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RUTAS MEIGAS, your provider of organised trips to the Camino de Santiago
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The Camino de Santiago travel agency you’ve been looking for
We’ve been organizing unique Camino de Santiago experiences for over 25 years. We’re pilgrims just like you, we know every corner of the way and take care of every detail so that you can focus on what truly matters: living your own Camino.
Our goal is very simple: that our pilgrims only have to worry about enjoying the Camino. We’ll take care of everything else.
Want more info?Why Rutas Meigas as your Camino de Santiago travel agency
Looking for an organized Camino de Santiago provider?
Our team takes care of everything: accommodation, luggage transfers, Pilgrim Credential, 24/7 emergency phone assistance. Everything is ready so you can just walk, relax, and enjoy the journey. We are the organized Camino de Santiago agency you were looking for.
Prefer to walk the Camino de Santiago in a group?
We also organize group departures, so you can share the experience with fellow pilgrims. Get in touch with us and let’s plan your Camino together.
Perhaps you’d prefer to do the Camino de Santiago with support?
Forget the hassle. Rutas Meigas offers the Camino de Santiago with support — your personalized and secure path to experiencing this iconic journey. We handle all the logistics so you can focus entirely on the experience.
Thousands of happy pilgrims
Thousands of people from all over the world have trusted us to make their dream of reaching Santiago come true, standing at the feet of the Apostle, and even continuing to the end of the world: Finisterre and Muxía.
Personalized and close attention
We listen, we guide you, and we tailor each experience to your needs. Because every Camino is unique.
Save time and avoid complications
We take care of accommodations, luggage transfers, and all those little details that make a big difference, so your Camino is exactly what you want it to be.
Tailor-made routes
Want shorter or longer stages? Prefer rural accommodations? Traveling with a group? We customize everything for you.
Some questions?
We’re here to help you plan your Camino de Santiago.
Send us a message or check the answers to the most frequently asked questions from other pilgrims.
Why walk the Camino de Santiago with Rutas Meigas
We want you to enjoy your Camino de Santiago the way you deserve, just as you’ve imagined it, and in line with your expectations. That’s why the Rutas Meigas team takes care of every detail of your pilgrimage to Compostela. So you can focus entirely on living the experience to the fullest, step by step.
If you’re looking for a Camino de Santiago that is unique, safe, tailored to your pace and needs, Rutas Meigas is your travel agency.
We’ll book all your accommodations, handle luggage transfers between stages, include travel insurance for the duration of the Camino, and provide 24/7 emergency phone support should anything unexpected come up along the way.
We stay close to our pilgrims, from the very first step, all the way to Compostela.
Want more info?Our services as a Camino de Santiago agency
Discover everything we can do for you as a Camino de Santiago agency: tailor-made organization, personalized routes, luggage transport, charming accommodations, and much more.
What do they say about us?
Why do the Camino de Santiago?
Thousands of people from all over the world walk the Camino de Santiago each year for reasons as varied as faith, a desire for adventure, or a need to stop and reconnect. Whatever the reason, they all agree on one thing: the Camino leaves its mark.
Visit the tomb of the Apostle
The Camino began as a pilgrimage route to the Cathedral of Santiago, where the Apostle’s remains rest. For many, this remains one of the main reasons for starting the Camino: to pray, give thanks, seek forgiveness, or simply keep a promise.
Discover unique landscapes
The Camino de Santiago passes through mountains, forests, valleys, villages, historic cities, and coastal areas. With every step, the landscape changes. You walk surrounded by history and nature, enjoying environments difficult to find on other routes.
Meet other pilgrims
Even if you start alone, the Camino unites you with others. You share journeys, conversations, laughter, meals… and often, lifelong friendships are formed. Pilgrims of different ages and countries meet and understand each other without needing to speak the same language.
Overcome yourself
The Camino can be tough. There are long stages, hills, fatigue, and blisters. But there’s also overcoming. Each day is a small achievement that fills you with confidence and strength. And when you reach Santiago, the pride you feel is incomparable.
Truly disconnect
No schedules, no rush, no notifications. Just you, the path, and your surroundings. The Camino de Santiago is one of the few places where you can completely disconnect and connect with what’s essential: your thoughts, your body, and your breath.
Enjoy the simple things
A hot coffee at dawn before starting the stage, a yellow arrow, a milestone indicating that there are fewer kilometers left. On the Camino, you learn to enjoy the little things that, in everyday life, go unnoticed. It’s a lesson in simplicity and presence (yes, what is now called mindfulness).
An experience for everyone
You don’t need to be an athlete or an expert. There are long and short routes, challenging and easy. You can do it alone, as a couple, with friends, or with family. The important thing isn’t how many kilometers you walk, but what you experience in each one.
I walk with everything organized
If you want to forget about logistics, you can count on an agency like Rutas Meigas. We take care of everything: luggage transport, reservations, insurance, assistance… So you can just focus on enjoying your Camino.
The Camino does not end in Compostela
The true end isn’t the Cathedral, or even Finisterre. The Camino continues when you return home. The lessons you learn while walking—patience, silence, strength, gratitude—stay with you. And that’s the most valuable part of this experience.
Back to what's important
In a life filled with noise, the Camino is a space to listen to yourself. To reflect on your purpose, what you want to leave behind, and where you’d like to go. Sometimes it’s a starting point. Sometimes, it’s the push you needed.
And you, why don't you do the Camino de Santiago?
You don’t need a grand reason to embark on the Camino de Santiago. Sometimes, all you need is a desire to experience something different, break away from your routine, or give yourself some time alone. The Camino de Santiago is there, waiting for you. And once you do, you’ll never come back the same.
