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Route Description
It’s the oldest Camino route. The Original Way was the first Camino de Santiago ever walked. In the 9th century Spanish king, Alfonso II walked from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela to commemorate the discovery of the tomb of Apostle St.James.
The Camino Primitivo together with the Camino del Norte and the Camino Frances is a part of the Northern Camino de Santiago network. In 1993 the Northern Caminos were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. This route is the closest to an actual hiking route. Most of the time the trail goes through the forest and over the mountains with very few towns and villages along the route. This Camino is a real in-nature experience. Pilgrims see towns at the start and at the end of every day. The only biggish cities on the Camino Primitivo are Oviedo, Lugo, and Santiago de Compostela
Pros
Tranquility. The original route. Shorter duration and lower crowds
Cons
Muddy and slippery in bad weather; can be difficult to find food between stops; few vegetarian options. Tough terrain.
Cultural and Spiritual Highlights
Oviedo: Oviedo is the starting point of the Camino Primitivo and is the capital of the Asturias region. The city itself has many cultural attractions, including the Oviedo Cathedral, the San Tirso Church, and the Archaeological Museum of Asturias.
Grado: This town on the Camino Primitivo is known for its medieval bridge, the Romanesque Church of Santa María, and the Chapel of San Juan de Villapañada.
Salas: Salas is a picturesque town with a medieval castle, Castillo de Salas, which now houses a hotel and museum. The town is also known for its historic center and the Church of Santa María.
Tineo: Tineo has a beautiful historic quarter with notable buildings like the Church of San Pedro and the Monastery of Santa María de Obona.
Pola de Allande: This charming village features the Church of Santa María, a historic bridge, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Grandas de Salime: Here, you can visit the Ethnographic Museum of Grandas de Salime, which showcases the cultural heritage of the region. The town is also known for the beautiful Salime Reservoir and its dam.
A Fonsagrada: A Fonsagrada is home to the Church of San Juan and has a reputation for its natural beauty.
Lugo: Lugo is a major city on the Camino Primitivo route, and its most famous cultural landmark is the Roman Walls of Lugo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city also boasts a beautiful cathedral and historic center.
Comments on Bicycling
Terrain: The Camino Primitivo features varied terrain, including steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and narrow trails. Some sections can be quite challenging for cyclists, especially if you are carrying a heavy load.
Trail Conditions: While the Camino Primitivo has improved over the years and there are some sections with paved roads or smoother paths, there are still parts that may be unsuitable for cycling, particularly in the mountains.
Navigation: The Camino Primitivo is not as well-marked for cyclists as some of the other Camino routes. You may need good navigation skills and maps or a GPS to find your way, especially in rural areas.
Accommodations: Finding accommodations that are bike-friendly can be a bit more challenging on the Camino Primitivo compared to other routes. Many albergues (pilgrim hostels) are geared toward hikers and may not have secure bike storage.
Physical Condition: Cycling the Camino Primitivo requires a good level of physical fitness due to the challenging terrain. You should be prepared for long, strenuous days of riding.
Pilgrimage Experience: If you choose to bike the Camino Primitivo, you may have a different experience than those who hike it. The Camino is not just a physical journey but also a spiritual and cultural one, and some pilgrims find that biking allows them to cover more ground but may not offer the same level of connection with other pilgrims and the path.
Getting to the Starting Point
Asturias Airport (OVD) - Oviedo
This airport is located in Oviedo itself.
Travel time to Oviedo city center: Approximately 30 minutes by car or taxi.
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) - Madrid
Madrid-Barajas Airport is a major international hub in Spain.
Travel time to Oviedo: Approximately 4-5 hours by train (AVE high-speed train) or 4-5 hours by car.
Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) - Barcelona
Barcelona Airport is another major international hub.
Travel time to Oviedo: Approximately 11-12 hours by train or around 11-12 hours by car.
Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ) - Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela Airport is a nearby option in the Galicia region.
Travel time to Oviedo: Approximately 3-4 hours by car or around 5 hours by bus.
Cities Along the Route (distance from start of primary route, city name, distance to end in kilometers)
722.2
Melide
52.8
775
Santiago de Compostela (End of Frances)
0
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