Last 100 kilometers of the Camino de Santiago
The last 100 kilometers, or the minimum route to obtain the Compostela can be traveled from 7 different roads, all arriving at the Cathedral Square of the apostle. The French, the primitive northern, Portuguese, English Sanabrés and Winter.
The French Way is the one chosen by most pilgrims to start this activity. Approximately 57% of the nearly 190,000 pilgrims. This Way starts in Saint Jean Pied de Port and has a distance of 800 kilometers, divided into 31 stages. We take as a starting point Sarria, the last 5 or 6 stages, depending on the amount of kilometers you want to walk daily.
To get to Sarria the best way is to take a train from Madrid, or fly to Santiago de Compostela, then take a bus to Lugo, and then a train to Sarria. It all depends on where you are.
Before starting the journey you should have these tips clear:
What to carry in your backpack?
- Two breathable T-shirts, which take the least time to dry.
- Two pants, the best is a pair of shorts and a pair of detachable pants (mountain pants).
- Two units of underwear.
- Three pairs of socks, but not cotton socks, they make you sweat much more, they should be Trekking type.
- A light jacket.
- A waterproof layer.
- Small towel.
- Sleeping bag.
- Slippers for the shower.
- 3 clothespins
- Plastic bag
- A utility knife, flashlight and lighter
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Notebook and pencil
- Personal hygiene implements.
- First aid kit with: alcohol, adhesive tape, band-aids, sunscreen, needle and thread, patches to prevent blisters and petroleum jelly.
Tips along the way:
- Each day starts in the morning, as early as possible to avoid the hottest hours of the day.
- Bring enough water and a little food for the first few kilometers, before you find a bar along the way.
- Put plenty of sunscreen on all the places on your body that are not covered by clothing. The sun will be on your back most of the time as you walk.
- Before putting on your socks, put petroleum jelly on your feet. This will prevent blisters and keep them moisturized.
- Rest every two hours at the most. Stand up to dry your feet, remove all moisture from them and leave them in the air for a few minutes, then reapply petroleum jelly and wear new socks. Hang used socks in your backpack to dry so you can wear them at the next stop. THIS IS VITAL TO AVOID BLISTERS, THE BIGGEST PROBLEM FOR PILGRIMS.
- Don't run, enjoy the stages, listen to the animals singing and the scenery.
- If you feel that carrying your backpack on each stage is too much for you, don't worry, you can send it from the hostel to the next one for only three euros.
- Before leaving the hotel, you can find out a cab number that can pick you up on the way in case you have an incident.
A brief summary of each stage:
Stage 1: Sarria- Portomarín (21.6 kilometers).
It is an easy stretch, with some climbs, descents and false flats that make it impossible to have a steady walking pace. You will find bars and fountains all the way, so you don't need to carry a lot of provisions in your backpack.
Stage 2: Portomarín- Palas (25 kilometers)
It is again a stretch of ups and downs. The stage runs along the side of the road for a long time, so it is a little heavy because of the heat. Before reaching Palas on the right you will find a very good restaurant to eat.
Stage 3: Palas- Arzúa (29 kilometers)
The first 20 kilometers are quiet, with some ups and downs. If it is rainy season, there are some areas that will be a bit muddy. The last 7 kilometers are quite demanding because they are very demanding climbs and descents. My recommendation if you have time is to split this stage in two and stop in Melide. You could enjoy a bit more of the road and you won't end up so tired.
Stage 4: Arzúa- Pedrouzo (18 kilometers)
A very quiet and beautiful stage, crossing several eucalyptus fields. It becomes very bearable and is also very well equipped. You will find many bars and fountains along the way.
Stage 5: Pedrouzo- Santiago (20 Kilometers)
It is one of the most awaited stages, since it has as its end point the cathedral of Santiago. If you want to get to the pilgrim's mass at 12:00 you must get up early, otherwise at 19:30 you have another one. It is an easy stage, and you should not miss visiting Monte de Gozo and the sculptures of the pilgrims with the background of the city of Santiago.
IF you are one of the first 10 pilgrims to arrive in the city, you will be offered lunch and dinner at the Parador de los Reyes Católicos in the city, a former pilgrim's hospital.
Upon completion:
- Enjoy the Obradoiro Square and the views of the Cathedral. Feel the energy of this place and the joy of the pilgrims arriving to this square. All roads reach this place and only one leaves it, the Camino de Santiago de Compostela to Finisterre.
- When you finish the Camino, many of the pilgrims reward their long walk with a good seafood in the city of Santiago. Remember that Galicia is one of the places with the best gastronomy in Spain and above all at an excellent price.
- When planning your trip to Santiago, dedicate at least three additional days. One and a half days to get to know the city and another to make a road trip through Galicia.
What to visit near Santiago de Compostela?
FINISTERRE AND COSTA DA MORTE:
Start the day going out to Muxía, where the sanctuary of the virgin of the boat is located. There are many myths about this place. Then continue the journey along the Costa da Morte to Finisterre and reach Kilometer 0 at the lighthouse at the end of the world. A place where many pilgrims arrive and was in the middle ages considered the end of the known world. In this lighthouse there is a charming little hotel, a good place to spend the night and also if you are lucky you will see one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. Then visit the Ézaro waterfall, the only river in Europe that flows into a waterfall into the sea.
Galicia will surprise you, its landscapes, its gastronomy and its people. Accustomed for hundreds of years to be hospitable. Although the Camino de Santiago has for many a religious meaning, we recommend you to do it if you want a reconnection with who you are. You will have plenty of time to think and evaluate your life. You will meet wonderful people during each stage and you will surely realize what it is to be the kindness of a Pilgrim.
Until your next adventure, and don't forget to subscribe to our blog to be part of our community of travelers.