Trekking the Camino de Santiago

Name: Trekking the Camino de Santiago
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.7 (42 reviews)

42 reviews

Activity

Walking & Trekking

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

Trip Code: TSO
Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Countries: Spain
Carbon Footprint: 12kg CO2e per person per day

What's Included

All accommodation: 8 Classic 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

Don't Forget To

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations.

6 days of Walking & Trekking

Pace:

Moderate: 3mph-4mph (5kph-6kph)

Terrain:

Low altitude; good paths with some steep ascents

Day 2: 14 km / 8.7 miles
Day 3: 23 km / 14.3 miles
Day 4: 25 km / 15.5 miles
Day 5: 30 km / 18.6 miles
Day 6: 19 km / 11.8 miles
Day 7: 20 km / 12.4 miles

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: Samos
Next Destination: Santiago de Compostela

Meals included:None

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Samos
Next Destination: Santiago de Compostela

We begin the adventure in Samos, a classic start point for many Camino pilgrims. We have a welcome briefing this evening, then free time to rest or explore. Most groups head to the Monastery of San Xian de Samos to collect their Pilgrim Passport (Credencial), a significant moment that confirms your pilgrim status.

On El Camino, the passport is stamped at the accommodations, and you can collect more stamps at churches and even some cafes. We need to present the passport to the Pilgrims Office in Santiago de Compostela to receive our Compostela certificate.

Alternatively, if you’d like a little time to settle into the trip, speak to us about booking hotel nights before our adventure begins.

Accommodation: Hotel A Veiga (or similar)

Our pilgrimage begins in style: with a short detour to walk around the Monasterio de San Julian de Samos, one of the oldest monasteries in Spain. We then take one of the most unspoiled sections of the trail, walking through Galician countryside populated by traditional agricultural villages.

We continue through ancient oak forests to the town of Sarria, another popular start point for El Camino, as it’s almost exactly 62mi (100km) from Santiago de Compostela – the shortest distance you can walk and still earn a Compostela.

Accommodation: Hotel Duerming Villa de Sarria (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast

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.

Accommodation: Hotel Villajardín (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast

We 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, dates that suit you, 24-hour support, loyalty discounts, and peace of mind for delays or disruption.

Call us on 1 844 260 1517

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Accommodation

Hotels and pensions

We spend eight nights in two- and three-star hotels and pensions. All rooms feature private bathroom facilities and most offer free wifi.

The accommodations typically used can be found in the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a couple of the standout stays.

Samos: Hotel A Veiga (night 1)

Trekking the Camino de Santiago

Begin the trip at this 15-room hotel, which has a rustic bar – the perfect spot to gather with new friends and discuss the adventures ahead. The rooms themselves are clean and unfussy, plus there’s a restaurant serving an ever-changing menu.

Santiago de Compostela: Hotel Avenida (nights 7-8)

Trekking the Camino de Santiago

Make the most of your time in the capital of Galicia with a stay at Hotel Avenida, which is ideally located in the old town. The city highlights are on the doorstep (the cathedral is just a 10-minute walk away) and the rooms are modest yet cosy.

Worth knowing

There may be some departures where groups are split between two hotels in some locations. All hotels used are of a similar standard throughout.
A limited number of single rooms are available for a supplement on request.

Essential Information

Trip Expert

Kristen Whitla

Travel Copywriter

Introducing Kristen Trading Ireland’s drizzle for dry heat, Kristen spent years working as a writer and English teacher in Seville, Budapest and Hong Kong.

This trip is rated Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings please 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 4 and 5, 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 A Veiga, Avenida Compostela, 61, 27620 Samos, Lugo
Phone: +34 982 54 60 52
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There is a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: La Coruña (LCG)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 1hr 30min to two hours’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Take an Exodus transfer 

Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. 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 for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. 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.

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 Pergerino, which offers a choice of five starters, five mains and dessert, coffee and drink for about €12-€15. 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

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...

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....

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.

