Stage Grandas de Salime – A Fonsagrada: Camino Primitivo guide and entry into Galicia
This is the stage where the Camino Primitivo enters Galicia: you leave Grandas de Salime, climb to the Alto del Acebo, cross the Asturias–Galicia border among wind turbines and descend to A Fonsagrada, already in the province of Lugo.
Distance
About 25.8 km
Difficulty
Medium-high
Estimated time
About 7 h (more in bad weather)
Altitude
Alto del Acebo: about 1,100 m
Route map
The stage section by section
Grandas de Salime – Castro
You leave Grandas past the chapel of the Carmen and climb steadily. Near Castro is the hillfort of Chao Samartín, a Bronze Age fortified settlement with a museum.
Castro – Peñafuente
Muddy woodland stretches. In Peñafuente you will find the church of Santa María Magdalena and a fountain-washhouse; nearby is the chapel of San Lázaro de Padraira.
Climbing the Alto del Acebo and entering Galicia
This is the final climb to the pass, among wind turbines. In O Acevo, the first Galician village, a small plaque marks the border.
O Acevo – Cabreira – Fonfría
A gentle descent on a well-kept track. Fonfría once had an old pilgrim hospital.
Barbeitos, Silvela and Paradanova
Hamlets with the chapel of Santa Bárbara del Camino and that of Santa Cruz in Paradanova. Take care on the stretches alongside the road with no verge.
Paradanova – A Fonsagrada
The last steep slope up to A Fonsagrada, whose name comes from “fontem sacratam” (sacred spring).
What to see
Chao Samartín (Bronze Age hillfort), the chapel of San Lázaro de Padraira, the old pilgrim hospital at Fonfría and the church of Santa María in A Fonsagrada.
Food and drink
Typical in the area are meats, trout, octopus, Oscos cheese and bean stews. There is no specific food information for this stage.
Practical tips
- Carry plenty of water and food: there are few services along the way.
- In Galicia follow the yellow arrows, not the direction of the scallop shell.
- Take extra care at road crossings and on stretches with no verge.
- Wear waterproof boots: there is mud on the forest stretches.
- In fog or bad weather on the pass, carry a torch in case you arrive at dusk.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you enter Galicia on this stage?
At the Alto del Acebo, in the wind-turbine area. O Acevo is the first Galician village.
What altitude do you reach?
About 1,100 m.
How many km is it and how long does it take?
About 25.8 km and around 7 hours, which can be quite a bit more with mud, rain or snow.
How do the waymarks change when you enter Galicia?
The scallop shell changes direction; guides advise trusting the yellow arrows.
Are there services and water?
Few: full services are in Grandas de Salime and A Fonsagrada.
After the stage: rest in Arzúa
When you reach Arzúa, we would love to welcome you at Casa Buen Camino: an entire house for up to 8 people, 400 m from the centre. You get in with a code, we confirm your booking within 60 minutes and, if you book directly with us, it is 10 % cheaper.