Camino Primitivo
Walk the 'Original Way,' a challenging yet breathtaking pilgrimage through Galicia's green mountains. Experience true authenticity.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Green landscapes, fewer crowds
Camino Primitivo
Best Time
Green landscapes, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk the 'Original Way,' a challenging yet breathtaking pilgrimage through Galicia's green mountains. Experience true authenticity.
"This part of Spain is very different from the South. Everything is green, small holdings and farms dot the landscape cow bells ring out loud and clear in the fields!"
Book Accommodation Ahead 🛌
Hostels and pensions fill up fast, especially in smaller towns. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Pack for Hills! ⛰️
The Camino Primitivo is known for its challenging ascents and descents. Train for hilly terrain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lugo's Roman Walls
Lugo
Begin your 100km journey from this historic city, walking atop its ancient Roman walls. A perfect starting point for the Primitivo.
Mountainous Galician Landscapes
Various stages
Experience the lush, green, and rugged beauty of Galicia with its rolling hills and serene farmlands.
The 'Original Way' Experience
Entire route
Walk the historic pilgrimage route, feeling the spiritual connection and the challenge of this ancient path.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Start Your Camino Primitivo Journey
The 100km Compostela Goal
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Accommodation Ahead 🛌
Hostels and pensions fill up fast, especially in smaller towns. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Pack for Hills! ⛰️
The Camino Primitivo is known for its challenging ascents and descents. Train for hilly terrain.
Start Early in Lugo ☀️
If starting your 100km from Lugo, plan for early morning starts to ensure shops for credentials are open.
Embrace the Green Scenery 🌳
Enjoy the lush, mountainous landscapes of Galicia – a stark contrast to other Camino routes.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Accommodation Ahead 🛌
Hostels and pensions fill up fast, especially in smaller towns. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Pack for Hills! ⛰️
The Camino Primitivo is known for its challenging ascents and descents. Train for hilly terrain.
Start Early in Lugo ☀️
If starting your 100km from Lugo, plan for early morning starts to ensure shops for credentials are open.
Embrace the Green Scenery 🌳
Enjoy the lush, mountainous landscapes of Galicia – a stark contrast to other Camino routes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Camino Primitivo is praised for its stunning, lush green mountainous landscapes and the authentic, challenging pilgrimage experience. While demanding, it offers a profound sense of accomplishment and spiritual connection. Some travelers note the need for good fitness and booking accommodation in advance due to limited options.
"I reached Lugo after a ten day trek through mountainous terrain. This part of Spain is very different from the South. Everything is green, small holdings and farms dot the landscape cow bells ring out loud and clear in the fields! It was a demanding walk so be prepared for some challenging ascents and descents. Reasonable level of fitness required in order to complete this walk. Hostel accommodation is available in most towns en route but they can get busy so it is advisable to book a bed ahead. My friends and I arrived in Berducedo and there weren't any vacancies at one of the hostels and the other one was closed so we had to get a taxi to the next village A Mesa. Only 5km but in my experience it makes sense to book your hotel room or 'pension' in advance."
Steven Atkins
"Nice place for those starting at Lugo for the last 100km on the Camino Primitivo."
WW Tam
"If you start your Camino from Lugo, come and take a photo of it."
Vista Artista
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lugo is accessible by bus and train from major Spanish cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Many pilgrims fly into Santiago de Compostela or A Coruña and then take a bus or train to Lugo.
Starting in Lugo is a popular choice for the final 100km. Ensure your chosen starting point within Lugo officially counts towards the distance requirement.
While not always frequent, some towns along the route have bus connections. Taxis are also an option for shorter distances if needed, though they can be costly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, booking accommodation (hostels, pensions) in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, as they can fill up quickly.
You can typically get your Credencial from pilgrim hostels, churches, or tourist offices in Lugo. It's advisable to start your day early to ensure these places are open.
No, the Camino Primitivo itself is a public path and does not have an entrance fee. Costs are associated with accommodation, food, and transport.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The Camino Primitivo is known for its mountainous terrain, featuring significant ascents and descents. It's a more challenging route compared to some others.
The full Camino Primitivo is approximately 320km and typically takes 10-14 days. Walking the last 100km from Lugo takes about 4-6 days.
Pack light but be prepared for varied weather. Essential items include good hiking boots, rain gear, layers of clothing, a first-aid kit, and sun protection.
The Camino Primitivo is generally well-marked with yellow arrows and scallop shells, especially the popular sections. However, always carry a map or GPS device as a backup.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find traditional Galician cuisine, including hearty stews, fresh seafood (especially near the coast if you detour), local cheeses, and empanadas. Pilgrim menus offer good value.
Most towns and villages along the Camino Primitivo have bars or cafes that serve food. However, in more remote stretches, you might need to carry snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning green landscapes, charming villages, ancient churches, and the iconic Lugo Roman Walls. The sense of accomplishment at the end is also a great photo moment.
Most accommodations will have charging points. It's wise to bring a portable power bank for longer days or if you're staying in more basic hostels.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for towns with amenities that might appeal to children, such as open spaces or interesting historical sites. The experience can be incredibly rewarding, teaching children about perseverance and the joy of reaching a goal together.
🚶 Solo Travelers
Be prepared for the physical demands, and always prioritize safety by informing someone of your daily plans. The camaraderie in the hostels and the shared experience of overcoming the terrain create a unique bond.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Challenge of the Terrain
Be prepared for steep climbs that lead to breathtaking views, and equally steep descents that test your knees. Trekking poles can be invaluable for navigating these sections, providing stability and reducing strain on your joints. The landscape is characterized by lush green valleys, dense forests, and small, traditional farming communities.
While challenging, the primitivo camino offers a unique and authentic pilgrimage experience. The effort invested in conquering its hills is often mirrored by the profound sense of peace and connection to nature that hikers experience along the way.
Accommodation and Logistics
Beyond hostels, you can also find private rooms in pensions or small hotels. These offer more comfort but come at a higher price. For those aiming to walk the last 100km to obtain the Compostela, starting from Lugo is a common choice. When planning your daily stages, consider the availability of accommodation and the terrain ahead.
Logistics also include carrying your belongings. While luggage transfer services are available for some routes, they are less common or more expensive for the Primitivo. Most pilgrims carry their own backpacks, making it essential to pack light and efficiently.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit