After about three quarters of the Camino Frances pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela, you will find the village of Triacastela. From Triacastela you can choose two route options. You can continue your pilgrimage route to Sarria via Samos or San Xil. Sarria is one of the most famous cities on the Camino Frances, because from Sarria you start the last 100 km to Santiago de Compostela. Both pilgrim routes are very beautiful, which makes this quite a difficult choice. In this article we want to help you make the right choice. We will explore both route so that you know what to expect if you decide to go right or left.
Pilgrim route via San Xil
The route via San Xil (the northern route) is approximately 18.3 kilometers long. Along the way you pass beautiful landscapes with many oak and chestnut trees. The first 5.5 km you walk up about 238 meters. So make sure you start the day well rested and with a hearty breakfast. Along the way you walk through various villages where you can find some bars. What is special about this route is that along the way you suddenly come across a special spot where various delicacies and drinks are displayed on a table. Here you can relax on a chair for a break and enjoy something tasty on a donation basis.
These beautiful places on the pilgrim route continue to appear as a surprise every time and put a smile on every pilgrim’s face. After 18.3 kilometers you arrive in Sarria, where the next day you start the last 100 km to Santiago de Compostela.
Pilgrim route via Samos
If you go left from Triacastela, you take the southern route along the Oribio river. If you choose this route, you will pass through the village of Samos. This pilgrimage route is indeed 6.5 km longer than the northern route, but if you still have enough energy for it, it is more than worth it. The pilgrim route runs through green forests, where you have the feeling that you are walking in another country. After about 10 km you will look out from a wooded hill over the picturesque valley where the impressive monastery of Samos appears. It’s like looking at a painting.
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This gigantic monastery complex, rich in history, is definitely worth a visit. This ancient monastery, dating from the seventh century, has been an important stop for many pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. For a few euros you can take a guided tour here by one of the six monks who still live in the monastery. Please note, this tour is only given in Spanish. So with good luck there will be a fellow pilgrim who can translate the tour for you. In addition, a mass for pilgrims is held every evening at 7 p.m.
If you choose to continue to Sarria after a short stop in Samos, after about 10 km the northern and southern (via San Xil) pilgrim route meet in Aguiada. There is a special chapel at the place where the roads meet. Don’t forget to take a look at this romantic chapel before you start your last 5 km to Sarria.
Special overnight stay in Samos
Do you want to spend the night in a unique place and enjoy the monastery and the surroundings of Samos for longer? It takes some searching, but on the left side of the monastery, next to the small gas station, you will find the entrance to an albergue. It is a simple and traditional albergue and you can spend the night here on a donation basis. This albergue is only for pilgrims and not for tourists visiting Samos. Don’t expect luxury, the facilities are primitive but it is worth the experience.
The walls and ceiling of the large dormitory are decorated with beautiful medieval paintings. Near the monastery there are several small supermarkets where you can get food. Pilgrims often eat in company at the large table in the middle of the dormitory in the evening. Admittedly a traditional pilgrim experience. As mentioned earlier, the facilities are not luxurious. But there are toilet and shower facilities available and extra blankets for a cold night. It is a true pilgrim experience!
Both route to Sarria are worth walking. Hopefully this article has given you a little more insight to make an informed choice during your Camino Frances. If you are still unsure or have any questions, please feel free to contact WAW.travel. We are happy to help you!
The Camino Frances is one of the most famous pilgrim routes to Santiago de Compostela. The route crosses a variety of landscapes, cities, historical sites and beautiful nature. This makes the Camino Frances incredibly varied. You certainly won’t get bored on this pilgrim route. This route exudes the pilgrim feeling. Would you also like to walk or cycle the Camino Frances? Let WAW.travel help you prepare so that you can start your Camino without any worries. View our offer here.
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