Blog
Holy Year 2027 in Santiago de Compostela
The Holy Year 2027 in Santiago de Compostela will begin on December 31, 2026, with the opening of the Holy Door of the Cathedral, at noon this time, and will end on December 31, 2027. It is a Compostela Holy Year (also known as a Jacobean Holy Year) because July 25, 2027, the feast day of Saint James the Apostle, falls on a Sunday. During the Jubilee Year, pilgrims who complete the Camino de Santiago (a minimum of 100 km / 62 miles on foot, or 200 km / 124 miles by bike) can earn the Compostela certificate and, by meeting the Church’s requirements, also the plenary indulgence. The Camino enters 2027 after a record 530,987 Compostelas in 2025 (a number that will be surpassed in 2026). The next Holy Year will come five years later, in 2032.The Holy Door: it opens only during Holy Years and is walled up the rest of the time. Walking through it is the symbolic gesture of the Jubilee.
We are less than 100 days away from Holy Year 2027, and in Santiago de Compostela you can already feel the atmosphere of preparation that comes before great events. At Rutas Meigas, we have spent years accompanying pilgrims from all over the world on their Camino de Santiago, and for no one is a Holy Year just another year. It is the year the Holy Door opens, the year the Berenguela Tower is lit up, the year the Camino fills with excitement, and the year many people finally decide to lace up their boots. If you’re thinking of doing it in 2027, now is the time to start planning.
When Does Holy Year 2027 start and end?
The 2027 Compostela Holy Year will begin on December 31, 2026, with the opening ceremony of the Holy Door of the Cathedral of Santiago, and will close exactly one year later, on December 31, 2027, when the door is sealed again until the next Jubilee. Between those two dates, the Holy Door will stay open all 365 days.
The Holy Door of the Cathedral of Santiago will open at Noon
The big news for this Xacobeo 2027 is the time. The ceremony has traditionally been held in the mid-afternoon of December 31, but the Church of Compostela has announced that this time it will take place at noon, about five hours earlier than usual. The Archbishop of Santiago, Francisco José Prieto, will strike the Holy Door, located on Quintana Square, three times with a hammer, and the Cathedral’s dean has explained that an effort will be made to bring back the sound of the ancient jubilee horn, which, according to biblical tradition, was used to announce jubilee years.
The motto of Holy Year 2027
Every Holy Year has its motto, and the one for 2027 is “_When they saw the star, they were overjoyed_.” The star, so closely tied to the tradition of the “field of stars” on which Compostela was built, symbolizes guidance, encounter, and the joy of reaching the goal after a long journey. It’s hard to find a better image for how we feel on arriving at Obradoiro Square.
Why 2027 is a Compostela Holy Year
As we mentioned in our post about Saint James’s Day, a Holy Year is declared when the feast of Saint James, July 25, falls on a Sunday. And in 2027, July 25 will be a Sunday. This privilege, granted by Pope Callixtus II in 1122 and confirmed by Alexander III in 1178, is shared only by Santiago de Compostela, Rome and Jerusalem.
Because of how the calendar works, Compostela Holy Years follow a pattern of 6, 5, 6 and 11 years. The last one was Holy Year 2021-2022, the first double Holy Year in history, extended by Pope Francis because of the pandemic and still lived with face masks, social distancing and without the traditional hug of the Apostle. That is why so many people are eager for a Jubilee Year without restrictions. After 2027, we will have to wait until 2032.
What changes during the Holy Year: the Holy Door, the Berenguela Tower and the Plenary Indulgence
For anyone walking to Santiago de Compostela in a Holy Year, there are several things worth knowing:
- The Holy Door: it opens only during Holy Years and is walled up the rest of the time. Walking through it is the symbolic gesture of the Jubilee.
- The Berenguela Tower, beacon for pilgrims: during Holy Years, the Berenguela tower, which is also the clock tower, stays lit day and night to show pilgrims the way to the Apostle Saint James.
- The plenary indulgence: it is the spiritual benefit unique to the Holy Year.
The Plenary Indulgence in Santiago de Compostela
The plenary indulgence is, for many believers, the ultimate reason for their pilgrimage: the full remission of the temporal punishment due to sins that have already been confessed.
The Cathedral’s dean has asked that we not forget that 2027 is, above all, a religious jubilee. The usual requirements include confession, communion, prayer for the Pope’s intentions, and a visit to the Cathedral, entering through the Holy Door.
The Camino de Santiago arrives at Holy Year 2027 at its Best
If the data shows anything, it’s that the Camino de Santiago doesn’t need a Holy Year to attract more and more pilgrims. In 2025, the Pilgrim’s Office issued 530,987 Compostelas, 6% more than the previous year and an all-time record. To put that in perspective, Holy Year 2022 closed with about 438,300 Compostelas, a number that has already been surpassed even in an ordinary year.
That doesn’t mean 2027 will be just another year. The Holy Year adds the appeal of the Jubilee, the opening of the Holy Door and the cultural program of Xacobeo 2027, and everything points to hundreds of thousands of people visiting Compostela throughout the year. In fact, the biggest concern of the Church of Compostela is hospitality: how to welcome so many people well and how to ease congestion around the Cathedral.
How to Prepare for Your Camino de Santiago in Holy Year 2027
With the crowds expected, the key is to plan ahead.
- Book your accommodation on the Camino early. On the busiest stages and during the highest-demand weeks, beds sell out sooner.
- Choose the date of your Camino de Santiago carefully. Dates around July 25 will be the most crowded. Spring and fall tend to offer more peace and quiet and better weather for walking.
- Consider other variants of the Camino de Santiago. Besides the Camino Francés (French Way), there are Jacobean routes that let you experience the Holy Year with fewer crowds.
