Is the Camino Primitivo Right for You? What to Expect as You Walk the Original Way

30th June 2025

Tania Ramonde

Are you craving a Camino that’s not just a walk—but a revelation?

The Camino Primitivo is not the most popular Camino route. It’s not the easiest. It’s not the most comfortable.
But it might just be the most rewarding.

This route—known as the Original Way—is the oldest documented path to Santiago, first taken by King Alfonso II in the 9th century. It weaves through the remote, untamed heart of northern Spain, from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela. It’s a Camino that asks for effort, presence, and heart. In return, it gives you silence, wonder, and the kind of joy that only comes from doing something that truly matters.

If you’re looking for more than just ticking off kilometers—this is your path.

What makes the Camino Primitivo so unforgettable?

It’s wild. It’s hilly. It’s steeped in history. The Camino Primitivo climbs mountain passes, cuts through mist-covered forests, and passes ancient Roman bridges that have carried pilgrims for over a thousand years.
You’ll walk through Galicia’s deep green landscapes, past grazing cows and sleepy stone villages that feel suspended in time.

And though it’s the quietest of the major Camino routes, you’re never really alone. You’ll share the path with others who, like you, have chosen depth over ease. There’s a certain camaraderie among Primitivo pilgrims—a mutual respect for having chosen the road that demands more, but gives back so much more in return.

Why begin in Lugo—and what should you not miss?

Though the full Primitivo begins in Oviedo, many pilgrims start in Lugo, a walled city that blends Roman history with Galician soul. Its most iconic feature—the Muralla Romana de Lugo—is a full Roman wall that still encloses the old town. It’s one of the best-preserved examples in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Inside the walls, you’ll find narrow streets, small shops, and tapas bars that spill out onto the plazas. The Cathedral of Lugo is worth a visit, especially if you want a quiet moment before your journey. And yes—this is a city to eat well. Whether you follow the traditional tapas route or sit down for a long Galician lunch in the main square, Lugo knows how to fuel your body and spirit.

What happens when solitude gives way to community in Melide?

The Camino Primitivo merges with the more well-known Camino Francés in the small town of Melide—and you’ll feel the difference immediately. After days (or weeks) of peaceful solitude, you’re suddenly surrounded by the buzz of other pilgrims, many of whom have been walking for hundreds of kilometers as well.

Melide is more than a transition point—it’s a celebration. It’s a place to exhale, to swap stories, to eat. This is where you’ll try the legendary pulpo a la gallega (octopus served warm with olive oil and paprika) in one of the traditional pulperías. Or treat yourself to a slice of tarta de Melide, a dense, almond cake that’s perfect with a café con leche.

This is the turning point in your pilgrimage—from solitary introspection to shared joy. The finish line is getting closer.

How does it feel to arrive in Santiago after walking the Primitivo?

Arriving in Santiago de Compostela is powerful no matter which route you take—but when you’ve come via the Camino Primitivo, the feeling is something else entirely.
You’ve crossed mountains. Faced quiet days alone with your thoughts. Chosen the harder path. And now, you’re walking into one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Europe, your boots dusty, your body tired, and your spirit full.

Santiago is more than a destination—it’s a reward. The Cathedral of Santiago, with its baroque façade and centuries of spiritual gravity, will pull you in. But there’s more to discover: the vibrant Alameda Park, where you can look back at the cathedral from one of the best viewpoints in the city; the lively food markets; the labyrinth of cobbled streets where locals and pilgrims alike gather to toast, eat, reflect.

You didn’t just walk to Santiago.
You earned Santiago.

Pererinos en la plaza del Obradoiro, Santiago de Compostela

Is the Camino Primitivo the right Camino for you?

Ask yourself: are you looking for ease—or depth?
Are you drawn to crowds—or to the sound of your own footsteps in the forest?
Do you want to follow a path—or carve out an experience that’s truly yours?

The Camino Primitivo isn’t for everyone. It’s challenging. It requires preparation. But if you’re seeking clarity, beauty, and a sense of achievement that’s hard to put into words—this might be the Camino you’ve been waiting for.