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Highlights
Trek the Camino Primitivo from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela
Enjoy a multi-week odyssey as you walk the ancient trails of the original Way of St James on the Camino Primitivo.
Connect with nature and yourself in the vast green landscapes of the Asturian and Galician countryside.
Step back in time as you walk through historic villages steeped in legacy, discovering countless monasteries and Roman walls.
Savour the flavours of Northern Spain as you enjoy the delectable gastronomy of Asturias and Galicia.
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.
Change your life with your very own pilgrimage on the Camino Primitivo. Book your spot today!
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.
Change your life with your very own pilgrimage on the Camino Primitivo. Book your spot today!
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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
Camino Primitivo Price and Dates
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only.- Single room: from EUR1764*
- Sharing a double room: from EUR1099*
Accommodation 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.
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
- How hard is Camino Primitivo?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Spain?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
- Are meals included on Camino Primitivo?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Oviedo to start this tour?
- Where does Camino Primitivo end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Spain?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Spain?
We rate the difficulty this tour as a 4 / 5. Spanning 310 kilometers over 16 days, this tour presents both physical and endurance challenges. The route features various terrains, including dirt tracks and natural areas, and includes ascents and descents. While some stages are relatively flat, others involve significant distances to cover. Additionally, weather conditions, especially in winter with rain, can further add to the difficulty.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
15 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your travel insurance.
The nearest airport to Oviedo is Asturias Airport (OVD), located about 47 kilometers northwest of the city. From the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or rent a car to reach Oviedo.
The tour ends in Santiago de Compostella.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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