- Stay calm, respectful and patient when you arrive in Santiago. There may be longer waits at the Pilgrim’s Office and at the entrances to the Cathedral, so it’s best to arrive without rushing. Respect the flow of people, especially the city’s residents, who will keep going about their daily lives.
Buen Camino!
Want to reach Compostela in Holy Year 2027? Rutas Meigas takes care of everything for you. Contact us
Frequently Asked Questions about Holy Year 2027
When does Holy Year 2027 start and end?
Holy Year 2027 begins on December 31, 2026, with the solemn opening of the Holy Door of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, scheduled for noon this year, and ends on December 31, 2027, when the door is closed again.
Why is 2027 a Compostela Holy Year?
Because July 25, 2027, the feast day of Saint James the Apostle, falls on a Sunday. When that happens, a Compostela Holy Year is declared, a privilege the Church grants only to Santiago de Compostela, Rome and Jerusalem. The next one will be in 2032.
What do I need to get the Compostela in a Holy Year?
The same requirements as in any other year: walk at least the last 100 kilometers (62 miles) on foot or on horseback, or 200 kilometers (124 miles) by bike, carry a stamped pilgrim credential, and request the Compostela at the Pilgrim’s Office. The plenary indulgence is a separate spiritual benefit and has its own conditions.
Do I have to walk through the Holy Door to receive the plenary indulgence?
Entering through the Holy Door is one of the requirements set out by the Cathedral, along with confession, communion and prayer for the Pope’s intentions. Walking through it alone does not automatically grant the indulgence. If this applies to you, we recommend confirming the details with the Cathedral itself.
Will there be more pilgrims in Holy Year 2027?
It’s very likely that turnout will be high: the Camino already broke its record in 2025 with 530,987 Compostelas, and the Holy Year adds extra appeal. That’s why we recommend booking early, especially if you want to travel in summer or around July 25.
Rutas Meigas | Camino de Santiago Travel Agency, Routes and Hiking in Galicia | rutasmeigas.com
The Holy Door of Santiago Cathedral
The Holy Door of the Cathedral of Santiago, also known as the Door of Forgiveness, is located on Quintana Square and opens only during the Compostela Holy Year, when July 25 falls on a Sunday. Its exact origin is uncertain and is placed around the 16th century. Its current façade is Baroque and reuses some of the sculptures from Master Mateo’s Romanesque stone choir. The opening ritual takes place on December 31. The Archbishop of Santiago strikes the door three times with a silver hammer, a symbolic gesture that recalls the time when the door was walled up. In 2027, the opening ceremony will be at noon on December 31, 2026. Walking through it is one of the requirements for receiving the plenary indulgence. Rutas Meigas organizes the Camino de Santiago so you can cross the Holy Door while enjoying the whole route to the fullest.
Normally, the pilgrims who walk to Santiago each year carry in their minds the desire to reach Obradoiro Square (Praza do Obradoiro) and see the imposing Baroque façade of the Cathedral. That is always the case, except in Holy Years, when the busiest square is Quintana. That is where the Holy Door stands, and from it 27 figures (12 on each side and 3 at the top) wait for the pilgrims. But this entrance hides much more.
A Holy Door not so big for an enormous promise
Holy doors are almost never the grand main doors of a church. They tend to be side entrances, narrow, almost humble. That is no coincidence. They evoke the “narrow gate” of the Gospel and remind pilgrims that the path of forgiveness is walked with humility, not with pomp or fanfare.
The Holy Door of Santiago de Compostela opens at the east end of the Cathedral, between the chapels of the Savior and Saint Peter, and leads into the ambulatory. That location has its charm. Whoever crosses it ends up a few steps from the high altar, the crypt of the Apostle and the medieval statue that pilgrims traditionally embrace. It is the most direct shortcut into the church, reserved exclusively for Holy Years.
The Holy Door of the Cathedral of Santiago and its origins shrouded in Mystery
If you were expecting an exact birth date, we’re sorry to disappoint you. No one knows for certain when or how the Holy Door came to be. What exist are two accounts that have competed for centuries, and we’re going to tell you both.
The Medieval Hypothesis: the Monks’ Door
According to the first hypothesis, the door would be the heir of a much older one, a minor entrance to the church that preceded the current Cathedral, which made it easier for the monks of San Paio, guardians of the Apostle’s tomb for centuries, to pass through. Some even trace it back to the pre-Romanesque church of the 11th century. The problem is that no evidence has survived to confirm it.
The Roman Hypothesis: Alexander VI and Archbishop Fonseca
The second hypothesis, the stronger one according to scholars, tells a different story. In the Rome Holy Year of 1500, Pope Alexander VI set the ritual of the holy doors: a blow of the hammer, a wall that falls, the pontiff crossing first. The idea caught on. Compostela, proud to be the world’s second jubilee city and always attentive to what was done in Rome, was quick to adopt it. Historians point to Archbishop Alonso III de Fonseca, during whose tenure the jubilees of 1507, 1512 and 1518 were celebrated, as the man who would have given the door its present meaning.
The Roman gesture, by the way, had already stirred popular fervor half a century earlier. A Florentine merchant wrote that, after the door of Saint Peter’s was opened in 1450, the faithful gathered the rubble from the wall to take home as relics. A custom that, according to specialists, also found an echo in Santiago.
A Baroque Façade built from the pieces of a lost treasure
What we do know for certain is that the door’s current appearance is Baroque, and that its history is tied to a great loss. Until the early 17th century, the center of the Cathedral housed the stone choir of Master Mateo, the Romanesque work of the same genius who sculpted the Portico of Glory. When it was dismantled, some parts were lost and some of its sculptures were reused.
