Samos or Sarria to Santiago

[Chris Gi]

I have promised a friend that I will take her to do a part of the Camino Frances in 2020 (this will also celebrate my 80th birthday). She is probably not able to walk more than 7 - 8 miles a day and does not do well on hills!!!! I was wondering whether Samos or Sarria would be a better starting point. We really don't have any time restrictions so we can do this as easily as we like.

My one stipulation to her is that we WALK. I just did my first Camino earlier this year.... we started in Pamplona and we probably walked way over 200 miles (the rest by bus, train, taxi, horseback) but we did not actually walk the final 100 kilometers into Santiago so if I go back - this is what I would want to do so that I can get my "certificate of completion". In June we had chosen to go through Samos as we wanted to do that lovely walk there from Tricastella and we had wanted to see the beautiful monastery there. However, I think this time I need to choose which ever would be the easier (less hilly?) route so that Kathy will be able to feel comfortable and be able to achieve her goal.

I probably should add that Kathy is a capable walker and has trained with me in the past. However, she is constantly battling Plantar Fasciitis.

 

[alhartman]

Samos to Sarria is longish downhill. Sarria to Portomarin is a 1000 foot climb to about Barbadelo, then a slightly deeper drop. The climb out of Portomarin has always seemed unrelenting up 1200 feet until Hospital da Cruz, Palais de Rei to Arzua must have a dozen small valley that add up to a very up/down hilly walk. You can see more details on Gronze>Camino Frances>Etapa 28> then click on 'ver perfil de la etapa'. It is a lovely section but definitely not flat like the meseta.

 

[Chris Gi]

Samos to Sarria is longish downhill. Sarria to Portomarin is a 1000 foot climb to about Barbadelo, then a slightly deeper drop. The climb out of Portomarin has always seemed unrelenting up 1200 feet until Hospital da Cruz, Palais de Rei to Arzua must have a dozen small valley that add up to a very up/down hilly walk. You can see more details on Gronze>Camino Frances>Etapa 28> then click on 'ver perfil de la etapa'. It is a lovely section but definitely not flat like the meseta.

Thank you

 

[Anniesantiago]

Sarria is easier to get to but I love LOVE LOVE the walk from Samos to Sarria. It's just beautiful!

 

[Anamiri]

Samos was wonderful, the monastery is impressive

 

[Former member 83573]

I have promised a friend that I will take her to do a part of the Camino Frances in 2020 (this will also celebrate my 80th birthday). She is probably not able to walk more than 7 - 8 miles a day and does not do well on hills!!!! I was wondering whether Samos or Sarria would be a better starting point. We really don't have any time restrictions so we can do this as easily as we like.

My one stipulation to her is that we WALK. I just did my first Camino earlier this year.... we started in Pamplona and we probably walked way over 200 miles (the rest by bus, train, taxi, horseback) but we did not actually walk the final 100 kilometers into Santiago so if I go back - this is what I would want to do so that I can get my "certificate of completion". In June we had chosen to go through Samos as we wanted to do that lovely walk there from Tricastella and we had wanted to see the beautiful monastery there. However, I think this time I need to choose which ever would be the easier (less hilly?) route so that Kathy will be able to feel comfortable and be able to achieve her goal.

I probably should add that Kathy is a capable walker and has trained with me in the past. However, she is constantly battling Plantar Fasciitis.

 

[Former member 83573]

Chris, consider Samos as a must expeience from the spiritual, aesthetic, and, unapologetic here, a religious point of view.

 

[Introibo]

I agree with Annie. The stretch from Samos to Sarria was the best part of my walk.

 

[auburnfive]

Any suggestions for accommodation in Samos?

 

[FLEUR]

We stayed at a quite small hotel in Samos, Albaroque opposite the monastery. We had dinner in the hotel restaurant and breakfast in the cafe / restaurant next door.

 

[donalomahony]

There is also a private Albergue in the town. Everything is in walking distance.

 

[Bala]

If you want to know what the Camino was like before everything went upscale, stay at the monastery itself. I loved it, but it would not be everybody's cup of tea. One big cavernous room filled with bunkbeds, no wifi, industrial-style unisex shower/toilet room.

But the walls are covered with charming murals, and it's staffed by volunteer hospitaleros who make up in warmth and hospitality whatever might be lacking in the latest bathroom amenities. I felt like I was part of a 1,000-year-old Benedictine tradition of welcome. And the experience of being in such a place may be one of the last of its kind.

The bar across the street serves good food and has free wifi. What more could you ask?

 

[trecile]

I would stay at Casa Licerio in Samos. I didn't stay there myself, but some friends did last year and it looked wonderful. https://casalicerio.wixsite.com/casalicerio

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

And you can do a quided tour in th Monastery , so wonderful.

Wish you well and a Buen Camino , Peter .