Pilgrims on the road and friends along the way send me changes every day, and they go out the same day. The Vía de la Plata app carries all of it offline, and it's still being built — new features arrive routinely.
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The ground behind you: what the walk into Sarria crosses, and where it could have been broken.
Tomorrow from Sarria
Nothing says you have to stop here, or there. These are simply the towns within a comfortable day's walk, so you can decide tonight.
| Town | km from here | Shared | Private | The walk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vilei | 3.6 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | |
| Barbadelo | 4.0 | ✓ Yes | — No | |
| Morgade | 12.0 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | The walk from Sarria to Morgade |
| Ferreiros | 13.4 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | The walk from Sarria to Ferreiros |
| Pena | 14.2 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | The walk from Sarria to Pena |
| Mercadoiro | 16.8 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | The walk from Sarria to Mercadoiro |
| Vilachá | 19.9 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | |
| Portomarín | 21.9 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | The walk from Sarria to Portomarín |
| Gonzar | 29.4 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | The walk from Sarria to Gonzar |
| Castromayor | 30.7 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | The walk from Sarria to Castromayor |
| Hospital de la Cruz | 33.1 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | |
| Ventas de Narón | 34.7 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Sarria is the most popular starting point on the Camino Francés after Saint Jean Pied de Port, for one simple reason: it's just over 100 km from Santiago, the minimum distance required to receive a Compostela. The result is a dramatic change in atmosphere — from Sarria onward, the camino fills with pilgrims who are walking the last section, and the trail becomes significantly busier.
The town itself is more appealing than its reputation for crowding suggests. The old quarter climbs a hillside above the Río Sarria, with the ruined castle at the top providing views over the surrounding countryside. The Monasterio de la Magdalena, run by the Mercedarian order, operates a large albergue and has a pleasant cloister. The Iglesia de El Salvador has a Romanesque tympanum.
The main street — the Rúa Maior — is lined with bars, restaurants, and equipment shops (useful for replacing worn-out gear for the final push). A supermarket, pharmacy, and all services are available. Multiple albergues and hotels serve the large pilgrim population.
The Pilgrim Office issues credenciales and stamps. If you're starting in Sarria, pick up your credencial here and get your first sello. You'll need at least two stamps per day from Sarria to Santiago to qualify for the Compostela.
Getting to Sarria: RENFE trains from Madrid and bus services from Lugo and other Galician cities.
Along the way between Sarria and Portomarin it is common to find beggars and buskers and the occasional scam artist soliciting your support and money and signature. Do your best to avoid becoming ensnared, the best method is to keep on walking. Also, you are advised to get your credential stamped at least twice a day between here and Santiago.
Sarria has served as a pilgrim town since the earliest days of the Camino. Alfonso IX of León, who was himself making a pilgrimage to Santiago, died here in 1230 — a fact commemorated in the town. The castle ruins and medieval bridge speak to the town's historical importance as a waypoint on the pilgrim road.
The camino exits town along the Rúa Maior in the old town and passes the Convento de la Magdalena. Take note that the camino actually turns left BEFORE arriving at the convent. It goes steeply downhill to the road, turns right, and soon crosses the río Celeiro on the Ponte Áspera. It follows along the river, and in the shadow of a super bridge before crossing the train tracks. The first climb of the day (excluding the stairs in Sarria) is ahead and passes through an ancient forest full of gnarly oaks and chestnut trees.
11. September 2026 - 20:31
Not on the app. Lovely, clean and quiet accommodations. Located at the top of the old city near the castle and the camino. Host is very friendly - speaks no English, but gave us lots of information using Google translate about the town and sites. Really nice beds - slept great!
11. May 2026 - 21:15
La Isla tapas bar on the river. Very busy - pilgrims and locals. Good food decent prices and great ambience
12. April 2026 - 20:07
La Salina Taperia down the street from Albergues San Lazaro is a wonderful eatery serving Galician specialties
10. August 2025 - 22:44
From Sarria on there are very différent pilgrims walking in groups. There are very noisy, especialy the spanish. The problem is also more when there are lots of beds in one room. So why not Skipe the last 100 km.
