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Beautiful Camino Sanabres Camino de Santiago (2024)

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Do you have only two weeks available for walking Camino de Santiago? Are you a nature lover who prefers less crowded paths? Want to see off the beaten lands of Castilla y Leon and authentic Galicia?
If so, you will enjoy Camino Sanabres, one of the historic Camino de Santiago routes!

Camino de Santiago Camino Sanabres map
Camino Sanabres map (photo credit: Camino Ninja App)

CAMINO SANABRES: CAMINO DE SANTIAGO SANABRES WAY

Camino Sanabres summary:

Starting point: Granja de Moreruela in Castilla y Leon
Finishing point: Santiago de Compostela in Galicia 
Camino Sanabres length: 234 mi (378 km)
Camino Sanabres etapas: 13 stages in total
Camino Sanabres days: 2 weeks
Camino Sanabres min/max elevation: 55 m/1356 m
Camino Sanabres elevation gain/loss: 7234 m/-7689 m
Camino Sanabres best time to go: April-June, September-October
Camino Sanabres type of pilgrims: crowds-avoiding nature lovers
Percentage of pilgrims who walk Camino Sanabres: less than 0.5%

WHAT IS CAMINO SANABRES

Camino Sanabres goes across Ponte Sobreira in the vaillge of Villamarin in Galicia
Camino Sanabres crosses Ponte Sobreira bridge over the Barbantiño River in Galicia

The Camino Sanabres is an 800-year-old Camino de Santiago route in Spain

The Sanabrese Way is a Camino de Santiago route by itself. But it also serves as a branch of the Via de la Plata route. 

Camino de Santiago Via de la Plata route (that starts in Seville and ends in Santiago) forks in the Zamora province (after Salamanca) to two sub-routes: Via de la Plata Camino Sanabres (via Ourense) and Via de la Plata Galician variant (via Astorga).  

Via de la Plata Camino Sanabres Way Galicia

The Camino Sanabres acts as a branch of Via de la Plata.
The Via de la Plata Camino Sanabres goes through the city of Ourense to Santiago de Compostela. That’s why Camino Sanabres is also called Via de la Plata Ourense. 

Camino Sanabres is the longest Jacobean route of Galicia. Even 124 mi (200 km) of Camino Sanabres goes through Galicia (from A Gudina to Santiago de Compostela).

Several hundred years ago, merchants and farmers from Galicia used Camino Sanabres on their way to Castilla y Leon during the harvesting season. Camino Sanabres was one of the so-called ‘veredas’ transit routes from Galicia to Castilla and Leon.
In the Middle Ages, pilgrims started taking Camino Sanabres as a pilgrimage path on their way to Santiago de Compostela. 

WHERE IS CAMINO SANABRES

Camino de Santiago goes through forests in Galicia
Galician forest on the Camino Sanabres

Camino Sanabres connects two regions of Spain: Castilla and Leon and Galicia.

The Camino Sanabres goes from Granja de Moreruela in Castilla y Leon through an area called Sanabria and the city of Ourense towards Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. 

Camino Sanabres is named after Sanabria.
Sanabria is an area and a county in Zamora province, known for Sanabria Lake Nature Reserve (318 ha of land of mountains and impressive Sanabria glacier lake) and the medieval town of Puebla de Sanabria. 

WHERE DOES CAMINO SANABRES START

Granja de Moreruela Camino Sanabres waymark

Camino Sanabres starts in Granja de Moreruela, a tiny village in Zamora province in Castilla y Leon.

Granja de Moreruela is located about 18 mi (30 km) north of Zamora and 62 mi (100 km) north of Salamanca. It is also 162 mi (260 km) northwest of Madrid.

Pilgrims usually start the Camino Sanabres in Granja de Moreruela and hike the entire route of 234 mi (378 km) from Granja de Moreruela to Santiago de Compostela.

Some pilgrims start the Camino in Ourense and walk the last 62 mi (100 km) from Ourense to Santiago de Compostela to obtain their Compostela, as walking at least the last 62 mi (100 km) is mandatory for getting a Compostela certificate.