In 1611, the master builders Jácome Fernández and González de Araújo transformed the façade and placed twelve figures of biblical characters, six on each side, from that choir. Around 1660, José Peña de Toro doubled the number, to twenty-four. And in 1694 the local sculptor Pedro del Campo crowned the ensemble with Saint James the Pilgrim and his disciples Theodore and Athanasius, also dressed as pilgrims. That is how the famous “twenty-seven of the Holy Door” came to be. In 1744, the iron grille that completes the exterior today was added.
Between the door itself and the Baroque portico, a small vestibule remained where a sepulcher and a few gravestones are still preserved. They are a reminder of another time, when the Quintana was a cemetery.
The Neoclassical Holy Door that never was
In 1794, Archbishop Malvar promoted a major neoclassical renovation of the Quintana and the east end of the Cathedral, including a large-scale Holy Door. The prelate’s death a year later, along with the cost of the project, put an end to the idea. Today we can only be grateful, since the humble door we know preserves the intimate character that its symbolism calls for.
December 31: the ritual of Opening the Holy Door
On December 31 before a Holy Year, the Quintana fills with pilgrims, faithful and church authorities. A procession led by the archbishop approaches the door.
The culminating moment arrives. The archbishop takes the silver hammer, strikes three times and is the first to cross the threshold. The Holy Door will stay open until the following December 31, when a similar ritual will close it until the next Jubilee.
For Holy Year 2027, the ceremony will take place on December 31, 2026, and this year it has been moved up to noon.
The Holy Door, from Leiro to Suso León’s Bronze
Outside of the Holy Year, the Holy Door stays closed by a door on its inner face and an outer grille. The inner door is made up of two bronze leaves, the work of Suso León, installed in 2003. Their reliefs tell the story of the life, martyrdom and translation of the Apostle Saint James. Before them, a wooden windbreak carved by Francisco Leiro in 1992, on the theme of the _Translatio_, occupied the spot, and it is now kept in the Cathedral Museum.
And sometimes the rule has been broken with the Church’s permission. In 2016, Pope Francis declared the extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, and the Cathedral decided to open the door exceptionally during that year. Likewise, years later, it decided to extend the last Holy Year, 2021 to 2022, because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The hidden details of the Holy Door
If you ever cross the Holy Door of the Cathedral of Santiago, look out for these little secrets:
- The cross on the doorjamb: many pilgrims brush their fingertips against a small cross carved into the frame and then make the sign of the cross with water from the fonts.
- The two figures inside: Ezekiel and Saint Jude Thaddeus, both from Master Mateo’s choir.
- The Latin inscription: it recalls that this place is “the house of God and the gate of heaven,” a quotation from Genesis.
- The consecration cross of 1211: a testimony to the first consecration of the Cathedral, above the door.
- The stained-glass window of Saint James the Pilgrim (1896), which crowns the whole.
The Holy Door faces east and, therefore, toward Jerusalem, the place the Apostle Saint James departed from in the 1st century to preach the word of God.
What it means to cross the Holy Door
Behind so much stone and so much ritual lies a very simple idea, that of the words of the Gospel of John: “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” Crossing a holy door is a rite of passage, leaving the old behind and starting something new. For the pilgrim who arrives on foot, it is the physical and spiritual culmination of the Camino de Santiago.
That said, it’s best not to confuse the symbol with grace. The Church reminds us that the jubilee is not earned simply by passing through the door, since the plenary indulgence requires meeting the conditions set for each Holy Year, which include, at a minimum, the confession of sins.
Reach the Holy Door by walking the Camino with Rutas Meigas
Although making a pilgrimage is not an essential requirement for obtaining the plenary indulgence, crossing the Holy Door after walking the Camino de Santiago is one of those unforgettable experiences.
At Rutas Meigas, a travel agency based in Santiago de Compostela, we take care of the accommodation, the luggage transfer between stages, and everything you need for your pilgrimage. With Holy Year 2027 approaching, it’s best to plan ahead.
Want to cross the Holy Door in Holy Year 2027? Rutas Meigas takes care of everything for you. Contact us
Buen Camino!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Holy Door of the Cathedral of Santiago
Can I cross the Holy Door when it’s not a Holy Year?
No. Outside the Jubilee Year, the door stays closed by an inner door and an outer grille. It opens only in Compostela Holy Years, when July 25 falls on a Sunday, although the Pope may declare extraordinary holy years, as happened in 2016 and 2022.
When will the Holy Door open for Holy Year 2027?
On December 31, 2026, with a ceremony presided over by the Archbishop of Santiago that will be held at noon this year. The door will close on December 31, 2027.
Who made the figures of the Holy Door?
Most come from the old stone choir of Master Mateo, reused in the 17th century. The figures of Saint James the Pilgrim, Theodore and Athanasius are the work of the local sculptor Pedro del Campo (around 1694). Together they make up the so-called “twenty-seven of the Holy Door.”
Is the current Holy Door the original from the 16th century?
Not quite. Its origin dates back, in all likelihood, to the 16th century, but its exterior appearance is Baroque (17th century) and the current bronze leaves date from 2003, the work of Suso León.
Do I have to cross the Holy Door to receive the plenary indulgence?
Crossing it is the most symbolic gesture of the Holy Year, but the Church reminds us that the jubilee is not earned simply by passing through it. You must also receive the sacrament of confession and Eucharistic communion, as well as pray devoutly for the Pope’s intentions.
