Primitive Way | Full Walk

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Walk the full Primitive Way (or Camino Primitivo)

The Primitive Way (or Original Way), Camino Primitivo in Spanish, is considered to be the first Jacobean route leading to Santiago de Compostela; the origin of the Camino de Santiago. The route starts in Oviedo, and joins together with the French Way in Melide (the last walking days, the path is the same).

It was walked by medieval kings and knights, but it was set aside during the Reconquest due to the rise of the French Way.

If you want to walk the full Primitive Way, you will need at least 2 weeks to do so (more than 300 km separate Oviedo and Santiago). To get the Pilgrim Certificate (Compotelana) you will only need to walk 100 km, that is, from Lugo to Santiago de Compostela.

All those pilgrims looking for solitude, peace and silence, will enjoy the beauty of the Primitive Way.

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Arrival in Oviedo, starting point of the Primitive Way.

Oviedo – Grado (26 km)

We strongly recommend you to visit Oviedo before starting the walk (the Cathedral, its squares… and taste the lovely cider). Grado is a picturesque village, with an typical architecture from South America (this a typical thing as in many regions from Northern Spain there were a lot emigrants who travelled to South America).

Grado – Salas (23 km)

Today you will be able to visit the Palace of La Doriga (property of cultural interest). You will walk through green areas, such as the natural park of the Narcea River.

Salas – Tineo (20 km)

The path will take you to natural areas full of oaks and chestnuts. Tineo is a rural village, that is still has this rancher atmosphere.

Tineo – Pola Allande (28 km)

If the weather is good enough, you may be able to see the Cantabrian sea. In Pola Allande you will also see many examples of this architecture typical from South America.

Pola Allande – Berducedo (19 km)

Today is one of the most scenic days of the Primitive Way, but remember, there is a big ascent towards Puerto de El Palu.

Berducedo – Grandas de Salime (21 km)

This is a quiet walking day, through small rural areas, with a mix of paved roads and unpaved rural paths.

Grandas de Salime – A Fonsagrada (28 km)

Today you will finally reach Galicia region, after a couple of days in Asturias. The ascent towards Alto del Acebo can be quite demanding, you can stop there to get some rest before continuing to A Fonsagrada.

A Fonsagrada – O Cadavo Baleira (25 km)

When leaving A Fonsagrada, you will see the remains of an old hospital for Pilgrims. The last kilometres towards O Cadavo, are downhill.

O Cadavo Baleira – Lugo (31 km)

Lugo is one of the main cities of Galicia region, we recommend you to add an extra night here to visit the Roman Walls, the Cathedral of Santa María, or the historical quarter.

Lugo – Ferreira (27 km)

Today we start the last section of the Primitive Way. A lot of pilgrims start the walk in Lugo, since it is the minimum required to get the certificate once in Santiago de Compostela (100 km).

Ferreira – Melide (20 km)

Last walking day before the itinerary joins together with the French Way, in Melide. After a couple of days of solitude, you will see that number of pilgrims will increase, and the route will become more sociable.

Melide – Arzúa (13 km)

Arzúa – O Pedrouzo (18 km)

The walk will take you through eucalyptus forests, charming villages and across small rivers. We strongly recommend you visit the Chapel of Santa Irene, which is a very common stop among pilgrims. Pedrouzo is quite small and during high season most of the accommodation can be fully booked. But do not worry, we have many different options in the area, which are also very popular.

O Pedrouzo – Santiago (15 km)

Finally, we get to the last walking day of the Camino. You will be able to observe from the top of the hill, “Monte do Gozo”, the lovely city of Santiago de Compostela, and its beautiful cathedral, your ultimate goal. Many pilgrims stop there just before descending, recalling the best moments of an adventure that is about to finish. When you get to Santiago do not forget to go to the Pilgrim’s Office with your Pilgrim Passport if you want to get your “Compostela” (Pilgrim Certificate). If you still have some energy left, we recommend you continue your route to Muxía – have a look to the Camino Finisterre- Muxía.

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Fin de servicios

TE RECOMENDAMOS ESTA RUTA SI...

The Primitive Way is recommended for those who want to discover the most ancient route of the Santiago Way. At the same time, enjoy the quiet and serenity of a less visited way, that goes through unforgettable landscapes.

