Attention: Route not available for walking between November 1 and January 15.

Make the Camino Primitivo by bicycle from Oviedo is a challenge of personal improvement recommended only to the most experienced cyclists. This is a solitary route that runs through the western Asturian mountains until it enters Galician lands in the province of Lugo. The main difficulty of the route is the orography of the terrain, with long and very steep slopes for almost the entire route, a factor that together with the poor condition of the trails can become an adventure for cyclists. But nothing is impossible, and the spectacular scenery you’ll be surrounded by will more than make up for the effort.

From

375€

Including
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Including

9 days / 8 nights accommodation
Luggage transfer during the stages
Complete documentation
Pilgrim’s Credential
On-the-road emergency telephone assistance
Travel insurance

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Private hostels

375 €

Hostels and pensions

743 €

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Map of the Camino

Stages of the The Primitive Way from Oviedo by bicycle

Day 1. Arrival in Oviedo

The beautiful old town of Oviedo will transport you to the Asturian Middle Ages. It is a small city, designed for the enjoyment of the pedestrian, thanks to its pedestrian streets in which every corner holds a special charm. You can’t start your Camino Primitivo by bike from Oviedo without visiting the Cathedral of San Salvador, the Fontán market and getting lost in its squares tasting cider in its many tascas and chigres (cider bars).

Day 2. Stage Oviedo - Salas (50 km)

You will start the first day of your Camino Primitivo by bike from Oviedo with a beautiful route full of breathtaking landscapes that alternates paved stretches with wooded trails. The main difficulty of this day will be to crown two steep slopes, the Alto del Escamplero and the Alto del Fresno, the latter both uphill and downhill.

Practically the whole route can be done following the original route. You will discover picturesque villages, forests, meadows, bridges, small hermitages and countless granaries so characteristic of western Asturias.

Salas is a medieval village in inland Asturias, which currently retains important heritage elements. Among other things, you can visit the Medieval Tower, the Valdés Salas Palace and the Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor. Of course, as in any corner of Asturias, you will be able to enjoy an unbeatable gastronomy.

Day 3. Stage Salas - Pola de Allande (48 km)

Yesterday’s stage will be a walk in the park compared to today. You will enter high altitude mountain areas where; in the rainy season the roads can become impracticable, especially if you travel with panniers. So if you have any doubts, it is better to do this stage by road.

You are facing the hardest stage of the whole route, so it is important to measure your strength and make the stops that your body asks for. It is a succession of long climbs and descents, some of them very steep, such as the ascent to La Espina or the ascent to Alto de La Guardia. You will cross villages like La Espina and Tineo, where you will have places to stock up and rest your legs.

The last challenge of the day is the ascent to the Alto de Lavadoira. Once you have reached the top, you will descend to the end of the stage, Pola de Allande.

Day 4. Stage Pola de Allande - Grandas de Salime (45 km)

The third stage of the Primitive Way by bike goes into the high mountains of Asturias, so the slopes will continue to be the dominant tone. Again, the trails are not very cycleable and require a lot of technique, so we recommend to do this section by road as well.

The route leaves from Pola de Allande in the direction of the feared ascent of the Puerto del Palo. Once you have reached the village of Lago, the road turns off onto a very difficult path that climbs up to the pass; less experienced cyclists will have to climb up the road to avoid getting off the bike. There are 10 kilometres of continuous ascent.

After a long descent, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Asturian mountains and the reservoir of Grandas de Salime, whose village will be your longed-for end of the stage.

Day 5. Stage Grandas de Salime - A Fonsagrada (28 km)

Short and necessary stage that you can take as a rest day after all the previous stages. But if you thought you were getting out of promotions, my friend, we’re sorry to hear the bad news. The first part of the stage starts following the road all the time, alternating with some paths and dirt tracks, all of them well signposted. On the way up to the Puerto del Acebo you will find the village of Bustelo del Camín, the last Asturian village before reaching the 1,300 metres of the pass. The Autonomous Community of Galicia begins just as you start to descend from the Alto de O Acevo. After reaching the top of the pass, we recommend that you follow the original route to A Fonsagrada and finish the stage.

