Camino Primitivo: The Original Route of the Camino de Santiago
14 Stages | 320 km
Discover the Camino Primitivo
Of all the routes, this is considered the most authentic and the one with the highest scenic quality among all the Camino de Santiago routes. It is a deeply intimate and solitary route that recaptures the Jacobean spirit of the first pilgrimages.
The Camino de Santiago Primitivo is a journey to the origins of the pilgrimage to Santiago, as well as an experience to disconnect from the world and immerse yourself in endless silent landscapes rooted in the deepest rural traditions.
Our Trips to the The Primitive Way
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11 days / 10 nights -
7 days / 6 nights -
16 days / 15 nightsCamino Primitivo from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela
14 Stages 317 Kms
From 691 €Explore this Camino -
9 days / 8 nights
Services We Offer at Viajes Camino de Santiago
Included in All Our Routes
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Accommodation booking with the best options selected according to your budget.
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Practical information about the Camino in a detailed guide.
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On-route telephone assistance — we’re by your side for any questions or issues.
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Travel insurance with comprehensive coverage.
On Group Routes
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Professional accompanying guides throughout the Camino.
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Support vehicle available during the stages.
Optional Services
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Meals and diets: option for breakfasts or half board.
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Private transfers from/to the point you need.
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Luggage transport between stages.
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Bicycle rental (mountain or electric bikes).
Map of the Camino de Santiago Primitivo
The map shows the complete route of the Camino de Santiago Primitivo, from Oviedo, in Asturias, to Santiago de Compostela, in Galicia, Spain. This historic pilgrimage route, considered the oldest of the Camino de Santiago, covers approximately 320 km and crosses spectacular landscapes and important towns such as Grado, Tineo, Pola de Allande, Grandas de Salime and Lugo.
At the bottom, the elevation profile of the route is shown, highlighting the steep slopes and mountainous areas characteristic of this path, such as the ascent to Puerto del Palo and the crossing of Alto del Acebo. Each stage offers a unique experience, with breathtaking views, unspoiled nature, and a rich cultural and architectural heritage, making it an unforgettable spiritual and physical challenge.
Information about the Camino de Santiago Primitivo
Why choose the Camino Primitivo?
The very first of all the Jacobean routes in history.
The Camino Primitivo starts in the city of Oviedo and runs through the western interior of Asturias, one of the least known areas of the region, whose impressive beauty will leave no walker indifferent. You will enter Galicia through Alto do Acevo, at over 1,000 meters above sea level, reaching the walled city of Lugo and continuing your journey to Melide, where the Primitivo joins the Camino Francés, sharing the final three stages to Santiago de Compostela.
But be aware, if you are planning to walk the Camino de Santiago along its Primitivo route, you should know that it is no easy stroll. It includes extremely demanding stages and significant elevation changes, with hardly any services available for supplies. For this reason, it is not recommended for beginners or for those who are not in good physical condition. Its difficulty increases especially during the colder months, when heavy rainfall turns some sections of the path into real mudflats, making it also not particularly advisable to travel by bicycle.
What to see and do on the Camino de Santiago Primitivo?
The story of the origin of the Camino among mountains.
- Historic and monumental complex of Oviedo
- Historic and monumental complex of Salas
- Paseo de los Frailes (Tineo)
- Puerto del Palo (Grandas de Salime)
- Puerto del Acebo
- Historic and monumental complex of Lugo
- Church of Santa Eulalia de Bóveda
Where to start the Camino Primitivo?
From Oviedo
The Camino Primitivo begins in Oviedo, the capital of the Principality of Asturias, and like almost all Jacobean routes, it finishes in Santiago de Compostela. These two cities are separated by a total of 320 kilometers, just over half of which run through Galician territory. The Camino Primitivo from Oviedo to Lugo is generally divided into 14 stages of between 20 and 30 kilometers, and to complete it in full you will need at least 15 days. Another great option is to do the Camino Primitivo by bike from Oviedo, which cycling enthusiasts are sure to love.
From Lugo
As we mentioned earlier, this route is nothing like the other Caminos. The Asturian section is particularly demanding and its steep elevation changes will, we insist, test more than one pilgrim. However, as you may already know, it is not necessary to complete the entire Primitivo route. You can start wherever you like depending on the number of days you have available and your physical condition. If you decide not to walk the entire route, the city of Lugo is the perfect place to begin your journey. The Camino Primitivo from Lugo covers about 102 kilometers to Santiago, divided into 5 comfortable stages without major difficulties, suitable for anyone.
