9 Days & 8 Nights

4.8

Camino Stage 5 - O Cebreiro to Santiago

Walking the last 150km of the Camino to Santiago de Compostela
The Pilgrim's mass at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
Collecting your Compostela the Pilgrim's office in Santiago
Meeting fellow pilgrims, hearing their stories and travel tips along the way
Discovering churches and historic landmarks on this UNSECO heritage route

Walk the last section of the Camino through rural Spain ending up in the fabulous city of Santiago de Compostela. A wonderful section of the walk and just enough mileage to gain your Compostela Certificate. This final stage passes through the Sierra of Ranadoiro and descends into the valley to Triacastela. You pass through many hamlets dotted along cultivated land in the direction of the great river Mino to Portomarin. Pine groves and Eucalyptus trees can be seen as you enter the farming region of Ulloa. As you enter the province of A Coruna the landscape changes as the woodlands begin to disappear and you will soon see the spires of the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela in front of you.

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in O Cebreiro and overnight

Enjoy a night in the picturesque village of O'Cebreiro before settling in to get ready for the start of your walk tomorrow.

Overnight O Cebreiro

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Casa O Cebreiro | Hotel

The hotel is located in a building that was renovated in 2002. It has 5 rooms with en suite bathrooms. The accommodation also has a café and restaurant services as well as a craft and souvenir shop.

Casa Carolo | Guest House

This rural stone house is located next to the Camino. It offers 10 comfortable rooms and there is a restaurant with panoramic views and a menu with all traditional Galician ingredients.

Casa Navarro | Hotel

This traditional stone house property offers simple yet comfortable rooms. The accommodation faces the 9th century church of Santa Maria la Real.

Day 2 O Cebreiro to Triacastela 13 miles / 21 km

This stage starts in the mystical village of O Cebreiro, known for its traditional buildings. Leaving O Cebreiro, the road ascends gently offering panoramic views of the mountain. You will descend along paths surrounded by vegetation. The route continues through mountainous landscapes to Alto do Poio, offering a mix of physical challenges and natural beauty. Finally, you will descend to Triacastela, a resting place nestled in the heart of the Camino. Take extra care to protect your knees whilst walking down. There several villages along the path where you can take a break and enjoy spectacular views.

Ascent: 269m (883ft) / Descent: 899m (2,949ft)

Overnight Triacastela

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

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Pension Complexo Xacobeo | Hotel

Located in the small town of Triacastela, Pension Complexo Xacobeo with comfortable rooms and its own restaurant. Surrounded by a beautiful landscape between the mountains, this accommodation offers a good rest.

Casa David | 1 Star | Guest House

Triacastela is a town of three castles, none of which remain. It is an attractive stop and the guest house offers comfortable rooms.

Casa Simon

The hotel resembles a 20th-century building that has been renovated respecting the original materials. Located in the main square next to the Romanesque church of Triacastela, the accommodation offers rest and relaxation through its comfort.

Day 3 Triacastela to Sarria 15 miles / 25 km

Make a decision today if you would like to walk the southern detour route via Samos or the northern direct route via San Xil, both options are detailed in the travel documents.

The shorter northern route offers a beautiful route through the Galician countryside, passing through villages such as San Xil and Montán. The route is dotted with oak and chestnut forests, providing a peaceful and refreshing atmosphere. It has new woodland paths which have increased the natural paths by 60% and it takes you up a steep climb to alto do Riocabo, which has beautiful views.

The southern route takes you takes you along the busy LU-633 and lead you along the impressive Samos Monastery, one of the oldest in Spain. The route is a blend of history and natural beauty, culminating in the lively town of Sarria.

Northern Route via San Xil: Ascent: 278m (912ft) / Descent: 495m (1,624ft)

Southern Route via Samos: Ascent: 258m (845ft) / Descent: 453m (1,486ft)

Overnight Sarria

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Alfonso IX | Hotel

NH Alfonso IX Hotel is located in the heart of Camino de Santiago within the urban part of the town, in incomparable natural beauty, surrounded by gardens and bordering the river, it is very close to the monumental zone and the Roman route. You can also enjoy the famous street of the Anticuarios, (Antique dealers).

Hotel Roma | Hotel

Hotel Roma is located in a peaceful location, just next to the railway station and close to the Camino Frances. The accommodation has 18 rooms, all of them with telephone, heating, private bathroom and TV. Furthermore, the hotel has a guests´ living room, parking area, terrace, bar and a restaurant which offers best of Galician gastronomy.