Rutas Meigas | Camino de Santiago Travel Agency, Routes and Hiking in Galicia | rutasmeigas.com
O Camiño do Monxe: 5-Day Ribeira Sacra hiking trail
O Camiño do Monxe is a 5-day, 4-night Ribeira Sacra hiking route in Galicia, following in the footsteps of the hermit monks who once lived in this sacred canyon. Across three hiking stages (around 60 km), walkers pass ancient monasteries, terraced “heroic” vineyards and dramatic viewpoints over the Sil canyon, finishing with a night at the Parador of Santo Estevo, a former monastery. Organised by Rutas Meigas, the route includes accommodation, breakfast and luggage transfers, from €600 per person.
Long before the first maps of the Camino de Santiago were drawn, men and women fled the world to seek God in the silence of a canyon. They settled on the steep banks of the Sil and Miño rivers, carved cells into the rock, planted impossible vineyards on near-vertical slopes, and over the centuries turned a wild territory into one of the most sacred landscapes in Galicia: the Ribeira Sacra.
From that legacy comes O Camiño do Monxe, a hiking route through the Ribeira Sacra that does more than cross spectacular scenery — stage by stage, it retraces the contemplative life of the first monks who turned rock and water into a dwelling place for faith.
The origins of the Ribeira Sacra monasteries: when silence became faith
From the earliest centuries of Christianity, hermits and monks sought refuge in the deep canyons carved by the Sil and Miño rivers as they cut through southern Lugo and northern Ourense. They dug out caves, built rock-hewn chapels and founded small monastic communities in places of almost inaccessible beauty. That ascetic calling gave the territory its name: Ribeira Sacra, the “sacred riverbank,” a name already recorded in writing since the 12th century.
Isolation wasn’t a whim. For those early anchorites, the canyon was the perfect place to disappear from the world. The vertical slate walls and river bends hid any settlement and protected a silence broken only by water. Over the centuries, those solitary cells grew into full monasteries — some Benedictine, some Cistercian — that went on to amass enormous economic and spiritual power, largely through control of the land and, above all, of wine.
It was these same monks who, generation after generation, revived the vine-growing tradition the Romans had started, carving impossible terraces into the canyon slopes to create what’s known today as heroic viticulture. Monasteries such as San Paio, Santa Cristina de Ribas de Sil and Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil are stone witnesses to that contemplative life — and these are precisely the places that mark the stages of O Camiño do Monxe today.
Walking these trails today is, in a way, repeating what generations of monks have done for over a thousand years. Descending to the river, climbing the hillside, or pausing at a viewpoint feels like the landscape itself becoming a form of prayer.
O Camiño do Monxe in 5 Days: for those without two weeks to spare
Not everyone can take two weeks off to complete O Camiño do Monxe’s full 9-day route. That’s why this 5-day, 4-night version exists — designed for anyone who wants to experience the essence of Ribeira Sacra hiking in fewer stages. Three full days of walking, around 60 km in total, two emblematic monasteries, terraced vineyards perched over the void, and a final night sleeping in a National Parador housed in a thousand-year-old monastery.
The difficulty level is moderate, no previous multi-day trekking experience is required, and Rutas Meigas takes care of everything else. Our hiking experience includes accommodation, breakfast and luggage transfer between stages, so the only thing you need to worry about is putting one foot in front of the other.
Day by day: canyons, vineyards and monasteries
The route begins in Castro Caldelas, a village dominated by an imposing medieval castle that already hints at the grandeur of the landscape to come.
The first hiking stage descends toward the Val de Abeleda, home to the silent ruins of the Monastery of San Paio, surrounded by some of the most respected wineries of the Ribeira Sacra D.O. The stage ends at A Fábrica da Luz, a former hydroelectric plant converted into accommodation beside the famous walkways over the River Mao — a place where the sound of water replaces every other noise.
On the second day we walk alongside the River Sil, through the spectacular terraces of heroic viticulture. Passing the incredible Balcones de Madrid viewpoint, the trail leads to the Monastery of Santa Cristina de Ribas de Sil, and shortly after to the viewpoint known as A Mirada Máxica — one of those spots where the canyon opens up and, for a moment, time seems to stand still.
On the third and final hiking day, the Sil continues to set the pace, this time from above. We’ll pass the O Cotarro viewpoint, the highest in the canyon, along with the viewpoints of Cabezoá, A Columna, Vilouxe and Pé do Home, each offering some of the most breathtaking panoramas in all of Galicia. The route ends at the Monastery of Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil, today a National Parador, where you’ll sleep among the very stones that once sheltered its monks.
Each stage is designed so the walking pace matches the rhythm of the landscape: cool mornings among chestnut and oak trees, open midday hours through vineyards, and the last hours of daylight saved for the great viewpoints, when the sun sets over the Sil canyon and the vine terraces turn gold. It’s no coincidence that many hikers describe these sunsets as the true highlight of the route — even above the monasteries themselves.
What’s included in this Camiño do Monxe Experience
This version of O Camiño do Monxe includes accommodation with private bathroom, breakfast, luggage transfer between stages (maximum 20 kg per bag), transfers according to the itinerary, a 24-hour emergency line, maps and GPS tracks for each stage, pilgrim credential and travel insurance. Prices start from €600 per person in a double room.
Who is the 5-Day Camiño do Monxe for?
O Camiño do Monxe in 5 days is designed both for experienced hikers looking for a new Galicia hiking route to complete in a short time, and for anyone tackling a multi-day route for the first time who wants to start with a shorter one. Only a moderate fitness level is required. No technical experience or previous long-distance walking is needed — just the desire to walk and let yourself be surprised by one of the most magical corners of inland Galicia.
Frequently Asked Questions about O Camiño do Monxe
How many days does the short version of O Camiño do Monxe take?
This version lasts 5 days and 4 nights, with 3 full days of hiking.
What’s the total distance of the route?
The total distance is around 60 km, split across three stages of between 19 and 21 km each.
How difficult is it?
