Trek the Camino Primitivo from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela
Walking the Camino Primitivo is a wonderful pilgrimage to Camino de Santiago. Experience a one-of-a-kind experience, packed with meaning and purpose on the 18-Day Self-Guided Camino Primitivo.
The Pilgrims' Trail to Santiago de Compostela is one of Europe's great historical migrations and it all began with the Camino Primitivo! According to legend, the 9th century saw the bones of apostle St. James, murdered in Palestine, miraculously appear in a village of what is now Galicia. Word spread around the Christian world, reaching (among others) King Alfonso II of Asturias. He undertook the pilgrimage - journeying through dark woods and daunting mountains, from Oviedo via Lugo to Santiago – and invited fellow kings and noblemen to follow in his footsteps.
This original route which you’ll undertake became very popular in the early Middle Ages when pilgrims aimed to avoid areas south of the Cantabrian Range which was in constant dispute between the Christians and Moors.
Nowadays, the Camino Primitivo reveals an area of rural beauty where villages steeped in history have stood the test of time. You’ll follow ancient paths through gorgeous farmland where authentically friendly locals greet you. Near Lugo the Camino Primitivo joins the more popular French route, which you’ll then follow to Santiago, making the requisite stop at Monte del Gozo, a hilltop vista point that affords a pilgrim’s first glimpse of Santiago de Compostela. During this pilgrims’ route, you’ll stay in comfortable hotels and rural guesthouses and enjoy the luxury of luggage transport and private transfers.
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Highlights of the Camino Primitivo
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Camino Primitivo Itinerary
Day 1 Oviedo
The journey starts in Oviedo, the capital of Asturias. This medieval city impresses with its meticulously preserved historic center. Notable landmarks include the Gothic-style Cathedral of El Salvador and the Holy Chamber. You arrive independently.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Oviedo
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Oviedo to Grado
Today starts your Camino Primitivo, with a walk that offers a glimpse into the challenges ahead. Covering 25 km, the route features frequent climbs. The ascent to Escampelo is the steepest, followed by a descent along the Nalón river to Peñaflor, culminating in your arrival at Grado.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Grado
Distance: 25.5km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Grado to Salas
The first part of the route from Grado to Salas follows narrow trails and country roads through hilly countryside directly to Cornellana Monastery. Founded in 1024, this centre was of great religious and political importance throughout the early history of the Christian kingdom in Asturias. For the second part of today’s route, from Cornellana to Salas, you’ll take a few detours, as the motorway is still under construction here. Your hotel in Salas is located in the historical town centre, right next to the castle and museum, featuring Pre-Romanesque architecture.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Salas
Distance: 22.1km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Salas to Tineo
After a short ascent through beautiful terrain in the fields outside Salas, you again follow the main road for about 5km before leaving it behind in La Espina. The next section on the way to Tineo takes you through quiet woodlands and fields, with very little tarmac, just quiet country tracks! In Tineo’s historical centre you will find your next accommodations.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Tineo
Distance: 19.8km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Tineo to Pola de Allande
This is not an easy stage, especially because it is one of the longest of the entire route, but the effort is worth it. The ups and downs are still your most faithful companions, but they are joined by beautiful forests, valleys and spectacular mountain landscapes bathed by rivers that make all the effort cost a little less. The first kilometers from Tineo are uphill that later give way to an incipient descent to Campiello. Continue our way to Pola de Allande.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Pola de Allande
Distance: 27km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Pola de Allande to Berducedo
Having trekked for days, you've acclimatized to this rugged terrain, understanding why the Camino Primitivo is renowned for its difficulty. Today presents the toughest stretch, however the scenic beauty makes it all worthwhile. You will ascend to Puerto del Palo, rewarded with awe-inspiring vistas of the Nison Valley. Press on to Berducedo, knowing you've come too far to falter now.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Berducedo
Distance: 17.5km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Berducedo to Grandas de Salime
Today has a descent to the Dam of the Salime Reservoir. Fear not, as it's not overly challenging. Once past this descent and the Navia river crossing, the final kilometers lead you to Grandas de Salime.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Grandas de Salime
Distance: 20.4km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Grandas de Salime to A Fonsagrada
