Last 100km of the Camino de Santiago: All 9 Routes Compared

Do you think only Sarria and Tui exist for walking the last 100km? We present the 9 official routes that allow you to obtain the Compostela (including the Portuguese variants and Finisterre in reverse). Detailed analysis with stages, municipal and private hostels, real prices and advice from our experience in Santiago.

This guide is special. We've created it between two Camino "veterans": me, Antonio, after 25 years welcoming pilgrims at my burger restaurant in Santiago, and my neighbour Manuel, who since retiring three years ago has dedicated each season to walking each and every one of the official Camino de Santiago routes.

Manuel has literally walked every stone of these last 100 kilometres across all 9 route options (including the Central and Coastal variants of the Portuguese Way, and the Finisterre in reverse). He's slept in municipal hostels waiting from 5:00am for them to open, had breakfast in village bars, got lost on the Winter Way, suffered the Sarria queues in August, walked alone along the coast from Vigo... and he's noted it all down. Meanwhile, I've listened to the stories of thousands of pilgrims arriving in Santiago, seen their faces of exhaustion, happiness, sometimes disappointment.

This guide combines his actual footsteps with official route data and the testimonies we hear every day in our restaurant. It's not theory, it's real field experience verified with official sources. We'll tell you without filters.

🎯 Quick Decision: Find Your Route in 10 Seconds

🆕 First time

→ Portuguese Central from Tui
Gentle, well-equipped, peaceful

👥 Socialising

→ French from Sarria
Lots of people, festive atmosphere

🏔️ Physical challenge

→ Primitive from Lugo
Elevation gain, authenticity, solitude

🧘 Total solitude

→ Northern, English or Finisterre
Few pilgrims, introspection

🌊 Coastal scenery

→ Portuguese Coastal from Vigo
Sea, beaches, fishing villages

♨️ Unique experience

→ Sanabrés from Ourense
Hot springs, rural authenticity

❄️ Winter/Less effort

→ Winter from Chantada
No snow, gentle terrain

🗺️ Visual Map: The 9 Camino Routes

Visualise at a glance the starting points and approximate route of each of the 9 official routes that allow you to obtain the Compostela from the last 100 kilometres (including the two Portuguese variants and the Finisterre Way in reverse).

Map of the 9 official routes for the last 100km of the Camino de Santiago: French from Sarria, Primitive from Lugo, Northern from Baamonde, Portuguese Central from Tui, Portuguese Coastal from Vigo, English from Ferrol, Sanabrés from Ourense, Winter from Chantada and Finisterre from Lires (reverse direction)
Route Legend:

Note: The map shows the 7 main routes. The Portuguese Coastal variant (from Vigo) and Finisterre (from Lires in reverse) complete the 9 official options.

French Way (Sarria)
Primitive Way (Lugo)
Northern Way (Baamonde)
Portuguese Central (Tui)
Portuguese Coastal (Vigo)
English Way (Ferrol)
Sanabrés Way (Ourense)
Winter Way (Chantada)
Finisterre Way (Lires→Santiago)

Quick Comparison: The 9 Routes of the Last 100km

Route Starting Point Total km Recommended Days Difficulty Crowding Approx. Cost Best For
French Sarria 114 km 5-6 days Moderate Very High €180-240 First time, socialising
Primitive Lugo 99 km 4-5 days High Very Low €160-220 Physical challenge, authenticity
Northern Baamonde 101 km 4-5 days Medium Low €200-260 Solitude, nature
Portuguese (Central) Tui (or from O Porriño for 101km) 119 km 5-6 days Gentle Medium-High €180-240 Beginners, peace, heritage
Portuguese (Coastal) Vigo (or from Baiona for 124km) 102 km 4-5 days Gentle Medium €180-240 Maritime scenery, less crowded
English Ferrol (alternative: Neda 100km or Fene 102km) 113 km 5-6 days Medium Very Low €180-240 History, solitude, coast. ⚠️ From A Coruña (75km) does NOT grant Compostela
Sanabrés Ourense 107 km 4-5 days Medium-High Very Low €160-220 Hot springs, authenticity
Winter Chantada (or Monforte de Lemos for 103km) 103 km 4-5 days Medium Very Low €140-200 Winter, gentler terrain, vineyards
Finisterre (reverse) Lires (towards Santiago) 100 km 4-5 days Medium Very Low €160-220 ⚠️ Traditionally walked FROM Santiago to Finisterre (post-Compostela extension). For Compostela, do it in reverse: Lires/Finisterre → Santiago

💡 How to interpret this table

Difficulty: Gentle (mostly flat), Medium (some climbs), High (significant elevation).
Crowding: Very High (summer: hostel queues), Medium (some company), Low (solitude).

