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10/02/2021
This is probably one of the most frequently asked questions by our pilgrims. There’s no single answer but we can tell you that in only 7 days you can complete part of the Camino de Santiago and apply for the Compostela certificate. But as we said there are many answers and options to this question so keep reading.
 
Several additional factors need to be taken into account such as the number of days that you have, your physical condition to know how many kilometres you should do per day and which of the Jacobean routes leading to Santiago de Compostela you wish to choose: the French Way, the Portuguese Way, the Primitive Way, the Northern Way, the Vía de la Plata, the Camino to Fisterra and Muxía….
 
As we explained previously if you wish to apply for the Compostela certificate you need to walk 100 kilometres at least, this is the reason why the preferred route by pilgrims is the one starting in Sarria located on the French Way. It is located 114 kilometres away from Santiago de Compostela and this itinerary can be completed in 5 stages / 7 days counting the two days of travelling to and from the location. Detailed below is the itinerary of the French Way from Sarria with the corresponding number of kilometres per each stage:
Day 1: Arrival at Sarria, accommodation in Sarria
Day 2: Sarria - Portomarín 24 kms
 Day 3: Portomarín - Palas de Rei 25 kms
 Day 4: Palas de Rei - Arzúa 29 kms
 Day 5: Arzúa - Pedrouzo 19 kms
 Day 6: Pedrouzo - Santiago 20 kms
Day 7: Santiago, return trip
 
The stages of this French Way from Sarria to Santiago vary from 20 to 25 kilometres, spending about 5 to 6 hours a day walking to fulfil each stage. You will need 5 days to complete this route and 2 extra days for travelling to and from the starting point, or maybe more days depending on your country of residence and the flights available. We always recommend arriving at the starting location and spending the night there to rest and start fresh and focused on the next morning. Also at the end of each route, we highly suggest you spend the last night in Santiago de Compostela so you can enjoy the city and return home on the next day. And if you have a few more days available well an extra night in Santiago de Compostela is always a good idea.
 
There are other routes with similar distances that also allow you to apply for the Compostela certificate and need pretty much the same days:
 
The Portuguese Way from Tui to Santiago, 118 kilometres
Day 1: Arrival at Tui, accommodation in Tui
Day 2: Tui - O Porriño 18 kms
 Day 3: O Porriño - Redondela 15 kms
 Day 4: Redondela - Pontevedra 18 kms
 Day 5: Pontevedra - Caldas de Reis 23 kms
 Day 6: Caldas de Reis - Padrón 18 kms
 Day 7: Padrón - Santiago 25 kms
Day 8: Santiago, return trip
 
 The Primitive Way from Lugo to Santiago de Compostela, 101 kilometres
Day 1: Arrival at Lugo, accommodation in Lugo
Day 2: Lugo - San Romao da Retorta 20 kms
 Day 3: San Romao da Retorta - Melide 28 kms
 Day 4: Melide - Arzúa 14 kms
 Day 5: Arzúa - Pedrouzo 19 kms
 Day 6: Pedrouzo - Santiago 20 kms
Day 7: Santiago, return trip
 
 The Camino to Fisterra and Muxía: from Santiago de Compostela to Muxía 115 kilometres
Day 1: Arrival at Santiago de Compostela, accommodation in Santiago
Day 2: Santiago de Compostela - Negreira 21 kms
 Day 3: Negreira - Olveiroa 32 kms
 Day 4: Olveiroa - Fisterra 35 kms
 Day 5: Fisterra - Muxía 30 kms
Day 6: Muxía, return trip
 
The Northern Way from Vilalba to Santiago de Compostela 101 kilometres
Day 1: Arrival at Vilalba, accommodation in Vilalba
Day 2: Vilalba - Baamonde 21 kms
 Day 3: Baamonde - Sobrado dos Monxes 41 kms
 Day 4: Sobrado dos Monxes - Arzúa 21,5 kms
 Day 5: Arzúa - Pedrouzo 19 kms
 Day 6: Pedrouzo - Santiago 20 kms
Day 7: Santiago, return trip
 
 The English Way from Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela 120 kilometres
Day 1: Arrival at Ferrol, accommodation in Ferrol
Day 2: Ferrol - Neda 15 kms
 Day 3: Neda - Pontedeume 16 kms
 Day 4: Pontedeume - Betanzos 21 kms
 Day 5: Betanzos - Hospital de Bruma 28 kms
 Day 6: Hospital de Bruma - Sigüeiro 25 kms
 Day 7: Sigüeiro - Santiago de Compostela 16,5 kms
Day 8: Santiago de Compostela, return trip
 
 All the routes detailed above allow you to apply for the Compostela certificate however as we explained before the most frequented and demanded one is the French Way from Sarria to Santiago since it is rather easy to begin this adventure and it has many accommodation options and services. The other routes vary in difficulty and this is another point to consider as depending on the stage profile and its complexity you may need to add days to your trip and shorten some stages to make it most easily.
 
Other key factors to bear in mind are your physical condition, pathologies and age. Remember that the Camino de Santiago is not a competition but an adventure and pilgrimage that you must enjoy thus it is essential that you walk the appropriate number of kilometres. There are no rules regarding the number of kilometres that you should make per day, you can personalise the stages and at Galician Roots we can help you customise your trip of the Camino de Santiago so that you can fulfil it in the comfiest way. We always advise you to do a great physical preparation before your travel so that you are well prepared this way you can complete the itinerary with confidence even though keep in mind that if you need any assistance along your trip our travel agency is located in Galicia on the Camino de Santiago thus we are always available to assist you.
 
Now you only need to choose the route that you prefer and adapt it to your needs! Get to know all our Camino de Santiago tours at the following link:
https://www.galicianroots.com/en/el-camino-de-santiago.htm
 
And do not hesitate to contact us if you need to customise and plan your trip.

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