Stage of the Camino
Stage Description
This is the final stage of the Primitivo Way as an independent route. It's a trek 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 a bittersweet moment: the end of the solitude of the Primitivo and the entry into the bustle of the main route. The celebration usually takes place by enjoying the famous pulpo de Melide.
The stage from San Romao da Retorta to Melide is the last one on which the Primitivo pilgrim walks "alone." The route presents the typical Galician profile of broken stones, with the ascent to Sierra do Careón as the main challenge. The path traverses a rural landscape, passing through small villages and forests. The climb up Sierra do Careón is gradual and offers magnificent views from its summit of the A Ulloa region. This high point marks the border between the provinces of Lugo and A Coruña. The descent leads the pilgrim to the final stretch. Just before arriving in Melide, in the village of O Coto, there is the milestone that marks the official union of the Primitivo Path with the French Way. From here, the atmosphere changes radically. The tranquility and solitude of the original route give way to bustle and a large influx of pilgrims from the French Way. Arrival in Melide is a moment of celebration and cultural shock.
Last updated: 12/08/2025
Where to Sleep
Accommodations in this Stage
Find the perfect place for your rest in Ciudad Real o Malagón.
El BALCÓN DE LA REINA SUITES
Eurostars Rey Alfonso X
Exe Doña Carlota
Hotel Parque Real
Hotel Santa Cecilia
Líbere Ciudad Real
NH Ciudad Real
Nuevo Hotel Parque Cabaneros
Pago Del Vicario
Sercotel Guadiana
Cumbria Spa & Hotel
Cumbria Spa Hotel 3* Sup
Hostal Frasca by Vivere Stays
FINCA LAS BEATAS
Hotel El Molino
Hotel Escudero
Hotel Navarro
Las Melias
Los Gañanes
2 bedrooms house at Ciudad Real
3 bedrooms appartement at Ciudad Real
ACENI
Alojamiento vacacional Alarcos
Andrea´s place
Apartamento en PLAZA MAYOR
Apartamento Moderno, centro de Ciudad Real
apto compartido chico
buen lugar trabajo y familiar
CASA BLANCA
Casa palacio El Conde de la Cańada
Casa Rural Hidalgo
Casa Rural Kentia
Casa Rural Las Melias
Chalet independiente
Charming House with Mountain Views in Puebla de Don Rodrigo
Clauro24
Comfortable Apartment in the Heart of Ciudad Real with Balcony
Comfortable Villa in Puebla de Don Rodrigo with Private Pool
Doamvid Universidad
El Escudo de Calatrava
Estudio con piscina y Wifi
Hostal Cabañeros
Jacuzi Suite Paradise
La Cobija Apartamentos - Solo Adultos
La Florida
Las cerezas
Loft Atemporal, centro de Ciudad Real
Piso acogedor y luminoso
Unifamiliar Europa
VUT EL PARQUE - aparcamiento GRATIS
Previous Stage
This is the start of the path
Next Stage
Malagón a Urda
Start your adventure
Ready to walk this stage?
We design your personalised Camino de Santiago experience.
Plan your Camino