Primitive Way from Lugo

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the best time to do 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.

• Where do the Primitive and French Ways meet?

  The Primitive Way and the French Way meet in the town of Melide, in the province of A Coruña, 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.

• 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.

• What is luggage transport and how does it work?

  Luggage transport is included in group trips, trips with a dog and VIP trips; on all other trips it is an optional service you can add when booking. With 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.

• Does the Camino Primitivo from Lugo qualify you for the Compostela?

  Yes. From Lugo to Santiago it is 100 km, exactly the minimum on foot for the Compostela, so you need to walk every stage in full, without skipping any sections. Get your pilgrim passport stamped at least twice a day (at accommodation, churches or bars along the Camino) and finish your journey at Santiago Cathedral.

  The pilgrim passport is included in the trip, and in your travel documents we explain how to collect the Compostela.

• Is the Camino Primitivo from Lugo hard?

  Not very: it is the gentlest part of the Primitivo. The Asturian mountains are behind you, and here you walk along local roads, tracks and hamlets. The only serious climb is the Sierra del Careón, between Ferreira and Melide, with a steep slope near the wind turbines.

  After that come a short stage with some moderate ups and downs to Arzúa and a flat walk to O Pedrouzo. There are five stages of between 14 and 26.5 km.

• What should I see in Lugo before starting the Camino Primitivo?

  Start with the Roman wall, built in the 3rd century and the only one in the world preserved in full: more than 2 km of wall walk you can stroll along the top of, a World Heritage Site. Inside you will find the cathedral, with its Virgen de los Ojos Grandes, as well as Roman baths, bridges and archaeological museums.

  In the evening, head to the old town for a glass of wine with a tapa, which in Lugo usually comes free with your drink.

• Is the detour to Santa Eulalia de Bóveda worth it?

  If you like history, yes. On the first stage, from Lugo to Ferreira, about halfway you can detour to the church of Santa Eulalia de Bóveda. Its origins are linked to an ancient Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Cybele, and it is one of the most unusual visits on this section.

  The detour adds a few kilometres to a stage that is already 26.5 km long, so set off early.

• What should I see in Melide on the Camino Primitivo?

  Melide is where your Camino Primitivo joins the Camino Francés, and it deserves a long stop. It is the land of pulpo á feira (Galician-style octopus): order a few portions in any of its pulperías. It also has the oldest cruceiro (stone wayside cross) in Galicia and the Museo da Terra de Melide, housed in a former pilgrims' hospital founded in 1502.

  From here on you will have company: three stages remain to Santiago, with many more pilgrims.