Camino Primitivo to Santiago: stages and guide to Arzúa

The Camino Primitivo is considered the oldest of the routes to Santiago. It starts in Oviedo, crosses the Asturian mountains and reaches Lugo, and at Melide it joins the Camino Francés. From there, Arzúa is about 14 km away.

The Camino Primitivo in four facts

About 320 km

From Oviedo to Santiago, in around 14 walking stages.

The oldest

Its origin is attributed to King Alfonso II’s journey from Oviedo in the 9th century.

Mountains

It has sections with big climbs, such as the Puerto del Palo, at about 1,100 m.

Lugo and Melide

It passes the Roman wall of Lugo, a World Heritage Site, and joins the Francés at Melide.

The stages of the Camino Primitivo

From Oviedo to Melide the route is its own; after that it shares the path with the Francés.

Infografía Camino Primitivo Oviedo Pola de Allande
Leg 1

Oviedo – Pola de Allande

  • Oviedo – Grado: about 25 km
  • Grado – Salas: about 22 km
  • Salas – Tineo: about 20 km
  • Tineo – Pola de Allande: about 27 km
  • There is a mountain variant, the Hospitales route, for those who want more altitude.
Infografía Camino Primitivo Grandas de Salime Lugo
Leg 2

Grandas de Salime – Lugo

  • Grandas de Salime – A Fonsagrada: about 25 km
  • A Fonsagrada – O Cádavo: about 24 km
  • O Cádavo – Lugo: about 30 km
  • Lugo still has its Roman wall, a World Heritage Site.
Infografía Camino Primitivo Lugo Arzúa
Leg 3

Lugo – Melide – Arzúa

  • Lugo – Ferreira: about 26 km
  • Ferreira – Melide: about 20 km, where it joins the Camino Francés
  • Melide – Arzúa: about 14 km, with a stop at Ribadiso
  • In Melide it is traditional to try pulpo á feira.

Tips for the Camino Primitivo

  • Choose your season well. In the mountains the weather changes fast and it can rain a lot: bring a rain jacket and a warm layer.
  • Well-worn footwear. There are long climbs and descents; do not break in new boots on this route.
  • Leave slack in the mountain stages and book accommodation in advance.
  • Stamped credential. For the Compostela you need at least 100 km on foot; from Lugo it is about 100 km to Santiago.
  • Kit and preparation. See the kit list in our Camino Francés guide.

Arriving in Arzúa

After Melide and Ribadiso you reach Arzúa, where the Primitivo now walks together with the Camino Francés and the Camino del Norte.

Where to stay in Arzúa →A whole house 400 m from the centre, for pilgrims, groups and families.Where to eat in Arzúa →Octopus, Arzúa-Ulloa cheese and Galician cooking.Stage Arzúa – O Pedrouzo →The next stage towards Santiago.Camino del Norte guide →The coastal route, which joins the Francés at Arzúa.Camino Francés guide →Stages, gear and preparation up to Arzúa.

Rest with us in Arzúa

We would love to welcome you at Casa Buen Camino: an entire house for up to 8 people, 400 m from the centre of Arzúa. You get in with a code, we confirm your booking within 60 minutes and, if you book directly with us, it is 10 % cheaper.

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