Triacastela
❯ Sarria
18,8km
STAGE DISTANCE
Stage 28 · French way
Information
The stage between Triacastela and Sarria via San Xil has an approximate distance of 17.8 km, a duration close to 4 hours and 15 minutes, and a profile of continuous climbs and descents, with about 350 meters of ascent and 570 meters of descent. It is a relatively short day of medium-low difficulty.
Right upon leaving Triacastela you will have to choose between two paths. The main route continues via San Xil and crosses a rural environment of forests, corredoiras, and small villages. The alternative via Samos follows the Sarria River valley and allows visiting its famous monastery, but increases the stage to about 25.1 km.
In this stage we will follow the route via San Xil, passing through A Balsa, San Xil, Montán, Furela, Pintín, Calvor, Aguiada, and San Mamede do Camiño before arriving at Sarria. It is a very green itinerary, with chestnut trees, oaks, meadows, and small rural nuclei.
Route map
Recommendation from The Way
Recommendation in stage 28: Triacastela – Sarria
Although the stage is short, you will find several climbs and stony paths, especially during the climb from A Balsa toward San Xil and in some later sections. When it has rained, the corredoiras can be wet and slippery, so it is wise to advance carefully.
You should also take into account that services are more limited than on other days. You will cross numerous small villages, so it is recommended to leave Triacastela with water and some food.
If you do the Way by bicycle, the route is manageable, but some forest sections and cobbled paths can be uncomfortable. At Alto de Riocabo, Gronze recommends cyclists continue via road instead of using the corredoira.
For people with reduced mobility, the gradients, irregular surface, and sections without shoulder require special planning. The official accessibility guide of the Way analyzes this sector differently due to terrain conditions.
Samos Variant
If you have more time, you can choose the variant via Samos, of approximately 25.1 km. It deviates southward following the environment of the Sarria River and crosses San Cristovo do Real before reaching Samos.
Its great attraction is the Monastery of San Xulián de Samos, one of the great monastic ensembles of the French Way. After Samos, the route continues via Pascais and ends joining the San Xil Way again at Aguiada.
Stage profile
A stage of 17.8 km via San Xil, with approximately 350 m of ascent and 570 m of descent. The main climb appears during the first kilometers, from A Balsa toward San Xil and Alto de Riocabo, situated at about 894 meters.
Later begins a route mainly descending via Montán, Furela, Pintín, and Calvor. At Aguiada the variant from Samos joins and the final kilometers lead more gently to Sarria.
Itinerary
· Triacastela
The stage begins traveling the main avenue of Triacastela. Shortly before leaving the locality you will find the day’s most important bifurcation.
To the left continues the Samos variant. To follow San Xil, you must take the right route, cross the LU-633, and continue via a small local road.
The Way quickly enters the Valdescuro valley, surrounded by meadows and vegetation, until reaching A Balsa.
Km 1.9
· A Balsa
A Balsa marks the beginning of this stage’s main climb.
From here you will continue via a dirt path that ascends among native vegetation. The gradient becomes more evident as you advance toward the Fonte dos Lameiros.
After the spring you will continue gaining height via an asphalt track until reaching San Xil.
Km 3.7
· San Xil
From San Xil you will still continue climbing for approximately 1.7 km until reaching Alto de Riocabo, at about 894 meters elevation.
Here the stage’s main climb ends. If the weather cooperates, from this area you will already be able to see the Sarria plain.
The Way then continues via a beautiful corredoira among chestnut and oak trees. The terrain begins to descend and leads toward Montán.
Km 6.7
· Montán
Montán is a small village already in the middle of descent.
From here you will continue toward Fontearcuda and cross the LU-P-5602 road. Further on you will meet the same road again and follow it for a short section until reaching Furela.
Km 9.9
· Furela
Furela marks approximately the halfway point of the stage.
At the exit you will again cross the LU-P-5602 and continue via a path parallel to the road. The landscape maintains the rural character of this day, among small villages, meadows, and wooded areas.
From here little more than one kilometer remains to Pintín.
Km 11.1
· Pintín
After crossing Pintín you will continue in the same direction until meeting the road again.
The Way avoids part of the asphalt by taking a path to the left that crosses an oak grove and leads toward the Calvor area.
It is another of the sections where the surface can be somewhat uncomfortable after several days of rain.
Km 12.7
· Calvor
The Way passes beside Calvor without needing to enter the nucleus too much.
You will continue for several meters beside the LU-P-5602 and then cross the road to take a path to the right.
