Camino Primitivo
The first Camino in history: from Oviedo, through the Asturian mountains, to Santiago. Tough and spectacular.
Why choose the Camino Primitivo
This is the original Camino: the route King Alfonso II the Chaste followed in the 9th century from Oviedo to visit the newly discovered tomb of the Apostle. That's why it starts at the Cathedral of San Salvador, source of the old saying: "whoever goes to Santiago and not to San Salvador visits the servant and neglects the Lord".
It's also the most physically demanding: it crosses the Asturian mountains with serious elevation gain, especially on the legendary Ruta de los Hospitales, a high-mountain stretch with no services and frequent fog. In return, it offers the wildest landscapes of the entire Camino and a genuinely authentic pilgrim atmosphere.
Main stages (14 stages)
The most common breakdown from Oviedo, joining the Camino Francés at Melide.
| Section | Route | Distance | View guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Oviedo → Salas | ~50 km | View stage → |
| 4–5 | Salas → Pola de Allande | ~50 km | View stage → |
| 6–7 | Pola de Allande → Grandas de Salime | ~46 km | View stage → |
| 8–9 | Grandas → A Fonsagrada → O Cádavo | ~50 km | View stage → |
| 10–11 | O Cádavo → Lugo → San Román | ~60 km | View stage → |
| 12–14 | San Román → Melide → Santiago | ~64 km | View stage → |
Distances are approximate and may vary depending on the variant and the exact start and end point of each day. We'll be publishing a detailed guide for each stage.
The essentials for this route
An honest selection for the terrain and climate of this route. The links are affiliate links; they cost you nothing extra.
🥾 Waterproof mountain boots
The Ruta de los Hospitales is genuine high mountain: any old footwear won't do.
🦯 Trekking poles
Practically essential with this much cumulative elevation, especially on the descents.
🧥 Windbreaker and layers
On the mountain stretch the temperature plummets and fog is common.
🍫 Emergency food
There are long stretches with no bars or villages: always carry a reserve.
Also available at Decathlon [ENLACE_AFILIADO_DECATHLON] and Trekkinn [ENLACE_AFILIADO_TREKKINN].
Accommodation along the route
The network is adequate but limited on the mountain stretch: in Grandas de Salime and Hospitales it's wise to have a confirmed bed.
Public and private
A good network of public hostels, though with few beds on the mountain stages.
More comfort
Scarce on the Asturian mountain stretch, more common once you reach Lugo.
For a good rest
Good options in Oviedo and Lugo, the two large cities on the route.
View the full route
The map above, next to the hero, shows the complete route all the way to Santiago.
⬆️ Scroll up to see the map
Everything about the Camino Primitivo
How many kilometres is the Camino Primitivo?
How many days does it take?
Is it the hardest Camino?
What is the Ruta de los Hospitales?
Is there an alternative to the Hospitales?
Why is it called Primitivo?
What's the best time of year?
Where does it join the Camino Francés?
Ready to walk to Santiago?
Choose your starting point, plan your stages, and when you arrive, come celebrate with us at Bonsai Café: brunch, specialty coffee and cocktails right in the centre of Santiago.