Attention, bear in mind that when we enter Galicia, we not only change the community but also the indications. In Asturias, the famous scallops or shells used to indicate the way to follow by their narrow part, while in the lands of the apostle you must be guided by the open part of them.

Day 6. Stage A Fonsagrada - Lugo (60 km)

You will start pedalling from Fonsagrada following the original route to enjoy the impressive landscapes that this part of Galicia has to offer. In case you are very tired, you can also follow the route of the road. The most difficult part of the day is the Alto de A Fontaneira. From the town of Castroverde, the route will turn into a pleasant walk until you reach the city of Lugo and end the day.

After so many days in virtually unserviced locations, we’re sure you’ll appreciate the lively atmosphere of a city. If you still have some energy left, we encourage you to walk around the old part of the city and get lost in its taverns tasting delicious tapas and pinchos washed down with a good mencía wine.

Day 7. Stage Lugo - Melide (47 km)

After all you’ve been through in the previous days, you’ll be grateful for a stage like this. The only difficulty to highlight will be the ascent to the Sierra del Careón, which is not too difficult. You will ride through beautiful rural surroundings dotted with small villages until you reach Melide.

In this town the Primitive Way joins the French Way. From here the route has a better infrastructure and services, as well as a considerable increase in the number of pilgrims. The moments of loneliness are over until we reach Santiago de Compostela!

Today we recommend you to rest and get up early to arrive early to Santiago de Compostela.

Day 8. Stage Melide - Santiago de Compostela (53 km)

Finally the day arrived, with our minds already focused on getting to Compostela. Today you say goodbye, we don’t know if with joy or sadness, to the Primitive Way that you started a few days ago from Oviedo, to pedal along the French Way until you reach Arzúa, where the North Way also joins.

You should take special care with pilgrims on foot, especially in high season you will find numerous groups that occupy the entire trail.

Today the rural landscape will disappear, becoming much more urbanized as you get closer to the Galician capital. After riding around the vicinity of Santiago airport, the last climb of the route will be in San Marcos, the broadcasting centre of the Galician television. When you arrive at Monte do Gozo, we invite you to stop and contemplate the views, we assure you that you will understand the reason for the name of this place. Santiago is getting closer and closer!

You are in Santiago! Feel happy and proud to have completed your Camino Primitivo by bike. Now we just need to pick up the Compostela certificate and enjoy an incredible day getting to know the Galician capital.

Day 9. End of the trip

Congratulations! You have completed your Camino Primitivo by bicycle from Oviedo. This last day you are in charge, you can go back home or enjoy one more day in Santiago resting your legs after so much pedaling. And how beautiful is Compostela.

Did you know that all roads end in Finisterre? If you have been left with the desire to pedal and you have a few days more, we encourage you to complete the 90 kilometres separating Santiago from Finisterre. The most magical and spiritual route that hides real treasures such as Ponte Maceira, one of the most beautiful villages in Spain or the extraordinary sunset of the Finisterre lighthouse.

The Primitive Way from Oviedo by bicycle, Accommodation prices

Private hostels

375 €

Hostels and pensions

743 €

Types of accommodations

In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Oviedo
In private hostels from Oviedo

In private hostels from Oviedo

Dormitorio compartido de albergue privado

Dormitorio del Albergue Turístico Valle del Nonaya

Dormitorio compartido del Complejo O Piñeiral

In private hostels from Oviedo

Hostels are the perfect option if you are travelling alone, have a low budget or want to live the Camino de Santiago experience to the fullest. The ideal accommodation to meet other pilgrims, live together and experience all the values of this magical journey. They have mixed rooms organized in bunk beds, bathrooms separated by sexes, equipped kitchens, laundry and common areas where you can relax and enjoy unforgettable evenings with your travel companions.

In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Oviedo

In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Oviedo

Due to the fact that some towns along this route have little variety of accommodation, we have selected the best establishments available for you to have an incredible experience on your Camino de Santiago. You will combine the rest in small and cosy pensions with rural houses and lodgings of superior category, always looking for the best quality and location.

