Camino Primitivo

In short: Camino Primitivo: from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela. Length: around 320 km, duration: 2 weeks. Best time: May to October.

Overview

The Primitivo is considered the oldest route of the Way of St James. King Alfonso II is said to have walked it from Oviedo in the 9th century to visit the newly discovered tomb of the Apostle.

The route runs through the mountains of Asturias into Galicia and has a lot of climbing. It is known for the Hospitales variant, which crosses lonely high ground and should be avoided in bad weather. After Melide the path joins the Camino Francés, and from there it gets much busier.

The Primitivo is a good choice for fit hikers: two weeks, little asphalt and plenty of scenery. The network of albergues is smaller than on the main route, so book ahead in high season.

Main stops: Oviedo, Grado, Tineo, Grandas de Salime, Lugo, Melide, Santiago de Compostela.

The oldest route to Santiago

In the 9th century King Alfonso II is said to have travelled from Oviedo to the newly discovered tomb of the Apostle. This is why the Primitivo claims to be the first Camino. It starts at Oviedo Cathedral and runs through the mountains of Asturias into Galicia.

One highlight is Lugo with its Roman city wall, which you can walk along. In Melide the route meets the Camino Francés, so the last two days are much busier.

The Hospitales stage

After Borres you have a choice. The route via Hospitales climbs high over the ridges and is considered the most beautiful section. It has no services for a long way, though, and should be avoided in fog or storms. The alternative via Pola de Allande stays in the valley.

Planning your stages

How long you need depends on your daily distance. The table works this out for 320 kilometres, with one rest day a week.

Who is this route for?

This route is a poor choice for a first attempt. You should be sure-footed and have stamina, and several weeks of training will pay off here.

What does the route cost?

With an albergue or simple guesthouse and one hot meal, 40 to 50 euros a day is usually enough. Over about 18 days that comes to roughly 700 to 900 euros, plus travel and gear. This is a guide figure.

You can find more routes under Pilgrimage routes in Europe, Pilgrimage in Spain, sorted by religion under Christian pilgrimage routes.