How can I get to Camino de Santiago?

This, of course, depends on the route you’re taking. Flying to the city closest to the trailhead is certainly preferable if you’re coming in from Australia, USA and the UK. However, UK travellers may travel by bus or rail to the towns of Ferrol, Oviedo and St. Jean Pied de Port. Learn more.

When should I walk the Camino de Santiago?

The absence of extreme weather changes in the area makes Camino de Santiago’s routes walkable year-round. Though June through September may be its busiest months, more than one thousand people still make the hike during the cold winter months of December, January and February. Learn more.

What permits, visas, vaccinations and insurance do I need?

Though a permit isn’t necessary, you must obtain your Credencial del Peregrino or Pilgrim Passport at the start of your trip and get it stamped along the way. The stamps are proof that you walked the 100 kms necessary to obtain the completion certificate in Santiago de Compostela. Learn more .

Do I need a guide to walk?

While you don’t need a guide to hike any of the Camino de Santiago routes, having one will reduce the burden of planning. Going on a guided hike would give you the benefits of having experienced trip planners arrange things like accommodation, food, luggage transport and airport transfers. Learn more .

What should I pack and what equipment do I need?

Along the way, you'll be able to stop in towns to refuel. Carrying a day pack of your personal essentials, change of clothes, a two-litre water bottle, a first aid kit, and your passport and Pilgrim Passport will suffice. Invest in a good pair of hiking shoes and walking poles. Learn more.

How do I prepare for Camino de Santiago?

Do your research to choose the best route for your skill level and study the rules and etiquette on the trail. Purchase and read a guidebook for your chosen route. Finally, train for several months prior and push yourself to hike farther every day until you’re fit to do 26- to 29-kilometre days. Learn more .

Camino Primitivo Guide

Camino Primitivo (or Original Way) is part of the network of Northern Caminos (along with Camino del Norte and Camino Ingles). Through this trail you can reach the final stage of Camino de Santiago. If you want, you can combine Camino Primitivo with Camino Frances or Camino del Norte.

See all Camino de Santiago tours

Camino Primitivo - Way of St. James

Follow in the footsteps of King Alfonso II from the seat of the Asturias and hike the original Way of St. James starting in Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela. Being the original and oldest route, the Camino Primitivo is the more rugged and challenging of the treks available to pilgrims wanting to make their way to the bones of Saint James. Whether exploring the monasteries in Cornellana and Obona, tracing the route through the Cantabrian mountains or visiting the Roman wall in Lugo, the Camino Primitivo does not disappoint with its stream of wonders along the way.

One of the beauties of the Camino Primitivo is that it veers away from paved roads and populated routes and offers a more solitary, and dare we say, spiritual journey. And while it is more intense than the other routes, if you have the right shoes, prepare in advance for the ascent of the mountains, this can be an incredibly rewarding one.

Camino Primitivo stages

The Camino Primitivo is usually walked in 11 stages:

Oviedo - San Juan de Villapanada. Length: 27 km (16,7 miles). Hardness: 3/5.
San Juan de Villapanada - Salas. Length: 18,2 km (11,3 miles). Hardness: 2/5.
Salas - Tineo. Length: 19,8 km (12,3 miles). Hardness: 3/5.
Tineo - Pola de Allande. Length: 26,4 km (16,4 miles). Hardness: 3/5.
Pola de Allande - La Mesa. Length: 21,6 km (13,4 miles). Hardness: 4/5.
La Mesa - Grandas de Salime. Length: 15,2 km (9,45 miles). Hardness: 3/5.
Grandas de Salime - A Fonsagrada. Length: 27,6 km (17,15 miles). Hardness: 3/5.
A Fonsagrada - O Càdavo. Length: 25,4 km (15,8 miles). Hardness: 3/5.
O Càdavo - Lugo. Length: 31 km (19,3 miles). Hardness: 3/5.
Lugo - San Romao. Length: 19,6 km (12,2 miles). Hardness: 1/5.
San Romao - Melide. Length: 28,3 km (17,6 miles). Hardness: 3/5.
Melide - Arzùa. Length: 14 km (8,7 miles). Hardness: 3/5.
Arzùa - Pedrouzo. Length: 19,3 km (12 miles). Hardness: 2/5.
Pedrouzo - Santiago de Compostela. Length: 19,4 km (12 miles). Hardness: 2/5.

