Stage 29: Sarria - Portomarín

The town of Sarria, with just over 13,000 inhabitants, can seem quite noisy after a few days, although this is minor compared to the arrival in Santiago de Compostela.

The city and the Sarria route are traditionally very busy because many pilgrims begin their journey here (pilgrims must walk a minimum of 100 km to receive the Compostela).

Although Sarria first appears in records during the 6th century, there is evidence of an earlier Roman settlement. The town was repopulated by Bishop Odoario of Lugo after the reconquest in the mid-8th century.

The oldest part of the town is built on the hillside, and because the railroad was built next to the town, the old town has remained fairly intact.

Some of the most emblematic historical buildings in the Sarria area are: the church of Santa Marina, the parish church of Salvador, the castle built by Count Lemos and the convent of Magdalena.

Also, on the way out of Sarria is the Ermita de San Lázaro, which was a leper colony in the Middle Ages.

There will be no problems with food or water today or during the rest of the Camino a Santiago: you will rarely be more than a few kilometers from any town or village as you will pass through a total of about 21 towns and villages.

Many pilgrims use Sarria as a starting point to receive the Compostela, since you have to walk at least the last 100 km or cycle the last 200 km.

This section runs along small roads and some country lanes, and is generally wooded. This will provide good shade in case of sunny weather. There are villages every kilometer or so. It may seem like you have just left one village when you enter the next.

This route is easier than it looks on the map. It takes about 5 hours to complete. You will pass through a few villages on this route, including Barbadelo, Peruscallo, Morgade, Ferrerios, A Pena, Mercadoiro and Vilcha. From Vilcha to Portomarín is at least 2.5 km.