Camino Primitivo
Routes of the Camino de Santiago, Camino Primitivo
The Camino Primitivo is the oldest route to the city of Santiago de Compostela. It dates back to the 9th century, when King Alfonso II the Chaste, considered the first pilgrim in the history of the Camino de Santiago, embarked on a journey from Oviedo to visit the tomb of the Apostle Saint James, after discovering it in the Libredón Forest. This route is known for its rich tradition and natural beauty, attracting pilgrims from around the world in search of an authentic Camino de Santiago experience.
Routes of the Camino de Santiago, Camino Primitivo
The Camino Primitivo is the oldest route to the city of Santiago de Compostela. It dates back to the 9th century, when King Alfonso II the Chaste, considered the first pilgrim in the history of the Camino de Santiago, embarked on a journey from Oviedo to visit the tomb of the Apostle Saint James, after discovering it in the Libredón Forest. This route is known for its rich tradition and natural beauty, attracting pilgrims from around the world in search of an authentic Camino de Santiago experience.
Camino Primitivo from Oviedo to Santiago
16 days / 15 nights
Starting at 1148 €
Camino Primitivo from Lugo to Santiago
7 days / 6 nights
Starting at 450 €
The Camino Primitivo is a route that transports us through stunning landscapes and a rich history on our pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. This route is considered the oldest of all, tracing its origins back to the 9th century, when King Alfonso II the Chaste set out on a journey from Oviedo to visit the newly discovered tomb of the Apostle Saint James.
Walking the Camino Primitivo in either of its two variants, from Oviedo or Lugo, is an enriching experience that allows you to connect deeply with nature, explore charming small towns, and immerse yourself in the spirituality of the Camino de Santiago. Along the route, we will encounter stunning mountain landscapes, dense forests, and picturesque valleys, offering a diversity of scenery that will leave us breathless.
The Camino Primitivo is also known for being a less crowded route compared to other routes, allowing pilgrims to enjoy greater tranquility and a more intimate atmosphere. This solitude provides the perfect opportunity for introspection and reflection as we progress toward our destination. It is also one of the most physically demanding variants of the Camino de Santiago for pilgrims.
The Camino Primitivo offers a unique experience that combines the rich history of the Camino de Santiago, stunning landscapes, and profound spirituality. It is a journey that takes us back in time and connects us with the very essence of the Camino de Santiago, enriching our spirits as we walk toward the majestic Santiago de Compostela.
Your adventure on the Camino Primitivo begins here! Buen Camino!
We answer some of the most frequently asked
questions about the Camino Primitivo
How many kilometers is the Camino Primitivo?
The full Camino Primitivo starts from the town of Oviedo and is named because this was the first of all the Camino de Santiago routes.
In the 9th century, King Alfonso II the Chaste, after hearing the news of the discovery of Apostle James’ remains in what was still the Libredón Forest, embarked on what is considered the first pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago, hence the name Camino Primitivo, as Alfonso II the Chaste is regarded as the first pilgrim in history.
If you decide to follow the steps of Alfonso II the Chaste on the Camino Primitivo from Oviedo to Santiago, it is just over 300 kilometers.
Some pilgrims start the Camino Primitivo from Lugo, significantly shortening the distance. The Camino Primitivo from Lugo to Santiago is exactly 100 kilometers.
How many stages are in the Camino Primitivo?
If you walk the Camino Primitivo from Oviedo, it will be fourteen stages. If you decide to start the Camino Primitivo from Lugo, it will be only five stages, making it a way to experience the most traditional Camino de Santiago in a short time.
What is the hardest stage of the Camino Primitivo?
The Camino Primitivo is a route that starts in the north of the Iberian Peninsula, which means a quite rugged terrain. In general, it is a path with incredible landscapes but also quite physically demanding, with stages of considerable elevation changes.
Of all of them, due to its imposing ascents and descents, the hardest is the stage from Tineo to Borres.
Can I do the Camino Primitivo without carrying luggage?
Certainly, this is quite common on the Camino Primitivo. Most pilgrims choose to use a luggage transfer service between stages, allowing them to carry only a small backpack with the essentials for the day.
On all the routes of the Camino Primitivo organized by Rutas Meigas, we include the transfer of one piece of luggage per pilgrim, with a maximum limit of 20 kg per piece. If you need us to carry more than one piece of luggage, you can easily arrange this additional service at a very reasonable cost.
Where does the Camino Primitivo start in Oviedo?
The Camino Primitivo starts in Oviedo next to the Cathedral of San Salvador, right beside where the statue of King Alfonso II the Chaste is located.
How long does it take to complete the Camino Primitivo?
It depends on whether you start your Camino Primitivo from Oviedo or from Lugo, a much shorter route.
If you start the Camino Primitivo from Oviedo, you will need sixteen days to complete this Camino de Santiago route.
If you start the Camino Primitivo from Lugo, it will take seven days and six nights.
Where can I stay other than hostels on the Camino Primitivo?
At Rutas Meigas, we can take care of all the logistics of your organized Camino Primitivo, which includes not only the transfer of luggage between stages but also accommodation in private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. These can be guesthouses, hotels, or rural homes, depending on availability in each town.
Currently, some hostels also offer private rooms.
How many days are needed to complete the Camino Primitivo?
At Rutas Meigas, we can take care of all the logistics of your organized Camino Primitivo, which includes not only the transfer of luggage between stages but also accommodation in private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. These can be guesthouses, hotels, or rural homes, depending on availability in each town.
Currently, some hostels also offer private rooms.
The duration of the Camino Primitivo is sixteen days if you start walking from Oviedo and seven days if you start your Camino de Santiago from Lugo.
Still have questions about the Camino Primitivo?