The Full Camino Primitivo

The Full Camino Primitivo

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18 Days From

$2550

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Tour Overview

Embark on "The Full Camino Primitivo" and experience the original Camino trail from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela. This self-guided walking holiday takes you off the beaten track, immersing you in the true pilgrim spirit as you traverse lush, green landscapes and stay in authentic villages. Highlights include visiting historic sites like the Gothic Cathedral in Oviedo, the Cornellana Monastery, and the ancient pilgrims' hospitals at El Palo Pass. Enjoy 17 nights in a mix of city and rural accommodations, with breakfasts and some dinners included. A digital information pack, luggage transfers, and emergency hotline ensure a seamless journey. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Walking on the original Camino trail between Oviedo and Santiago de Compostela

  • Experiencing the real pilgrim feeling by getting completely off the beaten track

  • Visiting and staying in authentic villages with intimate testimonies of true devotion

  • Discovering vast and impressive landscapes, which are green and lush throughout the year

  • Exploring the Gothic Cathedral devoted to San Salvador in Oviedo

  • Crossing steep slopes to reach Puerto el Palo with superb views

  • Strolling along Lugo's splendid UNESCO listed Roman walls

  • Catching a first glimpse of Santiago and the cathedral spires in the distance

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive Oviedo

Location: Oviedo

Accommodation Name: hotel

Make your own way to Oviedo, the capital of Asturias. If you arrive early in the afternoon, we recommend visiting the Gothic Cathedral devoted to San Salvador, the historic holy site where the Camino begins. This evening you can enjoy the city’s lively atmosphere, and explore the charming lanes in the old town and traditional cider houses around the corner from your comfortable hotel. ...more ...less

Day 2 : Through Asturian Countryside To Grado, Transfer To Sama De Grado (7Hrs, 25Km/15.5Mi)

Location: Grado

Accommodation Name: rural hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Starting from the cathedral, follow the Camino shells through the city centre into the green Asturian countryside. Quiet lanes and ancient footpaths take you past peaceful villages, some with historic pilgrims’ hostels and inns. From Puerma you will follow the main road to Grado, from where there's a short transfer to your charming rural hotel. Overnight in Sama de Grado.
250m/820ft ascent, 375m/1280ft descent.

Day 3 : Walk Grado To Salas Via Cornellana Monastery (6Hrs, 22Km/13.7Mi)

Location: Salas

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer back to Grado this morning. On the first part of today's walk you'll follow narrow trails and country roads through hilly countryside directly to the Cornellana Monastery. Founded in 1024, the monastery was of great religious and political importance throughout the early history of the Christian kingdom in Asturias. On the latter part of the route from Cornellana to Salas, you'll need to take a few detours, as the motorway is still under construction here. Tonight you'll stay overnight in Salas at a hotel located in the historical town centre, near the castle and museum of Pre-Romanesque architecture.
425m/1394ft ascent, 350m/1148ft descent.

Day 4 : Cross Forests And Woodlands To Tineo (6Hrs, 19.8Km/12Mi)

Location: Tineo

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After a short ascent through beautiful terrain in the fields outside Salas, you will again follow the main road for about 5km. From La Espina you'll leave the main road behind, continuing to Tineo through quiet woodlands and fields, following quiet country trails. You'll find your accommodation for the night in Tineo's historical centre.
575m/1886ft ascent, 300m/984ft descent.

Day 5 : Through Woodland And Via Obona Monastery To Campiello (5Hrs, 14Km/8.8Mi)

Location: Campiello

Accommodation Name: family run establishment

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning you will walk through woodlands to reach the peaceful town of Obona, with its historic Monastery of Santa María la Real. After exploring the monastery, continue to Campiello, where you will stay overnight in a welcoming family run establishment.
500m/1640ft ascent, 300m/984ft descent

Day 6 : Transfer To La Mortera, Walk Via El Palo Pass To Berducedo (7Hrs, 21Km/13Mi)