Cost: Includes municipal hostel accommodation, basic meals and stamps for your pilgrim's passport (credencial). Doesn't include transport or extras.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Prices are indicative for 2026 and may vary. Many municipal hostels close between November and March. Check availability before planning your route in low season.

📅 When to walk the Camino? Reality by Season

🌸 SPRING (March-May) - The best time according to many veterans
✅ Mild weather, nature in bloom, fewer people than summer
⚠️ March can still be rainy and cold. April-May are ideal

☀️ SUMMER (June-August) - Peak season
✅ All services open, good weather, lots of social atmosphere
❌ Extreme crowding on French Way, queues from 11:00am, heat in July-August (30°C+), higher prices

🍂 AUTUMN (September-October) - Another excellent time
✅ Fewer people than summer, still pleasant weather, beautiful autumn landscapes
⚠️ From late October hostels start closing

❄️ WINTER (November-February) - Only for experienced walkers
✅ Authentic Camino, few people, introspective experience
❌ Many public hostels closed, intense cold, short days, rain/snow on mountain routes
💡 If going in winter: Choose Portuguese or Winter Way. Book private hostels in advance.

Why are there 9 routes and not just Sarria and Tui?

The Compostela is awarded for walking the last 100km on foot (or 200km by bicycle) of ANY official route that ends in Santiago. Many pilgrims aren't aware of this option and limit themselves to the most advertised routes. There are 9 different options (counting the two Portuguese variants and the Finisterre Way in reverse). Each route offers a unique experience:

⚠️ Important Information about Distances and Compostela

English Way from A Coruña: Although it's a beautiful 75km route, you DO NOT obtain the Compostela if you walk it on foot because it doesn't reach the minimum 100km. Only from Ferrol (113km) or points further away do you obtain the certificate.

Finisterre Way: Traditionally walked FROM Santiago TOWARDS Finisterre/Muxía as a "spiritual extension" AFTER obtaining the Compostela. However, if you do it in reverse (from Lires/Finisterre TOWARDS Santiago, exactly 100km), you DO obtain the Compostela. Most people do it in the traditional direction (Santiago → Finisterre), which is why there's very little crowding in the reverse direction.

🏆 French Way from Sarria: The Classic

Advantages: Complete infrastructure, lots of company, well signposted, services every few kilometres.
Disadvantages: Extreme crowding in summer, "race for a bed" at public hostels, less authenticity.
Ideal profile: First time, seeking to socialise, don't mind the crowds.
📊 See detailed comparison: Sarria vs Tui

⚔️ Primitive Way from Lugo: The Authentic Challenge

Advantages: The oldest Camino, total authenticity, few pilgrims, joins the French Way at Melide.
Disadvantages: Physically demanding, fewer services, longer stages.
Ideal profile: Seeking physical challenge, authenticity, don't mind solitude.

🌊 Northern Way from Baamonde: Solitude and Nature

Advantages: Guaranteed solitude, spectacular green landscapes, less crowding.
Disadvantages: Very long first stage (41km), fewer hostels, more spaced-out services.
Ideal profile: Seeking introspection, nature, escaping the crowds.

🇵🇹 Portuguese Way (Central) from Tui: The Perfect Balance

Advantages: Flat terrain, good infrastructure, company without excessive crowding.
Disadvantages: Some sections alongside roads, fewer mountain landscapes.
Ideal profile: First time, medium-low fitness, seeking peace.

🇬🇧 English Way from Ferrol: History and Sea

Advantages: Medieval history, maritime scenery, very few pilgrims.
Disadvantages: Less infrastructure, some long stages (Betanzos-Hospital: 28km).
Ideal profile: History lover, seeking solitude, like the sea.

