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Camino Primitivo

Primitive Way | Full Walk

5/5
Organized pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela
| Autoguided Tour

Tour Description

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.

Experience details

Included Services

Accommodation in a private room with private bathroom
Luggage transfer between stages
Half board: breakfast and dinner
Travel insurance
Route notes
Pilgrim's credential
24/7 phone support

Check in

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)

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.

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.

Check out

Check out Santiago.

Standard category

1* and 2* hotels

These hotels offer private rooms with private bathrooms as well as other additional services that may vary depending on the type of category: restaurant service, television, room service, dry cleaning, ironing service, etc. It is common to stay in this type of hotels in the cities along the Camino.

Hostels and pensions

These accommodations have the necessary services to cover the basic needs of cleanliness and rest at a more moderate price than the hotels . 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.

Superior category

3*, 4* and 5* Hotels

Typical in the large cities along the El Camino. They can be family hotels or international hotel chains. They are perhaps the most expensive alternative, although you can find different price levels according to the category and services they offer.

Hoteles Boutique

These are small accommodations characterized by having few rooms and providing personalized attention. They are hotel concepts with a modern style and their own character. They can be between 1* and 5*.

National Paradores of Spain

This is a public hotel chain that manages a network of almost 100 charming hotels distributed throughout the Iberian Peninsula. The establishments are located in buildings of cultural interest and great historical value, and stand out for their scenic, artistic or natural interest (including ancient palaces, monasteries, fortresses, convents, fortresses…).

Rural tourism lodgings

Rural houses, pazos, inns, rectories, castles, monasteries, farmhouses… These are historic buildings of great architectural and patrimonial value. So much so, that this characteristic sometimes gives them the status of “luxury lodging” despite the fact that they are
“luxury accommodation” despite the fact that they are often rustic constructions in which natural stone and wood predominate.

Trip cancellation insurance
Upgrade to superior room
Extra night at the beginning of the tour
Extra night at the end of the tour
Private transfer airport-starting location
Private transfer Santiago-Airport
Other private transfers
Organized visits and excursions
Pilgrim massage

Route map

Frequent questions

From 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

From 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

From 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

Our costumers reviews

TOUR SUMMARY

DISTANCE: 314 Km
STAGES: 14 Stages
DURATION: 15 Nights
DIFICULTy: 5/5
START: Oviedo
PRICE: desde 1225€

Why book with Galiwonders?

Taylor-made Camino

We will design an itinerary tailored to your needs, preferences and budget and book all services for you. You enjoy the road.

We are on the Camino

Galicia is our home. We have traveled all the routes of the Camino and we have direct contact with the service providers on the Camino.

We are also travellers

We speak several languages, have lived abroad and have years of experience organizing trips for people from all over the world.

An unforguettable experience

Hundreds of pilgrims repeat year after year the experience of traveling with us. We want you to be one of them. And that is why we will strive to make your trip unique and unforgettable.

If you have any questions or want to plan your Camino de Santiago trip, our team will assist you in a personalized way!

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