HOW TO GET TO GRANJA DE MORERUELA

Granja de Moreruela is located in Zamora province. The nearest town to Granja Moreruela is Zamora.

Granja de Morerula is a 30 min by bus from Zamora (and Zamora is only 1 h by train from Madrid). Granja de Moreruela is 5 hours by bus from Madrid.

Granja de Moreruela is 1 hour and 20 min by bus from Salamanca.

HOW TO GET TO OURENSE

The city of Ourense is easily reachable from Santiago, A Coruna, and Madrid by train.

It takes only 35 min by train from Santiago to Ourense, 1 hour by train from A Coruna to Ourense, and 2 hours and 15 min by train from Madrid to Ourense.

HOW LONG IS CAMINO SANABRES

The Sanabres Way is a mid-length Camino de Santiago route, just like Camino Primitivo (Camino de Santiago Primitive Way).

The Camino Sanabres is 234 mi (378 km) long. It has 13 walking stages (etapas) in total. 
It means, that the entire Camino Sanabres route can be hiked in about 14 days (2 weeks).

RELATED READ: How long is Camino de Santiago?

WHY TO HIKE CAMINO SANABRES

Camino Sanabres uses ancient Roman roads that go through the unspoiled nature of Castilla y Leon and Galicia. 

Camino Sanabres is one of the less traveled Camino de Santiago routes. It is recommended for pilgrims who enjoy serenity and peacefulness, along with beautiful nature landscapes.

The Sanabres Way is also for people who have only 2 weeks available but wish to walk Camino de Santiago.

CAMINO SANABRES STAGES

Camino Sanabres Etapas 

Stage 1: Granja de Moreruela – Tabara (15 mi; 25 km)

Moreruela Abbey is a must-see on the Camino Sanabres
Moreruela Abbey

Granja de Moreruela – Faramontanos de Tábara (18 km) – Tábara (25 km)

Camino Sanabres starts in Granja de Moreurela in Zamora province in Castilla and Leon. The first stage is 16 mi (25 km) long.

The first stage of Camino Sanabres goes from Granja de Moreurela and the elegant Quintos bridge over the river Esla to the villages of Faramontanos de Tabara and Tábara with the Sierra de la Culebra mountain range in the backdrop. 

The most impressive site of this stage is Moreruela Abbey, a former Cistercian monastery from the 9th century on the outskirts of Granja de Moreurela. The monastery is the first Cistercian monastery on the Iberian peninsula and today it is a Spanish national monument.

Tábara is the end of the first stage of Camino Sanabres. Pilgrims hostel in Tabara (Albergue de peregrinos de Tabara) is one of the most iconic albergues on Camino Sanabres for the hospitality of its hospiatalero.

Stage 2: Tábara – Santa Marta de Tera (14.2 mi; 22.9 km)

The statue of St James Apostole is a must-seee on the Camino Sanabres
Statue of St James the Pilgrim in Santa Marta de Tera

Tabara – Bercianos de Velverde (14.5 km)  – Santa Croya de Tera 821 km) – Santa Marta de Tera (22.9 km)

The second stage of Camino Sanabres goes from Tábara to Santa Marta de Tera. The second stage is 14.2 mi (23 km) long.

The village of Santa Marta de Tera has the oldest known statue of St James, the Apostle portrayed as a pilgrim with a scallop shell on his pouch. 

The statue of St James the Pilgrim dates back to the 12th century. It hangs on the backside of the church of Santa Marta de Tera, the oldest Romanesque church in Zamora province.

Today the St James statue from Santa Marta de Tera is the symbol of Camino Sanabres. There are many waymarkers with the statue of St James the Pilgrim along the Camino Sanabres route.

Stage 3: Santa Marta de Tera – Mombuey (22.4 mi; 36.1 km)

Rionegro del Puente is a stop on the Camino Sanabres
Rionegro del Puente waymark


Santa Marta de Tera – Camarzana de Tera (4.8 km) – Calzadilla de Tera (11 km) – Olleros de tera (13 km) – Villar de Farfon (21 km) – Rionegro del Puente (27 km) – Mombeuy (36.1 km)

The third stage of Camino Sanabres is long. It covers 24.4 mi (36.1 km) from Santa Marta de Tera to Mombeuy.