Camino Primitivo distance

The Camino Primitivo runs for 318.6 km (198 miles) through the northwest of the country passing by the Cornellana Monastery, the town of Lugo and joining the final stretch of the French Way. It starts in Ovieda and ends in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. The highest point is 3,681 ft (1,122 m).

Camino Primitivo days

The Camino Primitivo is walked in 17 days on average. The Camino Primitivo is a well maintained, well-marked trail though it does get a little wild in the mountains, the most difficult section. Once out of the mountains, the trail does even out. Regardless, most of the trek is well maintained. Though the weather is generally unpredictable in the mountains, it is more likely cold and rainy from November to March.

Camino Primitivo difficulty

The difficulty of Camino Primitivo is moderate. The only requirement for the Camino Primitivo is to bring good hiking boots and protection against the rain. Otherwise, a 30-40 litre backpack and the bare essentials should be packed. Pack as light as possible.

Camino Primitivo forum tips

Here the best tips about Camino Primitivo found in the forums about Camino de Santiago

Signage marking the way in Asturia can be confusing.
Tap water is safe to drink here.
Regardless of the time of year, weather can be erratic. Be prepared to take a short day if necessary, particularly through the mountains.
There are some stretches in the mountains where staying at an albergue may not be possible. Plan accordingly.
Most guided and self-guided tours include baggage transfers and room and board.
Be prepared to deal with blisters and deal with them right away. Tape, band-aids, and other dressings will help when you inevitably get one.
While you might get away with more casual shoes on other routes, the Camino Primitivo definitely begs for hiking boots.
Break in your hiking boots.

Useful Spanish phrases and words

¡Hola!: Hello
Por favor: Please
Yo (no) entiendo: I (don't) understand
Quisiera…: I would like
¿Dónde está el baño?: Where is the bathroom?
Disculpe: Excuse me
Aqui: Here
¿Dónde puedo encontrar un taxi?: Where can i get a taxi?
¿Quieres algo para comer?: Would you like something to eat?

Camino Primitivo albergues and accommodation

Check here all the albergues and accommodation you can find during your walk of Camino Primitivo