The difficulty is moderate. No technical knowledge or previous long-distance experience is required — just a reasonable level of fitness.
Where does the route start and finish?
The route starts in Castro Caldelas and ends at the Monastery of Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil, today a National Parador.
Can you reach the starting point by public transport?
You can take the train to Ourense and then a private transfer to Castro Caldelas.
What’s included in the price from €600?
It includes accommodation with private bathroom, breakfast, luggage transport, transfers according to the itinerary, map, credential, stage tracks and travel insurance.
Is this route suitable for someone who has never done a multi-day trail before?
Yes, it’s an ideal option for those starting out in multi-day trekking, since Rutas Meigas handles the logistics, accommodation and luggage.
What’s the best time of year for Ribeira Sacra hiking on O Camiño do Monxe?
You can hike O Camiño do Monxe all year round, though spring and autumn offer the most pleasant walking conditions. In autumn, the whole Ribeira Sacra area turns incredible colours.
Frequently asked questions about our Camino de Santiago agency
Why go on a pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago?
Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to Santiago de Compostela every year. The majority of them on foot, many by bike, some on horseback or even by sailboat, by sea.
What is it that moves people from almost every country in the world to devote a considerable amount of their time to the physical and personal exertion that the Camino de Santiago entails?
There are various reasons for this.
• Religious and / or spiritual
There are many reasons why pilgrims choose to walk the Camino de Santiago. Some do it for religious reasons, to honor the tomb of the Apostle Santiago, whose relics rest in the cathedral. But many begin this journey for spiritual reasons in a less religious sense; to find oneself and or to reflect, to gain distance from everyday routine and noise, or simply for personal liberation.
• Adventure and nature
Others just want to experience adventure and discover incredible landscapes, as well as companions of various origins (which is not important on the Camino). These acquaintances from which sometimes even friendships arise enrich us immensely.
• History and culture
There are also pilgrims who try to trace the history and culture that made the Jacobean tradition flourish in the various ways. Many of the cities with their corresponding historical-artistic representations were created under the influence of the Camino de Santiago to welcome and care for the pilgrims who have been coming to Compostela since the 9th century.
Whatever the reason that motivates you to set off, do not doubt that when you arrived in Santiago you found what you were looking for and much more. Experiences that will accompany and shape you for the rest of your life. because the Camino almost never ends in Compostela. A pilgrim always takes something home.
Which route should I choose?
Having constant logistical support allows you to focus on what truly matters: enjoying the landscape, reflecting, and living the Camino without stress or distractions.
Is there an ideal route to take on the St. James Way for the first time?
A large number of pilgrims begin on the French St. James Way, and the most frequented section here leads from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. The French way is the most popular and also the most frequented way, so we will always meet many other pilgrims here with whom we can share these first experiences and discuss eternal doubts.
It is also a route with a very well developed service, very good signaling and relatively easy to walk in terms of the degree of difficulty. From our experience, everyone should choose the first route individually, taking into account their own interests, strengths and preferences.
We will of course help to resolve any doubts that may arise before the first pilgrimage and possibly recommend a route.
Is the Camino well signposted or can I get lost?
At Rutas Meigas, we recommend this service for groups of up to 16 people. This allows for personalized attention and smoother logistics. However, we can also organize it for larger groups if needed.
Can I do the St. James Way alone?
We know that before starting the Camino de Santiago, many questions come up — especially if it’s your first time or if you’re considering doing it with professional support.
At Rutas Meigas, as a specialized Camino de Santiago travel agency, our goal is to help you live this journey with total confidence and peace of mind.
Here, we answer the most common questions about how the Camino with Support works — what it includes, who it’s designed for, how it’s organized, and what advantages it offers compared to walking independently.What type of bike do I need to do the St. James Way on bike?
Although there are currently many sections of the St. James Way that can be traveled on paved roads, it is always more interesting to drive them along the original routes. Therefore, it is ideal to adapt to any terrain and use a mountain bike.
However, if you already have a bike other than a mountain bike and want to ride the St. James Way with it, this is of course possible, although you have to be particularly careful on some sections. This decisión, of course, is up to you.
To complete the St. James Way by bike with Rutas Meigas, all you need is the desire, because our reservations for the St. James way on bike include:
– MTB bike with 27.5 “// 29” wheels and e-bikes
– Saddlebags
– Helmet
– Gel saddle cover
– Water bottle
– Tool bag (1 camera, patch, multifunctional Allen key, removable padlock)
– Air pump
Where do I pick up the bike provided by Rutas Meigas for the Way and where do I return it?
When you arrive at the starting point of your St. James Way on the first day, your bike is ready at your accommodation. The bike then simply left in the last accommodation when you arrive at your destination in Santiago. We take care of everything else.
Can I walk the St. James Way with my dog?
When you arrive at the starting point of your St. James Way on the first day, your bike is ready at your accommodation. The bike then simply left in the last accommodation when you arrive at your destination in Santiago. We take care of everything else.
What is the “Compostela” and how do you get her?
“La Compostela” is the official document of the Church, which testifies that you have completed one of the routes on the St. James Way. In order to receive it, you have to stamp your pilgrim’s pass on each completed stage.
Remember that you have to stamp at least twice on each stage, once in the town where you are staying and once during the stage.
As soon as you have arrived in Santiago, you can pick up your Compostela at the pilgrims ‘office, which is located in Rúa Carretas, 33, very close to the cathedral, about three minutes’ walk from the Plaza del Obradoiro.
If, under certain circumstances, you should prefer, it is also possible to document the Camino de Santiago with a digital pilgrim pass.
What is the pilgrim's pass and how do you get it?
