Camino de Santiago from Sarria: 7-Day Walking Tour & Luggage Transfer

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(258 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

The first morning in Sarria, I woke up to the sound of church bells and a faint smell of wood smoke drifting through the window. The old stones in the street felt cold under my boots — I remember thinking, “So this is really happening.” There were already a few other pilgrims out, some quietly sipping coffee on the Malecón by the river. Our guide Elena met us with a grin and handed out our Camino credentials (the little passport you stamp along the way). She said something about “Buen Camino!” and it actually did feel like a beginning. I was nervous about my knees but also kind of giddy — maybe just from the fresh air or maybe because everyone seemed to be in on some secret mood of anticipation.

The walking itself was gentler than I expected at first — chestnut woods, little stone bridges, cows watching us from behind mossy fences. We stopped at Barbadelo church where an old man was sweeping leaves; he nodded but didn’t say much. Sometimes we’d pass through villages so small you could blink and miss them. Lunch was always a bit of a surprise: one day thick Galician soup, another time pulpo (octopus) in Melide that made me wish I’d learned how to say “seconds please” in Spanish. Li laughed when I tried — probably butchered it. The best part? You never really eat alone on this route unless you want to.

By day four my feet were grumbling but there was this rhythm to everything — wake up early, walk until your mind empties out, stamp your credential at some tiny chapel or bar. The landscape kept changing: misty mornings in Arzúa with that sweet-milky cheese smell everywhere, then suddenly sunlight breaking through as we neared Pedrouzo. There were moments when it felt like time slowed down — especially crossing those medieval bridges with nothing but birdsong for company.

I still think about arriving at Monte do Gozo before Santiago. Everyone got quiet for a second when we saw the cathedral towers far off — even Elena stopped talking and just let us take it in. The last stretch into Santiago was almost noisy with excitement (and honestly relief). My legs were tired but somehow lighter than when we started. That night we celebrated with Estrella Galicia beers and whatever tapas we could find near Praza do Obradoiro; someone played guitar and sang softly until late. The rain made the city shine — not sure if it was just me but everything felt sharper after those days on the Camino.