The Last 100 Kilometers of the Camino de Santiago: Significance, Rules, and All Starting Points

"De laatste 100 kilometer" – weinig uitdrukkingen klinken zo vaak als het over de Camino de Santiago gaat. Voor sommigen is het de entree tot de pelgrimstocht; voor anderen de bekroning van een lange reis. 100 kilometer is de minimumafstand die je te voet moet afleggen om de Compostela te ontvangen – het officiële pelgrimscertificaat van de kathedraal. En rond dit kenmerk hebben de klassieke startplaatsen zich gevestigd: de plaatsen die vroeger als formele eis golden en vanwaar ook nu nog de overgrote meerderheid van de pelgrims begint.

This makes it the most famous and, by far, the most popular stage of the entire trail network. In this article, we’ll explain what the final 100 kilometers are all about, what rules apply—and describe all nine typical starting points in detail so you can choose the one that’s right for you.

Why 100 kilometers, of all distances?

The figure comes from the rules of the Pilgrim Office (Oficina del Peregrino) in Santiago. To receive the Compostela you must cover at least 100 kilometres on foot or horseback – or 200 kilometres by bicycle. The route must follow a recognised pilgrimage path and end in Santiago de Compostela. Because 100 kilometres is the minimum threshold, fixed starting points have established themselves just above this mark. The best known is Sarria on the Camino Francés – approximately 114 kilometres from Santiago. Those who want a safety margin start a little further out.

Wat er in 2024 veranderde

Since 2024 these 100 kilometres no longer have to be the very last stretch before Santiago. Previously the rule was strict: the route had to be the final section immediately before the city – anyone who had only walked a middle section without continuing to Santiago received no Compostela. The Pilgrim Office (Oficina del Peregrino) changed this in 2024: any continuous section of a recognised pilgrimage route now counts, as long as it leads to Santiago de Compostela. For routes that run entirely or partly outside Spain, a 70-kilometre rule applies: at least 70 of the required 100 kilometres must be walked on Spanish soil. In practice nothing changes for the vast majority of pilgrims.

What changed in 2024

For a long time the rule was clear: the 100 kilometres had to be the very last stretch before Santiago – the final section leading directly into the city. Anyone who had only walked a middle section of a route without continuing all the way to Santiago did not receive the Compostela. In 2024 the Pilgrim Office (Oficina del Peregrino) relaxed this requirement. Since then the 100 kilometres no longer have to be the closing stage of the journey: any continuous section of a recognised pilgrimage route counts, provided you continue that route all the way to Santiago de Compostela. For routes that run entirely or partly outside Spain there is an additional 70-kilometre rule: at least 70 of the required 100 kilometres must be walked on Spanish soil. In practice, however, nothing changes for the vast majority of pilgrims: the last 100 kilometres before Santiago – starting around Sarria, for example – remain the classic approach, walked by most people exactly as before, when it was still a formal requirement.

The Rules for the Compostela

Om er zeker van te zijn dat jouw 100 kilometer meetellen voor het certificaat, zijn er een paar dingen om op te letten:

• Pilgrim's Pass (Credencial): You'll need a pilgrim's passport, in which you'll collect stamps along the way. It serves as proof of your pilgrimage.
• Two stamps per day: For the last 100 kilometers (or 200 km by bike), the Pilgrimage Office has required two stamps per day since 2025—one at the start and one at the end of each stage. Stamps are available at hostels, bars, churches, and many local communities.
• On foot or by bike: 100 km on foot or on horseback, 200 km by bicycle. The route must be continuous and lead directly to Santiago with a final leg.
• Motivation: For the religious-spiritual Compostela, you must indicate a religious or spiritual reason. Those who make the pilgrimage for purely athletic or cultural reasons will receive the Certificado, a certificate of distance, instead.
• Distance Learning Certificate (optional): In addition, for a small fee, you can purchase a certificate showing your starting point and the distance you covered—a nice keepsake.

Tip: Be patient when you reach Santiago—during peak season, there are long lines at the pilgrim office.