In the first part of the third stage, the Camino follows the Tera River, and it continues to the dam of Nuestra Señora del Agavanzal (Reservoir of Our Lady of Agavanzal) and the village of Villar de Farfón with San Pedro church.
Climbing the bell tower of San Pedro church in Villar de Farfón provides stunning views of the lake, dam, and village.

In this stage, the Camino Sanabres route goes to the village of Rionegro del Puente, where many pilgrims choose to stay overnight and to make shorter this stage, instead of proceeding to Mombuey.  
You can choose to stay in Rionegro del Puente and hike 16 mi (27 km) on the third day (instead of 36 km to Mombeuy) too.

However, the bell tower of the Iglesia de la Asuncion in Mombuey is a must-see monument on Camino Sanabres. Templar Knights built it in the 13th century. So, don’t miss out on seeing it!

On the third day of my Camino Sanabres walk, I decided to hike from Santa Marta de Tera and Rionegro del Puente. I walked 16 mi (27 km) on my third day of Camino de Santiago Sanabres.

Stage 4: Mombuey – Puebla de Sanabria (19.7 mi; 31.7 km)

Puebla de Sanabria is a must-see on the Camino Sanabres
Puebla de Sanabria

Mombuey – Valdemerilla (5 km) – Cernadilla (8.5 km) – San Salvador de Palazuelo (10.4 km) – Entreppenas (14 km) – Asturianos (17 km) – Palacios de Sanaría ( 20.5 km) – Remésalo (22.5 km) – Otero de Sanaría 825 km) – Triufe (28 km) – Puebla de Sanabria (31.7 km) 

The fourth stage of Camino Sanabres is again one of the longest stages. It covers 20 mi (32 km) in total.

The stage goes through several smaller villages and utilizes a mix of roads and dirt tracks. The beautiful town of Puebla de Sanabria marks the end of this long stage.

Because of the length of this stage, many pilgrims opt for staying in Asturianos and to reach Puebla de Sanabria on the next day. I did the same on my Camino Sanabres hike.
On the fourth day, I hiked 16 mi (26 km) from Rio Negro del Puente to Asturianos.

Asturianos is a lovely village with all services, a lovely chapel of the Virgen del Carmen, and a welcoming pilgrims hostel. So, if you want to shorten this stage, stay in Asturianos and head to Puebla de Sanabria refreshed the next morning. It takes only 9.6 mi (15 km) from Asturianos to Puebla de Sanabria.

Puebla de Sanabria is one of the most beautiful places in Spain.
This gorgeous town is known as one of the ‘Los pueblos mas bonitos de España‘.
It is a picturesque medieval town known for the 15th-century Castle of Benavente Counts, the 13th-century Nuestra Señora de Azogue church, the San Carlos fort, and the 17th-century San Cayetano hermitage.
Puebla de Sanabria is declared a national cultural and artistic site in Spain.

Stage 5: Puebla de Sanabria – Lubian (18.4 mi; 29.6 km)

Lubian is a stop on the Camino Sanabres route of Camino de Santiago in Spain
Lubian


Puebla de Sanabria – Terroso (10 km) – Requejo (13 km) – Padornelo (24 km) – Aciberos (28 km) – Lubian (29.6 km) 

The fifth stage of Camino Sanabres goes from Puebla de Sanabria to Lubian. It is again a long stage covering 18.5 mi (30 km) in total.

This stage comes with beautiful landscapes. It goes along a river, meadows, chestnut trees, and oak forests. 

But Camino Sanbres pilgrims regularly choose to walk only 15 km from Asturianos to Puebla de Sanabria in order to have a full day in Puebla de Sanabria.
After all, magical Puebla de Sanabria has much to offer!

If you decide to do the same, on the next day you can walk from Puebla de Sanabria to A Gudina. The next stage from Puebla de Sanabria to A Gudina will be a long one, but after walking only 15 km on the previous day, you will have needed strength.

