Camino Primitivo: The Original Route of the Camino de Santiago

Frequently asked questions about The Primitive Way

• 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.

• 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 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 hardest stage of the Camino de Santiago?

  Determining the hardest stage of the Camino de Santiago is complicated, as it’s subjective and highly personal. However, here are 10 of the most talked-about stages due to their physical difficulty, with their challenging sections and climbs. Many consider these to be among the toughest stages of the Camino de Santiago.

  • Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port – Lepoeder Pass (French Way)

  The stage between Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Roncesvalles features the legendary Lepoeder Pass. Over a distance of about 20 km, you climb from 150 m to around 1,450 m. This official section, known as the "Napoleon Route," is a tough but beautiful stretch that has an alternative via Valcarlos, which is shorter and less strenuous. Any pilgrim walking this stage between November and March must take the Valcarlos route due to extreme weather conditions and snow. Fines are imposed for non-compliance.

  • Cizur Menor – Alto del Perdón (French Way)

  Continuing along the French route, the stage between Pamplona and Puente La Reina includes one of the most famous climbs among pilgrims: the ascent to Alto del Perdón. Between Cizur Menor and this iconic point, known for its famous Camino sculpture, there are about 8.5 km where you ascend roughly 300 m.

  • Hospital – O Cebreiro (French Way)

  For some, this is the most demanding stage and one of the hardest on the Way. The stage between Villafranca del Bierzo and O Cebreiro is considered the "Queen Stage," as it has the highest ascent on the French route. After covering around 20 km, the final challenge is a steep climb of about 600 m over 8 km.

  • Boente – Arzúa (French Way)

  To finish off the French Way, we can’t forget the infamous “leg-breaker,” the stage between Melide and Arzúa. This section of the last 100 km of the French route is a constant up-and-down, where the legs, ankles, and knees take a beating. Though the gradients aren’t too steep, the final 8 km can be tough, especially for those starting from Palas de Rei.

  • Codesal – Alto da Portela Grande de Labruja (Portuguese Way)

  While the Portuguese Way is relatively flat and accessible for any pilgrim, it does have a notable climb. On the stage between Ponte de Lima and Rubiães, walkers face the ascent to Alto de A Portela Grande in Labruja. Over 4.2 km, you climb about 300 m through forests and beautiful scenery on a short but demanding stage.

  • Combarro – Armenteira (Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Way)

  Still on the Portuguese Way, but taking the Spiritual Variant in its first stage from Pontevedra to Armenteira, pilgrims face another tough climb. After reaching the beautiful seaside town of Combarro, known for its traditional granaries, you ascend about 400 m over 7 km.

  • Pola de Allande – Puerto del Palo (Primitive Way)

  On the Primitive Way, the stage between Pola de Allande and La Mesa includes a challenging climb. The stage starts with a gradual ascent, from 525 m to nearly 1,200 m at Puerto del Palo over 8.4 km.

  • Augapesada – Trasmonte (Finisterre and Muxía Way)

  On the Finisterre and Muxía Way, the first stage between Santiago de Compostela and Negreira features an interesting climb. Starting at Augapesada, pilgrims face a moderately tough ascent of about 200 m over 2 km. Midway through the climb, you can refresh yourself at a fountain before descending to Pontemaceira, a beautiful reward on the Way to Finisterre.

  • Vao – As Travesas (English Way)

  On the English Way from Ferrol, the stage between Betanzos and Hospital de Bruma includes a brief but steep ascent between Vao and As Travesas. In about 1.5 km, you climb roughly 125 m to reach the highest point of the last 100 km on this route.

  • Oseira – Villarero (Sanabrian Way)

  Lastly, on the Sanabrian Way, the stage between Cea and A Laxe-Lalín, within the last 100 km from Ourense, includes a notable climb. This is a longer variant of the 11th stage, offering a challenging ascent starting from the Oseira Monastery, well worth the effort to visit. After exploring the monastery, you face a climb of 180 m over 2 km.

• Where does the Camino de Santiago begin and where does it end?

  Each Jacobean itinerary has its starting point in a different place. The French Way starts in Saint Jean Pied de Port (France), the Northern Way in Irun, the Primitive Way starts in Oviedo, the English Way starts in Ferrol. The Silver Route starts from Seville, the Central Portuguese Route from Lisbon and the Portuguese Coastal Route from Oporto.   The Camino de Santiago ends in Santiago de Compostela, with the obligatory visit to the Cathedral and the tomb of St. James the Apostle. However, there is a Jacobean route in which Santiago is the beginning and not the goal, it is the Camino a Finisterre, whose goal is to reach the "End of the World",  located in the lighthouse of Finisterre.