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camino primitivo

Camino Primitivo Guide

Camino Primitivo (or Original Way) is part of the network of Northern Caminos (along with Camino del Norte and Camino Ingles). Through this trail you can reach the final stage of Camino de Santiago. If you want, you can combine Camino Primitivo with Camino Frances or Camino del Norte.

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Camino Primitivo - Way of St. James

Follow in the footsteps of King Alfonso II from the seat of the Asturias and hike the original Way of St. James starting in Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela. Being the original and oldest route, the Camino Primitivo is the more rugged and challenging of the treks available to pilgrims wanting to make their way to the bones of Saint James. Whether exploring the monasteries in Cornellana and Obona, tracing the route through the Cantabrian mountains or visiting the Roman wall in Lugo, the Camino Primitivo does not disappoint with its stream of wonders along the way.

One of the beauties of the Camino Primitivo is that it veers away from paved roads and populated routes and offers a more solitary, and dare we say, spiritual journey. And while it is more intense than the other routes, if you have the right shoes, prepare in advance for the ascent of the mountains, this can be an incredibly rewarding one.

Camino Primitivo stages

The Camino Primitivo is usually walked in 11 stages:

  1. Oviedo - San Juan de Villapanada. Length: 27 km (16,7 miles). Hardness: 3/5.
  2. San Juan de Villapanada - Salas. Length: 18,2 km (11,3 miles). Hardness: 2/5.
  3. Salas - Tineo. Length: 19,8 km (12,3 miles). Hardness: 3/5.
  4. Tineo - Pola de Allande. Length: 26,4 km (16,4 miles). Hardness: 3/5.
  5. Pola de Allande - La Mesa. Length: 21,6 km (13,4 miles). Hardness: 4/5.
  6. La Mesa - Grandas de Salime. Length: 15,2 km (9,45 miles). Hardness: 3/5.
  7. Grandas de Salime - A Fonsagrada. Length: 27,6 km (17,15 miles). Hardness: 3/5.
  8. A Fonsagrada - O Càdavo. Length: 25,4 km (15,8 miles). Hardness: 3/5.
  9. O Càdavo - Lugo. Length: 31 km (19,3 miles). Hardness: 3/5.
  10. Lugo - San Romao. Length: 19,6 km (12,2 miles). Hardness: 1/5.
  11. San Romao - Melide. Length: 28,3 km (17,6 miles). Hardness: 3/5.
  12. Melide - Arzùa. Length: 14 km (8,7 miles). Hardness: 3/5.
  13. Arzùa - Pedrouzo. Length: 19,3 km (12 miles). Hardness: 2/5.
  14. Pedrouzo - Santiago de Compostela. Length: 19,4 km (12 miles). Hardness: 2/5.

Camino Primitivo distance

The Camino Primitivo runs for 318.6 km (198 miles) through the northwest of the country passing by the Cornellana Monastery, the town of Lugo and joining the final stretch of the French Way. It starts in Ovieda and ends in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. The highest point is 3,681 ft (1,122 m).

Camino Primitivo days

The Camino Primitivo is walked in 17 days on average. The Camino Primitivo is a well maintained, well-marked trail though it does get a little wild in the mountains, the most difficult section. Once out of the mountains, the trail does even out. Regardless, most of the trek is well maintained. Though the weather is generally unpredictable in the mountains, it is more likely cold and rainy from November to March. 

Camino Primitivo difficulty

The difficulty of Camino Primitivo is moderate. The only requirement for the Camino Primitivo is to bring good hiking boots and protection against the rain. Otherwise, a 30-40 litre backpack and the bare essentials should be packed. Pack as light as possible.

Walking on Camino Primitivo
Walking on Camino Primitivo

Camino Primitivo forum tips

Here the best tips about Camino Primitivo found in the forums about Camino de Santiago

  • Signage marking the way in Asturia can be confusing.
  • Tap water is safe to drink here.
  • Regardless of the time of year, weather can be erratic. Be prepared to take a short day if necessary, particularly through the mountains.
  • There are some stretches in the mountains where staying at an albergue may not be possible. Plan accordingly.
  • Most guided and self-guided tours include baggage transfers and room and board.
  • Be prepared to deal with blisters and deal with them right away. Tape, band-aids, and other dressings will help when you inevitably get one.
  • While you might get away with more casual shoes on other routes, the Camino Primitivo definitely begs for hiking boots.
  • Break in your hiking boots.

Sign on Camino Primitivo
Sign on Camino Primitivo

Useful Spanish phrases and words

¡Hola!
Hello
Por favor
Please
Yo (no) entiendo
I (don't) understand
Quisiera…
I would like
¿Dónde está el baño?
Where is the bathroom?
Disculpe
Excuse me
Aqui
Here
¿Dónde puedo encontrar un taxi?
Where can i get a taxi?
¿Quieres algo para comer?
Would you like something to eat?