Cómo llegar

Desde Asturias Airport

Car or cab: 47km with an estimated duration of 30 minutes.
Bus: From the airport take the bus (ALSA) to Oviedo, 45 minutes ride. For schedules and more information visit:www.alsa.es

Desde Bilbao Airport

Car or cab: 290km with an estimated duration of 3h.
Bus: Take a bus (LÍNEA A3247) to the Bilbao Intermodal stop, 40′ journey, or take a cab 15′. There take a bus (FLIXBUS) to Oviedo, journey time 3h and 30 minutes. For schedules and more information visit: www.bizkaitikmugitu.eus/#/ and www.flixbus.es

Desde Madrid Airport

Car or cab: 450km with an estimated duration of 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Plane: Take a plane to Asturias airport (1 hour and 15 minutes). There take the bus (ALSA) to Oviedo, 45 minutes. For schedules and more information visit: www.alsa.es
Bus: From T4 take the bus to the South station (journey time 15′). There transfer to the bus (ALSA) to Oviedo, journey time 5h and 15 minutes. For schedules and more information visit: www.alsa.es
Train: From T4 take the suburban train (LÍNEA C1) towards Chamartín – Clara Campoamor (17′ trip). Once there take a train (RENFE) to Oviedo, journey time is 4 hours and 30 minutes. To consult timetables and more information visit: www.renfe.com

IMPORTANT

Please note that our itineraries are completely flexible. If you have a different idea in mind (want to add or remove nights, services, etc), you can just let us know.

TripAdvisor

mariaelena1964
25/02/23 - TripAdvisor
Un Camino Maravilloso Muy buena experiencia buenísimos alojamiento abundante comida un 10 mucha limpieza teléfono de emergencia operativo se preocupan por el peregrino cumplen con todo la información escrita sin duda los mejores repetiremos
rociofastias9
16/09/22 - TripAdvisor
Repetir es la mejor reseña No hay mejor opinión que repetir la experiencia. Mi primera experiencia con ellos fue en marzo y ahora en septiembre repetí y volveré a hacerlo. Atentos, cumplen todo, modifican lo que les pidas a capricho
Saminunez
04/09/22 - TripAdvisor
Muy recomendable Todo perfectamente organizado. Los alojamientos acordes y muy limpios. La comunicaciòn y gestiòn con Galiwonders estupenda. Recomiendo totalmente
miriamaE4821GN
26/08/22 - TripAdvisor
Muy buena La experiencia está siendo muy buena, en general los alojamientos están muy bien a excepción de alguno que cambiaríamos. Muy recomendable.
estrella19642
11/08/22 - TripAdvisor
Equipo profesional y eficaz Ha sido mi primer camino con mi pareja y no será el último; una experiencia irrepetible. La organización de Galiwonders ha sido perfecta. La elección de los alojamientos muy acertada y ha superado nuestras espectativas. Volveremos el año que viene a hacer otro camino con Galiwonders ¡¡seguro!!
Pablo_Arc
03/08/22 - TripAdvisor
Perfecta para tener un Buen Camino Muy buena experiencia, nos organizaron el camino francés desde Sarria tal y como les pedimos saliendo todo perfecto y según lo esperado.

Destacar que fuimos con un bebé y en todo alojamiento contamos con cuna tal y como habíamos pedido.

Sin duda, para repetir experiencia.
B3784JBnicolas
23/07/22 - TripAdvisor
Profesionales y flexibles Lo que se busca de una agencia de viajes: profesionalidad y flexibilidad. Muchas gracias por todo el trabajo.
miguelvL6639MT
14/06/22 - TripAdvisor
experiencia muy positiva Hice el camino frances desde sarria, todo muy bien organizado, a media pension,
tanto hoteles y pensiones bastante correctas.
algunos de ellos tenian restaurante, y desde luego es una ventaja, ya que al termino de la etapa del dia podias comer alli,
y sino te hacen un vale para comer muy cerca del alojamiento.
desde luego muy recomendable.
789claudion
11/06/22 - TripAdvisor
Espectacular Excelente 100% recomendable realizá la experiencia y solo preocúpate por caminar y disfrutar, el resto se ocupa Galiwonders