Stage 6. Lubian – A Gudina (14.7 mi; 23.7 km)

The village of Lubian is a stop on the Camino Sanabres route of Camino de Santiago in Spain
Camino Sanabres waymark in Lubián

Lubian – A Canada (7.5 km) – A Vivalella (11 km) – O Pereiro (15 km) – O Canizo (28 km) – A Gudina (23.7 km) 

This Camino Sanabres stage covers 14.7 mi (23.7 km) in total.
The Camino enters Galicia in this stage.

The route of this stage goes among lots of greenery, but you can expect to encounter lots of rain. This stage is particularly known for rainfall.

However, the Camino path follows the Tuela River, goes next to the 18th-century chapel of Tuiza, and leaves Castilla y Leon, and enters finally Galicia.
The churches of San Martin and San Pedro in A Gudina are must-sees. 

Camino Sanabres waymark in A Gudina
The Camino Sanabres route forks in A Gudina

A Gudina, also spelled as La Gudina, is a small village but with probably the best municipal hostel for pilgrims not only on Camino Sanabres but on all Camino de Santiago routes.

In A Gudina the route branches to Laza and Verin. Verin is a longer branch than Laza, but the Verin variant is recommended for cyclists as it follows the asphalt. The branches rejoin in the city of Ourense.

Stage 7: A Gudina – Laza  (21.4 mi; 34.5 km)

Embalse das Portas water reservoir is on teh Camino sanabres route in Galicia
Embalse das Portas water reservoir in Galicia


A Gudina – Campobecerros (20 km) – Portocamba (23 km) – As Eiras (28 km) – Laza (34.5 km)

This stage is one of the longest and the most scenic Camino Sanabres stages.

The trail runs at a thousand meters of altitude with sweeping views. The landscapes of this Camino Sanabres stage are absolutely stunning.

The route goes next to Embalse de As Portas reservoir, a large inland sea that will take your breath away. The route follows mostly dirt tracks. So, in spite of the length, this stage is actually easy to hike.

Stage 8: Laza – Xunqueira de Ambia (20.5 mi; 33 km)

Camino Sanabres waymark
Camino Sanabres waymark Laza – Verin

Laza – Soutelo Verde (3.3 km) – Tamícelas (6.2 km) – Albergueria (12 km) – Vilar de Barrio (19 km) – Vilar de Gomareite (22 km) – Bobadela a Pinta (28 km)- Cima de Vila (30 km) – Xunqueira de Ambia (33 km)

 Albergueria is a must stop on Via de La Plata Camino Sanabres route of Camino de Santiago
Albergueria, Galicia

This stage is not long but it is one of the most difficult stages of Camino Sanabres. The route goes uphill and the climb is steep.

 Albergueria is a must-have stop on the Camino Sanabres
Albergueria

The village of Albergueria is on the top of a hill. Albergueria has a unique pilgrims hostel and a coffee bar decorated with scallop shells. Albergueria is a must-stop on the route, for a refreshing drink in the bar or a stay in the most unusual Albergue ever.


After Albergueria, the Camino continues through the mountains to the village of Vilar do Barrio where you can stay in Albergue as well ( in case you choose to continue your hike that day but you want to shorten this stage).

The challenging hike from Laza to Vilar do Barrio is 12.8 mi (20 km) long.

Stage 9: Xunqueira de Ambia – Ourense (13.5 mi; 21.8 km)

Camino Sanabres way
Camino Sanabres way

Xunqueira de Ambia – A Pousa (3.2 km) – A Chouzana (5 km) – Ousende (5 km) – Ousende (7.4 km) – Pereiras (11 km) – Castellana (13 km9 – A Zamorana (14 km) – rebordeo (15 km) – Seixalbo (18 km)  – Ourense (22 km) 

This is a short and easy stage.

Ourense is a wonderful city famous for its thermal baths and beautiful Cathedral.
There are many things to do in the city of Ourense: from relaxing in ancient Roman thermal baths to sightseeing churches in Ourense to exploring fabulous Spanish tapas bars (especially, ‘pulperias’ – traditional taverns selling octopus dishes).