The pilgrim’s passport, the “Credencial”, is the remnant of the document that has always accredited pilgrims on their pilgrimage. It is currently an official document issued by the Pilgrims’ Office of the Diocese of Santiago de Compostela. It consists of 16 pages with space for the appropriate stamps.
Routes Meigas provides the pilgrim’s pass at the start of the route. You will find this in your welcome package in the first accommodation we reserved.
Along the Way of St. James, on every chosen route, you will find numerous places where you can identify yourself as a pilgrim in order to receive the corresponding stamp: bars, restaurants, churches, chapels or hermitages, public institutions such as town halls etc. and even in the accommodation itself.
It is important that you have to stamp at least twice on each stage, once in the village where we are staying and once on the way.
How many kilometers do I have to cover at least to receive the Compostela?
The pilgrim’s passport, the “Credencial”, is the remnant of the document that has always accredited pilgrims on their pilgrimage. It is currently an official document issued by the Pilgrims’ Office of the Diocese of Santiago de Compostela. It consists of 16 pages with space for the appropriate stamps.
Routes Meigas provides the pilgrim’s pass at the start of the route. You will find this in your welcome package in the first accommodation we reserved.
Along the Way of St. James, on every chosen route, you will find numerous places where you can identify yourself as a pilgrim in order to receive the corresponding stamp: bars, restaurants, churches, chapels or hermitages, public institutions such as town halls etc. and even in the accommodation itself.
It is important that you have to stamp at least twice on each stage, once in the village where we are staying and once on the way.
Should I do the St. James Way in the shortest or longest possible time?
In no case the first variant, because there are absolutely no regulations in this regard as to how long it should take and also because the way is YOUR way and you can cover it in the time you want, as you want and can.
Typically an average of twenty kilometers per day is covered, and the stages are divided into places of particular interest to pilgrims or depending on the availability of accommodation and services, but each of the routes can be adapted to you and your wishes / preferences.
It is also possible to do the way in multiple periods of time, at different times or even years, as we often don’t have enough time to do it all at once.
Do I have to be in good physical condicion to complete the St. James Way?
Although the St. James Way is neither a sporting experience nor does it require special skills, it must be taken into account that the St. James Way requires certain physical demands. The difficulty is not necessarily to cover the kilometers on the first day. The challenge is to do this over several consecutive days. Most of us are not used to covering many kilometers for several days in a row. It is quite possible that our muscles are a bit sore at first, usually the feet are the most stressed and yet annoying blisters can often occur.
It is therefore advisable to complete a small and simple training session at least in the month before the start of the St. James Way. Simple walks or z. B. simply leaving the car and walking to work or running errands, climbing stairs, etc.
It is important that we try to incorporate different elevation changes and also different road surfaces into our routine as this is exactly what we will find on the Way and one of the things that will be the most strenuous for us.
It is also very important to do this little training with the shoes and socks that we want to use on the St.James Way. New footwear and new socks in the first stage are not a good idea, as they are an absolute guarantee for blisters on your feet. We should do the Way of St. James with breathable shoes and socks without seams, which have already been used and run in and to which our feet are already well used.
Do I have to bring walking sticks to the St. James Way?
Even if walking with sticks is not absolutely necessary or compulsory, we recommend it to all our pilgrims. They are a great support when faced with bumps to avoid falls and slips, and they can help set the pace of our steps.
Nowadays it is very easy to get collapsible sticks that can be easily stored in any pocket or small backpack so that they do not disturb when we are not using them and have them on hand when we need them.
Is the St. James Way suitable for people of all ages?
Even if walking with sticks is not absolutely necessary or compulsory, we recommend it to all our pilgrims. They are a great support when faced with bumps to avoid falls and slips, and they can help set the pace of our steps.
Nowadays it is very easy to get collapsible sticks that can be easily stored in any pocket or small backpack so that they do not disturb when we are not using them and have them on hand when we need them.
What is the weather like on the St. James Way?
The weather on the St. James Way depends on the route chosen and the time of the pilgrimage.
We are on Galician territory for the (last) hundred kilometers that are required to receive the Compostela. This means, in general, a mild climate with more or less frequent rainfall during most of the year. That means a very suitable climate for hiking, as there are no excessively high temperatures here in summer and the winters are also rather mild. In order to protect ourselves in the rain, it is usually sufficient if we have a thin raincoat / rain cape in our backpack just in case.
What should be taken into account are other areas with a somewhat more extreme climate, such as the Castilian plateau in the summer months, where temperatures can be very high and where we find few forest areas where you can protect yourself under shady trees. If you decide on one of these routes in summer, you should avoid the midday hours of the day to walk and always have enough water with you.
We also have to take into account the areas where we can find snow, fog and poor visibility in the middle of winter, such as O Cebreiro or Roncesvalles.
What is the best time of year to do the St. James Way?
Well, like the choice of routes, the choice of season for the St. James Way is also very personal. It depends on which climate we like best. For example, some people find it too hot to hike in the summer months and prefer cooler temperatures for this. There are even people who prefer to go out in winter to enjoy the snow-capped areas of these beautiful landscapes.
When choosing what time to hike, we also have to take into account the region we are going to visit, as, for example, the route of the Portuguese Way, which runs through the south, has a pleasant climate all year round and the one further north Routes naturally have a somewhat colder climate.
Another criterion that we have to consider when choosing the time is the ambience in which we want to be on the St. James Way. If we want to meet many pilgrims and people, the busiest time is the end of spring, summer and the beginning of autumn. If we prefer a very quiet St. James Way, which is more focused on our introspection, it is ideal to do it outside of these seasons.
Whatever you prefer, it is always recommended to have a raincoat with you, as it can “drizzle” in Galicia as early as mid-August.
What should I bring with me for the St. James Way?
