Trekking the Camino de Santiago

Name: Trekking the Camino de Santiago
Brand: Exodus
SKU: TSO2
Availability: LimitedAvailability
Rating: 4.7 (46 reviews)

46 reviews

Overview

Walk the classic trail across northern Spain, embracing the pilgrim spirit and earning your Compostela certificate

Join friendly pilgrims and trekkers in Galicia for the quintessential Camino de Santiago experience. Walk the best-known route, the Camino Frances, following the historic trail to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, said to be the burial site of James the Great, one of Jesus’s 12 apostles. Along the way, our tour leader provides expert insight into the history and culture of the region, while luggage transfers between our nightly stops make the journey even more peace-inducing. The longest-lasting memory, however, may well be the friends you make along the way – the communal spirit of El Camino is infectious and unforgettable.

Key Information

Travel Style Classic: The quintessential Exodus adventure, pairing iconic sights and cultural discovery with comfortable stays: Classic
Activity: Walking & Trekking
Activity Level: Moderate & Challenging
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Trip Code: TSO2
Ways to Travel: Classic, Guided Group
Countries: Spain
Carbon Footprint: 11.6kg CO2e per person per day
Terrain: Low altitude; good paths with some steep ascents

What's Included

All accommodation: 7 Comfort nights (hotels)
All breakfasts
Immersive itinerary with all luggage transfers and listed activities
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
Group arrival and departure transfers available
Your Pilgrim Passport, an essential Camino keepsake

Positive Impact

We donate to our Foundation and rewild 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller. Find out more about how our adventures support nature and people to thrive.

Don't Forget To

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations. On this trip, city taxes are not included, please allow approximately €3 for the week across the applicable accommodations.

Highlights

Hike one of the oldest pilgrim routes in the world

Collect stamps for your Pilgrim's Passport along the way

Receive your Compostela certificate – without waiting in the lengthy lines!

Spend a full free day exploring Santiago de Compostela, the magical capital of Galicia

Itinerary

First Destination: Sarria
Next Destination: Santiago de Compostela

Accommodation:Hotel Duerming Villa de Sarria (or similar)
Meals included:None

Distance:23 km / 14.3 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Villajardín (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Distance:25 km / 15.5 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Alda Palas de Rei (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Distance:30 km / 18.6 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Arzua (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Distance:19 km / 11.8 miles
Accommodation:Pension Platas (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Distance:20 km / 12.4 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Avenida (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Avenida (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Sarria
Next Destination: Santiago de Compostela

Begin your adventure in Sarria, the most popular starting point on the Camino de Santiago’s Camino Frances. At 71mi (114km) from Santiago, it lies just beyond the minimum walking distance required to earn the Compostela certificate.

Around 6pm, say hola to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Want more time in Sarria? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Accommodation:Hotel Duerming Villa de Sarria (or similar)

Leaving Sarria, we take a mostly rural route today, walking up and down the hills of Galicia, and through a picturesque oak grove, to the town of Portomarin. Our destination, which was originally located in the River Mino valley, was rebuilt on a hilltop to escape flooding when a reservoir was constructed in 1962. As we cross the modern bridge to enter Portomarin, we may be able to see an older bridge beneath it, depending on where the water level sits.

Distance:23 km / 14.3 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Villajardín (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Start with a steady ascent to the village of Ventas de Naron, where the terrain levels out. Before the top of the climb though, we can visit the ruins of an Iron Age fort at Castromaior, one of the best preserved in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula.

It’s then on to Palas de Rei, though there are plenty of cafes en route where we can enjoy a break. Palas de Rei marks the halfway point of our trek, and we spend the night in a hotel, where we can really feel the Camino spirit, since many walkers stop here.

We also take the chance to visit a small dairy farm of just 35 cows. Here, they specialise in creating cheese and yoghurt through ancestral techniques combined with modern innovations and we each get to make our own cheese and learn about the farm and the owners’ values.

Distance:25 km / 15.5 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Alda Palas de Rei (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

We begin our longest day with a walk along a picturesque stretch, crossing several Roman bridges and walking past medieval churches. As we continue, we cross the Lugo-A Coruña border and see ancient horreos (granaries), a rectangular construction seen across rural Galicia.

For lunch, we stop in the small town of Melide, renowned for its delicious octopus with potatoes. You may notice an increase in pilgrims, as two other strands of El Camino meet here: the Northern and Primitivo.