Kristen Whitla

Added October 2023

Following in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims

From start to finish, the trip was organised very well by our friendly expert guide Javier Ramirez. Each day, we'd have a short briefing where he explained what the terrain would be like, what stops we were making and notable highlights you'd encounter on the walk. He also kept us...

Most Inspirational Moment

The pilgrim mass in the Cathedral de Compostela on the evening we arrived was particularly spectacular. We saw the Botafumeiro swinging, which is apparently a very rare and special occurrence. Everyone was completely silent and absorbed in the moment, couples were hugging each other and pilgrims were smiling at one another, it was a very moving moment!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Javier couldn't have done more for the group. He translated menus, gave us day-by-bay breakdowns of what the terrain would be like, recommended places to visit in Santiago, and even took us to one of the oldest bars in Galicia, Modus Vivendi, for a drink after the trek was over! His enthusiasm and upbeat demeanor really helped those who were struggling during the trip, so everyone made it to the finishing line.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take it slow, it's not a race and don't forget to stop in the beautiful churches along the way. Look out for farm life too, like little goats and cows, chat to the locals as these are the moments of the trip you'll remember.

Sally Daniels

Added September 2023

Fabulous Trek

I enjoyed a fabulous trek doing the Camino de Santiago in September. Our leader Aitor was excellent and very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and patient guide. We were fortunate also in enjoying great weather too. The scenery and villages along the way were beautiful. To anyone thinking of doing this trek I...

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the square in Santiago, the Cathedral is awe inspiring and the mass very moving. I also enjoyed the many cafes and rest stops along the way where there was always a great welcome and tempting treats.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was very approachable, nothing was too much trouble. He was extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the route and great fun to walk with. I can't recommend him highly enough, he is a real credit to your organisation.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of photos and blister plasters!!

Suggestions

All the accommodation we stayed in along the route was very comfortable and clean.

Stephanie Tugwell

Added September 2023

Camino de Santiago Trek

Such a good trek. Wonderful scenery in a beautiful area of Spain, walking at a good pace to the finish line at Santiago cathedral.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing all the different people along the way and then making it all the way to Santiago cathedral finally.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Aitor was so good, keeping an eye on everyone in the group, making sure we were all ok from the slowest to the fastest. Nothing was too much trouble. His knowledge of the history and area was spot on. Absolutely faultless.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go prepared. It is not the most challenging of walks but it is a walk of distance over back to back days, you need to be up for that physically and psychologically.

Suggestions

An amazing walk to do, meeting great people along the way and in a beautiful area. Do it, you won't be disappointed.

Rose Ellison

Added October 2022

Amazing Trek

A GREAT experience, amazing scenery and good group size. The standard of the hotels varied a bit in style, breakfasts and facilities, but most were fine, clean and comfortable. The Group Leader was very informative throughout and adapted well to my deafness supporting me and making sure I was aware...

Most Inspirational Moment

Going to the Finistère on our free day "The end of the World!!" It felt like a good way to end a wonderful adventure....

Thoughts on Group Leader

The Group Leader was patient and informative. Nothing was too much trouble and he made sure I was awake every day as there were no telephones in the rooms for a morning call and being deaf, I did not hear my mobile alarm. He worked hard to make me feel included in the group and was very supportive to anyone in the group that needed it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't pack too much! Do your training beforehand. Wear in your footwear. Have a decent backpack that fits well. Be prepared for all weathers. Take a hat and sunscreen and drink plenty of water each day.

Suggestions

I just want to say a BIG THANK YOU to the Group Leader and Exodus for this WONDERFUL adventure that tested me mentally and physically. I will treasure the memory .....

Read all reviews

Trekking the Camino de Santiago

Activity Level

Comfort Level

Activity

Overview

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

Key Information

What's Included

Don't Forget To

6 days of Walking & Trekking

Highlights

Itinerary

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, dates that suit you, 24-hour support, loyalty discounts, and peace of mind for delays or disruption.

Book Your Flights With Us

Accommodation

Hotels and pensions

Essential Information

Trip Expert

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Spain

Reviews

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

Following in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Fabulous Trek

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Camino de Santiago Trek

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Amazing Trek

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

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