You enjoy the final stretch in Asturias before entering Galicia today. Through Alto del Acebo, a lengthy ascent awaits, yet is not overly challenging. It's worth noting the change in trail markings from scallop shells in Asturias to yellow arrows in Galicia. Besides the climb, it's a pleasant journey through small towns and rural landscapes, leading you to today's destination, the first in Galicia, A Fonsagrada.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in A Fonsagrada
Distance: 25.2km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Walk to O Cádavo
Today is your first full stage in Galicia, and it won't disappoint. While much of the route is on dirt tracks, the scenic beauty is impressive. Initially, there are few slopes until Montouto, followed by a significant descent. However, the highlight of the stage is yet another climb, this time leading to A Lastra. The journey continues until you reach O Cádavo.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in O Cádavo
Distance: 24.3km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 O Cádavo to Lugo
Today is the longest stage of the Camino Primitivo. The main challenge is the sheer number of kilometers ahead. Apart from the descent to Castroverde, it's a relatively flat stage. Don't miss the 14th-century fortress along the way. Passing through villages like Souto de Torres, Vilar de Cas, and Gondar, you'll be surrounded by the lush green landscapes typical of Galicia. Finally, you'll reach Lugo, a city renowned for preserving significant remnants of its Roman past. Its UNESCO-listed wall, Thermal Baths, and Roman Bridge are highlights. Plus, Lugo offers a wide range of gastronomic delights, including tapas and wines.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Lugo
Distance: 29.5km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 Lugo to A Ponte de Ferreira
From Lugo onward, several Caminos come together to join the main French Route (Camino Francés). Today you have a long walk to reach the next accommodation, situated in Ferreira. The first 20 kilometres until O Burgo are well paved but mainly uphill. But don't worry because it is quite easy to hire a taxi in Lugo to shorten this stage if you please.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in A Ponte de Ferreira
Distance: 26.5km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 A Ponte de Ferreira to Melide
Luckily, today's stage is not as long as yesterdays. However, the Camino starts and continues uphill until O Requián, and then there is another climb until Monte da Feira. Once there, the route will be a piece of cake until Melide.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Melide
Distance: 20km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 Melide to Arzúa
Depart from the province of Lugo and journey into A Coruña today on a pleasant path. You'll relish the charm of towns like Boente and Castañeda en route to Arzua, renowned for its cheese production.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Arzúa
Distance: 14.1km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 Arzúa to O Pedrouzo
A short and quiet stage to reflect on everything that you have experienced during the Camino before arriving in Santiago tomorrow.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in O Pedrouzo
Distance: 19.3km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15 O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela
Start early to join the noon pilgrimage celebration in Santiago. Beginning with Lavacolla, ascend Monte do Gozo for a distant view of the awaited cathedral. Finally, arrive at Plaza del Obradoiro, basking in the personal satisfaction of achieving your goal.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Santiago de Compostela
Distance: 19.4km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 16 Santiago de Compostela
Buen Camino & see you soon.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only, where the pricing depends on your travelling dates, as well as the types of rooms that you need.
2024 Departures:
- Single room: from $1,975 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $1,225 USD*
2025 Departures:
- Single room: from $1,995 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $1,225 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates. The prices listed are per person.
Book NowAccommodation on Camino Primitivo
During this trip you will mostly stay in hostels and pensions. These accommodations have the necessary services to cover the basic needs of cleanliness and rest. Officially, hostels and guesthouses are 1-star accommodations. However, this rating should not be taken into account when evaluating the level of comfort and quality of their services.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Simple hostels and pensions along the Camino
Stay in basic hostels and pensions along the walking route. These accommodations, although simple, are adequate and are preferred option of a stay for many Camino walkers.
What’s Included in the Camino Primitivo?
Meals
15 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 15 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage is included throughout the tour (max. 20 kg per backpack - 1 piece of luggage per person). Airport transfers are not included, but private transfers can be arranged as an optional extra.
Also included
- 24-hour emergency line
- Guided Tour in Santiago de Compostela (old town)
- Galician cheese tasting in Santiago
- Maps for all stages
- Pilgrim pass
- Pilgrim scallop
Not included
- Guide services
- Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Personal transfers not specifically listed as included
Optional Extras
- Half board supplement
- Picnic Supplement
- Private transfers
- Extra nights
- Extra piece of luggage
Frequently Asked Questions about Camino Primitivo
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