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Camino Primitivo albergues and accommodation

Check here all the albergues and accommodation you can find during your walk of Camino Primitivo

StageAlberguePhone numberPriceBeds
Villaviciosa Albergue El Congreso 985 891 180 15€ 32 beds
Villaviciosa Albergue Villaviciosa 985 891 555 13€ 18 beds
La Ferrerìa - Amandi Albergue de Peregrinsos la Ferrerìa 646 516 846 Donation 12 beds
Valdedìos Albergue del Monasterio de Santa Marìa de Valdedìos 681 676 335 6€ 12 beds
Vega de Sariego Albergue de Peregrinos de Vega de Sariego 985 748 120 5€ 16 beds
Pola de Siero Albergue de Peregrinos Casona de San Miguel 985 726 422 6€ 18 beds
Oviedo Albergue La Peregrina 687 133 932 7€ 32 beds
Oviedo Albergue de El Salvador de Oviedo 985 228 525 6€ 50 beds
Escamplero Albergue de Escamplero 985 799 005 5€ 33 bed
Grado Albergue de Peregrinos de Grado 985 752 766 Donation 16 beds
Grado Albergue La Quintana 640 377 256 12€ 24 beds
San Juan de Villapanada Albergue de San Juan de Villapanada 670 596 854 5€ 22 beds
Cabrunana Albergue de Cabrunana 985 750 068 5€ 18 beds
Doriga Cà Pacita 684 613 861 12€ N/A
Cornellana Albergue de Cornellana 985 835 239 5€ 24 beds
Salas Albergue La Campa 635 150 072 10€ 40 beds
Salas Albergue de Salas 985 832 279 5€ 16 beds
Salas Albergue Valle del Nonaya 626 527 073 10€ 20 beds
Salas Albergue El Rey Casto 985 830 261 Donation 16 beds
Bodenaya Albergue de Peregrinos de Bodenaya 609 133 151 Donation 21 beds
La Espina Albergue El Cruce 639 365 210 Donation 12 beds
La Espina Albergue El Texu 669 016 667 10€ 16 beds
La Espina Albergue Casa Aladino 680 163 865 10€ 18 beds
Tineo Albergue de Palacio Meràs 985 900 111 12€ 54 beds
Tineo Albergue Mater Christi de Tineo 985 800 232 5€ 38 beds
Campiello Albergue Casa Herminia 985 800 011 10€ 26 beds
Campiello Albergue Casa Ricardo 985 800 709 10€ 30 beds
Borres Albergue Santa Maria de Borres 985 800 232 3€ 18 beds
Pola de Allande Albergue de Peregrinos de Pola de Allande 646 832 425 3€ 24 beds
Penasieta Albergue de Penasieta 985 807 116 3€ 12 beds
Berducedo Albergue de Peregrinos de Berducedo 985 807 004 5€ 12 beds
Berducedo Albergue Camin Antiguo 696 929 164 15€ 27 beds
Berducedo Albergue-Pensiòn Casa Marqués 985 909 820 10€ 15 beds
La Mesa Albergue Miguelìn 985 914 353 15€ 20 beds
La Mesa Albergue de Peregrinos de La Mesa 633 148 071 5€ 20 beds
Grandas de Salime Albergue de El Salvador 633 148 071 6€ 48 beds
Grandas de Salime Albergue Casa Sànchez 626 665 118 12€ 16 beds
Castro Albergue Residencia Casa Juvenil de Castro 985 924 197 13€ 16 beds
Fonsagrada Albergue de Peregrinos Ramòn Rodriguez NA 6€ 42 beds
Fonsagrada Albergue Pensiòn Cantàbrico 669 747 560 10€ 34 beds
Fonsagrada Albergue Os Chaos 660 011 716 10€ 24 beds
Complejo O Pineiral Albergue O Pineiral 606 165 752 10€ 44 beds
O Càdavo Baleira Albergue San Mateo 616 529 514 10€ 40 beds
O Càdavo Baleira Hotel Moneda 982 354 001 6€ 22 beds
O Càdavo Baleira Albergue-Pensiòn Porta Santa 679 828 540 10€ 8 beds
O Càdavo Baleira Albergue de Càdavo Baleira 636 947 117 6€ 22 beds
Castroverde Albergue de Castroverde 699 832 747 6€ 34 beds
Lugo Albergue Juvenil Lug2 982 220 450 9€ 75 beds
Lugo Hostel Roots & Boots Lugo 620 260 951 10€ 40 beds
Lugo Albergue Casa da Chanca 648 574 300 15€ 15 beds
Lugo Albergue de Lugo 618 425 578 6€ 42 beds