From here barely half a kilometer remains to Aguiada.
Km 13.3
· Aguiada
Aguiada is an important point because here join the pilgrims arriving via San Xil with those who have chosen the Samos variant.
From this moment everyone continues via the same itinerary toward Sarria.
The Way is again positioned beside the LU-P-5602 and advances parallel to the road until San Mamede do Camiño.
Km 14
· San Mamede do Camiño
San Mamede do Camiño is the last of the small highlighted localities before entering Sarria.
From here you will continue via a pedestrian path parallel to the road, passing through San Pedro do Camiño and Carballal. The landscape becomes progressively more urban as you approach the end of the day.
Final Section
· Entry into Sarria
The Way empties into the LU-633 road, already within Sarria. After crossing it, you will continue via Rúa Mestre Saavedra and Rúa do Peregrino.
Later you will cross the Sarria River and reach the Escalinata Maior, a pedestrian climb that leads directly to the historic Rúa Maior.
Km 17.8
· Sarria
The stage ends in Sarria, one of the main nuclei of the French Way in Galicia and a locality whose history is closely related to the transit and reception of pilgrims.
Rúa Maior is the axis of the historic center and preserves some of the locality’s main monuments, such as the Church of San Salvador, Santa Mariña, and the Tower of the Fortress. Slightly further on is the Monastery of Magdalena.
What to See
Valley of San Xil
The route through San Xil crosses one of this stage’s most attractive natural environments.
The corredoiras, forests of oaks and chestnut trees, and small meadows especially accompany the section comprised between A Balsa, San Xil, and Montán.
Alto de Riocabo
Alto de Riocabo is found after San Xil and reaches approximately 894 meters elevation.
It marks the highest point of the main variant and the end of the day’s most important climb. From here begins the progressive descent toward Sarria.
Rúa Maior of Sarria
Rúa Maior is Sarria’s main historic street and forms a direct part of the French Way.
Along it you will find traditional buildings and several of the village’s most important monuments.
Church of San Salvador
The Church of San Salvador forms part of Sarria’s historic center monumental ensemble and is one of the main examples of the locality’s medieval heritage. Galicia Tourism lists it among the most outstanding religious buildings linked to the Way in Sarria.
Monastery of Santa María Magdalena
The Monastery of Magdalena is located beside the Way’s route at the exit from the historic center.
Its origin is related to a medieval religious foundation and preserves Romanesque and Gothic elements, in addition to later transformations.
Tower of the Fortress
The Tower of the Fortress is the main conserved remains of Sarria’s ancient fortification.
It is located very close to Rúa Maior and forms part of the heritage ensemble you will encounter while exploring the historic center.
Localities
Triacastela
Triacastela is the starting point of this stage and the place where you will have to choose between the San Xil and Samos paths.
The main route continues toward A Balsa and San Xil, while the variant heads toward the Sarria River valley and the Monastery of Samos.
A Balsa
A Balsa is the first small locality of the San Xil route.
From here begins the stage’s main climb, via a dirt track surrounded by vegetation that leads toward San Xil.
San Xil
San Xil gives its name to the main variant between Triacastela and Sarria.
After crossing it you will continue climbing toward Alto de Riocabo to later enter a corredoira surrounded by oak and chestnut trees.
Montán
Montán is located already on the stage’s descending slope.
From this small village the Way continues via Fontearcuda until meeting again the road that leads toward Furela.
Furela
Furela is a small locality situated approximately ten kilometers from Triacastela.
The Way crosses it before continuing via a route parallel to the road toward Pintín.
Pintín
Pintín forms part of the succession of small rural villages that characterize this stage.
At its exit you will again enter wooded paths before continuing toward Calvor.
Calvor
Calvor is located already very close to the junction with the variant from Samos.
The Way passes beside the locality and continues toward Aguiada via paths close to the LU-P-5602.
Aguiada
Aguiada is the point where the San Xil and Samos routes converge.
From here all pilgrims again share the same route during the final kilometers to Sarria.
San Mamede do Camiño
San Mamede do Camiño is one of the last small populations before arriving at Sarria.
From here the route continues via San Pedro do Camiño and Carballal before definitively entering the urban area.
Sarria
Sarria is the end of this stage and one of the great Jacobean nuclei of the French Way in Galicia.
Rúa Maior, the Church of San Salvador, Santa Mariña, the Tower of the Fortress, and the Monastery of Magdalena form part of its main historical heritage.
Route map
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