10. July 2025 - 15:48
This generic looking building on your entry into Sarria is before you cross the River. The first floor is the rooming area. It may come across as generic but the owners are former pilgrims and really treat you warmly and want to make you feel welcome. The facility is very modern and very clean. Not noisy so you rest up for your first Camiño walk. The old part of town is just a walk up the hill on your way out of town. There are nicer and closer restaurants along the River—ask the host for recommendations. They have a very special wax stamp for your credentials.
31. May 2025 - 21:01
Fabulous! An apartment at a brilliant price for two of us, AIR CONDITIONED too. Huge shower, super comfy bed, kitchenette and fridge! Good position too - def recommend this place
9. May 2025 - 20:18
Pizzería Salento is amazing pizza and cook is Italian
4. May 2025 - 8:29
Guayoyo Cafe is a great place to have a morning breakfast. They are skilled at making coffee and milk alternatives. Beautiful cinnamon buns.
4. November 2024 - 20:47
The pizza is yummy here and really great service. Definately recommend this spot!
6. October 2024 - 4:32
This was a great location just off the Camino. We took a rest day here and were glad we did. Roberto is the best host we have experienced on the Camino - very gracious and knowledgeable. He made our stay extremely comfortable and enjoyable.
5. October 2024 - 15:11
We went for lunch and came back for dinner too. Food quality, flavor, and options were excellent. Go here!!
4. July 2024 - 21:38
Went by this great cafe on the way into town today, Guayoyo specialty Coffee. The owner was super kind and has competed in a bunch of coffee competitions. So nice to find some great coffee on the Way.
23. June 2024 - 21:51
Treat yourself 60 euro for a private with two full beds. Super clean and beautiful. On the Camino itself. Why suffer another dorm. Silvia and Luis are super duper kind, generous and supportive
22. May 2024 - 10:38
Seconded that this restaurant is amazing. We ate here for dinner and breakfast and both were delicious (Thai bowl for dinner and avo toast with egg and tomato for breakfast). Huge selection of teas too. Great for vegans and vegetarians or anyone that likes tasty food! Very close to the Camino too.
21. April 2024 - 19:18
An excellent place to find sangria, pizza, and tiramasu. The portion sizes are excellent too. For those who aren't into pizza, a salad will be enough to feed two. The staff are quite entertaining and there are two Spanish guitars hanging by the door for those who fancy themselves entertainers. Poke your head around the side of the building for a cute courtyard to eat in if the street and in doors aren't your style.
3. April 2024 - 21:04
Santa Mariña church opens shortly before 7pm for the pilgrims mass. Go all the way to the back of the church in the sacristy (annex room where the priest gets ready for the mass) and ask him to purchase a credential before the mass starts. It’s 2€ each.
28. September 2023 - 21:53
Where do I buy them in town
27. September 2023 - 16:26
Had a great pizza at this location. Perfect crust and vegan options.
8. September 2023 - 20:02
Lovely new albergue in town with wonderful private rooms and bathrooms. Great communal areas and kitchen to make a meal and gather with other pilgrims. Laundry is available to use before 8 pm. The family that runs this place is so cute and helpful.
28. June 2023 - 12:20
Was told about this place by a Camino friend (it’s also on Happy Cow) - great shop and cafe with delicious veggie/vegan food. Breakfast tostas, buddha bowls and lots more as well as great coffee, tea and kombucha. Definitely visit if you need good food!
Esta entidad ha sido beneficiaria de una ayuda del Programa de incentivos a la movilidad eficiente y sostenible (MOVES III), gestionado por la Xunta de Galicia a través del Instituto Enerxético de Galicia (INEGA) en el marco del Real Decreto 266/2021, y cofinanciada por la Unión Europea — NextGenerationEU, dentro del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia.
