Our 2025 Camino de Santiago pilgrimage along the 200 mile (321km) Primitivo route between Oviedo and Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
Years back, we attended a seminar on the Camino de Santiago. We learned that the Camino has many routes – included one known as the “Primitivo” (or Original) route. The Primitivo follows the 9th Century route of King Alfonso II on his journey from his capital city of Oviedo to what is now Santiago de Compostela to see the relics of St. James – the first Pilgrimage to Santiago. The first We thought if we were going to do any Camino, we should do the original one.
So here we are.
Use the map below to see the stages of our journey and link to the specific posts. A detailed map of the route and elevation is included below. A link to the related playlist is here.
Posts
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Oviedo
Arrived in Oviedo. Preparing to begin our Camino de Santiago pilgrimage along the original (or Primitivo) route
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Day 1: Grado
First day on the Primitivo brings us to Grado; the experience is part endurance, part scavenger hunt.
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Day 4: Campiello
Soaked after two days in the rain, we prepare for the biggest day on the Primitivo: the Hospitales.
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Day 5: Berducedo (Hospitales)
Sore and tired, we successfully crossed the mountains on the signature section of the Primitivo: the Hospitales.
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Day 6: Grandas de Salime
After the Hospitales, the steep drop into the fog-shrouded Embalse de Salime valley and the climb to Grandas
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Days 7-8: A Fonsagrada and Baleira
Climbing out of fog-enshrouded Grandas; out of Asturias and to the Galician towns of A Fonsagrada and Baleira.
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Day 9: Lugo
Longest day on the Camino trekking through the forests of Galicia to the hilltop city of Lugo with its historic Roman walls.
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Days 10-11: Ferreira and Boente
A very difficult day as injury requires one of us to end our Camino de Santiago.
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Day 12: Salceda
While the scenery on the way to Salceda was unremarkable, today provided a great chance to connect with fellow pilgrims.
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Day 13: San Marcos
Last major day on the Camino. Reached the outskirts of Santiago with 196 miles down and four to go.
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Day 14: Santiago de Compostela
Arrival in Santiago, the culmination of my Camino, and an unexpected reunion with peregrinos from the Primitivo.
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The End of the World, Again
Last stage of our Camino: journey to Kilometer Zero in Fisterra – the End of the World.
