This post contains product affiliate links. These are mostly articles/hotels/tours that I personally approve and love. If you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission, but at no additional cost to you.
Are you planning to walk the last 100 km of the Camino Francés? Find out the route, highlights and tips to help you reach Santiago de Compostela safely.
The infamous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage network includes dozens of different hiking trails, each offering something unique. But one of the routes attracts far more pilgrims than the others overall – that is the Camino Francés and in particular the last 100 kilometers of this journey. If you’re interested in taking this popular route, here’s what you need to know.
The Camino Francés and why the last 100 km?
The Camino Francés is one of the longest routes in the network, stretching approximately 780 km from the French-Spanish border at St. Jean Pied de Port through northern Spain to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Santiago de Compostela. Completely completing the entire route can take over a month (30 to 40) days, which for most represents not only a physical but also a logistical challenge.
Therefore, many pilgrims choose to hike the shorter sections of this well-established route and still get the experience without having to take a month off. For example, the route from St. Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona is a popular choice and takes hikers 66 kilometers through the spectacular Pyrenees.
However, since this route never reaches Santiago de Compostela, pilgrims do not receive the rewarding Compostela certificate, which is only awarded if at least the last 100 km of the route are completed. That’s why the Camino Francés from Sarria, a town 111 kilometers from the end point, is so popular.
Itinerary and logistics
Starting in Sarria, you’ll follow an itinerary that typically includes seven days of hiking. Here is a route suggested by the highly rated local agency Santiago Ways:
- Sarria: Your starting point, Sarria, is where you will spend your first night upon arrival before starting your journey the next morning.
- Portomarin: After leaving Sarria, hike for 22 km on a quiet route through hamlets and picturesque villages such as Barbadelo before reaching Portomarin.
- Royal palace: Continuing 24.7 km from Portomarin, you cross the Mino River and climb towards Serra de Ligonde, passing more charming villages until you reach Palas de Rei.
- Arzua: This part of the route begins with the descent and takes you along rural paths for 28.6 km to Coto, where you visit the picturesque sights along the Iso River.
- The street: From Arzua, you’ll have a shorter 18-kilometer day, hiking past quiet forests and villages and visiting the village of Boavista and the chapel of Santa Irene before reaching A Rua.
- Santiago de Compostela: On the final 21.8 km leg of the journey you will visit destinations such as O Pedrouzo, San Paio, the Church of Lavacolla, Monte do Gozo and of course the majestic Santiago Cathedral. The Camino Francés ends here, but it is recommended to spend some time exploring this historic town before heading home.
As far as logistics go, Santiago Ways takes care of everything for you, including accommodation in a private hotel room, a meal plan of your choice, luggage transfer between hotels if you request it, and 24-hour telephone support.
Enter your time of pilgrimage
The last 100km of the Camino Francés is a great way to get a taste of the Camino experience without committing to the entire route. Be warned though – once you start the pilgrimage, you may want to do it again and again!