Castrelo Albergue O Càndido 637 563 755 10€ 21 beds
Castrelo Albergue de Peregrinos de San Romàn de Retorta 628 173 456 6€ 12 beds
Ferreira Albergue A Nave de Ferreira 616 161 594 11€ 14 beds
Ferreira Albergue Ponte Ferreira 982 036 949 11€ 22 beds
Ferreira Albergue Cruz Ferreira 618 597 822 10€ 22 beds
As Seixas Albergue de Peregrinos de As Seixas 609 669 057 6€ 34 beds
Melide Albergue O Candil 639 503 550 15€ 12 beds
Melide Albergue Vilela 616 011 375 10€ 28 beds
Melide Albergue de Melide 660 396 822 6€ 156 beds
Melide Albergue Montoto 981 507 337 12€ 50 beds
Melide Albergue Pereiro 981 506 314 8€ 40 beds
Melide Albergue Arraigos 646 343 370 10€ 20 beds
Melide Albergue O Cruceiro 616 764 896 10€ 72 beds
Melide Hotel Pousada Chiquitìn 981 815 333 70€ 16 beds
Melide Albergue San Antòn 981 506 427 12€ 36 beds
Melide Albergue Melide 981 507 491 10€ 57 beds
Melide Albergue O Apalpador 679 837 969 10€ 30 beds
Melide Albergue Alfonso II 981 506 454 10€ 34 beds
Melide Albergue O Apalpador II 981 506 266 10€ 32 beds
Boente Albergue El Alamàn 981 501 984 10€ 40 beds
Boente Albergue Os Albergues 981 501 853 11€ 30 beds
Boente Albergue Boente 981 501 974 12€ 40 beds
Castaneda Albergue Santiago 981 501 711 1€ 6 beds
Ribadiso Da Baixo Albergue de Ribadiso da Baixo 981 501 185 6€ 70 beds
Ribadiso Da Baixo Albergue Los Caminantes 981 500 295 10€ 56 beds
Ribadiso Da Carretera Albergue Milpes 981 500 425 10€ 24 beds
Arzùa Albergue Don Quijote 981 500 139 10€ 50 beds
Arzùa O Albergue de Selmo 981 939 018 10€ 50 beds
Arzùa Albergue Da Fonte 981 501 118 12€ 20 beds
Arzùa The Way Hostel Arzùa 680 969 697 17€ 40 beds
Arzùa Albergue Los Caminantes 981 508 127 10€ 28 beds
Arzùa Albergue Santiago Apòstol (Arzùa) 981 508 132 12€ 72 beds
Arzùa Albergue de Arzùa 660 396 824 6€ 46 beds
Arzùa De Camino Albergue 981 500 415 10€ 46 beds
Arzùa Casa del Peregrino 686 708 704 12€ 14 beds
Arzùa Albergue Ultreia 981 500 471 10€ 38 beds
Arzùa Albergue O Santo 981 500 957 12€ 22 beds
Arzùa Albergue Via Lactea 981 500 581 12€ 120 beds
Pregontono Albergue Camino das Ocas 648 404 780 10€ 30 beds
Salceda Albergue Alborada 620 151 209 12€ 10 beds
Salceda El Albergue de Boni 618 965 907 10€ 30 beds
Salceda Albergue Turistico de Salceda 981 502 767 13€ 36 beds
Brea Albergue El Chalet 659 380 723 12€ 14 beds
Empalme Albergue Andaina 981 502 925 10€ 14 beds
Santa Irene Albergue de Peregrinos de Santa Irene (privado) 981 511 000 13€ 15 beds
Santa Irene Albergue Rural Astral 981 511 463 13€ 24 beds
Santa Irene Albergue de Peregrinos de Santa Irene (municipal) 660 396 825 6€ 36 beds
O Perdouzo Albergue O Burgo 630 404 138 10€ 14 beds
O Perdouzo Albergue Porta Santiago 981 511 103 10€ 60 beds
O Perdouzo Albergue Otero 671 663 374 10€ 36 beds
O Perdouzo Albergue O Trisquel 616 644 740 10€ 68 beds
O Perdouzo Albergue Edreira 981 511 365 12€ 40 beds
O Perdouzo Albergue Cruceiro de Perdouzo 981 511 371 10€ 94 beds
O Perdouzo Albergue de Arca do Pino 660 396 826 6€ 120 beds
O Perdouzo Albergue Rem 981 510 407 10€ 40 beds
Lavacolla Albergue Lavacolla 981 897 274 12€ 32 beds
Monte Del Gozo Albergue de Monte de Gozo 660 396 827 6€ 400 beds
Monte Del Gozo Centro Europeo de Peregrinaciòn Juan Pablo II 981 597 222 Donation 68 beds

Camino de Santiago tours & reviews

See all 17 Tours

Camino de Santiago Information

  • How can I get to Camino de Santiago?