Thermal baths in ourense are must-sees on the Camino Sanabres
Iconic fountain of historic As Burgas thermal baths in Ourense on the Camino Sanabres route

Sunday is traditionally a ‘pulpo’ day in Ourense. Delicious pulpo alla gallega (the Galician-style octopus) is traditionally sold on the street stalls in Ourense.
It is a special treat for seafood lovers to be in Ourense on Sundays. In case you are not familiar with it, the Galician-style octopus is one of the most popular Spanish dishes.

A street stall selling octopus in Ourense in Galicia
A street stall selling octopus in Ourense in Galicia

If you start walking this stage in Xunqueira de Ambia early in the morning you will reach Ourense around noon and you will have enough time to enjoy this beautiful Galician city.

Pilgrims in Ourense on the Camino Sanabres
Pilgrims waiting for the opening of the Albergue in Ourense

Stage 10: Ourense – Cea (13.1 mi; 21.2 km) 

Camino Sanabres goes across Ponte Sobreira in the vaillge of Villamarin in Galicia
Camino Sanabres crosses Ponte Sobreira bridge over the Barbantiño River in Galicia

Ourense – Cudeiro (4 km) – Tamallancos ( 12.5 km) – Bouzas ( 13.5 km) – Sobreira (16 km) – Faramontaos ( 17 km) -Viduedo (19 km) – Payos (19.6 km) – Casas Novas (20.7 km) – Cea (22 km) 

This is relatively a short stage, but you can extend it and go to Oseira Monastery.

Santa Maria de Oseira Monastery in Galicia is a must-see on Camino de Santiago Camino Sanabres. This monumental monastery is nicknamed the Galician Escorial.

Oseira Monastery is an 8 km detour from Cea. It has a wonderful pilgrims’ Albergue. The hostel is run by Xunta Galicia and it is adjacent to the monastery. 

Stage 11: Cea – A Laxe (19 mi; 32 km) 

Oseira Monastery is a must-see on the Camino Sanabres
Oseira Monastery

Cea – Pielos (6 km) – Oseira (8,6 km) – A Gouxa (15 km) – Castro de Dozon (20 km) – A Laxe (32 km)

The Oseira Abbey is a must-see on the Camino Sanabres route
‘Palm Room’ of Oseria Monastery

This is a long but easy stage as it goes mostly downhill.

But, if you walk to the Oseira Monastery on the previous day, this stage can be much shorter. There is only 18.3 mi (29 km) from Oseira to Laxe. I slept in Albergue del Monasterio de Oseira and hiked to Laxe the next day.

In any case, this stage takes some truly beautiful paths amid the greenery.

Stage 12: A Laxe – O Outeiro (20 mi; 33.5 km)

Ponte Taboada bridge is on the Camino Sanabres
Medieval Ponte Taboada bridge is on the Camino Sanabres


A Laxe – Bendoiro de Abaixo (1.3 km) – A Ponte Taboada (5 km) – Transfontao (7.5 km) – Silleda (10 km) – Riocalvo 12.8 km) – Bandeira (16.3 km) – Dornelas (21.4 km) – San Miguel de castro (27.3 km) – Ponte Ulla (29.3 km)  – O Outeiro (33.5 km) 

This stage is one of the longer stages again.

Many pilgrims shorten it by staying in Ponte Ulla, instead of going to O Outeiro. The distance between A Laxe and Ponte Ulla is 18.3 mi (29 km).
Ponte Ulla is a good place to make the end of the stage since it has bars, restaurants, and grocery shops. Unlike O Outeiro where there are no services.

If you decide to sleep in Ponte Ulla, you will hike the last 12 mi (20.5 km) to Santiago de Compostela on the next day.
This is exactly what I did. Ponte Ulla was my last overnight stop on Camino Sanabres.

Stage 14: Outeiro – Santiago de Compostela (10.4 mi; 16.7 km) 

Camino de Santiago Camino Sanabres
Me entering Santiago de Compostela from the Camino Sanabres route


O Outeiro – Lestedo (3.4 km) – Deseiro (6 km) – Susana (7.2 km) – Pineiro (12 km) – Santiago de Comspotela (16.7 km) 

This stage is short for a reason.