Location: Puerto el Palo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast a transfer takes you to La Mortera to begin your walk. You'll walk along the original high route (“ruta de los hospitales”), crossing steep slopes to reach Puerto el Palo, where several pilgrims’ 'hospitals' were built centuries ago - on either side of the mountain pass - to provide shelter for pilgrims from the harsh winter weather conditions. Enjoy superb views on your way up to the highest point on the pass, “Puerto El Palo”, before continuing for another couple of hours (approx 9.5km), mainly on the road, to reach your accommodation in Berducedo.
520m/1706ft ascent, 450m/1476ft descent
Note: in the case of bad weather, we strongly recommend taking the lower route commencing from Pola Allande (6hrs, 17.5km/10.5mi).

Day 7 : Continue To Grandas De Salime (5Hrs, 15Km/9.5Mi)

Location: Grandas de Salime

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

From the tiny village of Berducedo, the day starts with an ascent to the windmills above La Mesa before a steep descent takes you to Lake Salime. You’ll enjoy superb views for the first 5km, then the lovely shade of chestnut trees as you walk down to meet the road. The last few kilometres follow the tarmac road across the dam and then up to your hotel in Grandas de Salime.
330m/1082ft ascent, 970m/3182ft descent.

Day 8 : Rest Day In Grandas Or Walk To Castro And Return By Taxi (5Km/3.2Mi)

Location: Grandas de Salime

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After a week on the Camino, you can take the day off and relax. Or if you prefer to keep walking, you have two options. You can walk into the village of Grandas de Salime to visit the ethnographic museum or take a dive in the local swimming pool (swimming cap required). Or walk a 5km/3.2mi section on the Camino to reach the village of Castro where you can visit Chao Sanmartin, an interesting archaeological site of mixed Celtic and Roman origin, and take a taxi back to the hotel.
310m/1017ft ascent, 20m/65ft descent

Day 9 : Transfer To Castro, Walk To Fonsagrada In Galicia (6Hrs, 20Km/12.6Mi)

Location: Fonsagrada

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

A morning transfer takes you to the village of Castro to continue your Camino. The walk today follows, more or less, the main road to Puerto El Acebo (1165m), gateway to the province of Galicia. You walk mostly on the main road, taking frequent shortcuts. At the end, there’s a short ascent to reach the town of Fonsagrada, not the prettiest of villages but it's friendly in its own way, and has all of the major services you might require. Overnight Fonsagrada.
530m/1739ft ascent, 225m/738ft descent.

Day 10 : Walk To Paradavella And Transfer Back To Fonsagrada (4.5Hrs, 14Km/8.75Mi)

Location: Fonsagrada

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

From Fonsagrada you will descend to the village of Póboa de Burón. Here you will join the oldest Camino Primitivo trail, a high route across green pastures and fields of heather on the way to the ruins at Hospital de Montouto, another ancient pilgrims' hospital. After an easy descent to Paradavella, transfer back to Fonsagrada (as there is no other suitable accommodation nearby) and your hotel.
400m/1312ft ascent, 650m/2132ft descent.

Day 11 : Transfer Back To Paradavella And Continue To Castroverde (6Hrs, 20Km/12.5Mi)

Location: Castroverde

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast a transfer takes you back to Paradavella (or a little further) to continue your walk. Today's route is mainly along rural tracks, taking you through wooded areas and open fields, with only some short sections on the main road. After O Cádavo, you walk through Villabade, which has an interesting church, before finally reaching Castroverde.
400m/1312ft ascent, 475m/1558ft descent

Day 12 : Walk To Lugo (6Hrs, 21.7Km/13.6Mi)

Location: Lugo

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today you can enjoy the green beauty of the Galician countryside, as you walk on quiet tarmac lanes and dirt tracks from one hamlet to the next, passing gorgeous examples of traditional architecture. Continue to Lugo and your hotel. On arrival we suggest strolling along Lugo's splendid UNESCO listed Roman walls and exploring the Gothic Church of San Francisco and cloisters.
150m/492ft ascent, 250m/820ft descent.