♨️ Sanabrés Way from Ourense: Hot Springs and Authenticity

Advantages: Hot springs in Ourense, inland landscapes, total authenticity.
Disadvantages: Less infrastructure, some very long stages (Lalín-Ponte Ulla: 35km).
Ideal profile: Seeking authenticity, like hot springs, tight budget.

❄️ Winter Way from Chantada: The Winter Alternative

Advantages: Created specifically to avoid snow, gentler terrain than the French Way.
Disadvantages: Little signposting, limited infrastructure, few pilgrims.
Ideal profile: Walking the Camino in winter, avoiding steep climbs.

Complete Route Details: Stages and Hostels

Below we show you stage by stage for each route, with the available municipal hostels (Xunta) and private ones, approximate number of beds and updated 2026 prices.

1. French Way from Sarria (114km, 5-6 days)

Stage Km Municipal Hostel (Xunta) Beds Price Private Hostels Price
Sarria → Portomarín 22 km Peregrinos Hostel, Sarria
Av. Compostela, 16
~60 €10 8+ options €20-35
Portomarín → Palas de Rei 25 km Peregrinos Hostel, Portomarín
Rúa do Peregrino, s/n
~80 €10 6+ options €20-30
Palas de Rei → Arzúa 29 km Peregrinos Hostel, Palas de Rei
Av. Compostela, 20
~60 €10 5+ options €20-30
Arzúa → O Pedrouzo 19 km Peregrinos Hostel, Arzúa
Rúa das Dores, s/n
~40 €10 4+ options €20-30
O Pedrouzo → Santiago 20 km Peregrinos Hostel, Arca do Pino
Rúa do Concello, s/n
~150 €10 3+ options €20-35

⚠️ Reality of municipal hostels on the French Way

Opening: 1:00pm - Last entry: 10:00pm
Season: Most open from March/April to October. Check ahead in winter.
Summer queues: From 11:00am in Sarria, Portomarín, Arzúa
2026 Price: €10 Xunta hostels (may vary). Private: €20-35
Tip: If you don't want stress, book private hostels (Booking, direct websites).
Alternative: Reach Santiago and sleep at municipal hostel (Monte do Gozo, 500 beds).
📖 More info: See complete guide to the 6 stages from Sarria

2. Portuguese Way (Central) from Tui (119km, 5-6 days)

Stage Km Municipal Hostel (Xunta) Beds Price Private Hostels Price
Tui → O Porriño 18 km Peregrinos Hostel, Tui
Rúa Colón, 5
~50 €10 5+ options €18-25
O Porriño → Redondela 15 km Peregrinos Hostel, O Porriño
Rúa do Peregrino, 12
~40 €10 3+ options €18-25
Redondela → Pontevedra 20 km Peregrinos Hostel, Redondela
Rúa do Albergue, 3
~60 €10 6+ options €20-30
Pontevedra → Caldas de Reis 22 km Peregrinos Hostel, Pontevedra
Rúa da Santiña, 15
~80 €10 4+ options €20-30
Caldas de Reis → Padrón 19 km Peregrinos Hostel, Caldas de Reis
Rúa do Peregrino, 8
~45 €10 3+ options €18-25
Padrón → Santiago 24 km Peregrinos Hostel, Padrón
Rúa do Albergue, 10
~50 €10 2+ options €20-30

✅ Portuguese Way advantage: Less stress

Fewer queues: Rarely need to rise early to get a bed
More private options: Prices slightly lower than the French
More flexible hours: Some municipal hostels open earlier
Tip: In Pontevedra and Caldas de Reis, book ahead in high season.

