Samos start?

[sharonmonty]

I’ve been planning to walk Sarria to Santiago in April this year. My idea is to fly from Stansted to Santiago arriving 22.45 and stay in a local hotel and get the 11.15 bus the next day. Its occurred to me that I could stay on the bus to Samos and then walk to Sarria. I will arrive in Samos 13.21.
Am I sensible to try and do that walk in the afternoon/evening?
I’m trying to plan so I can do some walking on my first day and I’m keen to see Samos and Sarria.
I’ve walked Valenca to Santiago with friends 2 years ago but will be solo this time. Excited but a little nervous too.
Any views or thoughts would be very welcome!

 

[Anniesantiago]

I just love the walk from Samos to Sarria. It's one of my favorite sections of the CF.
You might consider spending the night in Samos, then starting out next morning so you aren't in a rush.
There is the Monastery there as well as a couple of private lodgings.
But I think you could do it - I'd see what time sunset is on that day then decide maybe?

 

[Anamiri]

I’ve been planning to walk Sarria to Santiago in April this year. My idea is to fly from Stansted to Santiago arriving 22.45 and stay in a local hotel and get the 11.15 bus the next day. Its occurred to me that I could stay on the bus to Samos and then walk to Sarria. I will arrive in Samos 13.21.
Am I sensible to try and do that walk in the afternoon/evening?
I’m trying to plan so I can do some walking on my first day and I’m keen to see Samos and Sarria.
I’ve walked Valenca to Santiago with friends 2 years ago but will be solo this time. Excited but a little nervous too.
Any views or thoughts would be very welcome!

I love the walk in and out as well as Samos itself. The monastery is impressive and its a pretty little town with a river. I particularly love the walk in through the little villages, like the land that time forgot. The glimpse of the monastery through the gaps in the stone wall at the top of the hill was breathtaking.
There are two options to walk from Samos to Sarria. I have only walked the quiet country lane option which is really peaceful and lovely. I believe the other option involves a lot of road walking.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Yes, you definitely don't want to miss the turn-off.
There are actually two - both yellow arrows to the RIGHT.
If you miss them, then you're walking the highway the entire way, which would be a shame.

 

[sharonmonty]

I just love the walk from Samos to Sarria. It's one of my favorite sections of the CF.
You might consider spending the night in Samos, then starting out next morning so you aren't in a rush.
There is the Monastery there as well as a couple of private lodgings.
But I think you could do it - I'd see what time sunset is on that day then decide maybe?

Thank you! That helps. I will check both. Staying might be the best option. Good to hear it’s a good section.

 

[sharonmonty]

I love the walk in and out as well as Samos itself. The monastery is impressive and its a pretty little town with a river. I particularly love the walk in through the little villages, like the land that time forgot. The glimpse of the monastery through the gaps in the stone wall at the top of the hill was breathtaking.
There are two options to walk from Samos to Sarria. I have only walked the quiet country lane option which is really peaceful and lovely. I believe the other option involves a lot of road walking.

Thank you. I’m pleased to hear it’s worth going to Samos. I’ve seen the quiet route in the Brierley guide and want to avoid the road!

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola @sharonmonty
I have most fond memories of the Samos - Sarria walk (or in my case cycle). It was so quiet, so "of the beaten track" compared to mainstream Camino. According to Brierley its about a 2.5 KM walk to the Cruce turn-off. Note as this section is along side LU633 road which can be busy at time. The camino from Cruce to Aguida was so beautiful I almost lost my way. Staying overnight might be the best option (especially if you have had a long journey from your home) and it will allow you to avoid staying in Sarria. There are also a number of accommodation options in the next 10/15 km west of Sarria. Buen Camino.

 

[sharonmonty]

Yes, you definitely don't want to miss the turn-off.
There are actually two - both yellow arrows to the RIGHT.
If you miss them, then you're walking the highway the entire way, which would be a shame.

I will be very careful to get the correct turn off!

Hola @sharonmonty
I have most fond memories of the Samos - Sarria walk (or in my case cycle). It was so quiet, so "of the beaten track" compared to mainstream Camino. According to Brierley it’s about a 2.5 KM walk to the Cruce turn-off. Note as this section is along side LU633 road which can be busy at time. The camino from Cruce to Aguida was so beautiful I almost lost my way. Staying overnight might be the best option (especially if you have had a long journey from your home) and it will allow you to avoid staying in Sarria. There are also a number of accommodation options in the next 10/15 km west of Sarria. Buen Camino.

Thank you that is so helpful. I hadn’t considered not staying in Sarria and will think about that. It’s so good to hear that it’s a beautiful section to walk!

 

[trecile]

I’m trying to plan so I can do some walking on my first day and I’m keen to see Samos and Sarria.

If you want to see Samos, then you should spend the afternoon and night there and start walking in the morning. It's less than 15 km to Sarria, so perhaps stop for lunch there and walk on to Barbadelo where there is a fantastic albergue with dorms, private rooms, and a good restaurant.