Sarria: The Classic—and Its Dark Side

Sarria is by far the most popular starting point. Around 31 percent All pilgrims who receive the Compostela begin their journey here—that’s over 165,000 people in 2025 alone. From here to Santiago, it’s about 114 kilometers along the Camino Francés, the world’s most popular pilgrimage route—roughly five to six stages. Gentle green hills, granite villages, eucalyptus forests, and excellent infrastructure make the route particularly appealing to beginners.

The downside: It gets very crowded during the summer months. In some places, lines form in front of the city hostels as early as the morning, and the quiet, meditative character of the trail suffers from the crowds. However, those who want to experience the last 100 kilometers in a more peaceful way have many alternatives.

The Last 100 Kilometers—What the Numbers Say

How common is it really to walk the last 100 kilometers of the pilgrimage? The data from the Oficina del Peregrino speaks for itself. In 2025, a total of 530,919 people received the Compostela—more than ever before in the history of the Camino de Santiago. Of these, about 51 percent on one of the classic 100-kilometer sections—that is, in Sarria, Tui/Valença, Ferrol, or Vigo. More than one in three started in Sarria alone.

• Sarria (French Way, ~114 km):~31% of all pilgrims—by far the most popular starting point
• Tui and Valença do Minho (Portuguese Way—Central Route, ~119 km): combined ~10%
• Ferrol (English Way, ~113 km):~5 %
• Vigo (Senda Litoral, ~102 km):~2 %
• Other 100-km starting locations (Lugo, Ourense, Chantada, Baamonde, Lires): together ~3%

By way of comparison: In 2019, the last normal year before the pandemic, about 44 percent of all pilgrims set out on 100-kilometer segments—Sarria alone accounted for 28 percent at that time. That percentage has risen steadily since then. Whether the stricter Compostela rules set to take effect in 2025 (two stamps per day instead of one) will slow or reverse this trend remains to be seen in the coming years.

An Overview of All 8 Starting Locations

All 8 starting locations in detail

The 100-kilometer rule applies to every officially recognized Camino—not just the Camino Francés. There are ten well-established starting points around Galicia from which you can walk to earn your Compostela. Here you’ll find a detailed description of each location and the most important travel information—so you’ll not only know, that not only that this possibility exists, but also such as where you'll be going and what to expect.

Sarria – Camino Francés from Sarria (~114 km)

Sarria is located in the Lugo region, on a hillside overlooking the river of the same name. The town is small but deeply welcoming to pilgrims: hostels, gear shops, restaurants, and credencial issuance offices line Calle Mayor. From here, the route follows the classic Camino Francés through the heart of Galicia—a landscape of rolling hills, eucalyptus groves, granite villages, and ancient stone bridges that has remained virtually unchanged for centuries. The path is wide, well-marked, and features a yellow arrow every hundred meters.

The stages between Sarria and Santiago are the most densely populated on the entire Camino de Santiago. Nowhere else do you encounter so many people at once—pilgrims from all over the world, school groups, elderly couples, and solo pilgrims carrying decades of life experience with them. This can be inspiring, and for many, this very density of people is part of the experience. At the same time, those seeking silence should either set out early or opt for a quieter route.

The classic route is divided into five to six stages: Sarria → Portomarín (22 km), Portomarín → Palas de Rei (25 km), Palas de Rei → Arzúa (29 km), Arzúa → O Pedrouzo (19 km), O Pedrouzo → Santiago (20 km). If you split the last stage into two days, you can spend the night in Lavacolla or Monte do Gozo—with the advantage of arriving at the cathedral on the last day well-rested and without any time pressure. There are plenty of hostels, but during peak season (July/August), it’s best to make reservations in advance.

Getting There: Sarria is easily accessible by train. The Santiago–Lugo–Sarria line stops at the station several times a day; the trip from Santiago takes about two hours. If you’re arriving via Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ), take the airport bus to Santiago Centro and from there, take the train toward Lugo. ALSA, among others, operates direct buses from Santiago to Sarria (about 2 hours). There are also train connections from Madrid via Lugo (Alvia, about 5 hours).