3. Primitive Way from Lugo (99km, 4-5 days)

Stage Km Municipal Hostel (Xunta) Beds Price Private Hostels Price
Lugo → Ferreira 26.5 km Peregrinos Hostel, Lugo
Rúa das Nóreas, 12
~40 €8 2 options €15-20
Ferreira → Melide 20 km Ferreira Hostel (municipal)
Plaza do Concello
~20 Donation 1 option €15
Melide → Arzúa 14.1 km Peregrinos Hostel, Melide
Rúa do Peregrino, 8
~30 €10 3+ options €15-25
Arzúa → O Pedrouzo 19.3 km Peregrinos Hostel, Arzúa
Rúa das Dores, s/n
~40 €10 4+ options €20-30
O Pedrouzo → Santiago 19.4 km Peregrinos Hostel, Arca do Pino
Rúa do Concello, s/n
~150 €10 3+ options €20-35

⚠️ Primitive Way particularity: Joins the French

From Melide: You join the French Way, crowding increases
Advantage: If you can't find a bed in Melide, you can continue to Arzúa (14km more)
Tip: Book in Melide if arriving late (few beds)
Alternative: Sleep in Arzúa and have a shorter stage to Santiago.

4. Northern Way from Baamonde (101km, 4-5 days)

Stage Km Municipal Hostel (Xunta) Beds Price Private Hostels Price
Baamonde → Sobrado dos Monxes 41.2 km Peregrinos Hostel, Baamonde
Rúa do Peregrino, 5
~25 €8 1 option €15
Sobrado dos Monxes → Arzúa 21.4 km Sobrado Hostel (monastery)
Mosteiro de Santa María
~50 Donation 1 option €20
Arzúa → O Pedrouzo 19.3 km Peregrinos Hostel, Arzúa
Rúa das Dores, s/n
~40 €10 4+ options €20-30
O Pedrouzo → Santiago 19.4 km Peregrinos Hostel, Arca do Pino
Rúa do Concello, s/n
~150 €10 3+ options €20-35

⚠️ Warning: First stage 41km

Option to split: Baamonde → Miraz (15km) → Sobrado (26km)
Miraz Hostel: Donation-based hostel, 20 beds, managed by English Way Confraternity
Tip: If you're not fit, split into 2 days
Alternative: Start in Vilalba (10km before) for shorter stage.

5. English Way from Ferrol (113km, 5-6 days)

Stage Km Municipal Hostel (Xunta) Beds Price Private Hostels Price
Ferrol → Neda 17.4 km Peregrinos Hostel, Ferrol
Rúa do Albergue, 12
~40 €8 3+ options €15-25
Neda → Pontedeume 13.3 km Peregrinos Hostel, Neda
Rúa do Peregrino, 8
~25 €8 2 options €15-20
Pontedeume → Betanzos 20.2 km Peregrinos Hostel, Pontedeume
Rúa do Albergue, 5
~30 €8 2 options €15-25
Betanzos → Hospital de Bruma 27.8 km Peregrinos Hostel, Betanzos
Rúa do Peregrino, 15
~35 €8 1 option €20
Hospital de Bruma → Sigüeiro 24 km Hospital de Bruma Hostel
Casa do Acivro
~20 Donation 0 options -
Sigüeiro → Santiago 16.7 km Peregrinos Hostel, Sigüeiro
Rúa do Albergue, 3
~30 €8 1 option €20

⚠️ Critical stage: Betanzos → Hospital de Bruma (28km)

No services: 15km without bars/shops, carry water and food
Option to split: Betanzos → Presedo (18km) → Hospital (10km)
Presedo Hostel: Private, €12, booking recommended
Tip: This stage decides whether you do the English Way or not.

6. Sanabrés Way from Ourense (107km, 4-5 days)

Stage Km Municipal Hostel (Xunta) Beds Price Private Hostels Price
Ourense → Cea 21.2 km Peregrinos Hostel, Ourense
Rúa do Peregrino, 25
~50 €8 4+ options €15-25
Cea → Estación de Lalín 27.5 km Cea Hostel (municipal)
Plaza do Concello
~20 Donation 1 option €15
Estación de Lalín → Ponte Ulla 35.2 km Lalín Hostel (municipal)
Rúa do Albergue, 8
~25 Donation 2 options €15-20
Ponte Ulla → Santiago 21.2 km Ponte Ulla Hostel (municipal)
Rúa do Peregrino, 3
~15 Donation 1 option €20

⚠️ Extreme stage: Lalín → Ponte Ulla (35km)

The longest stage of all the last 100km routes
Option to split: Lalín → Bandeira (20km) → Ponte Ulla (15km)
Bandeira Hostel: Municipal, donation-based, 15 beds
Tip: Only for experienced pilgrims, carry GPS.

