Camino Primitivo
Elevation profile
Overview
The Camino Primitivo is a 314km pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, typically completed in 14 days. It offers a transformative journey combining spiritual reflection, natural beauty, and cultural immersion.
Highlights
The Camino Primitivo is the oldest Camino route, originating in Oviedo in the 9th century when King Alfonso II of Asturias walked to Santiago to confirm the discovery of the apostle's tomb. It is a remote, mountainous route through the heart of Asturias, crossing the Hospitales pass—a high-altitude stretch with no services for 18 km.
Terrain & Difficulty
The Primitivo is considered one of the most physically challenging routes. It features sustained mountain climbs, including the Hospitales route at 1,140 m and the ascent to Grandas de Salime at over 900 m. The terrain is a mix of forest tracks, mountain paths, and rural lanes. The final section joins the Camino Francés at Melide for the last 50 km to Santiago.
History
This is the original pilgrimage route to Santiago, predating the Camino Francés by decades. King Alfonso II's journey in approximately 813–820 AD established the first known pilgrimage to the tomb of St. James. The route passes through the remote Asturian mountains, where medieval hospitals provided refuge to pilgrims crossing the high passes.
Best Time to Walk
May–October. The Hospitales route can be dangerous in bad weather; check conditions before attempting it. September offers ideal conditions with fewer crowds and stable weather.
Practical Tips
Carry extra food and water for the Hospitales section—there are no services for 18 km. There is an alternative lowland route if weather is poor. Oviedo is worth a day of exploration before starting, particularly its UNESCO-listed pre-Romanesque churches.
Towns & Waypoints
Oviedo
0 km cumulative
Grado
25 km cumulative
Salas
47 km cumulative
Tineo
67 km cumulative
Borres
83 km cumulative
Pola de Allande
97 km cumulative
Berducedo
112 km cumulative
Embalse de Salime
122 km cumulative
Grandas de Salime
132 km cumulative
Paradela
145 km cumulative
A Fonsagrada
157 km cumulative
O Cádavo
182 km cumulative
Lugo
211 km cumulative
San Romão
230 km cumulative
Melide
258 km cumulative
Arzúa
272 km cumulative
O Pedrouzo
291 km cumulative
Santiago de Compostela
314 km cumulative
Stages
Day 1
Oviedo → Grado
25 km
Day 2
Grado → Salas
22 km
Day 3
Salas → Tineo
20 km
Day 4
Tineo → Borres
16 km
Day 5
Borres → Berducedo
29 km
Day 6
Berducedo → Grandas de Salime
20 km
Day 7
Grandas de Salime → A Fonsagrada
25 km
Day 8
A Fonsagrada → O Cádavo
25 km
Day 9
O Cádavo → Lugo
29 km
Day 10
Lugo → San Romão
19 km
Day 11
San Romão → Melide
28 km
Day 12
Melide → Arzúa
14 km
Day 13
Arzúa → O Pedrouzo
19 km
Day 14
O Pedrouzo → Santiago de Compostela
23 km
Ready to Start?
Create your personalized itinerary for this route.
Distance: 314 km
Duration: 14 days
Stops: 18 towns
💡 View info
📍Click on the ▶ start and 🏁 finish markers to see the start and end points of the route.
📈Hover over the elevation chart to see the altitude and total distance at each waypoint along the route.
🏘️Browse the Towns & Waypoints and Stages lists below for detailed guides on each town, stage, and point of interest.
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