and rural Galician surroundings.
- Tip: book in advance, especially in July and August.
There is no single “correct” way to do the Camino: the important thing is that it adapts to your way of travelling. If it’s your first time, you can combine types of accommodation depending on the stretch and your needs.
For example, sleep in hostels the first days to feel the pilgrim atmosphere, spend one night in a rural house to rest better, and finish in a central hotel in Santiago to enjoy your arrival.
- Plan your stops according to your pace and budget.
- Book in advance if you travel in high season.
- Consider services such as transfer, breakfast and laundry.
After walking between 20 and 25 km per day, rest is essential. Here are some tips to make the most of it:
- Arrive early at the accommodation to shower and relax before dinner.
- Avoid sleeping with your phone nearby: the silence of the Camino also heals.
- Use earplugs and an eye mask if you share a room.
- If travelling in a group, ensure the beds are individual or separated.
After completing the French Way from Sarria, you deserve a good rest in Santiago de Compostela. The city offers everything from central inns to 4- and 5-star hotels, including the legendary Parador de los Reyes Católicos, considered the oldest pilgrim accommodation in the world.
Many pilgrims extend their stay one or two more nights to visit the Cathedral, collect the Compostela and enjoy Compostela’s gastronomy without rushing.
- Book at least one extra night after your arrival.
- Explore the historic centre and taste the tarta de Santiago.
- Live the emotion of the final arrival with comfort and calm.