The Primitive Way from Lugo
The oldest Camino, from the city of the Roman wall: six days through inland Lugo, sunken lanes and woods until it joins the French Way at Melide. Demanding, authentic and far less crowded.
- 108 km
- 5 nights
- 6 stages
From €345 per person
Request this routeThe route
The Primitive Way is the first of them all: the route King Alfonso II followed in the 9th century to visit the newly discovered tomb of the Apostle. Its final section starts in Lugo, the only city in the world still encircled by an intact Roman wall, a World Heritage Site.
The stages cross inland Lugo along sunken lanes, hamlets and woods where pilgrims are still few and the Camino keeps its most authentic character.
At Melide, capital of pulpo á feira, the Primitive Way merges with the French Way for the final days to Santiago.
It is a demanding route, with long days and real climbs, made for those who want the Camino in its purest form. The reward: Monte do Gozo and Obradoiro Square.
Options and prices
Stage by stage
Day 1
Lugo
ArrivalArrival in Lugo, the only city in the world encircled by a complete Roman wall, a World Heritage Site. Walk along its ramparts and visit the cathedral of Santa María before starting the Camino.
Night in Lugo
Day 2
Lugo → A Ferreira (San Romao)
On foot29 km6.5 hLeave Lugo through the Porta Miñá, the same Roman gate medieval pilgrims used. The longest stage of the route crosses hamlets and sunken lanes of inland Lugo to A Ferreira.
Day 3
A Ferreira (San Romao) → Melide
On foot21 km5 hThe path enters the province of A Coruña and reaches Melide, where the Primitive Way joins the French Way. Celebrate with a plate of pulpo á feira, the local speciality.
Day 4
Melide → Arzúa
On foot14 km3.5 hA short stage through woodland following the river Iso. Arzúa is cheese country: try the famous Arzúa-Ulloa, protected by its own designation of origin.
Day 5
Arzúa → O Pedrouzo (O Pino)
On foot23 km6 hA day of woods and streams with a stop at the chapel of Santa Irene, now following the shared route with the French Way to O Pedrouzo, your last night before Santiago.
Day 6
O Pedrouzo (O Pino) → Santiago de Compostela
On foot21 km5 hThe final stage climbs Monte do Gozo for the first view of the cathedral towers, then descends into Santiago and Obradoiro Square, the end of every Camino.
Frequently asked questions
How many days and stages do I need to walk the French Way from Sarria?
From Sarria it is just over 110 km to Santiago, usually split into 5 stages of 20 to 25 km.
We can add extra nights if you would rather take it slowly. Each route page shows the day-by-day itinerary with exact distances.
What kind of footwear should I bring?
Hiking boots or trail shoes that are already broken in. New footwear is the most common cause of blisters on the Camino.
You do not need high boots: it rains in Galicia either way, and what matters is a comfortable, well-held foot. Bring seamless technical socks, two pairs in case one gets wet.
Do I need to train before walking the Camino?
You do not need to be fit, but arriving with some walking behind you makes a real difference.
Walking 1 to 2 hours a couple of days a week during the previous month is enough. If you can, do one long walk with the backpack and footwear you will actually use: it is the best way to find out in time what rubs.
Is this Camino suitable for beginners or people who are not very fit?
Yes. The stretch from Sarria is the busiest and best served of the whole French Way, with villages, bars and accommodation every few kilometres.
There are no technical or mountain sections. Stages are 20-25 km on tracks and paths, and they can always be shortened. If the pace worries you, write to us and we will adjust it.
Is the French Way from Sarria safe?
Yes. It is the stretch with the most pilgrims on the whole route, well signposted and never far from a village.
You will rarely walk alone even if you travel by yourself. The precautions are those of any walking route: carry water, tell someone if you leave the path and do not walk at night.
Which is the hardest stage from Sarria, and can it be split?
The two that are felt most are Sarria - Portomarín (about 22 km, with constant ups and downs) and Portomarín - Palas de Rei (about 25 km, the longest, with a sustained climb at the start).
Both can be split with a night in a village along the way. If you prefer the more spread-out itinerary, tell us when booking and we will arrange it.
What if I cannot finish a stage one day?
You will not be stranded. We arrange transfers and assistance along the whole route: if you cannot go on one day, call us and we will take you to that night's accommodation.
Your luggage will already be there, because it travels separately. The next day you decide whether to carry on or take a rest day.
Do I have to carry my backpack all day?
No. We move your backpack from one accommodation to the next: leave it in the morning and find it on arrival.
You only walk with a small day pack carrying water, something to eat, a rain jacket and whatever you need along the way.
What should I carry in my day pack?
Water, something to eat, a rain jacket, sun cream, a cap and a charged phone. It can rain in Galicia at any time of year, so the rain jacket comes along even on a sunny morning.
Add plasters or blister dressings: they weigh nothing and you will be glad to have them.
Can I walk the Camino with children?
Yes, and it makes a great family trip. The stretch from Sarria has no technical difficulty and there are villages to stop at often.
The key is to shorten the stages and not set a schedule. Tell us their ages and we will build an itinerary with gentler days.
How far in advance should I book?
For summer and Easter it is worth booking months ahead: this is the busiest stretch and accommodation fills up.
The rest of the year there is more room, but the earlier you book, the more choice you will have over the itinerary and the places you stay.