Spend 11 exciting days cycling an ancient pilgrim trail through Andalusia and Galicia
This 11-day self-guided cycling holiday in Northern Spain invites you to gear up and experience one of the paths of the Camino de Santiago as you pedal the Camino Primitivo from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela.
Steeped in over a millennium of rich and fascinating history, the ancient pilgrim's trail of the Camino de Santiago is a remarkable network of over 800 kilometres of scenic trails, a section of which is called the Camino Primitivo. At a sprawling distance of 370 kilometres, the Camino Primitivo is the result of one of Europe's most impressive historical migrations. It was first embarked upon by the Asturian King Alfonso II, who set out on his pilgrimage in the year 829.
Cycling the ancient trail, you'll make your way through serene villages adorned with traditional architecture. Enjoy warm Spanish hospitality and cultural immersion at every stop along the way, delighting in regional gastronomy, including artisan cheeses, fresh garden produce, and free-range meats.
The heart of "Green Spain" is yours to discover as you pedal the lush landscapes of Northern Spain's Andalusia and Galicia regions. Green pastures, enchanting woods, and rolling hills are all fixtures of the cycling route that toggles between moderate and challenging sections.
This unforgettable cycling holiday allows you to experience the magic of this ancient journey at your own pace. With two wheels beneath you and your gaze fixed on Santiago de Compostela, you'll cruise through some of Spain's most beautiful natural landscapes.
Challenge yourself on your own personal pilgrimage. Book the Camino Primitivo Cycling Tour today!
Highlights of the Camino Primitivo Cycling Tour
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Camino Primitivo Cycling Tour
Day 1 Arrive
Your highly anticipated journey on the Camino Primitivo begins today in Oviedo! Check into your accommodations before exploring the town's charming historical center, home to many cafes and restaurants.
While in the center of town, be sure to visit the Oviedo Cathedral, an exquisite gothic masterpiece fashioned in Pre-Romanesque and Baroque architecture dedicated to San Salvador.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Oviedo
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Day 2 Cycle to Grado
In the morning you start cycling at San Salvador's Cathedral in Oviedo following the Jacobean copper shells through narrow lanes in the city centre, then out into the green Asturian countryside. Tarmac lanes, old footpaths and country roads take us past quiet villages and through hilly countryside If you have rented a bike, it will be delivered to your hotel in Oviedo.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Oviedo
Distance: 25km, 630m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Cycle to Tineo
Today's route begins with a challenge: 350 m ascent to get our of Grado and another 200 m before you arrive in Cornellana and San Salvador Monastery (11th century). From here you follow a more doable route along tarmac roads and narrow interior lanes (with a gradual ascend). On the way is welcoming Salas, where you can visit the Museum of Prerromanic Art located in the old castle. Both tracks end in Tineo, a historically significant town on the Camino. Accommodation at a 4-star historical hotel in the centre of town.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Tineo
Distance: 45km, 1450m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Roman Ruins and the Monastery of Obona
The day kicks off with a captivating visit to a Romanesque church and the Monastery of Obona, both partly in ruins and centuries ago, formed the site of an important cultural and intellectual center.
Numerous picturesque chapels and churches dot the path as you cycle up to the Lavadoiro Pass (812 metres/2664 feet), setting you up for a final descent to Pola de Allande, a lovely small town brimming with tantalizing Asturian flavours.
Check into your accommodations, and head out to experience the taste of Asturias in one of the town's authentic restaurants, serving fabulous regional cuisine.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Pola de Allande
Distance: 28–32km, 475m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Challenging Ride to Puerto del Palo Pass and Lake Grandas
Prepare to feel the burn! The endorphins will be flowing today as you climb 625 metres to reach the Puerto del Pal (1146 metres/3759feet) flanked by green woods to the north and rugged mountains to the south. A pleasant descent quickly follows this challenging section as you sail down to beautiful Lake Grandas.
One final challenge of the day has you cycling the last 4 kilometres to your accommodations in Grandas, home to yet another beautiful Romanesque church and an ethnographic museum.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Grandas
Distance: 39km, 700m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Cycle the Alto del Acebo Pass and Enter Galicia
Another challenging start awaits you today, as you begin the route with a climb of 475 metres to the Alto del Acebo Pass (1030 metres/3379 feet) before a smooth sail into Fonsagrada.
You can opt to visit the villages of San Martin and Santa Eulalia de Oscos, famous for their dark slate architecture, or bypass these villages and continue to Galicia.
The section concludes across a pleasant patchwork of lovely Galician hamlets.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Fonsagrada
Distance: 32km, 1050m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Cycle Beautiful Galician Countryside
Today’s route is lengthy but not particularly challenging. You’ll enjoy several downhill sections and only a few brief ascents, allowing you the opportunity to admire the beauty of the Galician countryside.