Stages of the Camino Primitivo
The Camino Primitivo is the oldest and most authentic Jacobean route, full of history, spirituality, and breathtaking landscapes. Along its approximately 320 kilometers, from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela, it is divided into different stages that cross mountains, lush forests, and charming villages. Each section offers a unique experience, from the challenging ascents in the Asturian mountains to the green, rolling landscapes of Galicia. Through these links, you will discover the main stages, their distances, points of interest, and practical tips to make the most of this unforgettable adventure.
Keep in mind that upon reaching Melide, the Camino Primitivo joins the Camino Francés, so you will continue along the final stages of this iconic route until arriving in Santiago de Compostela.
The villages of The Primitive Way
History of the Camino Primitivo
The history of the Camino de Santiago Primitivo is the origin of the history of the Camino de Santiago.
The roots of the Camino de Santiago
The Camino Primitivo takes its name from being considered the oldest Jacobean pilgrimage route. Its origin is so remote that it belongs to a period in which legend and history merge, making it practically impossible to distinguish between them.
The history of this original route begins with the discovery of the tomb of the Apostle Saint James in the year 830. At that time, King Alfonso II, known as the Chaste, ruled in Asturias. Asturias remained unbreakable against Muslim invaders thanks to important military victories, extending its territorial control over present-day Galicia and Castilla y León. Upon hearing the news coming from Compostela, the monarch immediately set out from his seat in Oviedo to venerate the saint’s remains. 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 followed his example and arrived in Santiago de Compostela, granting new privileges to the sanctuary.
In the year 910, the capital of the Kingdom was moved from Oviedo to León. The Cathedral of Oviedo suffered a serious setback, which intensified with the consolidation of the Camino Francés through Leonese lands. However, pilgrims arriving from the Pyrenees discovered the detour from the Camino Francés to the Oviedo cathedral. At that time, the Cathedral of San Salvador and the Cathedral of Lugo granted great spiritual value, so many pilgrims chose to make the detour. Among pilgrims, the saying became very famous: “He who goes to Santiago and not to the Salvador visits the servant but not the Lord.”
Later development
Over the centuries, the Camino Primitivo lost prominence, but it never ceased to receive pilgrims. In the 19th century, the decline was almost total, as happened with the rest of the Jacobean routes.
However, from the 20th century onwards, there was a great revival of the Camino de Santiago, and all the routes began to come back to life. Thanks to renewed interest from public administrations and associations, extensive work was carried out to promote and improve the Asturian routes: the paths were waymarked and guidebooks were published, hostels were built, and services for pilgrims increased considerably.
More than a millennium after the first journey of the King of Asturias, the original itinerary is an excellent option for those pilgrims seeking an alternative away from the crowds and tourist atmosphere of other routes.
Frequently asked questions about The Primitive Way
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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 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.
All the Camino de Santiago routes
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French Way
124 Stages 768 KmsFrom Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela. Follow the most recommended route of the Camino.
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Portuguese Way
45 Stages 620 KmsFrom Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy a Camino through the basins of the Tagus, Douro, and Miño rivers.
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Portuguese Way along the coast
39 Stages 194 KmsFrom Porto to Santiago de Compostela. The Atlantic Ocean will guide your steps along the Portuguese and Galician coastline.
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Portuguese Way: spiritual variant
7 Stages 81 KmsFrom Pontevedra to Padrón. Relive the final stretch of the Apostle Saint James’s posthumous journey.
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Route to Finisterre and Muxía
19 Stages 120 KmsFrom Santiago de Compostela to Muxía. A mystical and spiritual journey to the ends of the Earth.
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Northern Way
58 Stages 820 KmsFrom Irún to Santiago de Compostela. An unforgettable experience with breathtaking landscapes.
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The Primitive Way
30 Stages 268 KmsFrom Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela. It follows the first Camino de Santiago, tracing the footsteps of Alfonso II.
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The English Way
13 Stages 113 KmsFrom Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela. Immerse yourself in the naval and historical heritage of a truly unique Camino.
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The Sanabrian Way
15 Stages 265 KmsFrom Granja de Moreruela to Santiago de Compostela. Cross the region of Sanabria and the mountains of Ourense.
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Winter Way
0 Stages 120 KmsFrom Ponferrada to Santiago de Compostela., through the regions of Valdeorras and Ribeira Sacra.
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Father Sarmiento Way
9 Stages 142 KmsThe Father Sarmiento Way links Pontevedra to Santiago de Compostela, offering a scenic journey through beautiful landscapes.
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Way of the Lighthouses
9 Stages 200 KmsFrom Malpica to Finisterre. A 200-kilometre journey along the coast and through the wildest nature.
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