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 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.

How long does it take to do the Primitive Way?

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.

How many kilometers is the Primitive Way of the Camino de Santiago?

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.

How many stages does the Primitive way have?

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.

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.

Which Camino is harder: the Primitive or the Northern Way?

The Primitive Way is harder than the Northern Way because of its short but intense stages, with steep slopes and mountainous terrain . Although the Camino del Norte also presents challenges, it alternates mountainous sections with flatter stages along the coast.

Primitive Way from Lugo

7 days · 6 nights100 kmsNormal difficulty

The Camino de Santiago from Lugo, the final stretch of the Primitive Way through inland Galicia. 100 kilometres from the city of the Roman wall through Ferreira, Melide and Arzúa to the Obradoiro, among woods, hamlets and the reunion with the French Way.

You walk; we provide the logistics: accommodation, your pilgrim's credential, full documentation and travel insurance, from 211 €. Add the daily luggage transfer if you want to take on the final stages of the Primitivo without any weight.

The trip along the Primitive Way to Santiago from Lugo is organised by Viajes Camino de Santiago®.

Services

Included in all our routes

Accommodation
7 days / 6 nights
Complete documentation (Dossier and material for the Camino)
On-the-road emergency telephone assistance
Pilgrim's Credential
Travel insurance

Optional

Luggage transfer during the stages. (1 piece per person max 15 kgs)
Supplement for single room
Extra night in Santiago de Compostela
Breakfast
MP (Breakfast and dinner)
Cancellation Insurance

Accommodations

Photos

Map of the Primitive Way from Lugo

Stages

day 1
Arrival at Lugo
day 2
Stage 1. Lugo - Ferreira (26.5 km)

You leave Lugo facing its cathedral, cross the wall through the Puerta de Santiago and go down to the Roman bridge over the Miño, the Ponte Vella. After that, a quiet stretch along local roads and rural hamlets — halfway along you can detour to the singular church of Santa Eulalia de Bóveda — until you reach Ferreira, with its small single-arch Roman bridge.
day 3
Stage 2. Ferreira - Melide (20 km)

You cross the Roman bridge of Ferreira and press on through tracks and hamlets, climbing the Sierra del Careón, which separates Lugo from A Coruña, with gorgeous views. Crossing the Furelos river you enter Melide, where your Camino Primitivo merges with the crowded Camino Francés. Here it's sacrilege not to try pulpo á feira in one of its famous pulperías. The solitude of the early days is over.
day 4
Stage 3. Melide - Arzúa (14 km)

A short, pleasant stage, with some moderate elevation change and, above all, extraordinary Atlantic forests. On reaching Ribadiso de Abaixo, one of the prettiest corners of the Camino awaits: if the weather cooperates, take a dip in the river. You finish in Arzúa, with every service and an unmissable stop: its Denominación de Origen Arzúa-Ulloa cheese. Don't leave without trying it!
day 5
Stage 4. Arzúa - O Pedrouzo (20 km)

A pleasant walk over comfortable, flat terrain, with plenty of bars and restaurants to take it easy. You alternate between hamlets and pine and eucalyptus woods, with Salceda marking the halfway point of the day, a good spot to recharge. From there, only a few quiet final kilometres remain to O Pedrouzo. You can already smell Santiago.
day 6
Stage 5. O Pedrouzo - Santiago de Compostela (19 km)

The last stage! The earlier you set off, the sooner you'll set foot in Compostela. The magic moment arrives at Monte do Gozo, when you catch your first glimpse of the cathedral towers: a perfect view to savour the final kilometres. Shortly after, your triumphant entrance into the Plaza del Obradoiro. You've completed the Camino Primitivo, the oldest of them all. You are in Santiago!
day 7
End of the Camino

After arriving... End of the Camino

Frequently Asked Questions

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 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.
How long does it take to do the Primitive Way?

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.
How many kilometers is the Primitive Way of the Camino de Santiago?

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.
How many stages does the Primitive way have?

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.
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.
Which Camino is harder: the Primitive or the Northern Way?

The Primitive Way is harder than the Northern Way because of its short but intense stages, with steep slopes and mountainous terrain. Although the Camino del Norte also presents challenges, it alternates mountainous sections with flatter stages along the coast.

Primitive Way from Lugo

From 211 €

Reviews from our users (9)

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Reviews

Antonio Fernandez Caballero

Hola, terminé en Santiago el 28/09/2024. Todo perfecto según lo contratado. sin problemas en el traslado de mochilas, muy recomendable. Sin contratiempos ,sin sin sorpresas y con la seguridad de tu alojamiento disponible a la hora que finalices tu etapa. Una reseña especial al albergue Cruce de Caminos de Arzúa, ante la situación complicadísima del paso de la tormenta "Aitor", la gerencia estuvo SOBRESALIENTE en el manejo de la situación. Mención con Honores, al Sr. de U.S.A., que nos atendió y departió con los peregrinos, como uno más. Mis respetos y admiración. Y a vosotros Viajes camino de Santiago, GRACIAS, por ayudarme a cumplir un sueño. Sin duda repetiré 2Mis Caminos " con vosotros.
guada lopez

viaje realizado sin ningún problema
Esteban

Fue una gran y enriquecedora experiencia. Tuvimos que solicitar el transporte de una maleta adicional en fin de semana y tuvimos todo el apoyo de parte del equipo. Mil gracias a todos por toda la atención que nos dieron.
Rosi

Pues ha sido fenomenal la experiencia. Todo muy bien organizado y sin ningún tipo de problema. Estupendo y lo hemos pasado genial.
rocio marhuenda

Una experiencia única, gestionada por una agencia excelente. Gracias por facilitarnos el camino de esta manera. Los hostales perfectos, y la comunicación fluida. Gracias, seguro que nos tendréis muy pronto de peregrinos de nuevo.
leti

Maravillosa experiencia, recomendable al 100%, la mejor experiencia de mi vida. Repetiré seguro.
Esther

Me gustaría informarme sobre el camino Primitivo, gracias!
rosa

Ha sido una experiencia maravillosa, Recomendable al 100 por 100 Seguramente repetiremos
Silvia

Hola! Nos gustaria más info sobre esta opción en hoteles y viajando una pareja y un perro. Gracias!

Primitive Way from Lugo