Valença (Tui) – Camino Portugués, Zentralroute (~119 km)

We recommend Valença as the ideal starting point for the Central Route of the Camino Portugués—because here you’ll still be on Portuguese soil. This Baroque fortified town lies directly on the Minho River, across from Tui on the Spanish side. Setting out from Valença means you’ll cross the historic bridge over the Minho on foot and enter Spain with your very first kilometer on the Camino de Santiago—a defining moment that lends the start a special symbolic significance. The fortified town of Valença itself is impressive: fully preserved, with small pilgrim shops, cafés, and a relaxed, adventurous atmosphere. For those who prefer to start on the Spanish side: Tui is just a bridge away and is also a viable option—the old town, with its fortress-like cathedral and medieval alleyways, is well worth a visit.

The route from Valença follows the Camino Portugués through the Galician wine-growing region of Rías Baixas—gentle hills covered with vineyards, dirt paths winding between old stone walls, and small chapels and cruceiros (stone roadside crosses) dotted along the way. You’ll meet pilgrims from Portugal who’ve already been on the road for days; this gives the start a different energy than simply getting off the bus. The infrastructure is well-developed, hostels are reliably available, and the stages are shorter and more peaceful than on the Francés.

Typical stage breakdown: Valença → Tui → O Porriño (approx. 15 km, including border crossing), O Porriño → Redondela (16 km), Redondela → Pontevedra (18 km, with a view of the Ría), Pontevedra → Caldas de Reis (22 km), Caldas de Reis → Padrón (20 km), Padrón → Santiago (25 km). Padrón—the birthplace of the Galician poet Rosalía de Castro—is a worthwhile detour. Note: If you’d like to start on the Spanish side, you can also begin in Tui (~119 km) or O Porriño (~101 km).

Getting There: The easiest way to get to Valença is via Porto Airport (OPO): From Porto, the CP regional train goes directly to Valença—the trip takes about two hours, with no transfers. Valença has its own train station right at the foot of the fortress. For those traveling from Spain or via Madrid: take the AVE to Vigo (about 2.5 hours from Madrid), then the regional train to Tui (about 20 minutes), followed by a walk across the bridge to Valença—or start your journey directly in Tui. From Santiago Airport, the ALSA bus runs directly to Tui (about 1.5 hours).

Vigo – Senda Litoral (~102 km)

The Camino Portugués da Costa—the coastal route—begins in Vigo with one of the most impressive backdrops on the entire Way of St. James: The city lies on the deeply indented Ría de Vigo, a fjord-like estuary, and if you walk down to the harbor, you’ll see the Cíes Islands on the horizon—a nature reserve that is regularly ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Europe. The route heads north along the coast: rocky beaches, fishing villages with granite houses, oyster beds right along the path, and the ever-present scent of salt and the Atlantic.

The Coastal Route is the more picturesque—but also slightly more challenging—alternative to the Central Route. The signage is less frequent, and the network of hostels is somewhat more limited. If you’re looking for a quiet, more unspoiled path and love the sea, this is the place for you. The Coastal and Central Routes converge near Redondela—from there, both routes share the same stages on the way to Santiago. If you’d like to walk more than 102 km, start in Baiona (approx. 124 km), a charming historic coastal town with a beautiful first stage along the Atlantic coast.

Typical stages: Vigo → Redondela (approx. 20 km, optionally by ferry across the Ría), Redondela → Pontevedra (18 km), Pontevedra → Caldas de Reis (22 km), Caldas de Reis → Padrón (20 km), Padrón → Santiago (25 km). The first section, Vigo–Redondela, is mostly through the city; if you’d like to skip that, you can take the small ferry from Vigo to Cangas or Moaña and join the route there.

Getting There: Vigo has its own airport (VGO) with flights from Madrid, Barcelona, and several other European cities. The Vigo-Urzáiz train station has excellent connections: AVE/Alvia trains from Madrid take just under 2.5 hours, and regional trains from Porto (Portugal) take about an hour. The Porto Airport (OPO) is also a good option—from there, you can reach Vigo by bus or train in about 1.5 hours.

