Primitive Way
The essence of pilgrimage in its purest form
The Primitive Way is considered to be the most authentic and the most scenic of all the Pilgrims’ Routes to Santiago. It is a deeply intimate and solitary route that recovers the Jacobean spirit of the first pilgrimages. A journey to disconnect from the world and enter an endless number of silent landscapes rooted in the deepest rural traditions.
Our Primitive Way Routes
Information of the Primitive Way
The Primitive Way
The Primitive Way starts from the city of Oviedo and runs through the western interior of Asturias, one of the least known areas of the community, whose breathtaking beauty will not leave any walker indifferent. You will enter Galicia through the Alto do Acevo, at an altitude of over 1,000 metres, reaching the walled city of Lugo and continuing your route to Melide, where the Primitive Way joins the French Way, sharing three stages to Santiago de Compostela.
But be careful, if you are planning to do the Camino de Santiago in its primitive route you should know that it is not a walk. It has extremely demanding stages and steep slopes, with hardly any toilets to stock up on supplies. For this reason it is not recommended for beginners or people who are not in good physical shape. Its difficulty intensifies especially in the colder months, when the abundant rainfall turns some sections of the road into real muddy areas, so it is not too advisable to cycle.
The Primitive Way
- Historical monuments of Oviedo
- Monumental historical complex of Salas
- Paseo de los Frailes – Tineo
- Puerto del Palo – Grandas de Salime
- Puerto del Acebo
- Historical monuments of Lugo
- Church of Santa Eulalia of Bóveda
- Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
Where to start the French route?
The Primitive Way begins in Oviedo, capital of the Principality of Asturias and, like almost all the Jacobean routes, has its goal in Santiago de Compostela. These two cities are separated by a total of 321 kilometres, of which just over half run through Galicia. It is generally divided into 14 stages of between 20 and 30 kilometres, and to cover it in its entirety you will need at least 15 days.
As we have pointed out above, this route has nothing to do with other roads. The Asturian stretch is especially hard and its steep slopes, we insist, will put more than one pilgrim to the test.
Although, as you may already know, it is not necessary to walk the entire primitive route. You can start from wherever you want depending on the days you have available and your physical capacity. If you decide not to do this entire route, the city of Lugo is the perfect place to start your route. From here, you will only have 102 kilometres to go to Santiago, divided into 5 comfortable stages without great difficulties, suitable for anyone.
Map of the Primitive Way
Stages of the Primitive Camino de Santiago
History of the Primitive Route
The Primitive Way gets its name from the fact that it is considered the oldest pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Its origin is so remote that it is within a period in which legend and history merge, being practically impossible to distinguish them.
The history of this primitive route begins with the discovery of the tomb of the Apostle Santiago in the year 830. At that time, King Alfonso II, nicknamed the Chaste, reigned in Asturias. Asturias was unbreakable by the Muslim invaders thanks to the important war victories, extending its territorial domain to the current Galicia and Castile and Leon. On hearing the news from Compostela, the monarch left immediately from his seat in Oviedo to venerate the remains of the saint. In the 9th century, King Alfonso II was declared the first pilgrim in the history of the Camino de Santiago.
After this first pilgrimage, successors such as King Alfonso III the Great took the example and came to Santiago de Compostela, granting new privileges to the sanctuary.
In 910, the capital of the Kingdom was moved from Oviedo to León. The cathedral of Oviedo suffered a hard setback that was accentuated with the consolidation of the French Way through Leonese lands. But the pilgrims arriving from the Pyrenees discovered the detour of the French Way to the cathedral of Oviedo. At that time, the Cathedral of the Saviour and the Cathedral of Lugo granted great spiritual value, so many pilgrims opted for a detour. Among the pilgrims, the saying “He who goes to Santiago and not to the Saviour, visits the servant but not the Lord” was very famous.
With the passing of the centuries, the Primitive Way lost its presence, but it never stopped having pilgrims. In the 19th century, the decadence was almost total, as in the rest of the Jacobean routes.
But from the 20th century onwards, there was a great revival of the Camino de Santiago, and all the routes began to come to life again. Thanks to a new interest of the administrations and associations, a great work was started to promote and condition the Asturian routes; the routes were signposted and guides were published, hostels were built, and the services for pilgrims increased considerably.
More than a millennium after the first journey of the King of Asturias, the primitive itinerary is a great option for all those pilgrims looking for an alternative away from the overcrowding and the tourist atmosphere of other routes.
Frequently asked questions about the Primitive Way
The best time to do the Primitive Way is between spring and autumn. During these months, the climate is milder and more pleasant, avoiding the intense cold of winter. In winter it is likely to find rain and, given the altitude of some mountain levels, snow, so the cold season is not recommended.
The Primitive Way and the French Way meet in the town of Melide, in the province of Lugo, Galicia. Melide is a key point on the route to Santiago de Compostela, where pilgrims who have followed the historic Camino Primitivo join the main route of the Camino Frances.
The Primitive Way is one of the oldest routes of the Camino de Santiago, and with about 320 km, generally, there are a total of 14 stages. Therefore, divided like this, it takes 14 days to complete the Camino de Santiago Primitivo on foot.
Each stage would be the distance you travel in one day, from the starting location to the end of the walk, where you will spend the night. The stages can vary in distance and difficulty, and it is important to note that they can be adjusted according to your pace and physical condition. Some pilgrims choose to divide certain long or difficult stages, or lengthen those that are shorter or easier to walk. It all depends on having a place to sleep.
The total kilometers of the Camino Primitivo are about 320 km from Oviedo. It must be taken into account that this distance may vary depending on the possible variants or complementary and alternative paths that the pilgrim decides to take during the route.
The Primitive Way is divided into 14 stages. It begins in Oviedo and has 320 kilometers to go to Santiago de Compostela. It must be taken into account that this distance may vary depending on the possible variants or complementary and alternative paths that the pilgrim decides to take during the route.
Each stage would be the distance you travel in one day, from the starting location to the end of the walk, where you will spend the night. The stages can vary in distance and difficulty, and it is important to note that they can be adjusted according to your pace and physical condition. Some pilgrims choose to divide certain long or difficult stages, or lengthen those that are shorter or easier to walk. It all depends on having a place to sleep.
Posts related to the Primitive Way
Other routes of the Camino de Santiago
English Way
From Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela. Delve into the culture of villages of great military, naval and historical importance. 5 Etapas | 125 km
Father Sarmiento Way
The Father Sarmiento Way links Pontevedra to Santiago de Compostela, offering a scenic journey through beautiful landscapes. 6 stages | 142 km
Finisterre and Muxía Way
From Santiago de Compostela to Muxía. A mystical and spiritual journey to the ends of the Earth 5 stages | 120 km
French Way
From Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago, trace Charlemagne’s path through the Pyrenees and trek 800 km on the French Way. 33 stages | 768 km
Northern Way
From Santiago de Compostela to Muxía. An unforgettable experience with breathtaking scenery 34 Stages | 820 km
Portuguese Way
Starts in Lisbon and leads to Santiago de Compostela, offering a scenic journey through charming towns, coastal views, and culture. 27 stages | 620 km
Portuguese Way along the coast
From Oporto to Santiago de Compostela. Total 194 km - 8 stages 8 Stages | 194 km
Portuguese Way: spiritual variant
From Pontevedra to Padrón. Total 81 km - 3 stages 3 stages | 81 km
Sanabrian Way
From Granja de Moreruela to Santiago de Compostela. Total 365 km - 13 stages 13 stages | 365 km
Way of the Lighthouses
From Malpica to Finisterre. A 200-kilometer journey along the coast and through the wildest of nature 8 stages | 195 km