After lunch, we continue to Arzua, well-known for its cheeses. Along the way, we pass through picturesque landscapes and the riverside village of Ribadiso. The 12^th-century bridge here is the oldest in the region.

Distance:30 km / 18.6 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Arzua (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Today’s relatively short walk to the village of Pedrouzo – considered among the most picturesque on our journey – involves several short ascents and descents through woods, fruit fields and eucalyptus. As Santiago draws ever closer, more pilgrims cross our path, adding to the anticipation of reaching our goal: the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

Distance:19 km / 11.8 miles
Accommodation:Pension Platas (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Our final day’s walk sees us climbing up to Monte do Gozo, where pilgrims traditionally first saw the towers of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. As part of the centuries-old tradition, we make our way through the city streets and crowds to Plaza del Obradoiro. The square is dominated by the cathedral, making a spectacular culmination to our trek – take a moment or two to congratulate each other on completing El Camino! We can observe a mass service that may include the impressive Botafumeiro incense swinging, although it cannot be guaranteed.

To save time, our tour leader can gather the Pilgrim Passports and collect everyone’s Compostela certificates – allowing the group to avoid the often-lengthy lines at the office and spend more time reflecting on the journey together.

Typically, our groups gather tonight for a celebratory dinner, when we relive our adventures and bid farewell to our tour leader.

Distance:20 km / 12.4 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Avenida (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Rather than dashing straight home after our pilgrimage, we have a free day to explore the historic city. There are plenty of things to do: visit the spectacular cathedral and stroll around the narrow streets of the World Heritage-listed Old Town with its diverse architecture.

Alternatively, visit the museum of Galician Life, home to interesting exhibits on Galician traditions and art. You can also join a day excursion to Cape Finisterre, which was believed to be the end of the known world in Ancient Roman times. The Cape is also the final destination for many pilgrims on El Camino.

Accommodation:Hotel Avenida (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

The trip ends this morning after breakfast. Say your final goodbyes and start your return journey home, one Compostela heavier.

If you’d prefer to explore the town a little longer, speak to us about booking extra nights in the holy town of Santiago de Compostela, there are plenty more pilgrims to meet!

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

Need flights or extra nights? Book through us and fly with confidence

Call us: 020 3733 5948

Your Group, Your Adventure

Want to choose your travel companions? Gather your family and friends and let us create a Private Adventure just for you.

View Details

Accommodation

Hotels and pensions

We spend seven nights in a selection of comfortable hotels and pensions along the Camino de Santiago, ranging from one to three stars. Each provides a welcoming place to rest after a day of walking, with private bathroom facilities in every room and free wifi available at most properties.

Accommodation varies along the route, from smaller pensions in rural towns to hotels in Santiago de Compostela. Details of the properties typically used can be found in the day-to-day itinerary.

Worth knowing

On some departures, the group may be split between two properties in certain locations. All accommodation is selected to offer a comparable standard of comfort, although facilities and star ratings may vary.
A limited number of single rooms are available on request for a supplement.

Essential Information

Trip Expert

Javier Ramirez Elsel

Expert Leader: Spain

Introducing Javier Whether you are exploring romantic Andalucia or scallop shell spotting on the Camino de Santiago, Javier is your ideal guide.

This trip is rated Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Route: The terrain and path type varies and includes paved tracks, forest trails and gravel. The walks are not technically difficult, although there are some steep ascents and descents, so a good fitness level is required.

Distances: Some days are long and you are expected to walk six days in a row. We recommend comfortable shoes and bringing several types (boots, running shoes, strap sandals) as this allows you to alternate. On days 3 and 4, the longest of the week, you can opt out of a section by arranging a taxi through your tour leader.

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel Duerming Villa de Sarria, Rúa Benigno Quiroga, 49, 27600 Sarria, Lugo
Phone: +34 982 53 38 73
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time on Day 1. There’s a welcome briefing at 6pm
Airport: Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately a 1hr 25min drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Take the group transfer 

We provide one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

Make your own way 

It’s possible to reach the start hotel by public transport, but the journey is complicated. We therefore recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, a cab from the airport to the start hotel costs €180.  If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport, timed to align with a chosen flight. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Consider taking the train

Reach this trip by train from the UK or across Europe and lower your carbon footprint. Our partner, Byway, can take care of the planning and booking.

