Camino Sanabrés: The Quiet Road to Santiago

 Walking from the End of the Via de la Plata into Galicia’s Heart

The Camino Sanabrés is the final, wilder branch of the Via de la Plata, a path that winds from the plains of Castile through the green mountains of Galicia, ending at Santiago de Compostela. 

It’s shorter than the full Via, but no less rich in history, scenery, and personal reflection. As such, the Sanabrian Way is, without a doubt, a Camino route that stands on its own as well.

When we walked it, mornings began with mist curling over the hills, and evenings ended in tiny stone villages where the smell of wood smoke clung to the air. This is a Camino for those who seek quiet time in nature, and the deep rhythm of Galicia’s rural life.

Why Walk the Camino Sanabrés?

• Fewer pilgrims and a strong sense of solitude.

• Dramatic scenery: mountain passes, forests, and river valleys.

• A deep connection to Galicia’s culture and traditions.

• A fitting, peaceful conclusion to a longer pilgrimage.

Trail Details: 

• Origin: Granja de Moreruela (or the end point of your Via de la Plata)

• Destination: Santiago de Compostela

• Distance: ~370 km

• Time Required: 14–17 days

• Best Seasons: April–June, September–October

Camino Sanabres Itinerary and Stages

About the Camino Sanabrés and Sanabrian Way

Beginning the Camino Sanabrés : Granja de la Moreruela  to Tabara

Natural Regeneration: Tabara to Camazana de Tera

Race for the Beds: Camazana de Tera to Rionegro del Puente

Double Stage: Rionegro del Puente to Puebla de Sanabria

Climbing the Camino: Puebla de Sanabria to Padornelo

Into Galicia: Padornelo to A Gudina

Galicia the Unexpected: A Guarda to Laza

Camino Perspectives: Laza to Xunqueira de Ambia

Last 100 km on the Camino: Xunqueira de Ambia to Ourense

Heat Wave on the Camino Sanabrés: Ourense to Cea

Contemplating on the Camino: Cea to Oseira Monastery

Tourist Trap: Oseira Monastery to Lalin

50 KM to Santiago de Compostela: Lalin to Bandeira

Completing Via de la Plata and Camino Sanabrés: To Santiago de Compostela

Camino Compostela and a Day in Santiago de Compostela

Via de la Plata and Camino Sanabres: Long Distance Hike or Spiritual Pilgrimage?

Reflections from the Way: Via de la Plata & Camino Sanabrés

The Camino Sanabrés is a wondrous pilgrimage offering a chance to arrive in Santiago along a road less travelled, carrying with you the stillness of the mountains and the warmth of Galicia’s welcome.

The Camino Sanabrés offers a peaceful and intimate arrival in Santiago, but it’s only part of our wider pilgrimage story. From the long Roman roads of the Via de la Plata to the rugged hills of the Camino Primitivo, and even the coastal breezes of the Camino Portugués, each route has shaped our slow travel journey around the world in a different way. Discover all the Caminos and pilgrimage paths we’ve walked here.