Stage	Albergue	Phone number	Price	Beds
Villaviciosa	Albergue El Congreso	985 891 180	15€	32 beds
Villaviciosa	Albergue Villaviciosa	985 891 555	13€	18 beds
La Ferrerìa - Amandi	Albergue de Peregrinsos la Ferrerìa	646 516 846	Donation	12 beds
Valdedìos	Albergue del Monasterio de Santa Marìa de Valdedìos	681 676 335	6€	12 beds
Vega de Sariego	Albergue de Peregrinos de Vega de Sariego	985 748 120	5€	16 beds
Pola de Siero	Albergue de Peregrinos Casona de San Miguel	985 726 422	6€	18 beds
Oviedo	Albergue La Peregrina	687 133 932	7€	32 beds
Oviedo	Albergue de El Salvador de Oviedo	985 228 525	6€	50 beds
Escamplero	Albergue de Escamplero	985 799 005	5€	33 bed
Grado	Albergue de Peregrinos de Grado	985 752 766	Donation	16 beds
Grado	Albergue La Quintana	640 377 256	12€	24 beds
San Juan de Villapanada	Albergue de San Juan de Villapanada	670 596 854	5€	22 beds
Cabrunana	Albergue de Cabrunana	985 750 068	5€	18 beds
Doriga	Cà Pacita	684 613 861	12€	N/A
Cornellana	Albergue de Cornellana	985 835 239	5€	24 beds
Salas	Albergue La Campa	635 150 072	10€	40 beds
Salas	Albergue de Salas	985 832 279	5€	16 beds
Salas	Albergue Valle del Nonaya	626 527 073	10€	20 beds
Salas	Albergue El Rey Casto	985 830 261	Donation	16 beds
Bodenaya	Albergue de Peregrinos de Bodenaya	609 133 151	Donation	21 beds
La Espina	Albergue El Cruce	639 365 210	Donation	12 beds
La Espina	Albergue El Texu	669 016 667	10€	16 beds
La Espina	Albergue Casa Aladino	680 163 865	10€	18 beds
Tineo	Albergue de Palacio Meràs	985 900 111	12€	54 beds
Tineo	Albergue Mater Christi de Tineo	985 800 232	5€	38 beds
Campiello	Albergue Casa Herminia	985 800 011	10€	26 beds
Campiello	Albergue Casa Ricardo	985 800 709	10€	30 beds
Borres	Albergue Santa Maria de Borres	985 800 232	3€	18 beds
Pola de Allande	Albergue de Peregrinos de Pola de Allande	646 832 425	3€	24 beds
Penasieta	Albergue de Penasieta	985 807 116	3€	12 beds
Berducedo	Albergue de Peregrinos de Berducedo	985 807 004	5€	12 beds
Berducedo	Albergue Camin Antiguo	696 929 164	15€	27 beds
Berducedo	Albergue-Pensiòn Casa Marqués	985 909 820	10€	15 beds
La Mesa	Albergue Miguelìn	985 914 353	15€	20 beds
La Mesa	Albergue de Peregrinos de La Mesa	633 148 071	5€	20 beds
Grandas de Salime	Albergue de El Salvador	633 148 071	6€	48 beds
Grandas de Salime	Albergue Casa Sànchez	626 665 118	12€	16 beds
Castro	Albergue Residencia Casa Juvenil de Castro	985 924 197	13€	16 beds
Fonsagrada	Albergue de Peregrinos Ramòn Rodriguez	NA	6€	42 beds
Fonsagrada	Albergue Pensiòn Cantàbrico	669 747 560	10€	34 beds
Fonsagrada	Albergue Os Chaos	660 011 716	10€	24 beds
Complejo O Pineiral	Albergue O Pineiral	606 165 752	10€	44 beds
O Càdavo Baleira	Albergue San Mateo	616 529 514	10€	40 beds
O Càdavo Baleira	Hotel Moneda	982 354 001	6€	22 beds
O Càdavo Baleira	Albergue-Pensiòn Porta Santa	679 828 540	10€	8 beds
O Càdavo Baleira	Albergue de Càdavo Baleira	636 947 117	6€	22 beds
Castroverde	Albergue de Castroverde	699 832 747	6€	34 beds
Lugo	Albergue Juvenil Lug2	982 220 450	9€	75 beds
Lugo	Hostel Roots & Boots Lugo	620 260 951	10€	40 beds
Lugo	Albergue Casa da Chanca	648 574 300	15€	15 beds
Lugo	Albergue de Lugo	618 425 578	6€	42 beds
Castrelo	Albergue O Càndido	637 563 755	10€	21 beds
Castrelo	Albergue de Peregrinos de San Romàn de Retorta	628 173 456	6€	12 beds
Ferreira	Albergue A Nave de Ferreira	616 161 594	11€	14 beds
Ferreira	Albergue Ponte Ferreira	982 036 949	11€	22 beds
Ferreira	Albergue Cruz Ferreira	618 597 822	10€	22 beds
As Seixas	Albergue de Peregrinos de As Seixas	609 669 057	6€	34 beds
Melide	Albergue O Candil	639 503 550	15€	12 beds
Melide	Albergue Vilela	616 011 375	10€	28 beds
Melide	Albergue de Melide	660 396 822	6€	156 beds
Melide	Albergue Montoto	981 507 337	12€	50 beds
Melide	Albergue Pereiro	981 506 314	8€	40 beds
Melide	Albergue Arraigos	646 343 370	10€	20 beds
Melide	Albergue O Cruceiro	616 764 896	10€	72 beds
Melide	Hotel Pousada Chiquitìn	981 815 333	70€	16 beds
Melide	Albergue San Antòn	981 506 427	12€	36 beds
Melide	Albergue Melide	981 507 491	10€	57 beds
Melide	Albergue O Apalpador	679 837 969	10€	30 beds
Melide	Albergue Alfonso II	981 506 454	10€	34 beds
Melide	Albergue O Apalpador II	981 506 266	10€	32 beds
Boente	Albergue El Alamàn	981 501 984	10€	40 beds
Boente	Albergue Os Albergues	981 501 853	11€	30 beds
Boente	Albergue Boente	981 501 974	12€	40 beds
Castaneda	Albergue Santiago	981 501 711	1€	6 beds
Ribadiso Da Baixo	Albergue de Ribadiso da Baixo	981 501 185	6€	70 beds
Ribadiso Da Baixo	Albergue Los Caminantes	981 500 295	10€	56 beds
Ribadiso Da Carretera	Albergue Milpes	981 500 425	10€	24 beds
Arzùa	Albergue Don Quijote	981 500 139	10€	50 beds
Arzùa	O Albergue de Selmo	981 939 018	10€	50 beds
Arzùa	Albergue Da Fonte	981 501 118	12€	20 beds
Arzùa	The Way Hostel Arzùa	680 969 697	17€	40 beds
Arzùa	Albergue Los Caminantes	981 508 127	10€	28 beds
Arzùa	Albergue Santiago Apòstol (Arzùa)	981 508 132	12€	72 beds
Arzùa	Albergue de Arzùa	660 396 824	6€	46 beds
Arzùa	De Camino Albergue	981 500 415	10€	46 beds
Arzùa	Casa del Peregrino	686 708 704	12€	14 beds
Arzùa	Albergue Ultreia	981 500 471	10€	38 beds
Arzùa	Albergue O Santo	981 500 957	12€	22 beds
Arzùa	Albergue Via Lactea	981 500 581	12€	120 beds
Pregontono	Albergue Camino das Ocas	648 404 780	10€	30 beds
Salceda	Albergue Alborada	620 151 209	12€	10 beds
Salceda	El Albergue de Boni	618 965 907	10€	30 beds
Salceda	Albergue Turistico de Salceda	981 502 767	13€	36 beds
Brea	Albergue El Chalet	659 380 723	12€	14 beds
Empalme	Albergue Andaina	981 502 925	10€	14 beds
Santa Irene	Albergue de Peregrinos de Santa Irene (privado)	981 511 000	13€	15 beds
Santa Irene	Albergue Rural Astral	981 511 463	13€	24 beds
Santa Irene	Albergue de Peregrinos de Santa Irene (municipal)	660 396 825	6€	36 beds
O Perdouzo	Albergue O Burgo	630 404 138	10€	14 beds
O Perdouzo	Albergue Porta Santiago	981 511 103	10€	60 beds
O Perdouzo	Albergue Otero	671 663 374	10€	36 beds
O Perdouzo	Albergue O Trisquel	616 644 740	10€	68 beds
O Perdouzo	Albergue Edreira	981 511 365	12€	40 beds
O Perdouzo	Albergue Cruceiro de Perdouzo	981 511 371	10€	94 beds
O Perdouzo	Albergue de Arca do Pino	660 396 826	6€	120 beds
O Perdouzo	Albergue Rem	981 510 407	10€	40 beds
Lavacolla	Albergue Lavacolla	981 897 274	12€	32 beds
Monte Del Gozo	Albergue de Monte de Gozo	660 396 827	6€	400 beds
Monte Del Gozo	Centro Europeo de Peregrinaciòn Juan Pablo II	981 597 222	Donation	68 beds