If you start this stage in O Outeiro around 8 am, you will reach Santiago around noon.
As you might already know, the pilgrim’s mass in the Cathedral of Santiago starts at noon. So, the aim of this short stage is to get up earlier in the morning and to reach the pilgrim’s mass on time.

If you sleep in Ponte Ulla on the previous day, you will need to start hiking earlier in the morning to come to the mass on time.
But even if you don’t make it on time, don’t worry. The evening pilgrims’ mass is at 7.30 pm every day.

CAMINO SANABRES ETAPAS – SUMMARY


Starting PointFinishing PointDistance (mi)Distance (km)Duration (hours)Difficulty
(1 very easy …  6 very difficult)
Stage 1Granja de MoreruelaTabara 15 mi25.1 km6 h 15 minEasy
(2 out of 5)
Stage 2Tabara Santa Marta de Tera14.2 mi22.9 km5 h 45 minEasy
(2 out of 5)
Stage 3Santa Marta de TeraMombuey22.4 mi36.1 km9 h Difficult (4 out of 5)
Stage 4Mombuey Puebla de Sanabria19.7 mi31.7 km8 hModerate (3 out of 5)
Stage 5Puebla de SanabriaLubian18.4 mi29.6 km7 h 30 minDifficult (4 out of 5)
Stage 6LubianA Gudina14.7 mi23.7 km6 h Moderate (3 out of 5)
Stage 7A Gudina Laza21.4 mi34.4 km8 h 30 minDifficult (4 out of 5)
Stage 8LazaXunqueira de Ambia20.5 mi33.0 km8 h 30 minDifficult (4 out of 5)
Stage 9Xunqueira de AmbiaOurense13.5 mi21.8 km5 h 30 minVery Easy
(1 out of 5)
Stage 10OurenseCea13.1 mi21.2 km5 h 15 minModerate (3 out of 5)
Stage 11CeaA Laxe19 mi32 km 8 h Easy (2 out of 5)
Stage 12A LaxeOuteiro20 mi33.6 km8 h 15 minModerate (3 out of 5)
Stage 13Outeiro Santiago de Compostela10.4 mi16.7 km4 h Very Easy
(1 out of 5)

CAMINO SANABRES ACCOMMODATION

Stage StagePlace (village -town) to sleepAlbergueHotel 

Granja de Moreruela Granja de Moreruela Albergue de peregrinos de Granja Moreruela (6 €; 
Stage 1Granja de Moreruela – TabaraTabaraAlbergue de peregrinos de Tábara (Donation; address:Camino Sotillo, s/n)El Roble Hotel (check out Booking.com
Stage 2Tabara – Santa Marta de TeraSanta Marta de TeraAlbergue de peregrinos de Santa Marta de Tera (5 €, address: C. de la Iglesia, 10)
Stage 3Santa Marta de Tera – Mombuey Mombeuy Albergue de peregrinos de Mombuey (Donation: address:  C. de la Iglesia, s/n)
Hotel La Ruta
 ( www.hotellaruta.com )
Stage 4Mombuey – Puebla de Sanabria Puebla de SanabriaAlbergue Casa Luz ( 12  €, address: C. Padre Vicente Salgado, 14 )Hotel Los Perales
( check out Booking.com )
Stage 5Puebla de Sanabria – LubianLubian Albergue de peregrinos de Lubián ( 5   €, address: C. de la Cruz, s/n )Casa Mariana
(check out Booking.com)
Stage 6Lubian – A GudinaA Gudina Albergue de peregrinos de A Gudiña ( 8 €; Rúa Beato Sebastián de Aparicio, s/n )HOTEL BRUMA II
( check out Booking
Stage 7A Gudina – Laza Laza Albergue de peregrinos de Laza ( 8 €; address: Rúa do Toural, s/n ) El Camino
(check out Booking.com )
Stage 8Laza – Xunqueira de AmbiaJunqueira de AmbiaAlbergue de peregrinos de Xunqueira de Ambía ( 8 €; address: C. Asdrúbal Ferreiro, s/n)Vivienda de uso turístico Xunqueira De Ambía
(check out Booking.com )
Stage 9Xunqueira de Ambia – OurenseOurenseAlbergue de peregrinos de Ourense (8 €; address: Rúa da Barreira, 12 )Hotel Novo Cándido
(check out Booking.com
Stage 10Ourense – CeaCeaAlbergue de peregrinos de Cea (8 €; address: C. Santo Cristo, 5 ) Casa Mañoso
(check out Booking.com
Stage 11Cea – A LazaO Castro  ( A Laza)Albergue de peregrinos de Castro Dozón ( 6 €; address: Ctra. N-525, s/n ) 
Stage 12A Laza – OuteiroOuteiro Albergue de peregrinos de Outeiro (
8 €; address: Outeiro, s/n )