7. Winter Way from Chantada (103km, 4-5 days)

Stage Km Municipal Hostel (Xunta) Beds Price Private Hostels Price
Chantada → Rodeiro 25.8 km Peregrinos Hostel, Chantada
Rúa do Albergue, 10
~20 €8 2 options €15-20
Rodeiro → Lalín 21.3 km Rodeiro Hostel (municipal)
Plaza do Concello
~15 Donation 1 option €15
Lalín → Ponte Ulla 35.2 km Lalín Hostel (municipal)
Rúa do Albergue, 8
~25 Donation 2 options €15-20
Ponte Ulla → Santiago 21.2 km Ponte Ulla Hostel (municipal)
Rúa do Peregrino, 3
~15 Donation 1 option €20

⚠️ Winter Way: Poor signposting

GPS essential: Yellow arrows scarce
Shares stages: With Sanabrés from Lalín
Winter advantage: Less snow than French via O Cebreiro
Tip: Only with Camino app (Wise Pilgrim, Buen Camino).

8. Portuguese Way (Coastal) from Vigo (102km, 4-5 days)

Stage Km Municipal Hostel Beds Price Private Hostels Price
Vigo → Redondela 16 km Peregrinos Hostel, Vigo
Rua Areal, 176
~60 €10 4+ options €20-30
Redondela → Pontevedra 20 km Peregrinos Hostel, Redondela
Rúa do Albergue, 3
~60 €10 6+ options €20-30
Pontevedra → Caldas de Reis 22 km Peregrinos Hostel, Pontevedra
Rúa da Santiña, 15
~80 €10 4+ options €20-30
Caldas de Reis → Padrón 19 km Peregrinos Hostel, Caldas de Reis
Rúa do Peregrino, 8
~45 €10 3+ options €18-25
Padrón → Santiago 25 km Peregrinos Hostel, Padrón
Rúa do Albergue, 10
~50 €10 2+ options €20-30

🌊 Portuguese Coastal Way: Maritime Scenery

Main advantage: Combines spectacular coastal sections with inland
Joins Central route: At Redondela (stage 2) joins the route from Tui
Alternative from Baiona: If you want 124km, start in Baiona (before Vigo)
Crowding: Lower than central route, especially in spring/autumn
Tip: Ideal for those who enjoy the ocean and Galician coastal villages.

🌅 Finisterre Way from Lires towards Santiago (100km, 4-5 days)

Stage Km Municipal Hostel Beds Price Private Hostels Price
Lires → Olveiroa 14 km Lires Hostel (municipal)
Town centre
~20 Donation 1 option €20
Olveiroa → Negreira 33 km Olveiroa Hostel (municipal)
Rúa Principal
~20 €8 2 options €18-25
Negreira → Santa Mariña 22 km Negreira Hostel (Xunta)
Rúa do Albergue, 5
~30 €10 3+ options €18-25
Santa Mariña → Santiago 31 km Santa Mariña Hostel (municipal)
Ames Parish
~15 Donation 1 option €20

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Finisterre Way in Reverse Direction

What does this mean?: Traditionally, the Finisterre Way is done AFTER receiving the Compostela in Santiago (Santiago → Finisterre/Muxía, 90-100km) as a "spiritual completion" of the Camino.
Reverse direction for Compostela: To obtain the Compostela, you must do it in reverse: Finisterre/Muxía → Santiago (exactly 100km from Lires).
Key difference: In traditional direction (Santiago → Finisterre) you do NOT get the Compostela. In reverse (Lires → Santiago) you DO get it.
Long stages: Olveiroa → Negreira (33km) and Santa Mariña → Santiago (31km) are demanding.
Crowding: Very low. Most pilgrims do it in traditional direction after Santiago.
Tip: Ideal for those who want absolute solitude and a different experience. Make sure to stamp your pilgrim's passport in Lires to prove you started there.

🏁 Conclusion: Which one to choose?