Details of the The Primitive Way from Oviedo by bicycle

Services included

9 days / 8 nights accommodation

Luggage transfer during the stages

Complete documentation

Pilgrim’s Credential

On-the-road emergency telephone assistance

Travel insurance

Optional Services

Service	In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Oviedo	In private hostels from Oviedo
Breakfast	77€ per person	Not available
MP (Breakfast and dinner)	215€ per person	Not available
Supplement for single room	231€ per single room	Not applicable
Extra night in Santiago de Compostela	95€ (sing. room) / 150€ (doub. room)	28€ per person

	Breakfast
	In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Oviedo	77€ per person
	In private hostels from Oviedo	Not available


	MP (Breakfast and dinner)
	In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Oviedo	215€ per person
	In private hostels from Oviedo	Not available


	Supplement for single room
	In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Oviedo	231€ per single room
	In private hostels from Oviedo	Not applicable


	Extra night in Santiago de Compostela
	In hotels, guesthouses and rural houses from Oviedo	95€ (sing. room) / 150€ (doub. room)
	In private hostels from Oviedo	28€ per person

Photos

Frequently Asked Questions

What services are included in the Camino de Santiago by bike?

The Camino de Santiago by bike includes the following services:

Accommodation
Luggage transport
Dossier with information about the stages
Pilgrim's credential
On-the-road helpline
Travel insurance

In addition, you can customize your trip by adding the following optional services:

Breakfast or half board
Extra night at the beginning or end of the stage
Bicycle rental

Can I choose the dates I want?

Yes, you will have total freedom to choose your departure date. However, if you want to do your Camino de Santiago in the months of December, January and February, we recommend that you check availability before making your reservation. At this time of year most accommodation is closed and many services may not be available.

Where are the accommodations located?

In your travel documents, you will find the names of the accommodations assigned to you, as well as their contact telephone number and location. As a general rule, all accommodation are located in the centre of the different towns along the Pilgrims' Route to Santiago de Compostela, without the need to deviate too far from the route. But sometimes, due to lack of availability, it is possible that some accommodation may be a little far from the village or even in neighbouring towns. For all the accommodations that are at a considerable distance from the route of the Camino, we will provide you with a free taxi service that you can use to get to your accommodation and return to the Camino the next morning. In any case, these are exceptions that we will inform you at the time of booking.

What is luggage transport and how does it work?

Luggage transport service by default is included in all our trips and it is not necessary to request it. You can enjoy the Camino de Santiago without the burden of carrying your luggage on your back, knowing that your suitcase will be waiting for you at your next accommodation upon your arrival. Along with your credential, you'll also receive stickers. Cover these stickers with the requested information and stick them in a visible place on your suitcase. Upon arrival at your accommodation, we suggest asking at the reception where you can leave your luggage. You'll need to leave your luggage at the designated spot early in the morning for our carrier to pick it up. This ensures that when you arrive at your next accommodation, your luggage will already be waiting for you.

Do all accommodations have a lockable place to store my bike?

Yes, we make sure that all assigned accommodations have a place where you can leave your bike safe and sound.

What kind of bicycles can I rent to do the Camino de Santiago?

We have high quality mountain bikes and electric bikes that you can rent during the whole Camino. Check the details here.

What is travel insurance?

It is the guarantee that you can enjoy your Camino in a safe way. In our trips you already have an insurance included with your trip to be protected during the Camino de Santiago. We will send you the insurance policy along with all the documentation of your trip, so you will have everything you need to enjoy the Camino with peace of mind. Walk without worries!

What coverage does the travel insurance have?

The basic travel insurance included in our packages offers extensive coverage against unforeseen events, ensuring you'll receive guaranteed medical assistance and numerous benefits. You can review the specifics in the General Conditions of Travel Insurance.

What is on-the-road telephone assistance?

In your travel documents, you'll find an emergency telephone number where we're accessible while you're on the road. This ensures you'll journey with peace of mind, knowin our team members will assist you with any problems, incidents, or questions you encounter along your Camino de Santiago.