Camino de Santiago tours & reviews

See all 19 Tours

Camino de Santiago Information

How can I get to Camino de Santiago?
This, of course, depends on the route you’re taking. Flying to the city closest to the trailhead is certainly preferable if you’re coming in from Australia, USA and the UK. However, UK travellers may travel by bus or rail to the towns of Ferrol, Oviedo and St. Jean Pied de Port. Learn more.
When should I walk the Camino de Santiago?
The absence of extreme weather changes in the area makes Camino de Santiago’s routes walkable year-round. Though June through September may be its busiest months, more than one thousand people still make the hike during the cold winter months of December, January and February. Learn more.
What permits, visas, vaccinations and insurance do I need?
Though a permit isn’t necessary, you must obtain your Credencial del Peregrino or Pilgrim Passport at the start of your trip and get it stamped along the way. The stamps are proof that you walked the 100 kms necessary to obtain the completion certificate in Santiago de Compostela. Learn more.
Do I need a guide to walk?
While you don’t need a guide to hike any of the Camino de Santiago routes, having one will reduce the burden of planning. Going on a guided hike would give you the benefits of having experienced trip planners arrange things like accommodation, food, luggage transport and airport transfers. Learn more.
What should I pack and what equipment do I need?
Along the way, you'll be able to stop in towns to refuel. Carrying a day pack of your personal essentials, change of clothes, a two-litre water bottle, a first aid kit, and your passport and Pilgrim Passport will suffice. Invest in a good pair of hiking shoes and walking poles. Learn more.
How do I prepare for Camino de Santiago?
Do your research to choose the best route for your skill level and study the rules and etiquette on the trail. Purchase and read a guidebook for your chosen route. Finally, train for several months prior and push yourself to hike farther every day until you’re fit to do 26- to 29-kilometre days. Learn more.

