Winter Camino
Walk the final kilometres of the Camino de Invierno: 8 days from Monforte de Lemos to Santiago through the vineyards of the Ribeira Sacra, forests, villages and landscapes along the Miño. A peaceful and authentic route to earn your Compostela.
- 134 km
- 8 days
- 7 nights
- 6 walking stages
- Moderate route
From €235 per person
Request this routeThe route
The Camino de Invierno is one of the most unique and lesser-travelled Jacobean routes, an ancient itinerary once used by pilgrims to avoid the snow-covered O Cebreiro. From Monforte de Lemos, the route crosses the Ribeira Sacra and heads through inland Galicia before joining the final stages towards Santiago.
Over 8 days, you will walk among terraced vineyards, forests, stone villages and landscapes shaped by the Sil and Miño rivers, passing through places such as Chantada, Rodeiro, Lalín and Silleda before reaching Compostela.
Along the way, you will discover treasures such as the Monastery of Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil, the vineyards of the Ribeira Sacra, the medieval bridge of Belesar and the surroundings of Carboeiro Monastery, as well as the local cuisine and wines that accompany each stage.
The final reward comes as you enter Santiago, following the last kilometres of the Camino to Praza do Obradoiro, where the cathedral towers await you in the heart of a historic city centre declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Options and prices
Stage by stage
Day 1
Arrival
ArrivalArrival in Monforte de Lemos, the starting point for the final section of the Camino de Invierno. Spend the afternoon discovering the monumental complex of San Vicente do Pino, visiting the College of Nosa Señora da Antiga and strolling through the historic centre before beginning the first stage.
Day 2
On foot
On foot30.4 km6 hThe first stage is full of contrasts, leaving Monforte and heading into the landscapes of the Ribeira Sacra, among vineyards, forests and small villages. The route continues towards the Miño River until reaching Chantada, combining nature, heritage and the rural character of Galicia.
Day 3
On foot
On foot25.4 km5.3 hA stage marked by a climb through oak forests, small villages and rural Galician landscapes until reaching the Serra do Faro. From the chapel of Nosa Señora do Faro, you can enjoy wide views over Galicia before beginning the descent along paths and through traditional villages towards Rodeiro.
Day 4
On foot
On foot21.9 km5 hA stage through rural landscapes and small villages, winding between forests, meadows and traditional paths. The route continues towards Lalín, the heart of the Deza region, combining nature and Galician heritage before reaching the end of the day.
Day 5
On foot
On foot15.7 km4 hA stage through forests, meadows and small villages in the heart of the Deza region. The route winds through peaceful green landscapes, passing churches, bridges and traditional buildings before reaching Silleda.
Day 6
On foot
On foot23.9 km5.3 hA peaceful stage through forests and small villages, where the rural Galician landscape accompanies pilgrims on their journey towards Santiago. The route follows ancient paths, passing small churches and green meadows before reaching Outeiro.
Day 7
Santiago de Compostela
On foot16.7 km4 hThe final stage of the Camino, filled with the excitement of approaching Santiago. The route passes through forests, villages and rural paths before gradually entering the city. Finally, the streets of Santiago lead to Praza do Obradoiro, where the Camino ends in front of the Cathedral.
Night in Santiago de Compostela
Day 8
Last day in Santiago
DepartureAfter your stay at the selected accommodation, our services come to an end
Frequently asked questions
Can I do the Camino on my own and stay in hotels or hostels?
Yes, of course. You can do the Camino independently and stay in hotels and hostels. At Camino Galicia, we offer this option without the need to join a group.
In fact, it is a very common choice: many people decide to do the Camino on their own to enjoy the experience at their own pace, disconnect and experience each stage in a more personal way.
We take care of organising your accommodation, luggage transfers and support throughout the Camino, so you only have to focus on walking and enjoying the experience.
Travelling alone doesn’t mean you’ll be alone: the Camino is a place where it’s very easy to meet other pilgrims and share moments along the route.
Will I have a guide accompanying me on the Camino de Santiago?
No. Our trips are designed so that you can walk the Camino at your own pace, without a guide accompanying you during the stages.
However, you won’t be alone. At Camino Galicia, we take care of organising all the necessary services, and you’ll have support throughout your trip to help with any questions or unexpected situations that may arise.
All you have to do is walk, enjoy the scenery and experience the Camino your own way.
What kind of footwear should I bring?
Hiking boots or trail shoes that are already broken in. New footwear is the most common cause of blisters on the Camino.
You do not need high boots: it rains in Galicia either way, and what matters is a comfortable, well-held foot. Bring seamless technical socks, two pairs in case one gets wet.
Do I need to train before walking the Camino?
You do not need to be fit, but arriving with some walking behind you makes a real difference.
Walking 1 to 2 hours a couple of days a week during the previous month is enough. If you can, do one long walk with the backpack and footwear you will actually use: it is the best way to find out in time what rubs.
What documents do I need for the trip?
A valid ID card or passport, and the European health card if you are coming from outside Spain.
For the Camino you also need the pilgrim credential, stamped at least twice a day over the last 100 km. It is what lets you claim the Compostela in Santiago. You can get it in Sarria at the parish, the hostels and the friends of the Camino associations.
Do I need travel insurance?
It is not compulsory, but it is strongly recommended. Travel assistance insurance covers medical care and, depending on the policy, cancellation if you end up unable to travel.
Before taking one out yourself, write to us: we will tell you exactly what your trip already covers so you do not pay twice for the same thing.
Do I have to carry my backpack all day?
No, if you want we transport your backpack from one accommodation to the next: leave it in the morning and find it on arrival.
You only walk with a small day pack carrying water, something to eat, a rain jacket and whatever you need along the way.
What should I carry in my day pack?
Water, something to eat, a rain jacket, sun cream, a cap and a charged phone. It can rain in Galicia at any time of year, so the rain jacket comes along even on a sunny morning.
Add plasters or blister dressings: they weigh nothing and you will be glad to have them.
When is the best time to walk the Camino?
April to October is the season with the best weather and everything open. May, June and September tend to be the most pleasant: mild temperatures and fewer people than in high August. As a result, they are also among the most popular months.
You can also walk in winter, but there is less daylight and some places close.
What is the Compostela and how do I get it?
It is the certificate issued by Santiago Cathedral to those who complete the Camino.
To claim it you must have walked at least the last 100 km and show your credential with two stamps a day over that stretch. You collect it at the Pilgrim's Office in Santiago.
Can I walk the Camino with children?
Yes, and it makes a great family trip. The stretch from Sarria has no technical difficulty and there are villages to stop at often.
The key is to shorten the stages and not set a schedule. Tell us their ages and we will build an itinerary with gentler days.
How far in advance should I book?
For summer and Easter it is worth booking months ahead: this is the busiest stretch and accommodation fills up.
The rest of the year there is more room, but the earlier you book, the more choice you will have over the itinerary and the places you stay.
Time flies! The 2027 Holy Year (Jacobean Year) is just around the corner, and accommodation is already starting to fill up.