Hotel Mar de Plata | Hotel

Located in Sarria, the Hotel Mar de Plata is much more than just a place to rest; it is the living testimony of a family history that has been cultivating Galician tradition since the 1970s.

Day 4 Sarria to Portomarín 14 miles / 22 km

The section from Sarria to Portomarín on the Way of St. James is characterised by its natural beauty and historical richness. Starting in Sarria, the route ascends passing significant monuments such as the hermitage of San Salvador and the monastery of La Magdalena, crossing the river Pequeno over the medieval bridge Ponte Aspera. The route continues through landscapes dominated by oak trees until it reaches Barbadelo, where the church of Santiago stands out. Moving towards Ferreiros, the route passes through several villages and rural areas, marking the 100th kilometre milestone at Morgade. Finally, the descent towards Portomarín offers views of the Belesar reservoir, culminating with the entrance to the historic town over the old medieval bridge. This segment of the Camino fuses nature, history and spirituality, preparing pilgrims for the final stages to Santiago.

Enjoy the Galician ambience as you stroll up the cobbled main street and end your day by relaxing in one of the cafés surrounding the square.

Ascent: 397m (1,302ft) / Descent: 462m (1,516ft)

Overnight Portomarin

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Vistalegre | Hotel

Opened in 2018, this accommodation with Spa is situated before reaching the portical buildings and 2-minute walk to the church and next to the communal gardens. Every room is equipped with air-conditioning, Wifi, TV and private bathroom with shower and free toiletries. It also has a cafeteria where the breakfast buffet is served. There are also outdoors common areas.

Hotel Ferramenteiro | Hotel

Located right on the Camino de Santiago, the property is on the outskirts of Portomarin with impressive views of the hotel's natural surroundings. The Miño River is just a few meters from the hotel.

Day 5 Portomarín to Palas de Rei 15 miles / 24 km

From Portomarín to Palas de Rei, this segment of the Camino de Santiago combines ascents and descents through Galician landscapes and rural villages. The route begins with a descent from the church of San Nicolás in Portomarín, crossing the reservoir and ascending winding paths to Gonzar and Castromaior, places full of history. The second part takes pilgrims through quieter and flatter areas, passing historic monuments such as the cruceiro de Lameiros, before reaching Palas de Rei, a key point towards Santiago.

Ascent: 493m (1,618ft) / Descent: 273m (896ft)

Overnight Palas de Rei

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Mica | Hotel

Located at the foot of the Camino de Santiago, the Hotel Mica offers its guests a comfortable and pleasant stay. The family-run accommodation ensures that you can enjoy your free time, just a step away from the city's best gastronomy, leisure and culture.

Casa Benilde | Hotel

Casa Benilde is a local and welcoming hotel in Palas de Rei. Often spoken of as the friendliest accommodation on the route, you will be sure of a delightful stay here.

Pension As Hortas | Hotel

Pension As Hortas is located in the heart of Palas de Rei, only a stone's throw away from a variety of cafes, restaurants and shops, as well as some useful amenities you may need on your trip. It is also located nearby the San Tirso church, which is worth visiting while staying here.

Day 6 Palas de Rei to Arzúa 18 miles / 29 km

The stage from Palas de Rei to Arzúa is challenging with constant ups and downs, particularly after Melide. It is recommended to refuel in Melide by tasting the traditional Galician octopus a la gallega "pulpo" before continuing. From Melide, the route plunges into forests and crosses the historic Church of Santa María. It advances through Boente and Ribadiso, offering descents and rural areas until it reaches Arzúa, uniting nature and heritage in a memorable stretch towards Santiago.

Ascent: 521m (1,710ft) / Descent: 680m (2,231ft)

Overnight Arzua

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Pension Boutique La Casona de Nené | Hotel

All rooms are decorated differently to offer customers the greatest sense of comfort. All rooms are equipped with plasma TV, heating, wooden floors, toiletries, towels, hairdryer and WIFI.

Pensión Restaurante Casa Teodora | Bed and breakfast

The Casa Teodora Guesthouse has twenty-eight fully equipped and recently remodeled rooms with careful decoration. Its privileged location on the Camino de Santiago and in the heart of the town allows guests to have the main services and attractions of Arzua. Its family character, warm atmosphere, and welcoming treatment have made Casa Teodora recommended by specialized travel guides from different countries and especially by regular clients for many years.

Hotel Pension Elena | Hotel

Its privileged location on the Camino de Santiago and in the heart of the city of Arzúa allows guests to reach the main services and attractions of the city and its surroundings in a very short time.