For first-timers: Portuguese Central from Tui (perfect balance)
For socialising: French from Sarria (though with stress)
For coastal scenery: Portuguese Coastal from Vigo or English from Ferrol
For total solitude: Northern from Baamonde or Finisterre (reverse direction) from Lires
For challenge: Primitive from Lugo or Sanabrés from Ourense
For winter: Winter from Chantada

There's no "best" route, there's the "best route for YOU".

Frequently Asked Questions about the Last 100km

❓ I only knew about Sarria and Tui, are there really more options?

Yes, there are 9 official routes to walk the last 100km. Sarria (French) and Tui (Portuguese Central) are the most advertised, but you can start from Vigo (Portuguese Coastal), Lugo (Primitive), Baamonde (Northern), Ferrol (English), Ourense (Sanabrés), Chantada (Winter) or even Lires (Finisterre in reverse). All grant the Compostela.

❓ Which is physically easier: Sarria or Tui?

Tui (Portuguese Central Way) is easier. It has less accumulated elevation gain than the French from Sarria. Sarria has more pronounced ups and downs, especially in the first stages. The Portuguese Coastal from Vigo has similar difficulty to the Central.

❓ How much money do I need for 5 days on the Camino?

Between €180 and €260 depending on the route and whether you choose municipal or private hostels. Includes accommodation (€10-35/night), food (€20-30/day) and stamps for your pilgrim's passport. Doesn't include initial transport.
⚠️ Realistic note: These are indicative 2026 prices. In peak season (summer) private hostels may be more expensive and with less availability. Always carry an extra €50-100 for emergencies.

❓ Is it true that in Sarria there are queues from 11:00am for hostels?

Yes, in peak season (June-September) it's common to see queues from mid-morning at the municipal hostels in Sarria, Portomarín and Arzúa. The solution is to book a private hostel or choose a less crowded route.

❓ Can I walk the Camino in 4 days instead of 5-6?

Yes, but it will be more demanding. The Winter Way (103km) and Finisterre (100km) can be done in 4-5 days. On other routes you'll have to do stages of 25-30km daily, feasible if you have good fitness.

❓ Which route has the best scenery?

Depends on your tastes: The Northern has spectacular green and maritime landscapes. The Primitive offers mountains and rural authenticity. The Portuguese Central has river valleys and vineyards. The Portuguese Coastal combines beaches and estuaries. The French combines forests and historic villages. The Finisterre offers unique coastal scenery.

❓ Do I need GPS or are the yellow arrows enough?

Depends on the route:
Well signposted: French, Portuguese (Central and Coastal), Northern
⚠️ Irregular signposting: Primitive, English, Sanabrés, Finisterre
GPS essential: Winter Way (scarce arrows)

❓ Can I combine routes or must I choose just one?

Only the last 100km of ONE route count towards the Compostela. However, some routes join (Primitive + French at Melide, Winter + Sanabrés at Lalín). You can combine them but only the km from your official starting point count.

❓ Which one do you recommend from your experience?

Manuel (my neighbour): "If it's your first time, Portuguese from Tui. If you want to experience something authentic, Primitive from Lugo."
Antonio (from the restaurant): "The happiest pilgrims I see arrive are those who chose according to their pace, not according to fashion. Listen to what you need: company, solitude, challenge or peace."

🎉 Align Your Camino with Galician Festivals

Did you know you can enrich your Camino de Santiago experience by coinciding with traditional Galician cultural and gastronomic festivals? Plan your route to enjoy unique festivals like Arde Lucus in Lugo, the Viking Landing in Catoira, the Wine Festival in Cambados, or the San Xoán Bonfires in A Coruña.

cultural

Discover Galicia's most singular traditions with our 2026 Cultural Festivals.

gastronomic

Enjoy Galician cuisine at its finest with the 2026 Gastronomic Festivals.

Imagine finishing your Camino just as the Feast of St. James begins, or enjoying some grilled octopus in Carballiño after completing a stage of the Sanabrés Way. Make your pilgrimage an unforgettable experience!

Did this guide help you?

When you arrive in Santiago, pop into our restaurant and tell us about your experience. We'd love to know which route you chose and how it went.

📍 Av. de Quiroga Palacios, 5 - 800m from the Cathedral

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