Camino de Santiago Routes & Maps

Camino Portugues
The Portuguese Way, the second most popular route, starts in either Lisbon or Porto and takes hikers from Portugal to Spain. Considerably longer, the Lisbon hike starts at the Lisbon Cathedral and passes through Caldas da Rainha, the Alcobaca Monastery and Porto before crossing several rivers on its way north to Spain.

Distance: 610 km (380 mi)
Average duration: 21-30 days
Average difficulty/success rate: The Portuguese Way is relatively moderate. Minor elevation gains work to your advantage, though concrete and cobblestone roads, which it has its fair share of, can put a strain on the walk. The success rate is high.

Read more
Camino de Finisterre
Once you’ve reached Camino de Santiago, you might continue on to the “end of the world”. Cape Finisterrae is one of Europe’s westernmost points, thus the name. Adding 90 kilometres to the trip along an ancient route, perhaps even another 29 to Muxia, might just be an epic way to wrap up the journey.

Distance: 90 km (55 mi), 117 km (73 mi) to Muxia
Average duration: 2-4 days
Average difficulty/success rate: Because it’s a shorter hike and offers spectacular views, the road to Finisterrae is a moderate route to take on. The success rate is certainly high, even if fewer people traverse it, choosing to end their trip at the cathedral.

Read more
Camino Frances
Is it a wonder why the French Way is favoured by most Camino de Santiago pilgrims? It’s not just the most traditional route, with a lot of history surrounding it. It also boasts lush landscapes, charming towns and great infrastructure along the way, taking travellers through the beautiful Iberian Peninsula for a month.

Distance: 772 km (480 mi)
Average duration: 4 weeks
Average difficulty/success rate: Due to the excellent infrastructure and facilities along the way, not only is Camino Frances an enjoyable hike, it’s also a fairly moderate hike. So long as you take a couple of days to rest along the way, you are guaranteed to make it to the end.
Read more
Camino del Norte
For 827 kilometres, Camino del Norte stretches from the town of Irun in Basque Country to Santiago de Compostela, following Spain’s northern coastline. It’s not only the longest route in the network, it is also the least travelled and has fewer facilities, making it ideal for thru-hikers who prefer solitude and a challenge.

Distance: 827 km (514 mi)
Average duration: 36 nights
Average difficulty/success rate: A little more than a month and a more rigid schedule could be challenging for less experienced hikers. The success rate is generally good, so long as you train beforehand and can tackle more than 21 miles a day.
Camino Inglés
A favourite among hikers arriving from the British Isles and northern Europe, the English Way starts from the City of Ferrol and runs straight south to Camino de Santiago. Though short, it does boast longer sections and major elevation changes, making it a challenge for the more casual walkers.

Distance: 119 km (74 mi)
Average duration: 6 nights
Average difficulty/success rate: This ranks as medium to high in difficulty, though chances of completing are very good because of its short distance.

Other hikes you might like...

Discover the world with our vast selection of multi-day hiking and trekking tours.

Kilimanjaro
568 Tours
Experience the thrill of reaching Africa's highest peak, spot unique animals in Kilimanjaro National Park, and visit Local Villages to experience Chagga culture and hospitality. It's a journey that combines physical challenge with natural beauty and cultural discovery.
See more
Mount Toubkal
104 Tours
Discover amazing tours through Mount Toubkal visiting places like Marrakesh and Imlil. Most travellers enjoy exploring our Mount Toubkal trips in May, making it the most popular time of the year.
See more
Atlas Mountains
179 Tours
Experience the stunning Atlas Mountains! Hike rugged trails, explore traditional Berber villages, or ski snowy slopes. Take in the breathtaking views from Jbel Toubkal, the highest peak. Your adventure awaits—immerse yourself in the magic of the Atlas!
See more
Annapurna
1,014 Tours
Discover the ideal tour package for you through Mount Annapurna. On TourRadar you'll find trips starting from 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 35 days. The most popular month to go is March, which has the most tour departures.
See more