Day 7 Arzúa to A Rúa 11 miles / 18 km

Leave the old quarter of Arzúa as the Camino leads past oak tree forests, that give way to lush meadows. Visit the medieval shrine at Santa Irene, dedicated to a martyr saint from Portugal, and the Baroque fountain of healing waters.

Throughout the day you’ll be passing different villages: Brea, Calzada, Rua and A Calle; the meaning of which is synonymous with ‘Camino’.

Ascent: 249m (817ft) / Descent: 362m (1,188ft)

Overnight A Rúa

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel O Pino | Hotel

The rural and rustic hotel provides 15 comfortable, well-tended and handsome decorated rooms each with its own indoor furnishing and special ambience. The Hotel offers its pilgrims a pleasant nights stay before the final section of their walk to Santiago de Compostela.

Casa Do Acivro | Hotel

The rural pension has a modern touch that bumps with the natural surrounding in which it is situated. Each room has a different theme and a name which is linked to the Camino de Santiago or to the Galician culture. After your hike you can relax in the Garden of the pension or even enjoy the swimmingpool.

Pensión Residencial Platas | Hotel

Located only 10 minutes away from the historic city of Santiago de Compostela, Pension Residencial Platas is a comfortable spot on your journey on the Camino de Santiago. Pension Platas is next door to two cafes, and Pub Che Copas nearby offers an opportunity for drinking and dancing.

Day 8 A Rúa to Santiago de Compstela 13 miles / 20 km

Today you can look forward to a fabulous day walking to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The Camino leads first to San Paio and Lavacolla, where it was traditional for pilgrims to wash in the river before reaching Santiago.

Tall eucalyptus trees sway in the wind as you make your way to the ‘Mount of Joy’ of Monte del Gozo (368 m), from where the towers of Santiago Cathedral come into view. This final stretch is a mixture of anticipation and reflection, culminating in the thrilling arrival at the Plaza del Obradoiro, where the majestic cathedral welcomes pilgrims at the end of their spiritual and physical journey.

Ascent: 347m (1,138ft) / Descent: 361m (1,184ft)

Overnight Santiago

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Lux Santiago | Hotel

The Lux Santiago Hotel is located in the centre of the Galician capital. It has an exceptional location that allows you to explore the city in depth. The hotel is just 800 metres from the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

Hospedería San Martín Pinario | Hotel

The accommodation offers the unforgettable experience of staying in a 16th-century monastery. It is the second largest in Spain, with an impressive cloister and gardens.

Hotel Herradura | Hotel

In the heart of Santiago de Compostela, this hotel combines modernity with tradition, offering a cozy and comfortable stay. located next to La Alameda Gardens, hotel rooms are equipped with every comfort, the hotel also offers a 24-hour coffee shop.

Day 9 Onward travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 10kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 10kg is equivalent to 18 lattes. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

This tour has 7 days of walking. The days cover an average of around 20 km per day, but the terrain is reasonably even to allow for these distances. The walk starts in O’Cebreiro, meaning you will qualify for your ‘Compostela’ certificate on arrival in Santiago de Compostela. The Camino attracts a wide range of pilgrims from around the world who walk for many different reasons. You will feel a huge sense of accomplishment on completion of this tour.

Trip Type:

Pilgrimages | For those looking to follow a path of self-discovery. Our Pilgrimage and Camino routes take you on a journey through diverse landscapes and local flavours, while meeting like-minded adventurers along the way.

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers, Families with Teens

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Long-Distance Trails

Grade & Terrain

This itinerary is graded moderate and includes 7 days of walking 18-28 km per day. You can expect to walk between 5-8 hours per day. On the Camino, you will follow a mixture of dirt tracks, minor roads, and established footpaths.

Experience & Fitness

Although the route mostly leads along wide, relatively easy-to-walk paths, the unpaved sections and the daily distances of between 9 and 30 kilometres require a good basic level of fitness and a certain amount of hiking experience. The first section from St Jean-Pied-de-Port with steep ascents and descents in the Pyrenees is the most difficult. The entire 40-day Way of St James naturally requires a great deal of stamina. But the longer you are on the road, the fitter you will become. Pamplona, Logroño, Burgos and León are fascinating cities that you must visit and the smaller towns are also very charming and often offer wonderful regional delicacies.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

Accommodation in small rural hotels and hostels, twin/double rooms with en-suite W/C
Daily Breakfast
Baggage Transfers
Any transfer(s) listed in the standard itinerary (if applicable)
Pilgrim Passport and shell
Access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
All your trip documents provided digitally through your online Macs “My Account”
24/7 Emergency support

Excluded

Return travel to France/Spain.
Lunches, dinners, snacks or drinks.
Travel Insurance.
Personal Equipment.
Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage.