A little-known fact explains why Vigo is considered the starting point for the 100-km race in the first place: The official Portuguese Coastal Route leaves the coast as early as Caminha and leads through Valence into the interior of the country, where it merges with the Zentralweg—passing by Vigo. Only the Coastal Trail really does stay along the coast, passes through Vigo, and doesn't flow into Redondela onto the Zentralweg. Strictly speaking, then, it’s the Senda Litoral that you’ll be walking along from Vigo—and not the officially recognized coastal trail.

Nevertheless, the cathedral issues the Compostela from Vigo: At the pilgrim office, you can Vigo as the starting point and intersects with the coastal trail—this is accepted. Thousands of pilgrims do this every year. It’s a special case within the system of official routes, and it works very well in practice.

Ferrol – English Way (~113 km)

The Camino Inglés is historically one of the oldest routes to Santiago. In the Middle Ages, pilgrims from England, Ireland, and Scotland traveled by ship to Ferrol or A Coruña and walked the remaining kilometers on foot. Today, the route begins at the port of Ferrol—a naval garrison town with a colonial-era old town and a ría that cuts deep into the land. The route starts off unassuming, but after just a few kilometers, a surprisingly varied landscape unfolds: panoramic views of the ría, oak and pine forests, vineyards, and medieval villages.

The Camino Inglés is the quietest of the well-known 100-km routes. If you’re looking for peace and quiet but still want good infrastructure, this route offers the best balance. An important note: From A Coruña, it’s only about 75 km to Santiago—that’s enough. not for the Compostela, if you enter the country on foot. The minimum distance of 100 km requires starting in Ferrol.

Typical itinerary for five to six days: Ferrol → Neda (about 12 km, a short first stage) or directly to Pontedeume (about 27 km), Pontedeume → Betanzos (17 km), Betanzos → Bruma (25 km, the toughest day), Bruma → Sigüeiro (approx. 25 km), Sigüeiro → Santiago (approx. 15 km). The trail is well-marked, but the signs are less ubiquitous than on the Francés route—an offline GPS app is recommended.

Getting There: The regional train (cercanías) runs from A Coruña to Ferrol in about 50 minutes, several times a day. A Coruña can be reached from Madrid by AVE in about 3.5 hours. A Coruña Airport (LCG) offers flights to Madrid; for international flights, Santiago de Compostela (SCQ) is the better option. Take the bus from SCQ to A Coruña (about 1 hour), then the regional train to Ferrol (50 minutes).

Lugo – Primitive Route (~100 km)

Those who start in Lugo begin their Camino at one of Europe’s most impressive monuments: the fully preserved Roman city wall from the 3rd century AD, which encircles the entire Old Town and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A stroll along the top of the wall the evening before setting out is a must. From Lugo, the Camino Primitivo—the “Original Way,” said to be the oldest pilgrimage route of all—leads through the wildest and most unspoiled parts of Galicia: vast plateaus, dense oak and chestnut forests, and ancient stone villages where time moves slowly.

From Lugo, it’s about 100 kilometers to Santiago—the minimum distance, meaning without any leeway. If you want to be sure that all your stamps will be accepted, start one town further east. The route is more challenging than the Francés: longer stages, less frequent infrastructure, and narrower paths in some sections. This isn’t a drawback, but rather the essence of the Primitivo. Near Melide, the trail meets the Camino Francés; you’ll then share the final 55 kilometers with Francés pilgrims.

Typical stage breakdown: Lugo → Ferreira (approx. 18 km), Ferreira → Castroverde (approx. 14 km), Castroverde → A Fonsagrada (approx. 22 km, challenging), continuing in several stages to Melide (Lugo to Melide approx. 45 km), then Melide → Arzúa → O Pedrouzo → Santiago. A total of five to seven days, depending on your walking pace. There are hostels, but be sure to make reservations in advance—especially for the first stages leading to Lugo.

Getting There: Lugo is located on the main rail line between Madrid and A Coruña. The regional train runs from Santiago to Lugo several times a day, taking about 1.5 hours. From Madrid, there are Alvia connections that take about four hours. By bus, Lugo can be reached from Santiago in one hour (several daily connections). The Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ) is about 100 km away; Lugo does not have its own airport.