Stage 13Outeiro – Santiago de CompostelaSantiago de Compostela Albergue Seminario Menor
(check out Booking.com

WAYMARKERS ON CAMINO SANABRES

Camino sanabres waymark
Camino Sanabres waymark

Camino Sanabres has some of the most unique and finest Camino waymarkers of all Camino de Santiago routes.

Camino de santiago Camino Sanabres waymark
Sanabres Way route marker

Along with standard Camino signposting, Nicanor Arballo, a sculptor from Ourense carved some extraordinary stone (and pilar) waymarkers.

camino sanabres way marker
Sanabres Way route marker

CAMINO SANABRES PACKING LIST

Camino Sanabres hiking items
My hiking shoes, hiking poles, and my 24 l backpack

I’ve packed the very same items first for Camino del Norte in the summer of 2021, and then for the Camino de Santiago Via de la Plata, Camino Sanabres, and Santiago Fisterra in June 2022.

As a light traveler who enjoys minimalism, I prefer and recommend ultralight Camino packing.

Frankly, there’s absolutely no need to take with you anything else but necessary items. The Camino goes through villages, towns, and cities with shops, pharmacies… So, if you need something, you can always buy it along the route.
Be kind to your back, do yourself a favor, and don’t overpack.

And, check out my ultimate Camino de Santiago packing list!

CAMINO SANABRES MAP 

Camino de Santiago Camino Sanabres map
Camino Sanabres map (photo credit: Camino Ninja App)

CAMINO SANABRES COSTS

A typical municipal pilgrims hostel costs 8 € on average.

Daily menus are available for 11 €.
The price of coffee goes around 2 € (depending on the type: from cafe solo, and cafe cordato, to café con leche). Washing and drying machines are available in most hostels.

A typical Spanish breakfast including coffee and pan con tomate or tostada con mermelada y mantequilla goes around 4 €.

The price of washing is 3 € and the price of drying is 3 € as well.

WHEN TO HIKE THE CAMINO SANABRES 

The best seasons to hike Camino Sanabres are spring and autumn. Some parts of Camino Sanabres in spring and autumn can be muddy, but still hiking Camino Sanabres in autumn and spring is good for the pleasant air temperatures.
In summer you can expect tremendous heat in Castilla and Leon. Winters are cold in Castilla y Leon and Galicia. Besides that, Galicia is known as one of the rainiest regions in Spain. Even in summer, you can expect to have rain in Galicia!
I hiked Camino Sanabres Camino de Santiago in June and I had rain in Galicia.

The best months to hike Camino Sanabres are April, May, June, September, and October. 

Milijana
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Al

Thursday 17th of August 2023

Finally--Someone who stresses staying in Albergues instead of pre booking tourist places! Albergues are the BEST places to meet other hikers from around the world! On the primitivo I stayed in Municipal albergues thast had dozens of empty beds while pre-booking places next door were full. If we do NOT use the Albergues, we will lose them. I have walked the Frances, the Norte, the primitivo, and the Portugese. Walking the Sanabres next month at age 76!

Milijana

Friday 18th of August 2023

I am so glad to read such a lovely comment from a Camino veteran!

Buen Camino Sanabres, Al!

Milijana