Camino Primitivo
July 23, 2024 chrisnaCamino Primitivo
While not the most well-known Camino route, the Camino Primitivo, or “Original Way,” has rich historical significance as the oldest official Camino route. As the Muslim conquest of Spain gained ground northward in the 8th century, the Kingdom of Asturias in northern Spain remained under Christian control, with its capital in Oviedo. In the early 9th century, during Alfonso II’s reign, St. James’ remains were discovered in Galicia. Alfonso travelled to Galicia to confirm the remains’ authenticity, establishing the first Camino to Santiago.
The Camino Primitivo—crossing the rugged, mountainous interior of Asturias—is the most physically demanding of the modern routes to Santiago and arguably the most beautiful. The Primitivo has fewer and more rustic (though sufficient) services than other Camino routes, but waymarking is good. Pilgrims seeking more solitude and challenging terrain will be well rewarded on the Primitivo.
The traditional starting point of the Camino Primitivo is in Oviedo. Today, that’s where most pilgrims start. With only 350km from Oviedo to Santiago, the Primitivo can be completed in a manageable two weeks. In addition, many pilgrims walking the Camino del Norte choose to leave the coast in Villaviciosa to join the Primitivo in Oviedo for the last half of their journey to Santiago.
Section 1: Oviedo to Lugo
- Total Distance: 205 km, Total Days: 12 days (11 nights)
Day | Route | Km |
1 | Oviedo - Grado | 26 |
2 | Grado - Salas | 22 |
3 | Salas - Tineo | 20 |
4 | Tineo - Pola de Allande | 18 |
5 | Pola de Allande - Berducedo | 18 |
6 | Berducedo - Grandas de Salime | 20 |
7 | Grandas de Salime - Fonsagrada | 26 |
8 | Fonsagrada - Cádavo Baleira | 24,6 |
9 | Cádavo Baleira - Vilar de Cas - Lugo | 30,5 |
Section 2: Lugo to Santiago
- Total Distance: 102 km, Total Days: 7 days (6 nights)
Day | Route | Km |
1 | Lugo - Ponte Ferreira | 28,5 |
2 | Ponte Ferreira - Melide | 20,5 |
3 | Melide - Arzua | 14,4 |
4 | Arzua - Pedrouzo | 19 |
5 | Pedrouzo - Santiago de Compostela | 20 |
General Information
Included in the package:
- Pre-booked accommodation with breakfast included. Dinner can be included on request. All our accommodation are in private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Lodging are 1 & 2* star but up-grade to 3 - 4 * is possible.
- Luggage transfers daily. 1 bag/ suitcase per pilgrim: 18 kg maximum.
- Pilgrim Registrations: We supply credentials and visa letters for your Schengen Visa application
- Camino preparation material: 12 week training program and "what to pack" suggestions
- Google Maps pins for easy navigation to your hotel each day.
- 24 hour assistance during your Camino
- Assistance with booking transfers (trains/ busses/ Taxi's) to your starting point.
Excluded in the package:
- International flights
- Transfers to the beginning and day of departure (we will assist with the bookings).
- Meals other than breakfasts
- Travel Insurance. This is compulsory and comprehensive insurance is advisable.