Last 100 kilometer to Santiago de Compostela: Everything You Need to Know
So you’ve made a decision: you want to walk the last 100 kilometer to Santiago de Compostela. That is already a very important step. But which route do you take? After all, several roads lead to the pilgrim city. To prepare you well for an epic last 100 kilometer to Santiago de Compostela we list 8 great routes in this blog, all of which will take you to Santiago de Compostela.
Why choose to walk the last 100 kilometer to Santiago de Compostela
There are three reasons for this:
- The Compostela: The badge of honor for every pilgrim is the Compostela. If you walk 100 kilometers to Santiago de Compostela (and collect 2 stamps per day) you earn this official certificate. Strictly speaking, the Compostela is a religious document. The Santiago Cathedral pilgrimage office explicitly says it will only be issued to those who make the journey for “religious or spiritual reasons, or at least an inquisitive attitude.”
This becomes even clearer when reading the prayer at the Compostela (translation taken from the Pilgrim Office website:
The Chapter of this Holy Apostolic and Metropolitan Cathedral of Compostela, keeper of the seal of the Altar of St. James to all the faithful and pilgrims who arrive from anywhere on the globe of the earth with an attitude of devotion or because of a vow or promise to make a pilgrimage to the Tomb of the Apostle, Our Patron Saint and Protector of Spain, acknowledges before all who observe this document that: …………… has devotedly visited this most sacred temple with Christian feeling (pietatis causa).
- Rich cultural experience: the last stretch is not just a walk; it’s a cultural rollercoaster. Charming villages, historic monuments and encounters with fellow pilgrims from all corners of the world – and the locals from this specific corner. It is a unique blend of history, tradition and self-discovery that will be the trip of a lifetime.
- Do you only have a week? Perfect! Walking the last 100 kilometer to Santiago de Compostela
takes about 6 days. Two travel days will give you exactly 8 days. This makes the last 100 kilometer to Santiago de Compostela an achievable adventure for everyone. The last 100 kilometer to Santiago de Compostela is ideal as a holiday, part of a sabbatical or even a last-minute escape from your daily routine.
These are the 8 most popular walking routes off the last 100 kilometer to Santiago de Compostela
1. Sarria to Santiago
Yes, this is the option everyone thinks of when we talk about the last 100 kilometer to Santiago de Compostela – and for a reason! Starting your 100 kilometer Santiago de Compostela in Sarria means wandering through picturesque places like Barbadelo and Ferreiros, where every stone tells a story. If you choose this option, you will fall in love with the medieval charm of Portomarín.
And the arrival in Santiago? This is the most beautiful from the Camino Francés, the last 100 kilometer to Santiago de Compostela. From Monto do Gozo you can already see the tower of the cathedral of the pilgrim city in the distance.
2. Biaona to Santiago
The 100 kilometers of Santiago de Compostela that attracts more pilgrims every year: the Portuguese coastal route from Baiona. This 120 kilometer route is a feast for the eyes. You will walk through vineyards, eucalyptus forests and charming villages, such as Vilanova de Cerveira and Arcade, with its beautiful medieval bridge.
3. Ourense to Santiago
Ready for the last 100 kilometer to Santiago de Compostela more inland? This 110 kilometer route starting in the city of Ourense, known for its thermal baths, is also a good option for history buffs. You feel like you’re in a storybook from the past. Roman bridges and you pass historic cities such as Bandeira. Not many pilgrims know and walk this pilgrimage. And so during this 100 kilometer Santiago de Compostela you can enjoy the peace and quiet around you.
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4. Tui to Santiago
This last 100 kilometer to Santiago de Compostela is not just any walk. The start is in the medieval town of Tui. From here you walk through green and nature-rich Galicia to reach your final destination Santiago de Compostela. Tui is located on the border with Portugal and the Minho River and is the starting point of this beautiful pilgrimage. With its maze of small streets and the famous cathedral, Tui is truly one of the most beautiful towns in Galicia. The route continues via beautiful old fishing villages and panoramic views that the Costa del Muerte has to offer.
5. Lugo to Santiago
Lugo, with its well-preserved Roman walls, is the starting point for this 98 kilometer long last 100 kilometer to Santiago de Compostela. You will have plenty of opportunities to eat traditional Galician cuisine, smell the delicious eucalyptus forests, get lost in charming villages and travel between rural and urban landscapes that define these last 100 kilometer to Santiago de Compostela.
6. Ferrol to Santiago
The Camino Inglés that starts in Ferrol, a coastal gem and takes you to the beautiful, medieval charm of Betanzos. Brace yourself for the climb to Hospital de Bruma and then enjoy the amazing descent to Santiago. This last 100 kilometer to Santiago de Compostela is demanding in some parts, but the reward is nothing short of spectacular!
7. Vilalba to Santiago
You start your last 100 kilometer to Santiago de Compostela from the historic trading town of Vilalba. The Camino del Norte then leads you across agricultural lands in the interior of rural Galicia until you reach Santiago de Compostela.
In Arzua this route joins the Camino Francés and the Camino Primitivo. And that is an ideal combination! Because you can enjoy the tranquility of the Camino del Norte as well as the more popular and social aspect of the Camino Frances.
8. Camino Espiritual
The Camino Spiritual, a variant of the Camino Portugues, starts in the city of Pontevedra and runs for two stages through the beautiful region of O Salnés. Pilgrims on this route can recreate by sea the journey of the remains of the Apostle St. James, sailing through the waters of the Arousa Estuary.
But in addition to the sea experience, on this variant you will discover beautiful monuments and landscapes, such as the Monastery of Armenteira or the route of A Piedra y Aqua, a beautiful stretch of 8 km characterized by the presence of dozens of water mills surrounded by dense vegetation.
Does the last 100 kilometer to Santiago de Compostela call to you?
If the last 100 kilometer to Santiago de Compostela calls to you, we are happy to help you. Whether you’re drawn to the historic charm of Tui, the coastal allure of Oia or the wonders of the inland Ourense, request a quote from us today and enjoy your adventure. You put on your walking shoes and we will take care of the rest!
Do you want to spend a week walking the Camino de Santiago, but you don’t necessarily have to arrive in Santiago de Compostela? Then there are even more options. You can read them in this blog.
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