Do you want to experience the Camino de Santiago but don’t want to walk long distances? Every year, thousands of pilgrims look for options to complete the shortest route of the Camino de Santiago. The good news is that there are alternatives perfectly designed for those who don’t want to walk very long stretches of the route.
Sarria to Santiago: The short route par excellence
The section from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela has established itself as the most popular option among those seeking the shortest Camino de Santiago. At approximately 110-113 kilometers, this route meets the minimum requirement for obtaining the Compostela: the 100 km on foot that certify your pilgrimage.
This route runs entirely through Galicia and has excellent services: hostels every few kilometers, shops, restaurants, and clear signage that makes it practically impossible to get lost.
The stages of the short route
One of the advantages of this route is its flexibility. Each pilgrim can adapt the distances according to their pace and availability. The route combines rural sections, wooded trails, and historic towns that make each day different.
The classic stages include sections such as:
- Sarria-Portomarín (22 km), where you will cross the Belesar reservoir through meadows and chestnut forests. You will see the first granaries and visit the famous Roman bridge and medieval churches of Portomarín.
- Portomarín-Palas de Rei (25 km), crossing eucalyptus and oak forests and visiting several small villages until a steep descent leads to the Mino River. Before reaching Palas del Rei, you will see the famous Lameiros stone cross from 1670.
- Palas del Rei – Arzúa (29 km), where you can visit the 12th-century church of San Tirso, cross the Iso River, and enjoy the most spectacular landscapes of the Camino.
- Arzúa – Santiago (39 km), where you will start walking downhill and then pass through beautiful forests, quiet villages, and cross several streams throughout the day. This section has plenty of restaurants and services for pilgrims. The last part of the route runs along quiet roads and paths before the final kilometers to Santiago.
We can adjust the daily distances according to your physical fitness or the time you have available, completing the route in five intense days or extending it to a more relaxed week.
Advantages of the shortest route of the Camino de Santiago
One of the great advantages of the shortest route of the Camino de Santiago is its ease. The section from Sarria, in particular, stands out for having few steep slopes, being well signposted and, in some sections, running along paved or compacted dirt roads.
This makes it a viable option for families with children, older people or those new to hiking without intensive prior training. The well-developed tourist infrastructure ensures that you will always have support nearby if you need it.
Requirements for obtaining the Compostela
To complete the shortest Camino de Santiago, you must obtain the official pilgrimage certificate, for which you need to meet two basic conditions:
- Complete at least 100 kilometers on foot or horseback, or 200 if you are traveling by bicycle.
- Have your pilgrim’s credential stamped at churches, hostels, or authorized establishments. These must be located on the routes of the Camino, which have arrows, shells, or references to the Camino, and their stamps must be clear and legible, dated, and show a logical progression of the route. In addition, from the last 100 km on foot, as in the case of the shortest route of the Camino de Santiago, you need 2 stamps per day.
Short alternatives depending on the Camino
If you are looking for different experiences, there are other routes that are also considered the shortest route of the Camino de Santiago and allow you to complete the minimum distance in a few days.
Short alternative on the French Way
O Cebreiro to Santiago (156 km): Starting in O Cebreiro allows you to experience the mythical entrance to Galicia from above. This 6-7 day stretch includes Celtic pallozas, breathtaking mountain scenery, and the entire Galician route to the cathedral.
Short alternative on the Portuguese Way
Valença do Minho to Santiago (115 km): Just above the minimum, this 5-day stretch starts at the impressive fortress of Valença, on the border with Spain. It is a less traveled option than from Tui, but equally beautiful and with excellent services.
Short alternative on the Ignatian Way
San Sebastián to Barcelona (129 km): It starts at the Sanctuary of Loyola or Aránzazu and continues to Logroño, where you connect with the French Way. From Logroño, you would still need to walk to a point that leaves you 100 km from Santiago (such as León or Astorga) to then complete the final stretch.z
Preparing for your short journey
Even though these routes only take a few days, they require some preparation. Prepare your boots in advance, carry a light backpack with the essentials, and, above all, check the weather forecast. Galicia can be generous with rain, even in summer. Also, remember to get your pilgrim’s credential before starting the journey, available from Camino associations, churches, or even in Sarria itself.
At The Way Tours, we can take care of everything for you. We design personalized itineraries that adapt to your pace, dates, and preferences, managing accommodations, luggage transfers, and all the logistics. Contact us and start planning your route.
