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Day 1 – Arrival in Oviedo
Arriving in Oviedo marks the beginning of the Camino Primitivo. Pilgrims step into the historic heart of Asturias, where the San Salvador Cathedral stands as the traditional starting point. The city’s lively plazas, Romanesque churches, and welcoming atmosphere set the tone for the journey ahead. Day one is less about walking and more about soaking in Oviedo’s culture, collecting the first pilgrim stamp, and preparing mind and body for the rugged adventure to Santiago.
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Day 2 – Oviedo to Grado
Today you begin your walking journey.
Your Camino Primitivo begins at the Cathedral of El Salvador, heading west past El Carmen chapel in Lampajúa, down to Ponte de Gallegos. The trail follows the scenic Nora River, climbs to Escamplero, and crosses the Nalón River en route to Grado.
16 miles (26km)
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Day 3 – Grado to Salas
Today’s Camino Primitivo stage begins with a steep 5 km climb to Alto del Fresnu, followed by easier walking through villages and farmland. You’ll pass the San Salvador Monastery before reaching Cornellana. From there, the route climbs again past traditional Asturian hórreos before a gentle arrival in Salas.
13 miles (22km)
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Day 4 – Salas to Tineo
This shorter but demanding Camino stage features most of its climbing early, easing in the afternoon. After a brief stretch on the national road, the trail ascends La Espina, where it splits from the Northern Way and enters a region rich in Asturian traditions and charm.
12 miles (20km)
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Day 5 – Tineo to Pola de Allande
This Camino Primitivo stage crosses hilly terrain and peaceful forests, passing Vega de Rey before a sharp 300m descent into Pola de Allande.
17 miles (28km)
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Day 6 – Pola de Allande to Berducedo
After Pola de Allande, the Camino climbs 600m to Puerto del Palo, offering sweeping views of the Cantabrian Mountains. A 250m descent along the Camino de los Hospitales, with some technical sections, leads through tranquil forests to Berducedo.
11 miles (18km)
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Day 7 – Berducedo to Grandas de Salime
This demanding Camino stage climbs 600m from Pola de Allande to Puerto del Palo, with sweeping views of the Cantabrian Mountains. A 250m descent along the Camino de los Hospitales, through tranquil forests and technical sections, leads to Berducedo.
12 miles (20km)
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Grandas de Salime to A Fonsagrada
Today’s Camino stage will be the toughest but one of the most iconic stops on the Camino Primitivo. It climbs sharply to El Acebo (1050m), with sweeping views of the Cantabrian Mountains. Crossing from Asturias into Galicia, you’ll pass Fonfría and Barbeitos before reaching A Fonsagrada, famed for the miracle of St. James turning fountain water into milk.
16 miles (26km)
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Day 9 – A Fonsagrada to O Cadavo Baleira
From A Fonsagrada, the Camino follows the Camino de Oviedo to A Pobra de Burón, passing the hilltop ruins of Hospital de Montouto. The trail continues through Calzada, A Lastra, and A Fontaneira before reaching O Cadavo–Baleira, near the site of Alfonso II’s battle with the Moors.
14 miles (24km)
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Day 10 – O Cadavo Baleira to Lugo
On the way to Pradeda, you’ll pass slate quarries and see traditional Galician pallozas. The route continues by the convent of San Francisco de Vilabade, the abandoned village of Soutomerille, and farmland before entering Lugo, famed for its UNESCO-listed Roman wall.
Lugo boasts Europe’s best-preserved Roman wall, encircling the old town for over 2 km. Stroll the wall, explore the historic centre, and enjoy delicious pinchos near Praza de Santa María. In October, the city comes alive with the San Froilán festivities.
18 miles (30km)
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Day 11 - Lugo to Ferreira
Leaving Lugo by the Cathedral and Porta Miñá, the Camino crosses the Roman Bridge and passes Santa Eulalia de Bóveda, with its remarkable medieval paintings. The trail then winds through farms and woodland to San Román da Retorta.
16 miles (26km)
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Day 12 – Ferreira to Melide
The Camino crosses small villages like Seixalvo, Xende, Ferreira, and Merlán before reaching Melide in A Coruña, where it joins the French Way. From here pilgrim numbers increase, and Melide is the perfect spot to enjoy pulpo in its famous pulperías and taste traditional melindres cakes.
13 miles (21km)
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Day 13 – Melide to Arzúa
Leaving Melide, you’ll join the busy Camino Francés, walking forest tracks and streams toward Boente and its Santiago Church. The route passes Ribadiso before reaching Arzúa, in the heart of dairy country, where you can sample local cheese and visit the churches of Santa María and A Magdalena.
8 miles (13km)
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Day 14 - Arzúa to Pedrouzo
Today’s Camino stage winds through peaceful forests and hamlets, passing the chapel of Santa Irene with its St. James statues. The route continues along quiet country roads to Pedrouzo, where you’ll see traditional hórreos and granite farmhouses
11 miles (18km)
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Day 15 – Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela
On your last Camino day, the trail climbs from Pedrouzo to Amenal and Lavacolla, where pilgrims once washed before entering Santiago. Passing eucalyptus-lined paths to Monte do Gozo, crowned with a John Paul II monument, you descend into Santiago via Rúa de San Pedro and Porta do Camiño.
Arrival at the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela marks the completion of an epic and unforgettable journey. Standing in the Praza do Obradoiro before the magnificent cathedral is a powerful and emotional moment — a celebration of every step, challenge, and memory made along the Camino.
12 miles (19km)
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