Spain

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html

All breakfasts are included. A typical breakfast in Spain might consist of coffee with milk, toast with ham, olive oil, tomatoes, cheese and butter and jam. Bakery items, fruit and juice are also popular. Expect different variations of breakfast at our chosen hotels and pensions, but they all include at least some of the standard breakfast items popular in Spain.

On El Camino, restaurants and bars offer a set menu called the Menu del Peregrino, which offers a choice of five starters, five mains and dessert, coffee and drink for about €15-€18. You can also try the delicacy pulpo a la feira, which is sliced octopus with paprika, olive oil and sea salt. Sometimes it is also served with grelos (boiled sliced potatoes).

Mealtimes in Spain are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually taken between 8pm and 9.30pm.

Vegetarians can be catered for, as can other dietary requirements, although there may not be the same choice or variety as you have at home. Please advise us upon booking.

April and October: Expect temperatures around 5C-15C (40F-60F) with a high chance of rain showers, though it could also be partly cloudy and more temperate.

May and September: Temperatures tend to be warmer. Expect a combination of sun, showers and clouds.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

Reviews

Add new review

Adam Felgate

Added October 2026

A Trek to Remember!

As an Exodus staff member, walking the Camino de Santiago with Exodus was an unforgettable experience and a truly rewarding journey from start to finish. Each day brought stunning scenery, from rolling countryside and charming villages to historic towns steeped in culture and tradition. The balance of physical challenge, personal achievement, and time to soak up the atmosphere made every stage of the trek special. Sharing the experience with a supportive group of fellow walkers and a knowledgeable local guide added to the sense of camaraderie along the route. Arriving in Santiago de Compostela after days of walking was an incredible moment, filled with pride, reflection, and a real sense of accomplishment. It was a fantastic adventure that combined breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and lasting memories in equal measure.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving at the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. Having finished the week-long pilgrimage, it was incredible to see hundreds of people experiencing the same sense of accomplishment for all different reasons.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Raul was amazing! A Camino veteran having done it multiple times over the last 30 years, Raul was able to make the group appreciate every step of the trek. This is the first trip I've done where it felt like our leader was doing the itinerary for more than just their job, Raul had a deep emotional connection to the Camino and helped others in the group find that as well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring different footwear! With 6 back-to-back days of walking, it is a good idea to swap your shoes a couple of times in order to avoid blisters. Also, make sure to pack your waterproofs. Galicia has it's own little micro-climate and even though we went in August, it rained every day.

Barry Price

Added June 2026

Trekking the Camino de Santiago

Overall, found the experience very well organised and the quality of the services fully met my expectations

Most Inspirational Moment

The organisation of our guide leader Mario.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent in every aspect

Christopher Bassett

Added June 2026

Trekking the Camino de Santiago

Our guide, Mario Navasa Munoz, made the trip - he was excellent. He ensured everyone in our group was included and had a great experience, he had good knowledge of the Camino and its history, and was very supportive and helpful.

Most Inspirational Moment

The countryside of the Camino, especially the routes through the forests, some lovely food including great dinners with our group but mostly sharing the experience with both those in our group and others on the Camino. The way in which our guide arranged our arrival in Santiago de Compostella and seeing the Cathedral was an exciting experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

A perfect guide for this trip - could not have been better in any respect.

Nicholas Sheppardson

Added May 2026

Trekking the Camino de Santiago

The Camino de Santiago tour was one of the best I have been on. Our tour guide, Mario, was excellent and it was a nice group of people who all got along. The Camino itself is a great walk and it helped that the weather was nice.

Most Inspirational Moment

The obvious highlight was completing the 130k trek at Santiago cathedral. Admit that i was more emotional about it than I expected, having walked in the footsteps of many pilgrims who have made the journey over hundreds of years. Beyond that just enjoyed interacting with the group as we walked through the countryside and relaxed at the various tavernas.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mario was excellent. Knew his stuff and was very attentive. Helped the group to bond quickly and was a major reason for the success of the trip.

Melanie Smout

Added October 2025

A special experience

A great group of people with a fabulous guide created a wonderful experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving in to Santiago de Compostela. As always, when you have put in the time and effort, reaching the destination is so satisfying and rewarding.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Aitor was top notch. He was full of knowledge, bonded really well with us and made sure we all had the best experience possible. An absolute superstar.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure your shoes are well worn in and you should escape blisters. The walking isn’t on difficult terrain just long days but taken at a relaxing pace. That said plenty of training walks and a good level of fitness always helps for a better experience. Take time to talk and bond with your fellow travellers but also take time for yourself on the walks. The hotels are a good standard and the food excellent everywhere we went.