Camino de Santiago | Casa Barbadelo | Vilei

Pensión y albergue a pié del Camino de Santiago, justo a 3kms de Sarria por el Camino. Casa Barbadelo es el lugar perfecto para empezar tu Camino o descansar de una etapa anterior.

info647301.wixsite.com

 

[sharonmonty]

If you want to see Samos, then you should spend the afternoon and night there and start walking in the morning. It's less than 15 km to Sarria, so perhaps stop for lunch there and walk on to Barbadelo where there is a fantastic albergue with dorms, private rooms, and a good restaurant.

Camino de Santiago | Casa Barbadelo | Vilei

Pensión y albergue a pié del Camino de Santiago, justo a 3kms de Sarria por el Camino. Casa Barbadelo es el lugar perfecto para empezar tu Camino o descansar de una etapa anterior.

info647301.wixsite.com

I saw Casa Barbedelo on Wise Pilgrim yesterday but thanks for the recommendation which helps me solidify my plans! I’m now getting very excited about seeing Samos.

 

[peterhore]

Has anyone ever stayed with the monks at Samos (as opposed to the monastery's pilgrim albergue)? Always thought it would be a wonderful place for a retreat from the world.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I’m now getting very excited about seeing Samos.

Passing up the variant to Samos two times is one of my big Frances regrets, along with the Eunate and Pradela variants.

 

[sharonmonty]

Passing up the variant to Samos two times is one of my big Frances regrets, along with the Eunate and Pradela variants.

I’m having lots of advice not to miss Samos. Thank you

 

[Anniesantiago]

Has anyone ever stayed with the monks at Samos (as opposed to the monastery's pilgrim albergue)? Always thought it would be a wonderful place for a retreat from the world.

I have not stayed there but honestly, I've heard mixed reviews.
I think it's one of those places that people either love or hate.
Personally, I think I'd like it - go to Gronze.com and read the comments maybe?

 

[julia-t]

I walked from Samos to Barbadelo, and I stopped in Sarria for an early lunch. Then as I left I called in at both churches on the hill to get sellos, and I also called into the monastery (?) right at the top of the hill on the right before walking the last 3km to Barbadelo.
There’s also a very nice historic church in Barbadelo to pop into.

 

[sharonmonty]

I walked from Samos to Barbadelo, and I stopped in Sarria for an early lunch. Then as I left I called in at both churches on the hill to get sellos, and I also called into the monastery (?) right at the top of the hill on the right before walking the last 3km to Barbadelo.
There’s also a very nice historic church in Barbadelo to pop into.

That’s great information thank you. I do like a church to visit and any excuse for a sello!

 

[sebastian606]

We spent the night in Samos. We had a tour of the monastery and went to the Pilgrims' Mass at 7:30 PM where we had a blessing. Lovely and meaningful. Don't miss Samos.

 

[sharonmonty]

We spent the night in Samos. We had a tour of the monastery and went to the Pilgrims' Mass at 7:30 PM where we had a blessing. Lovely and meaningful. Don't miss Samos.

I’ve now decided I define won’t! Thank you. I will visit the monastery too.

 

[howardd5]

I’ve been planning to walk Sarria to Santiago in April this year. My idea is to fly from Stansted to Santiago arriving 22.45 and stay in a local hotel and get the 11.15 bus the next day. Its occurred to me that I could stay on the bus to Samos and then walk to Sarria. I will arrive in Samos 13.21.
Am I sensible to try and do that walk in the afternoon/evening?
I’m trying to plan so I can do some walking on my first day and I’m keen to see Samos and Sarria.
I’ve walked Valenca to Santiago with friends 2 years ago but will be solo this time. Excited but a little nervous too.
Any views or thoughts would be very welcome!

If at Samos I hope you can take. A your, it’s worth the hour. Be sure to see the Primitivo chapel near the river, I thinks that’s the original Samos. The new buildings were built by Franco in the 50s& 60s

 

[DwainS]

If you want to see Samos, then you should spend the afternoon and night there and start walking in the morning. It's less than 15 km to Sarria, so perhaps stop for lunch there and walk on to Barbadelo where there is a fantastic albergue with dorms, private rooms, and a good restaurant.

Camino de Santiago | Casa Barbadelo | Vilei

Pensión y albergue a pié del Camino de Santiago, justo a 3kms de Sarria por el Camino. Casa Barbadelo es el lugar perfecto para empezar tu Camino o descansar de una etapa anterior.

info647301.wixsite.com

I didn't go to Samos last June when I walked to Sarria. But this June when I walk again I made a decision to go to Samos. I read a post of yours from 2021 that recommend to stay overnight and to book a room at Casa Licerio. So I have a room booked there for June. Was originally going to walk to Samos and Sarria the same day but it's going to be nice to have a couple short days. Should be a beautiful walk in June, really looking forward to it.