Primitive Camino
From Oviedo to Santiago

Leaving Cádavo Baleira, the route follows a gentle climb through Pradera, reaching the peak of Vaqueriza. A descent through pine forest leads to the Hermitage of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, near the entrance to Villabade.

Here, pilgrims can visit the Gothic church, often called the Cathedral of Castroverde. The last village before Lugo is Casas da Viña, after which the route enters the historic city through the A Chanca district.

Pilgrims pass through the San Pedro gate in Lugo’s ancient walls, next to a stone inscribed:

“This is where King Alfonso II the Chaste entered in the 9th century, giving rise to the first pilgrimage route to Santiago.”

Accommodation in Lugo.

Leaving behind the Roman walls of Lugo, the route continues towards Ponte Ferreira. The path passes through San Román, Guntín, and Pacio, before reaching Ponte Ferreira. In San Román, the hermitage of San Román da Retorta is well worth a visit. Dating back to the 12th century, its original Romanesque façades and lateral columns remain intact. Nearby, the Church of Santa Cruz da Retorta, also 12th-century Romanesque, is another historical gem.

Upon reaching Ponte Ferreira, pilgrims cross a small Romanesque bridge with a single arch. Accommodation in Ponte Ferreira.

Today, the Primitive Camino merges with the French Camino in Melide, a significant milestone for many pilgrims.

Melide, an important crossroads on the Camino de Santiago, has a rich history reflected in its landmarks. The Pilgrims’ Hospital, established in 1502, now houses the Museum of the Terra de Melide. The Serra do Careón marks the entrance of the Primitive Camino into Terra de Melide, where archaeological remains such as forts, stone crosses, and paved paths reveal centuries of pilgrimage.

The Primitive Camino meets the French Way in front of the former Pilgrims’ Hospital, in Plaza del Convento, the town’s central square. Here, you will also find the Obra Pía de Santo Antón, which includes the Chapel of Santo Antón and the Town Hall.

Accommodation in Melide.

With almost 40 kilometres left to Santiago Cathedral, the most practical approach is to divide this leg into two days, spending the night in Santa Irene or O Pedrouzo.

The path from Arzúa to O Pino is a comfortable walk, with gentle slopes and trails that run parallel to the N-547.

Accommodation in O Pino / Amenal.

• Accommodation in a single or double room with breakfast included.
• Transport of backpacks for each of the stages along the route (max. 15 Kg per backpack).
• Accommodation along the way: Hotels, rural houses, hostels or pensions.
• Guided tour of Santiago (historic centre): 2h in Spanish.
• Information folder.
• Travel insurance with 24-hour telephone assistance service.
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• Support car.
• Transfers IN/OUT

Price per person (double): €1,161

Price per person (single): €749

Supplements: July +€25

August, September, Easter, Long-weekends, Bank Holidays: +€50

• Discount for third person in extra bed sharing room with 2 adults 10%.
• Half board supplement (no discount for 3rd person) per person/night €18.00
• Picnic lunch supplement: sandwich, drink and dessert person/day €9.40
• Santiago-Sarria airport transfer supplement: (max. 4)* €162.50
• Santiago city to Santiago airport transfer supplement: (1 to 3 people) €41.25
• Santiago city to Santiago airport transfer supplement: (4 to 7 people) €63.75
• Private transfers and/or support car during the route: please ask.
• Cancellation insurance: please ask.
• Extra excursions available out of Santiago de Compostela.
• * FLIGHT DELAYS OR WAITING FOR LUGGAGE CLAIM: €25.00/HOUR
• ** The prices published on this page come from one provider and are only meant to give you a rough idea of the potential cost.