Baamonde – Northern Way (~101 km)

The Camino del Norte—the Northern Way—starts in the Basque Country, follows the rugged Cantabrian coast through Asturias, and continues into the Galician hinterland. Those who start in Baamonde join a route that others have already been traveling for weeks. Baamonde itself is a small village without much of a town atmosphere, but it boasts one of the oldest pilgrim hostels in Galicia and a peaceful, almost meditative forest landscape. The trail winds through dense forests of oak, birch, and eucalyptus, past tiny hamlets, along paths that you’ll often have all to yourself on weekdays.

The Camino del Norte from Baamonde is one of the least-traveled sections within the 100-km zone. No crowds, no waiting lists at hostels—and an experience of the trail that many find more profound and authentic than the crowded sections of the Francés. The first stage from Baamonde to Sobrado dos Monxes is long (about 40 km) and can be broken up by stopping in the village of Miraz, where a small monastery runs a simple hostel. The Benedictine monastery of Sobrado dos Monxes is a timeless destination: you’ll spend the night in the heart of a medieval monastic complex.

Typical stage breakdown: Baamonde → Miraz (approx. 23 km), Miraz → Sobrado dos Monxes (approx. 22 km), Sobrado → Arzúa (approx. 22 km; this is where the Norte Route meets the Francés Route), Arzúa → O Pedrouzo (19 km), O Pedrouzo → Santiago (20 km). From Arzúa on, you share the last 40 km with pilgrims on the Francés route—a lovely transition from a solitary journey to a communal experience.

Getting There: Baamonde has its own train station—which is rare for a 100-km starting point. The A Coruña–Lugo line stops in Baamonde; the trip takes about 20 minutes from Lugo and about an hour from A Coruña. Alternatively, you can take a bus or taxi from Lugo (about 25 km). The nearest international airports are A Coruña (LCG, about 70 km) or Santiago de Compostela (SCQ, about 80 km). Lugo is easily accessible from both, and from there, the journey to Baamonde is straightforward.

Ourense – Sanabrés Route / Vía de la Plata (~107 km)

Ourense is one of the liveliest cities in Galicia and an exceptional starting point for pilgrims: Right on the outskirts of the city, hot thermal springs bubble up from the ground—the Caldas de Ourense are free to access and offer the perfect ritual on the eve of your departure. The Old Town, with its Romanesque cathedral, narrow streets, and the medieval Ponte Vella bridge over the Miño River, is one of the most authentic in Galicia. From here, the Camino Sanabrés winds through southern Galicia—a region that is wilder, more secluded, and more unspoiled than the north.

The Camino Sanabrés is part of one of the longest routes on the Way of St. James in Spain—those who start in Seville have over 1,000 km ahead of them. From Ourense, the final 107 km are still full of character: the vineyards of Ribeiro, the Serra do Faro, long plateaus, and a landscape that remains unspoiled by tourism. Those who start here will encounter pilgrims who have been on the road for months—which lends the route its own quiet intensity.

Typical stage breakdown: Ourense → Cea (approx. 32 km, very long—can be split via Paderne), Cea → Lalín (approx. 29 km), Lalín → A Laxe (approx. 21 km), A Laxe → Santiago (approx. 25 km). Alternatively, you can split the first stage and spend the night in Seixalbo or Paderne. From Lalín onward, the Sanabrés meets the Camino de Invierno—the final stages to Santiago are walked together.

Getting There: Since the AVE line opened in 2021, Ourense has been the most accessible 100-km starting point by train. From Santiago de Compostela, you can reach Ourense by high-speed train in just about 30 minutes. From Madrid, the AVE takes about two hours. This means that Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ) is effectively only half an hour away. Ourense is also easily accessible by regional train from Vigo and Pontevedra.

Chantada – Winter Trail, Winterweg (~103 km)

The Camino de Invierno—the Winter Way—was developed in the Middle Ages as an alternative to the snow-covered O Cebreiro route. It runs from Ponferrada in the Bierzo Valley through southern Galicia and is one of the least well-known official routes to Santiago de Compostela. From Chantada (103 km), the route winds through a landscape that has remained largely untouched by the 21st century: terraced vineyards, granite villages without guesthouses, and old stone bridges spanning Galician rivers. At times, you’ll be the only person for miles around.

