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 Oviedo to Lugo

11 days · 10 nights218 kmsNormal difficulty

The Camino de Santiago from Oviedo, the start of the Primitive Way, the route chosen by the very first pilgrim. 218 kilometres through Grado, Salas, Tineo and Grandas de Salime to Lugo, among Asturian mountain passes, hórreos and the Salime reservoir.

We handle the logistics so you only have to walk: accommodation, your pilgrim's credential, full documentation and travel insurance, from 374 €. On the most mountainous stretch of the Primitivo, many pilgrims add the daily luggage transfer: it's your call.

The Primitive Way from Oviedo to Lugo is an itinerary organised by Viajes Camino de Santiago®.

Services

Included in all our routes

Accommodation
11 days / 10 nights
11 days / 10 nights accommodation
Complete documentation (Dossier and material for the Camino)
On-the-road emergency telephone assistance
Pilgrim's Credential
Travel insurance

Optional

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

Accommodations

Photos

Map of the Primitive Way from Oviedo to Lugo

Camino Primitivo Desde Oviedo A Lugo Png JobAv

Stages

day 1
Arrival at Oviedo
day 2
Stage 1. Oviedo - Grado (25.2 km)

You leave Oviedo from the Catedral de San Salvador, following the bronze scallop shells set into the pavement; the walk out of the city drags on a bit, so be patient. The reward soon arrives: dirt tracks below the Sierra del Naranco, the medieval bridge of Gallegos and lovely chestnut and oak woods beside the Nalón river. The day ends in Grado, with every service on hand.
day 3
Stage 2. Grado - Salas (21.9 km)

You leave Grado with a steady climb up to the Alto del Fresno, whose chapel is worth the short detour. You go down into Cornellana, where you must stop to see its monasterio de San Salvador, and enjoy the day's most beautiful stretch through a lovely forest. Between dovecotes, churches and tree-lined paths you reach Salas, a welcoming village with every service. Watch out after rain: a few stretches get slippery.
day 4
Stage 3. Salas - Tineo (19.1 km)

You say goodbye to Salas under the arch linking the Palacio de Valdés to the medieval tower, then follow a pleasant path beside the river, among oaks and chestnuts. After a demanding climb up to La Espina, the final stretch rewards you with gorgeous rural views all the way to Tineo, a charming village of traditional houses scattered between the lower area and the hilltop. (If it's rained, wear waterproof footwear: there's mud.)
day 5
Stage 4. Tineo - Pola de Allande (28.2 km)

A long mountain stage. You leave Tineo and, through deciduous forests, can detour to the monumental monasterio de Santa María Real de Obona. You pass through Campiello and Borres — many split the stage here — up to the fork with the legendary Ruta de los Hospitales. Sticking to the main route, you climb and descend relentlessly up to the Alto de Lavadoira and drop down to Pola de Allande, the end of the stage, with every service.
day 6
Stage 5. Pola de Allande - La Mesa (22 km)

A tough and magnificent stage. From Pola de Allande you face the long climb to Puerto del Palo (1,446 m), rewarded with breathtaking scenery and the scars of ancient Roman gold mining. You cross Montefurado, a slate village with its chapel of Santiago, then continue through Berducedo to La Mesa. Stock up on water before setting out: there are few fountains along the way.
day 7
Stage 6. La Mesa - Grandas de Salime (18 km)

A short stage but a demanding descent: 760 metres down to the reservoir. Through chestnut groves and lush woodland, with astonishing views, you reach the impressive presa de Salime; don't miss the hanging viewpoint of the Boca de la Ballena, perched over its 128-metre wall. After crossing the reservoir, one last wooded path drops you in Grandas de Salime. Watch your footing if it rains.
day 8
Stage 7. Grandas de Salime - A Fonsagrada (28 km)

Today you cross from Asturias into Galicia. You leave Grandas de Salime and, passing by the castro de Chao Samartín, face the long climb to the Alto del Acebo (1,130 m), among wind turbines and sweeping views. As you enter Galicia, take note: here the scallop shells point the opposite way, with their open side. A path lined with holly trees leads you to A Fonsagrada, the end of the stage.
day 9
Stage 8. A Fonsagrada - O Cádavo (23.4 km)

One of the toughest stages of the Primitivo. You leave A Fonsagrada along forest tracks to Montouto, with the ruins of its medieval pilgrims' hospital and a neolithic dolmen. Then comes the punishment: the dreaded Cuesta del Sapo and the long, leg-breaking Fontaneira hill. Take it easy and enjoy the nature until you descend to O Cádavo, capital of the green concello of Baleira.
day 10
Stage 9. O Cádavo - Lugo (32 km)

Lugo is encircled by the only completely preserved Roman wall in the world: over two kilometres of walkway you can stroll along the top of, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside, you'll find the cathedral, lively squares and a tradition of free tapas with your drink that makes the centre a great spot for a bite.
day 11
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 Oviedo to Lugo

From 374 €

Reviews from our users (4)

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Reviews

Elena Rubio Méndez

Todo salió como esperábamos, ruta exigente pero preciosa. La planificación ayudó mucho a disfrutar sin agobios.
Óscar Fuentes Gallego

Experiencia muy positiva, el tramo Oviedo Lugo es espectacular
Iván Cortés Navarro

Me sorprendió este tramo entre Oviedo y Lugo, muy natural y poco masificado. Todo estaba bien coordinado.
Claudia Peña Ortega

Era justo lo que buscaba, un camino diferente. Bien organizado y con etapas que, aunque duras, se disfrutan mucho

Primitive Way from Oviedo to Lugo