    This, of course, depends on the route you’re taking. Flying to the city closest to the trailhead is certainly preferable if you’re coming in from Australia, USA and the UK. However, UK travellers may travel by bus or rail to the towns of Ferrol, Oviedo and St. Jean Pied de Port. Learn more.

  • When should I walk the Camino de Santiago?

    The absence of extreme weather changes in the area makes Camino de Santiago’s routes walkable year-round. Though June through September may be its busiest months, more than one thousand people still make the hike during the cold winter months of December, January and February. Learn more.

  • What permits, visas, vaccinations and insurance do I need?

    Though a permit isn’t necessary, you must obtain your Credencial del Peregrino or Pilgrim Passport at the start of your trip and get it stamped along the way. The stamps are proof that you walked the 100 kms necessary to obtain the completion certificate in Santiago de Compostela. Learn more.

  • Do I need a guide to walk?

    While you don’t need a guide to hike any of the Camino de Santiago routes, having one will reduce the burden of planning. Going on a guided hike would give you the benefits of having experienced trip planners arrange things like accommodation, food, luggage transport and airport transfers. Learn more.

  • What should I pack and what equipment do I need?

    Along the way, you'll be able to stop in towns to refuel. Carrying a day pack of your personal essentials, change of clothes, a two-litre water bottle, a first aid kit, and your passport and Pilgrim Passport will suffice. Invest in a good pair of hiking shoes and walking poles. Learn more.

  • How do I prepare for Camino de Santiago?

    Do your research to choose the best route for your skill level and study the rules and etiquette on the trail. Purchase and read a guidebook for your chosen route. Finally, train for several months prior and push yourself to hike farther every day until you’re fit to do 26- to 29-kilometre days. Learn more.

Camino de Santiago Routes & Maps

  • Camino Portugues

    The Portuguese Way, the second most popular route, starts in either Lisbon or Porto and takes hikers from Portugal to Spain. Considerably longer, the Lisbon hike starts at the Lisbon Cathedral and passes through Caldas da Rainha, the Alcobaca Monastery and Porto before crossing several rivers on its way north to Spain.

    Distance: 610 km (380 mi)
    Average duration: 21-30 days 
    Average difficulty/success rate: The Portuguese Way is relatively moderate. Minor elevation gains work to your advantage, though concrete and cobblestone roads, which it has its fair share of, can put a strain on the walk. The success rate is high.
     
    Read more

  • Camino de Finisterre

    Once you’ve reached Camino de Santiago, you might continue on to the “end of the world”. Cape Finisterrae is one of Europe’s westernmost points, thus the name. Adding 90 kilometres to the trip along an ancient route, perhaps even another 29 to Muxia, might just be an epic way to wrap up the journey.

    Distance: 90 km (55 mi), 117 km (73 mi) to Muxia
    Average duration: 2-4 days
    Average difficulty/success rate: Because it’s a shorter hike and offers spectacular views, the road to Finisterrae is a moderate route to take on. The success rate is certainly high, even if fewer people traverse it, choosing to end their trip at the cathedral.
     
    Read more

  • Camino Frances

    Is it a wonder why the French Way is favoured by most Camino de Santiago pilgrims? It’s not just the most traditional route, with a lot of history surrounding it. It also boasts lush landscapes, charming towns and great infrastructure along the way, taking travellers through the beautiful Iberian Peninsula for a month. 

    Distance: 772 km (480 mi)
    Average duration: 4 weeks
    Average difficulty/success rate: Due to the excellent infrastructure and facilities along the way, not only is Camino Frances an enjoyable hike, it’s also a fairly moderate hike. So long as you take a couple of days to rest along the way, you are guaranteed to make it to the end.
    Read more

  • Camino del Norte

    For 827 kilometres, Camino del Norte stretches from the town of Irun in Basque Country to Santiago de Compostela, following Spain’s northern coastline. It’s not only the longest route in the network, it is also the least travelled and has fewer facilities, making it ideal for thru-hikers who prefer solitude and a challenge.

    Distance: 827 km (514 mi)
    Average duration: 36 nights
    Average difficulty/success rate: A little more than a month and a more rigid schedule could be challenging for less experienced hikers. The success rate is generally good, so long as you train beforehand and can tackle more than 21 miles a day.

  • Camino Inglés

    A favourite among hikers arriving from the British Isles and northern Europe, the English Way starts from the City of Ferrol and runs straight south to Camino de Santiago. Though short, it does boast longer sections and major elevation changes, making it a challenge for the more casual walkers.

    Distance: 119 km (74 mi)
    Average duration: 6 nights
    Average difficulty/success rate: This ranks as medium to high in difficulty, though chances of completing are very good because of its short distance.
     

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