The Invierno route is popular among experienced pilgrims who are already familiar with the Francés route because of its seclusion. Signage is less frequent—a good pilgrimage app or GPS map is not a luxury, but a necessity. Hostels are scarce; advance reservations are required. An alternative starting point to Chantada is Monforte de Lemos (also about 103 km), a medieval town with an imposing castle towering high above the Lemos Valley. From Lalín, the Invierno route joins the Sanabrés route, and the final stages to Santiago are walked together.

Typical stage breakdown: Chantada → Rodeiro (approx. 24 km), Rodeiro → Lalín (approx. 21 km), Lalín → A Laxe (approx. 21 km), A Laxe → Santiago (approx. 25 km). Those starting in Monforte de Lemos add an initial stage to Chantada (approx. 25 km).

Getting There: Monforte de Lemos is about an hour away from Santiago by regional train (via Ourense)—it has much better train service than Chantada itself. The train ride from Ourense to Monforte takes about 30 minutes. Chantada is accessible by bus (Monbus, about 1.5 hours from Santiago). If you arrive at the AVE station in Ourense, you can easily continue on to Monforte from there.

Two more options—for anyone looking for something special

If you’re familiar with the eight classic routes and are looking for something a little more off the beaten path, there are two other officially recognized options for walking the final 100 kilometers to Santiago. Both meet the cathedral’s minimum requirements—but both require a bit more planning than the more common routes.

Muxía – via Finisterre to Santiago (~120 km)

Anyone who The Way of Finisterre goes in the opposite direction, starts at Muxía at the Santuario da Virxe da Barca—the westernmost pilgrimage site in Galicia. From there, the route first runs for about 30 km along the Coast of Death to Finisterre, then another 90 km or so through the Galician countryside back to Santiago. Together, that adds up to about 120 km—which is the minimum required for the Compostela. Those who don’t set out until they reach Finisterre will only cover about 90 km and, technically, will not receive a certificate.

The Getting There Getting to Muxía is easy: Monbus runs several times a day directly from Santiago to Muxía, and the trip takes just under two hours. You’ll hardly encounter any other pilgrims along the way—almost everyone walks this route in the opposite direction, as a day trip from Santiago. The scenery more than makes up for it: the Costa da Morte, with its rugged cliffs, secluded beaches, and small fishing villages, is considered Galicia’s wildest coastal region.

Muros – Camino de la Ría de Muros-Noia (~102 km, both branches)

The Camino de la Ría de Muros-Noia is the most recent of the routes recognized by the cathedral—it was only recognized on December 15, 2020. It begins in Walls It runs along the Galician Ría of the same name and leads to Santiago in four stages (a total of 79.2 km). However, these 79 kilometers alone are not enough to earn the Compostela. The route consists of two branches that meet in Noia: Only those who also complete the Porto do Son, Asturias (approx. 17 km) adds up to the required ~102 kilometers.

This makes the logistics a bit more complicated than on other routes—you have to combine both branches and choose the right starting point. On top of that, the infrastructure is still under development: As of 2026, there is only one pilgrim hostel (Portus Apostoli in Noia). A mere 365 pilgrims took this route in 2024. Anyone seeking true tranquility and a historically significant coastal trail away from mass tourism will find something truly unique here.

When and how to get started

Spring (April/May) and early fall (September/October) are considered the best times to visit: mild weather, a lush, green Galicia, and manageable numbers of pilgrims. Midsummer brings crowded hostels, long lines, and heat, especially on the Francés route starting from Sarria.

If you want to stay flexible, be sure to book at least the first few nights in advance during peak season, or opt for one of the quieter routes. And very important: Don’t forget your pilgrim’s passport—without it and without the stamps, you won’t get your Compostela.

Is such a short trip worth it?

For some purists, the last 100 kilometers are “too short” for a real Camino. But a pilgrimage isn’t measured in kilometers. Five to six days are enough to get into the rhythm of walking, meet people from all over the world, and experience the special atmosphere of arriving in Santiago. For many, it’s the first step—and the beginning of a lifelong love for the Camino.

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