Day 13 : Walk To The Village Of Ferreira (6.5-7Hrs, 26.5Km/16.5Mi)

Location: Lugo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

From Lugo onward, several Caminos come together to join the main French Route (Camino Francés). Today you have a long walk to reach the next accommodation, situated in Ferreira. The first 20km until O Burgo are almost all paved but mainly uphill - or you can hire a taxi in Lugo to shorten this stage.
200m/656ft ascent, 200m/656ft descent.
NOTE: to receive your Compostela you will need to walk the full route from Lugo, as it is 100km to Santiago. If you book a taxi transfer to shorten the stage you will not qualify for the Compostela.

Day 14 : Walk Via Monte Da Feira To Melide (5Hrs, 20Km/12.5Mi)

Location: Melide

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today's stage is shorter than yesterday's, however it starts and continues uphill until O Requián. Then there is another climb until Monte da Feira. From here the route is a piece of cake to Melide!
280m/918ft ascent, 350m/1148ft descent

Day 15 : Continue To Arzua On The French Way (4Hrs, 14Km/9Mi)

Location: Arzúa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Walking from Melide, you have now joined the French Route, or Camino Francés, which is the most popular of all the Camino variants to Santiago. You will find yourself among a multitude of pilgrims from all over the world, as you follow trails, country roads and footpaths parallel to the main road. Your accommodation for this evening is located just outside the village of Arzúa.
150m/492ft ascent, 200m/656ft descent.

Day 16 : Walk To O Pino (5Hrs, 18Km/11.3Mi)

Location: O Pino

Accommodation Name: 2 star hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This section of the Camino is one of the least interesting, as it basically parallels the main road, but there are lots of people you'll meet along the way. The excitement shared with fellow pilgrims grows, combined with mixed feelings of soon facing the end of your pilgrimage! Overnight stay at the best available 2 star hotel, with friendly owners.
200m/658ft ascent, 225m/738ft descent.

Day 17 : Walk To Santiago De Compostela (5-6Hrs, 21Km/13Mi)

Location: Santiago de Compostela

Meals Included: Breakfast

The last day on the trail is always a special one. Today's walk brings you back to modern life, as you pass the regional airport, cross the highway, railway track and ring road around Santiago. Nevertheless, it’s an amazing experience to catch a first glimpse of Santiago and the cathedral spires in the distance, like so many pilgrims before you. From Monte del Gozo, pilgrims historically made one last stop at the spring in Lavacolla, to wash their face and feet before presenting themselves before the Saint at the Cathedral on Plaza del Obradoiro. On arrival in the fabled Santiago de Compostela there is plenty to see and do – or you can simply relax and celebrate the end of the journey. Dinner is not included tonight so you can try one of the many restaurants in town. Overnight in Santiago.
175m/574ft ascent, 175m/574ft descent

Day 18 : Trip Concludes

Location: Santiago de Compostela

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip concludes after breakfast in Santiago de Compostela. If you'd like to stay longer to further explore this interesting city, we can assist with extra nights accommodation - please ask for our rates.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    hotels and village pensions

  • 17 breakfasts, 9 dinners

    Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by chicken, red meat, fish or a pasta dish & finishing with a dessert.

  • 17 nights accommodation

    Accommodation in a mix of 2-4 star city and comfortable rural hotels and village pensions on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.

  • Digital information pack

    Includes a smartphone app with maps and guidebook per room booked.

  • Luggage Transfer

    1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess.

  • Transfers as described

    Transfers on days 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, 11.

  • Emergency hotline

    Access to an emergency hotline for assistance.

What's Not Included

  • Travel to Oviedo and from Santiago

    Travel arrangements to Oviedo and from Santiago are not included.

  • Meals not listed as included

    Drinks and lunches daily, dinners not noted as included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.

  • Guide

    This is a self-guided walking holiday, no guide is included.

  • Solo traveler supplement

    A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room.

  • Entrance fees not listed as included

    Entrance fees to attractions not listed as included are excluded.

  • Transfers not listed as included

    Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.

