Day 1: Depart home country
Flight toward Spain. Begin breaking in your walking shoes and reading the story of St James.
Opening commissioning prayer at the gate.
Day 2: Arrive & transfer to Sarria
Arrive in Spain and transfer to Sarria, the traditional starting point for the 100km. Collect your pilgrim passport (credencial) and prepare gear. Early night before the first stage.
Pilgrim's blessing to begin the Camino; first stamp in the credencial.
Day 3: Sarria to Portomarín (~22 km)
The first walking day through oak woods, hamlets and over medieval bridges to Portomarín above its reservoir. Allow 6–7 hours with stops; ease into the rhythm and tend to feet early.
Walk the morning in silence as a 'praying mile'; evening reflection together.
Day 4: Portomarín to Palas de Rei (~25 km)
A longer, rolling stage through eucalyptus groves and farmland. Pace steadily and hydrate. The companionship of the trail builds.
Pause at a wayside chapel for a decade of the rosary; shared intentions at day's end.
Day 5: Palas de Rei to Melide (~15 km)
A shorter, gentler day into Melide, famed for Galician pulpo (octopus). The lighter stage allows rest and care for tired legs.
Midday prayer of gratitude; quiet time in a village church.
Day 6: Melide to Arzúa (~14 km)
An easy stage through woodland and small streams to Arzúa, cheese country. Time in the afternoon to rest and reflect.
Walking meditation on the day's Gospel; evening examen.
Day 7: Arzúa to O Pedrouzo (~19 km)
Forest paths and farmland bring you within a day of Santiago. Anticipation builds; keep a steady, prayerful pace.
Offer the day's walk for a personal intention; evening prayer.
Day 8: O Pedrouzo to Santiago (~20 km)
The final, emotional stage through Monte do Gozo to the first sight of the cathedral spires, then into the Praza do Obradoiro. Arrive with time for the Pilgrim's Office.
Attend the Pilgrim's Mass at Santiago Cathedral; embrace the statue and pray at the tomb of St James; receive the Compostela.
Day 9: Depart from Santiago
A free morning to savour the achievement and the old city before transferring to the airport.
Closing thanksgiving Mass before departure.
