Trace the footsteps of King Alfonso II on the oldest pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.
From the Asturian mountains to the Galician forests, each stage tells a story of devotion and nature.
The starting point of the Camino Primitivo. Oviedo, the capital of Asturias, is home to the stunning cathedral of San Salvador, where pilgrims have begun their journey for over a thousand years. Explore its pre-Romanesque churches, vibrant cider culture, and welcoming old town before setting off on the Way.
The opening stage of the Camino Primitivo leaves the Asturian capital from the cathedral of San Salvador and heads west through suburbs before climbing into the rolling green countryside. The route passes through Grado, a lively market town, and ends in the small hamlet of Escamplero.
A beautiful stage through the Asturian heartland, following ancient Roman roads and forest paths. The trail passes by rural hamlets and arrives in the historic town of Salas, known for its medieval tower and traditional cider houses.
One of the toughest stages on the Primitivo, with a grueling climb over the Alto del Acebo. The effort is rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the Asturian mountains. The descent leads to Tineo, a hilltop town with a rich medieval heritage.
A long and demanding stage through some of the most remote and wild landscapes of the Camino. The path crosses the Puerto del Palo pass and traverses ancient oak and chestnut forests before descending into the valley town of Pola de Allande.
The classic Hospitales route — the highest and most spectacular section of the entire Camino Primitivo. This exposed mountain ridge at over 1,000 meters offers breathtaking panoramic views, but demands caution in bad weather. When conditions are poor, pilgrims should take the alternative Stage 5B via Berducedo instead.
The lower valley alternative to the Hospitales route, recommended when weather conditions make the mountain ridge unsafe. The trail follows a gentler path through the village of Berducedo, passing farmland, chestnut forests, and traditional Asturian hamlets. While less dramatic than the Hospitales, this route offers its own quiet charm and reliable shelter options along the way.
A unique alternative to the classic Stage 6 that crosses the Grandas de Salime reservoir by boat (lancha). Instead of walking the hilly trail, pilgrims descend to the reservoir and take a motorboat across, offering spectacular views of the dam and surrounding mountains from the water. This is the recommended option for a memorable and less physically demanding experience.
The classic walking route — a shorter but still hilly stage that descends toward the impressive Salime reservoir. The trail passes through tiny villages that seem frozen in time and offers views of the massive hydroelectric dam before reaching Grandas de Salime, a welcoming town with an excellent ethnographic museum. When available, consider taking the alternative Stage 6A via the reservoir boat for a unique experience.
Crossing from Asturias into Galicia, this stage marks a turning point on the Primitivo. The trail climbs over the Acebo pass, the border between the two regions, and descends into the green Galician landscape. A Fonsagrada is the first major Galician town on the route.
A gentler stage through the Galician interior, passing dairy farms, eucalyptus groves, and ancient stone hamlets. The terrain gradually flattens as the route approaches the Lugo plateau. O Cádavo Baleira offers basic but reliable pilgrim services.
A long but largely flat stage that ends in the magnificent walled city of Lugo. The Roman walls, a UNESCO World Heritage site, encircle the entire old town and are the best-preserved in the world. The cathedral and tapas scene make Lugo a highlight of the Primitivo.
Leaving Lugo through its Roman gate, this stage follows quiet country lanes and forest tracks through gentle Galician countryside. The pace slows down as the route meanders through small parishes and oak woodlands toward the tiny village of San Romao da Retorta.
This stage merges with the Camino Francés at Melide, meaning the trail suddenly becomes busier with pilgrims. Before the junction, enjoy the solitude of the Primitivo through peaceful forests. Melide is famous for its pulpo á feira — do not miss it.
A short and easy stage shared with the Camino Francés. The trail winds through eucalyptus forests and small villages, giving pilgrims time to rest their legs before the final push. Arzúa is known for its creamy local cheese, Queso de Arzúa-Ulloa.
The final stage is long but charged with emotion. The trail crosses the last Galician hills and passes through O Pedrouzo before the final approach to Santiago. Arriving at the Praza do Obradoiro and seeing the cathedral for the first time is an unforgettable moment that crowns the Camino Primitivo.