You’ll pass several pazos and casas grandes today, well-preserved country homes on sprawling estates adorned in traditional architecture and built of wood and stone.
The route leads you to Lugo, where several fascinating historic landmarks are ideal for exploring on foot. While in town, check out the Roman baths, natural hot springs on the banks of the River Miño.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lugo
Distance: 60km, 650m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Explore Lugo and Join the French Way
Explore Lugo at your leisure this morning, checking out its major monuments and perhaps a little retail therapy before jumping back in the saddle for a brief but pleasant ride.
On this section, the Camino Primitivo merges with the well-known French Way as you make your way to Palas de Rei. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to stay overnight in one of the impressive casas grandes that you’ve been admiring from the roadside in recent days.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Palas de Rei
Distance: 26km, 800m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 The Castle of Pambre, Coto, and Arzúa
This morning can be enjoyed at your leisure, as there’s no rush to hit the road due to a short route today.
You’ll enjoy a pleasant ride past the Castle of Pambre and onto Coto. Once in Coto, you’ll suddenly find yourself in the company of several other determined pilgrims. With sights set on Santiago, the excitement in the air will be palpable as your final stretch to Santiago de Compostela is just around the corner.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Arzúa
Distance: 29km, 400m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Final Stretch to Santiago de Compostela
Alongside other wide-eyed pilgrims, you’ll enjoy the electric atmosphere that rises as you make your way towards the St. James Cathedral, where your epic journey on bike concludes.
Collect your Compostelana (certificate of completion) from the Pilgrim’s office before heading to your accommodations in the charming town center of Santiago.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Santiago
Distance: 40km, 310m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 Depart
You came, you saw, and you conquered the Camino Primitivo—well done!
After breakfast, your epic cycling journey comes to an end. Check-out of your accommodations and depart.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:
Departure on April 1st – May 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,550 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,450 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,025 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $975 USD
Departure on June 1st – July 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,575 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,475 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,050 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $995 USD
Departure on August 1st – 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,650 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,550 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,075 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,025 USD
Departure on September 1st – October 25th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,575 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,475 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,050 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $995 USD
Accommodation on the Camino Primitivo Cycling Tour
This tour is based on 2-star and 4-star hotels. The hotels offer comfortable private rooms with ensuite bathrooms and either modern or basic amenities. Rooms are double or triple occupancy, and single travelers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
You can pay a supplement to have a single room, please check Dates and Prices, where all the single supplements are included in the final prices.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Campoamor in Oviedo ★★★★
Enjoy the historical sights of Oviedo, like the famous Oviedo Cathedral, just a short 5-minute walk from this relaxed hotel.
Hotel in Grado
Grado, an old fishing town built on a lagoon, consists of canals, delectable restaurants, impressive architecture, and a sandy beach.
Hotel Palacio de Meras in Tineo ★★★★
Located centrally in Tineo, this hotel is set on the sight of a former palace built in 1525 and boasts marvellous architectural design.
Hotel Nueva Allandesa in Pola de Allande ★★
Enjoy this charming riverside hotel in Pola de Allande that features homey rooms and modern amenities.
Hotel Las Grandas ★★
This hotel is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and boasts lovely lake views.
Hostal Cantábrico in Fonsagrada
Get to know other pilgrims at this welcoming hostal in Fonsagrada that features mixed-gender dorms and a shared kitchen and dining area.
Hotel Paso de Orbán ★★★★
Excellently located in the center of Lugo, this hotel is set inside the Roman Walls of the town, surrounded by the monumental quarter.
A Parada das Bestas Hotel in Palas de Rei
A Parada das Bestas Hotel welcomes all guests with its warm atmosphere in a picture-perfect rural setting, Guests can enjoy superb amenities like an outdoor pool and a charming restaurant.
Pazo de Santa María Hotel in Arzúa
This rustic hotel set in a beautiful stone building dates back to 1742 and is brimming with authentic charm.
A Tafona do Peregrino in Santiago de Compostela ★★
Located near the famous food market of Santiago, this hotel is centrally located and affords guests the perfect base for exploring the city.
What’s included in the Camino Primitivo Cycling Tour?
Meals
10 breakfasts are included on this tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 10 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes luggage transportation between hotels for the duration of the tour, according to the itinerary. Bike rental and airport transfers are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Also Included
- Detailed route description in English, accompanied by maps
- 24-hour telephone assistance
- Detailed route notes and maps
- Routes in digital format for mobile and GPS
Not included
- Bikes rental
- International flights
- Airport transfers
- Personal equipment (GPS/side bags)
- Lunches and dinners or drinks and snacks not previously mentioned
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Travel insurance
Optional Extras
- Bike rental
- Airport transfers
- Activities and excursions
- Single room supplements
- Additional nights before or after tour
Frequently Asked Questions about Camino Primitivo Cycling Tour
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