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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
  • 7 days
  • 6 nights
  • 5 walking stages
  • Demanding route

From €190 per person

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The 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

  1. Day 1

    Lugo

    Arrival
    Arrival 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

  2. Day 2

    Lugo → A Ferreira (San Romao)

    On foot29 km6.5 h
    Leave 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.

    Night in A Ferreira (San Romao)

  3. Day 3

    A Ferreira (San Romao) → Melide

    On foot21 km5 h
    The 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.

    Night in Melide

  4. Day 4

    Melide → Arzúa

    On foot14 km3.5 h
    A short stage through woodland following the river Iso. Arzúa is cheese country: try the famous Arzúa-Ulloa, protected by its own designation of origin.

    Night in Arzúa

  5. Day 5

    Arzúa → O Pedrouzo (O Pino)

    On foot23 km6 h
    A 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.

    Night in O Pedrouzo (O Pino)

  6. Day 6

    O Pedrouzo (O Pino) → Santiago de Compostela

    On foot21 km5 h
    The 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.

    Night in Santiago de Compostela

  7. Day 7

    End of our journey together

    Departure

    After your stay at the selected accommodation, our services come to an end, bringing your Camino journey to a close.

Pictures from the route

Frequently asked questions

  • Can I do the Camino on my own and stay in hotels or hostels?

    Yes, of course. You can do the Camino independently and stay in hotels and hostels. At Camino Galicia, we offer this option without the need to join a group.

    In fact, it is a very common choice: many people decide to do the Camino on their own to enjoy the experience at their own pace, disconnect and experience each stage in a more personal way.

    We take care of organising your accommodation, luggage transfers and support throughout the Camino, so you only have to focus on walking and enjoying the experience.

    Travelling alone doesn’t mean you’ll be alone: the Camino is a place where it’s very easy to meet other pilgrims and share moments along the route.

  • Will I have a guide accompanying me on the Camino de Santiago?

    No. Our trips are designed so that you can walk the Camino at your own pace, without a guide accompanying you during the stages.

    However, you won’t be alone. At Camino Galicia, we take care of organising all the necessary services, and you’ll have support throughout your trip to help with any questions or unexpected situations that may arise.

    All you have to do is walk, enjoy the scenery and experience the Camino your own way.

  • 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.

  • What documents do I need for the trip?

    A valid ID card or passport, and the European health card if you are coming from outside Spain.

    For the Camino you also need the pilgrim credential, stamped at least twice a day over the last 100 km. It is what lets you claim the Compostela in Santiago. You can get it in Sarria at the parish, the hostels and the friends of the Camino associations.

  • Do I need travel insurance?

    It is not compulsory, but it is strongly recommended. Travel assistance insurance covers medical care and, depending on the policy, cancellation if you end up unable to travel.

    Before taking one out yourself, write to us: we will tell you exactly what your trip already covers so you do not pay twice for the same thing.

  • Do I have to carry my backpack all day?

    No, if you want we transport 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.

  • When is the best time to walk the Camino?

    April to October is the season with the best weather and everything open. May, June and September tend to be the most pleasant: mild temperatures and fewer people than in high August. As a result, they are also among the most popular months.

    You can also walk in winter, but there is less daylight and some places close.

  • What is the Compostela and how do I get it?

    It is the certificate issued by Santiago Cathedral to those who complete the Camino.

    To claim it you must have walked at least the last 100 km and show your credential with two stamps a day over that stretch. You collect it at the Pilgrim's Office in Santiago.

  • 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.

    Time flies! The 2027 Holy Year (Jacobean Year) is just around the corner, and accommodation is already starting to fill up.