Camino Primitivo

Camino Primitivo

Oviedo to Santiago on Spain’s Original Way

While not the most well known camino route, the Camino Primitivo, or “Original Way,” has rich historical significance as the oldest official Camino route. As the Muslim conquest of Spain gained ground northward in the 8th century, the Kingdom of Asturias in northern Spain remained under Christian control, with its capital in Oviedo. In the early 9th century, during Alfonso II’s reign, St. James’ remains were discovered in Galicia. Alfonso traveled to Galicia to confirm the remains’ authenticity, establishing the first Camino to Santiago.

The Camino Primitivo—crossing the rugged, mountainous interior of Asturias—is the most physically demanding of the modern routes to Santiago and arguably the most beautiful. The Primitivo has fewer and more rustic (though sufficient) services than other Camino routes, but waymarking is good. Pilgrims seeking more solitude and challenging terrain will be well rewarded on the Primitivo.

The traditional starting point of the Camino Primitivo is in Oviedo. Today, that’s where most pilgrims start. With only 350km from Oviedo to Santiago, the Primitivo can be completed in a manageable two weeks. In addition, many pilgrims walking the Camino del Norte choose to leave the coast in Villaviciosa in order to join the Primitivo in Oviedo for the last half of their journey to Santiago.