Sarria was founded by the last king of León, King Alfonso IX, who himself died here in 1230 on his pilgrimage to Santiago. It is the biggest town in Galicia on the Camino Francés (save Santiago de Compostela).
Starting the Camino in Sarria
The fact that a Compostela is awarded for walking at least the last 100 kilometers makes Sarria a popular starting place, as it is just over the 100 km mark. In fact, more than one-third of all pilgrims walking the Camino Francés start their pilgrimage in Sarria (compared, for example, to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, which is the starting point for only around 8%).
Credentials can be obtained at the pilgrims’ office, some of the Albergues in town, or the parish church.
Note: pilgrims starting the Camino in Galicia are required to get two stamps a day in their credentials in order to get a Compostela in Santiago. Probably the best way is to get one from the Albergue you stay in, and another during the day at another Albergue, a church, or any bar that has a stamp.
Convento da Madalena
The Convento da Madalena, built in the 13th century, was founded as a pilgrim hospital by two Italian monks. It is now home to the Order of Mercedarians (Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy).
Accommodation in Sarria
| Hotel name | Type | Price range | Room type | Other |
| Obradoiro | Albergue | Budget | Shared rooms | Shared kitchen, Facilities for disabled guests, Tea/coffee maker in all rooms, WiFi, Non-smoking |
| Albergue Oasis | Albergue | Budget | Shared rooms | Shared lounge, Kitchen, Facilities for disabled guests, WiFi, Non-smoking rooms |
| Hotel Novoa | Hotel | Mid-range | Private rooms | Terrace, Garden, Bar & Restaurant, Facilities for disabled guests, WiFi |
| Casa Morgade | Guest house | Mid-range | Private rooms | Breakfast included, WiFi, Terrace, Garden, Bar, Non-smoking rooms |
| Oktheway Gran Via | Apartment | Splurge | Entire apartment | Kitchen, Washing machine, WiFi, Facilities for disabled guests, Non-smoking rooms |