Well, like the choice of routes, the choice of season for the St. James Way is also very personal. It depends on which climate we like best. For example, some people find it too hot to hike in the summer months and prefer cooler temperatures for this. There are even people who prefer to go out in winter to enjoy the snow-capped areas of these beautiful landscapes.
When choosing what time to hike, we also have to take into account the region we are going to visit, as, for example, the route of the Portuguese Way, which runs through the south, has a pleasant climate all year round and the one further north Routes naturally have a somewhat colder climate.
Another criterion that we have to consider when choosing the time is the ambience in which we want to be on the St. James Way. If we want to meet many pilgrims and people, the busiest time is the end of spring, summer and the beginning of autumn. If we prefer a very quiet St. James Way, which is more focused on our introspection, it is ideal to do it outside of these seasons.
Whatever you prefer, it is always recommended to have a raincoat with you, as it can “drizzle” in Galicia as early as mid-August.
What should I carry with me in the small backpack?
Try to carry only the bare essentials for each stage in a small backpack so that you can walk more comfortably and easily. Leave all heavy objects in your luggage, which Rutas Meigas will transport to the next accommodation.
– Personal documents.
– Water. Although it is common to find sources of drinking water and places to shop, it is good to have enough water with you to have something to drink at all times.
– Sun and head protection.
– Raincoat / rain cape
– A small first aid kit with plasters (or special bandages for blisters), some bandages and tape.
Rutas Meigas provides you with maps of the individual stages that you can easily take with you. However, we also have the option of tracking them from our mobile phone.
What can you eat on the St. James Way?
Try to carry only the bare essentials for each stage in a small backpack so that you can walk more comfortably and easily. Leave all heavy objects in your luggage, which Rutas Meigas will transport to the next accommodation.
– Personal documents.
– Water. Although it is common to find sources of drinking water and places to shop, it is good to have enough water with you to have something to drink at all times.
– Sun and head protection.
– Raincoat / rain cape
– A small first aid kit with plasters (or special bandages for blisters), some bandages and tape.
Rutas Meigas provides you with maps of the individual stages that you can easily take with you. However, we also have the option of tracking them from our mobile phone.
What should I do when I arrive in Santiago de Compostela?
Traditionally, the St. James Way ended at the north gate, called the Puerta del Paraíso or Francígena (facade of the Azabachería) or at the south gate (facade of the Platerias), although nowadays all pilgrims choose to end their journey in the spectacular plaza la Plaza del Obradoiro. When you get there, pause for a while to rest and be amazed by the incredible surroundings that surround you. It will be a moment of great emotion, a moment of celebration, sharing with other pilgrims, but also of introspection, of remembering everything that you have experienced and achieved. Arriving at the Obradoiro is the culmination of all efforts, and when you get there you will feel that all the efforts are worth it. Then you can go to the pilgrims office to pick up your well-deserved Compostela. Don’t worry if there is a long line. With the shift system, you will be notified on your phone when it is your turn, so you can take a stroll through the old town or comfortably wait in one of the bars around the office.
When you arrive at your hotel, Rutas Meigas has already left your luggage there so that you can freshen up and then comfortably go back out to explore the city. You will certainly want to take part in the pilgrim mass, which is currently celebrated at 12:00 and 18:00 in the afternoon. With Rutas Meigas you also have a guided tour inclusive through the historical center with one of our official Galician tourism guides.
Of course, it is also essential to enjoy the wonderful gastronomy that Galicia offers and that you can find in the many bars and restaurants of the city. In Compostela it is a tradition to drink wine in the many streets of the old town. Not to forget that we are invited to a tapa here with almost every drink.
If you are staying longer in Santiago and want to learn more about Galicia, we at Rutas Meigas offer an extensive catalog of excursions from Santiago.
What is the pilgrimage mass?
It is a liturgical celebration that is celebrated in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. It begins by reading the list of pilgrims who have passed through the pilgrimage in the last twenty-four hours, including the starting points of their pilgrimage and the nationalities or provinces from which they come.
When is the pilgrimage mass celebrated?
Currently, the pilgrimage mass is celebrated twice a day at 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m
What is the botafumeiro and where can I see it?
The botafumeiro is a symbol of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and, ultimately, of the city itself. It is certainly the largest censer in the world. He weighs 53 kilos and measures 1.50 meters. Dipped in silver, it hangs on the twenty-meter-high central dome. Eight men, called “tiraboleiros”, move it (or dance it) through a system of pulleys, causing it to travel at a speed of almost seventy kilometers per hour.
We find references to the botafumeiro as early as the 14th century in the Calixtino Codex, where it is referred to as “Turibulum magnum”. Its original use was to perfume the cathedral and remove the bad smell of the pilgrims, who in many cases even slept in the temple.
The botafumeiro works on the main celebrations of the Cathedral of Santiago and pilgrimage events requested by the cathedral.
What do I do if I have further questions?
If you have any questions about the Camino de Santiago that you cannot solve yourself, you can always contact the Rutas Meigas emergency number.
Our advice.
Clear the way and with an open mind. It is a learning path about the world, about life and about yourself. You will meet many new people from many countries and many fields. You will surely find more than one friend for life. You will also find out new things about yourself. Accept what you find out on your route, because what you learn on the Camino de Santiago will be with you forever.
Be respectful with the rest of the people you meet and the environment as well. The Way of St. James crosses many natural areas. Leave everything as you found it.
Try to forget your cell phone. Although it is recommended to carry it with you and it can also be of help when we follow the routes, try to carry it in your backpack or in a bag and use it as little as possible. Concentrate on the nature around you, on the people you meet and of course on yourself.
Be a pilgrim, not a tourist.