The Original Route

Camino
Primitivo

Trace the footsteps of King Alfonso II on the oldest pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.

Total Distance
321 km
Stages
13 Days
Max Altitude
1,146 m
Difficulty
Challenging

The Journey

From the Asturian mountains to the Galician forests, each stage tells a story of devotion and nature.

  1. Landscape between Oviedo and San Juan de Villapañada
    Stage 1

    Oviedo → San Juan de Villapañada

    The journey begins at the San Salvador Cathedral in Oviedo. This stage crosses the Asturian central valley, offering a mix of urban and rural landscapes.

    Distance
    30.5 km
    Difficulty
    Moderate
  2. Landscape between San Juan de Villapañada and Salas
    Stage 2

    San Juan de Villapañada → Salas

    A shorter but intense stage with significant climbs. You'll pass through Grado and enjoy the lush green valleys of Asturias.

    Distance
    20.2 km
    Difficulty
    Moderate
  3. Landscape between Salas and Tineo
    Stage 3

    Salas → Tineo

    A steady climb towards the town of Tineo. The views of the Narcea valley are spectacular as you gain elevation.

    Distance
    20.2 km
    Difficulty
    Hard
  4. Landscape between Tineo and Pola de Allande
    Stage 4

    Tineo → Pola de Allande

    One of the most beautiful stages, crossing the Obona monastery area and descending into the quiet Pola de Allande.

    Distance
    28.2 km
    Difficulty
    Hard
  5. Landscape between Pola de Allande and La Mesa
    Stage 5

    Pola de Allande → La Mesa

    The legendary climb to Puerto del Palo (1,146m). Breathtaking 360-degree views of the Cantabrian Mountains.

    Distance
    22.8 km
    Difficulty
    Hard
  6. Landscape between La Mesa and Grandas de Salime
    Stage 6

    La Mesa → Grandas de Salime

    A steep descent towards the Salime reservoir, followed by a climb to the town of Grandas de Salime.

    Distance
    16.8 km
    Difficulty
    Moderate
  7. Landscape between Grandas de Salime and A Fonsagrada
    Stage 7

    Grandas de Salime → A Fonsagrada

    Cross the border from Asturias into Galicia at the Acebo pass. A Fonsagrada welcomes you with its famous 'pulpo'.

    Distance
    28.1 km
    Difficulty
    Hard
  8. Landscape between A Fonsagrada and O Cádavo
    Stage 8

    A Fonsagrada → O Cádavo

    Walking through the Galician 'serras'. Quiet paths and small hamlets characterize this peaceful stage.

    Distance
    23.4 km
    Difficulty
    Moderate
  9. Landscape between O Cádavo and Lugo
    Stage 9

    O Cádavo → Lugo

    A long walk leading to the magnificent walled city of Lugo, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

    Distance
    30.5 km
    Difficulty
    Moderate
  10. Landscape between Lugo and San Romao da Retorta
    Stage 10

    Lugo → San Romao da Retorta

    Leaving Lugo through the Roman gate, you follow ancient paths through the Galician countryside.

    Distance
    19.7 km
    Difficulty
    Easy
  11. Landscape between San Romao da Retorta and Melide
    Stage 11

    San Romao da Retorta → Melide

    The Primitivo meets the Camino Francés in Melide. The atmosphere changes as more pilgrims join the path.

    Distance
    27.7 km
    Difficulty
    Moderate
  12. Landscape between Melide and Arzúa
    Stage 12

    Melide → Arzúa

    A short stage through eucalyptus forests and rolling hills, preparing for the final push to Santiago.

    Distance
    14.1 km
    Difficulty
    Easy
  13. Landscape between Arzúa and Santiago de Compostela
    Stage 13

    Arzúa → Santiago de Compostela

    The final day. Passing through Pedrouzo and Monte do Gozo, you finally reach the Plaza del Obradoiro.

    Distance
    39.0 km
    Difficulty
    Hard