The Primitive Way

At this stage, the pilgrim faces the last major ascent of the Primitivo Way: the climb to Puerto del Acebo. This long and sustained ascent marks the border between Asturias and Galicia. The path runs ...

At this stage, the pilgrim faces the last major ascent of the Primitivo Way: the climb to Puerto del Acebo. This long and sustained ascent marks the border between Asturias and Galicia. The path runs through a mountain landscape with increasingly wider views. Once in Galicia, the route traverses a terrain of gentle undulations, passing by small villages until reaching A Fonsagrada. This town, situated at almost 1,000 meters above sea level, is the highest municipal capital in Galicia and an important service center, famous for its cuisine and hospitality. It's a tough but significant stage.

This stage ventures into the heart of rural and mountainous Galicia. The profile is a continuous rise and fall, a "breakneck" terrain that runs along forest trails, "corridors", and small local roads....

This stage ventures into the heart of rural and mountainous Galicia. The profile is a continuous rise and fall, a "breakneck" terrain that runs along forest trails, "corridors", and small local roads. The most notable landmark is passing through Montouto Hospital, an old pilgrim hospital located on a hill over 1,000 meters high, a solitary and historically charged place. The landscape is serene in beauty, with forests, meadows, and small villages scattered about. The final day ends in O Cádavo, the main nucleus of Baleira's municipality, a small village that offers the necessary services for rest.

This final stage marks the approach to the great city of Lugo. The profile is predominantly descending and much smoother than previous stages, allowing for a faster and more relaxed walk. The route pa...

This final stage marks the approach to the great city of Lugo. The profile is predominantly descending and much smoother than previous stages, allowing for a faster and more relaxed walk. The route passes through a very pleasant rural landscape, passing alongside the singular "Souto de Retorta", a forest with century-old eucalyptus trees of monumental size. The final stretch becomes increasingly urban as it approaches Lugo. The entry into the city and the first contact with its impressive Roman Wall, declared a World Heritage Site and perfectly preserved, is an unforgettable moment and one of the great rewards of the Primitivo Way.

This stage, starting from the monumental Lugo, returns the pilgrim to rural and tranquil Galicia. The profile is gentle with light undulations, and runs through a landscape of fields, meadows, and sma...

This stage, starting from the monumental Lugo, returns the pilgrim to rural and tranquil Galicia. The profile is gentle with light undulations, and runs through a landscape of fields, meadows, and small forests. It's a day for enjoying the peace of the countryside and the sound of nature, away from urban bustle. The route passes by numerous small villages, but with few intermediate services, so it's recommended to bring provisions. The final stage ends in either the small village of San Román da Retorta or the nearby Ponte Ferreira, places that preserve the essence of old Jacobean stops.

This is the final stage of the Camino Primitivo as an independent route. It's a journey through a "rocky terrain" that crosses the Sierra do Careón, the last mountainous obstacle. The landscape is of ...

This is the final stage of the Camino Primitivo as an independent route. It's a journey through a "rocky terrain" that crosses the Sierra do Careón, the last mountainous obstacle. The landscape is of great beauty, with panoramic views from above. After the descent, the path approaches Melide, and the pilgrim starts to notice a significant increase in the number of walkers. Arrival at Melide marks the union with the multitudinous Camino Francés. It's an aching-sweet moment: the end of the solitude of Primitivo and entry into the bustle of the main route. The celebration usually takes place by enjoying the famous pulpo de Melide.

Until the Camino Primitivo and Francés are unified, this stage is a pleasant walk through Galicia's most gentle landscape. The profile is smooth, with constant but short ascents and descents that run ...

Until the Camino Primitivo and Francés are unified, this stage is a pleasant walk through Galicia's most gentle landscape. The profile is smooth, with constant but short ascents and descents that run along comfortable earth tracks and forest paths. The path crosses a meadow and eucalyptus forest landscape, crossing several streams via medieval bridges, such as the one in Ribadiso. This stage is very popular, ideal for socializing with other pilgrims. The final day ends in Arzúa, famous for its cheese with Denomination of Origin, where, additionally, the Camino del Norte is also incorporated, increasing the peregrine atmosphere even more.

Known as the "pilgrim's anxiety" stage, this journey is the precursor to Santiago. It is a relatively short and gentle route with soft undulations that mostly follow forest trails through eucalyptus f...

Known as the "pilgrim's anxiety" stage, this journey is the precursor to Santiago. It is a relatively short and gentle route with soft undulations that mostly follow forest trails through eucalyptus forests. The atmosphere is one of pure emotion and camaraderie, with pilgrims sharing the anticipation of their imminent arrival. The path passes by small villages such as Calzada, Salceda or A Brea. The destination is O Pedrouzo (Arca, O Pino), a modern town that has grown in sync with the Camino and offers all necessary services for the final night before the final stage.

The last and most magical stage of the Camino Francés. It is loaded with emotion and symbolism. The first part unfolds in a rural environment similar to that of previous days. The first major moment a...

The last and most magical stage of the Camino Francés. It is loaded with emotion and symbolism. The first part unfolds in a rural environment similar to that of previous days. The first major moment arrives in Lavacolla, where pilgrims used to purify themselves at the river. Shortly after, one faces the ascent to Monte do Gozo, from which the first and eagerly awaited views of Santiago's Cathedral towers are obtained. From then on, a descent and an urban walk lead the pilgrim through the historic quarter to the final apotheosis: entry into the Praza do Obradoiro and contemplation of the cathedral façade.