  • Excess Luggage

    A supplement applies for excess luggage beyond the 20kg limit.

  • Hotel taxes

    Hotel taxes if applicable are payable directly to the hotel.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Items such as laundry, phone calls, etc., are not included.

Grading

GRADE 4 - Daily walks are between 4.5 to 7.5 hours on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to mountainous. There are a few off-path sections. There are many ups and downs and trekking poles are definitely a good idea. A good to excellent level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, three to four times a week for three months prior to your departure. It is also recommended to do some bush walking, and multi day walks in preparation for your trip. ...more ...less

What You Carry

As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc.

Mode of Transport

Transfers are provided on days 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, and 11, with additional transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage.

Accommodation

Enjoy 17 nights in a mix of 2-4 star city and comfortable rural hotels and village pensions, all on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay in a mix of 2-4 star city and comfortable rural hotels and village pensions on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 17 breakfasts and 9 dinners. Breakfasts are usually continental, inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee, and juices. Dinners will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by chicken, red meat, fish, or a pasta dish, and finishing with a dessert. ...more ...less

  • Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfer is provided. You can transfer one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • What kind of support is available during the tour?

    An emergency hotline is available for support during the tour. Additionally, you will receive a digital information pack including a smartphone app with maps and a guidebook per room booked.

  • Are there any transfers included in the tour?

    Yes, transfers are included on days 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, and 11. Transfers by taxi or public transport are also available if you need to skip a stage.

  • What should I carry during the walks?

    As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, and phone.

  • What is the difficulty level of the walks?

    The walking is graded moderate to challenging. Daily walks are between 4.5 to 7.5 hours on well-marked trails over diverse terrain, from relatively flat to mountainous. There are many ups and downs, and walking poles are definitely a good idea. A good to excellent level of fitness is required.

  • Is travel insurance required for this tour?

    Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for this tour.

  • Is this a guided tour?

    No, this is a self-guided walking holiday. You will not have a guide.

  • What happens if I am traveling solo?

    A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

C. Wright(Springfield, Australia)  

The Full Camino Primitivo

6 Jun 2024

Accommodation - very good. Many were in rural settings; routes and distances - very achievable; support - generally very good.

M. Hancock(Australia)  

The Full Camino Primitivo

30 Oct 2024

We used them for our first Camino Walk. From start to end everything went smoothly. Two couples, bags transfers, accommodations, transportation where required. We had great information and support from the time we started our contact with them up to the end. We walked 300km+ , it was great to know there were beds at the end of the day and the hotels /motels were all great. Highly recommend! ...more ...less

H. De Burgh(Australia)  

The Full Camino Primitivo

28 Oct 2022

Another wonderful trip with UTracks. Two beautiful walks combined. The Camino Primitivo and Camino Invierno in Spain. The arrangements worked perfectly. The accommodation was excellent, and the luggage transfers went without a hitch. Once again, all I had to do was enjoy the walking. Both of these Caminos are spectacular and not as busy as the more popular ones. Highly recommended. ...more ...less

L. Clarke(Claremont, Australia)  

The Full Camino Primitivo

23 Aug 2023

We booked the Camino Primitivo self-guided tour and it was amazing! Everything was so well-organised. Our luggage was transferred from stop to stop along the way, transfers were easy and the hotels were all great. We could not fault a single thing and are really happy that we chose them and the self-guided option as it was great to be able to control our pace along the route. ...more ...less

S. Wright(Australia)  

The Full Camino Primitivo

28 May 2024

It was an enriching multi-week hike with beautiful scenery and a wide variety of interesting fellow pilgrims to connect with along the way.

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

The Full Camino Primitivo

18 Days Starting in Oviedo, Spain and ending in Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Visiting: Oviedo, Grado, Salas, Tineo, Campiello, Puerto el Palo, Grandas de Salime, Fonsagrada, Castroverde, Lugo, Melide, Arzúa, O Pino, Santiago de Compostela ...more ...less

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

UPF

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate to challenging

Activities:

Walking

From: $2550 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 22-Feb-2025 but subject to change.