Extras

Additional nights’ accommodation

When to go Travel & Transfers

Getting to the Start

The best place to fly in and out from would be Santiago de Compostela. From Santiago you can either take a private transfer with Macs Adventure to O'Cebriero, or you can take a bus with ALSA to Piedrafita do Cebriero which takes around 2 and a half hours. From there you would take a short taxi journey up the hill to O'Cebriero.

Alternatively we can arrange private transfers to take you straight from Santiago Airport to O Cebreiro for a hassle-free start to your trip!

Getting from the End

You can fly directly from Santiago back to the UK with Ryanair who fly direct to Stansted and Easyjet who fly direct to Gatwick. Another good point to connect through to travel internationally is Paris. You can fly from Santiago to Paris with Vueling or from Madrid with Ryanair.

We can arrange private transfers to take you from your hotel directly to Santiago Airport.

Baggage Transfer

At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.

Baggage transfers are included (max 20kg per person). Your main bag will be transferred each day between your overnight accommodation so that you only need to walk with a day pack.

Info & FAQ

General Information

Extra Nights

There is so much to do and discover on the Way of St. James that many of our customers plan extra nights, either as rest days or to get to know the region even better.

Online Documents

At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.

On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.

Pilgrim Passport

Your Pilgrim Passport (Credencial del Peregrino) and scallop shell will be waiting at your first accommodation. The Passport isn’t just practical—it’s a beautiful record of your Camino journey, officially issued by the Church of St. James. Along the route, you'll collect stamps (sellos) from albergues, churches, cafes, and more. Each stamp is a colorful reminder of your journey. To earn your Compostela Certificate in Santiago, you must walk at least the final 100 km, with your stamps serving as proof of this accomplishment.

Local taxes

Local taxes may apply in some places. Where ever possible, we will pay there taxes in advance for you. It is not always possible to pay the taxes in advance and you will have to pay it directly at your accomodation.

Extra charge

On some days there may be some extra charges on the tour price due to public holiday.

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes.

Equipment

Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, lightweight clothes, waterproofs and a day pack.

When is the best time of year? What happens if I can’t walk a stage? Can I walk the Camino solo? Do you offer group trips? When can I start? Can I add extra nights on my Camino tour? What type of trails does the Camino follow? How far in advance do I need to book? How fit do I need to be? Can I walk with my bags? What to do in the event of a problem on site? Do I have to pay tourist tax on site? Where do I collect the Pilgrim Passport?

The Ultimate Guide to the Camino de Santiago

Discover the ancient pilgrimage routes that lead to the shrine of the Apostle Saint James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Each route offers unique charm, challenges, and unforgettable experiences. Decide for yourself which journey is right for you.
Walking the Camino de Santiago

The Camino de Santiago in Spain is the heart of the modern pilgrimage world, and every year, thousands take to its various paths to trek to Santiago de Compostela. A deep spiritual sense accompanies this walk, whether you are looking for it or not. People undertake pilgrimages for a multitude of reasons and it is meeting these fellow pilgrims, hearing their stories and sharing your adventure with them that makes a Camino tour a life-changing event.
Everything you need to know about the Camino de Santiago.

In this video, Rachel and Ewan talk through the main points of walking the Camino. While there are more detailed videos on most of the points covered, this is a great place to start to give you a general overview of what walking the Camino Frances is going to be like.
What to pack for the Camino de Santiago

One of the most important things people think about when walking the Camino is what to pack. There are some essentials, but most people are trying to lighten their load and carry their backpacks with them as they go. This is amazing, but with Macs Adventure, we transfer your luggage for you (which is not cheating!!) so you can pack whatever you like.
How to travel to the Camino de Santiago

How do you get to Sarria? How do you get back from Leon? There are so many start and endpoints on this massive spiritual journey, that we thought it would be helpful to make a video that told you exactly how to get to and from the various points along the route. No longer need you wonder about getting from Biarritz to St Jean Pied de Port, it is all laid out here for you.
How many days to walk the Camino?

With a walk that stretches all the way across the north of Spain, you might imagine that there is a lot of different itineraries on this route. In this video we break down how many days it takes to walk the Camino de Santiago and all the different ways you can break it up.