Camino Primitivo Map

Here's the map of the original Way, the Primitive Way, which was first traveled by Alfonso II on his pilgrimage to Santiago to visit the newly found tomb of St. James the Apostle. Covering 268 kilometers, this route offers an authentic, secluded Camino experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the stunning landscape.

How do I understand this map showing el Camino Primitivo?

On this map, you can see the 11 stages of the Primitive Way. Crossing the Asturian mountains to enter Galicia through its mountains and valleys, you will visit 2 Autonomous Communities and 3 Provinces: Asturias y Galicia (provinces of Lugo and A Coruña)
Between deep forests and plains, you will pass through only 36 only 36 villages with services but Calm down! This means that you will find places to stock up approximately every 7 kms, and they are perfectly distributed.

Please note! Shortage of services

As mentioned earlier, there's no need to worry; you simply need to plan ahead for the four stages and ensure you have enough water and food to replenish your strength if necessary. Here we tell you the four stages of the Primitive Way that you should mark on your map: from Ferreira to Melide (from San Román da Retorta); from O Cádavo to Lugo (from Castroverde) and from La Mesa to Grandas de Salime (without villages, there's really nothing) and from Pola de Allande to La Mesa (up to Lago).

Another peculiarity of the Primitive Way is the variant of the Route of the Hospitales between Borres and Puerto de Palo, 25 kms of real solitude in the middle of the mountain (no villages, no services and no water sources), so we recommend you to mark the detour on your map because if you are not very prepared it is a complicated variant despite its scenic beauty.

But... where do I start the Camino?

The original starting point of the Primitive Way is in Oviedo. A place you should mark on your map if you want to follow in the footsteps of Alfonso II the Chaste on the first documented pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. If you can't afford so many days of adventure, you can start the Camino Primitivo from Lugo and you will also meet all the requirements to obtain your Compostela. On the other hand, if you are a fond of cycling as we are, we strongly recommend you to take the pleasure to do this cycling route from Oviedo. We can assure you that through these mountains you will discover the great scenic beauty of the North and you will remember it for the rest of your life.

It is important to remember that this Camino is one of the most intimate and secluded you can do, one of the few that still keeps the introspective the introspective essence of the pilgrimage.. In addition to the loneliness you will have to face a significant accumulated unevenness but we know that you are capable of anything and we are sure that this challenge will mark a before and after. Prepare yourself well and start the challenge!