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Further information

Camino Primitivo

  • 329 km
  • 14 stages on foot
  • 6 stages by bicycle
Discover the programmes

Camino Primitivo

329 km
14 stages on foot
329 cycling stages
Discover the programmes

In short

Since you are thinking of doing the Camino de Santiago, why not start at the beginning? Discover the Primitive Way, the first pilgrimage route to Santiago. Follow the paths that, in the 9th century, were walked by King Alfonso II: the first pilgrim to a Compostela that did not yet exist. One of the most authentic routes, completely surrounded by nature in the highlands of Asturias and Galicia and far from the noise and stress of everyday life. Shall we do the Camino?
Oviedo Cathedral, the starting point of the Primitive Way
Grandas de Salime Reservoir, in the heart of the Primitive Way
Primitive Way between Tineo and Pola de Allande
Empanada: one of the most typical dishes in Galician gastronomy.
The Spiritual Way of the Path
Lugo, one of the starting points of the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela

What to expect?

This is the oldest of the routes of the Camino de Santiago. Hence its name. The first pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela officially took place in the year 813, and the first pilgrim was none other than King Alfonso II, the Chaste. He did so after being notified of the discovery of the tomb of the apostle.

The Primitive Way is no friend of crowds. It is a demanding route, like the Camino del NorteThe route is not particularly suitable for cycling (unless you have good technique). It is not particularly suitable for cycling (unless you have good technique). But it is also one of the most attractive routes from the point of view of the landscape, much less humanised than the other routes.

However, due to the small number of people who take this route, the network of hostels and services is not very extensive, so in this case we do recommend that you take advantage of pre-arranged accommodation.

In short: this is your Camino if you want to make the pilgrimage to Santiago in a more introspective and reflective way; if you don't love crowds or if you are simply looking for the most authentic option and trust in your strength.

Where does it start?

If you decide to do this route, and your goal is to obtain the Compostela, you can start from Lugo (104 km), leaving behind the most complicated (and most impressive) mountainous areas. You will join the French Way in Arzúa, 40 km from Santiago.

However, most people start the entire route from Oviedo (313 km) in 14 or 15 stages on foot, splitting it into two trips if necessary, or they start in A Fonsagrada (137 km), at the highest point of the route.

Points of interest

With its more than 300 km in length, the Primitive Way has a large number of points of interest, in addition to its spectacular scenery. Here are some of the highlights:


  • Oviedo Cathedral and its historic centre
  • The historic town of Salas
  • The friars' walk in Tineo
  • The Grandas de Salime reservoir
  • The Roman wall of Lugo and its historic centre
  • The church and nymphaeum of Santa Eulalia de Bóveda
  • The historic centre of Santiago de Compostela, a World Heritage Site

Mode

This label indicates the intended mode of travel, based on two typologies:

In groups

These are group trips, where you are part of a small group of people who have chosen the same destination as you. Perfect for meeting like-minded people. Group trips usually have a guide who is in charge of overseeing the dynamics of the group, revealing the secrets of the destination and, in general, making sure that everything runs smoothly.

On your own

In this type of trip you have full control: you choose the dates and the pace. In addition, they are usually trips with configurable accommodation and services. It is the perfect mode for independent and experienced travellers, as well as for private groups of friends or families.

Type of trip

This label indicates the type of trip we propose to you based on the following options:

Getaways

These are trips that concentrate all their essence in two or three days. The aim is to live a series of experiences in a specific geographical area.

Half distance

These trips offer routes that take only a few days to complete and are perfect for most people who want to enjoy an active holiday without being too physically demanding.

Long distances

This type refers to long routes, which offer a great variety of natural and human spaces to visit and which require several days, usually two weeks or more. They are routes and destinations designed to really disconnect and live the experience to the fullest.

Exploration

These are trips off the beaten track and off the beaten track. They often require certain orientation skills or offer specialised guides at the destination.

Accommodation

This label indicates the type of services (mainly accommodation) we offer on each trip, based on three categories: 

Configurable

The trip offers different types of services and categories of services that you can choose from. For example, standard or premium accommodation. 

Standard

The trips in this group do not offer configurable options. The accommodations correspond to the standard category (not luxurious, but clean and in good condition).

Premium

Trips with this label offer non-configurable options. Accommodation and other services correspond to the premium category.