Keith Bevan

Added October 2025

Great trip overall

This was a lovely weeks hiking and we were lucky to have great weather for all of our hiking days (October). It was great to start in Samos to 'tune in' a bit to the more busy sections of the path and having a day at the end in Santiago is essential. The distances are sometimes long, but navigation is so easy as it is so well signed, which enabled people to go at their own pace with regular meeting points for a cafe con leche. Before booking, we debated guided v unguided as it is so easy to follow but opted to go with the minimal faff option, which was good. The route was interesting and prettier than I expected, but possibly not for those who prefer more remote hiking environments and solitude.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving in Santiago at the end of a great trip

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mireia was a great guide - organised, knowledgeable and fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Consider other flight options. The group connecting flights were tight and so stressful - we had to run between terminals on the return due to a minor delay on the first (meanwhile there was a direct Vueling flight to Gatwick at almost the same time). Having 4 flights when 2 would doesn't sit well with the environmental goals? Be prepared for people on the route. Often this added to the atmosphere, but sometimes very large groups of school children could be noisy - save a bit of energy to put a spurt on and get past them and it wasn't too bad. Be prepared to queue at popular cafes and toilets.

sherry k

Added May 2025

WONDERFUL GUIDE/Gratifying, beautiful, challenging experience

The trek from Samos to Santiago de Compostela was an immersion into Galician landscape with beautiful scenery and welcoming people/stops. The early May departure meant weather was mild (routine rain expected), crowds limited, and spring blooms in full force. Our group was a joy and Aitor, our guide, was world-class. He is skilled at maintaining morale, providing specific coaching on physical skills, and has valuable connections to local providers.

Most Inspirational Moment

Entire group completing trek - specifically, the long day (19 miles) was tough as heat was rising and hills present at end of the day. Despite some physical challenges, we all persisted and maintained positive outlooks.

Thoughts on Group Leader

EXCEPTIONAL. Aitor's local expertise, deep knowledge as a guide/trekker, and skills facilitating the group were extremely valuable. I would follow him anywhere. He made each group member feel comfortable, was both informative, facilitative, patient when needed, and simply lovely.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Train. Bring rain clothes. Be prepared to walk in less-than-ideal conditions for multiple days in a row - 15,16,17 miles. For American walkers, expect hotels to be modest in room size, restaurant offerings, and less service-oriented than US customs. All clean and adequate; not a problem, just an observation.

Jackie Dollimore

Added May 2024

Survey feedback

Overall trip was a great experience

Most Inspirational Moment

Santiago cathedral was breathtaking

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvard Simenes was excellent. I lost my luggage, Al supported me and came with me to purchase some walking gear.

Katherine Dellow

Added May 2024

Amazing Experience

Well organised and planned trip. Group size was only 7 but the smaller group was better. Scenery and sights were fantastic. Our guide had very good knowledge and took us to great restaurants.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvaro Jimenez, was brilliant. He was extremely knowledgeable, passionate about travelling, good fun and looked after us so well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Switch off from everything & enjoy every moment. Listen to the advice your guide gives you on what to wear to work with the weather conditions. Always good to have a second pair of shoes or boots. Blister prevention is key.

Mark Waterman

Added October 2023

Camino de Santiago Trek

Very good.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walks in countryside.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good, helpful, knowledgeable and created good atmosphere.

Read all reviews

£ 1390

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Trekking the Camino de Santiago

Overview

Walk the classic trail across northern Spain, embracing the pilgrim spirit and earning your Compostela certificate

Key Information

What's Included

Positive Impact

Don't Forget To

Highlights

Itinerary

Dates & Prices

Need flights or extra nights? Book through us and fly with confidence

Your Group, Your Adventure

Accommodation

Hotels and pensions

Essential Information

Trip Expert

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Spain

Reviews

A Trek to Remember!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Trekking the Camino de Santiago

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Trekking the Camino de Santiago

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Trekking the Camino de Santiago

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

A special experience

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Great trip overall

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

WONDERFUL GUIDE/Gratifying, beautiful, challenging experience

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Survey feedback

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Amazing Experience

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Camino de Santiago Trek

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

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