Camino Primitivo

Welcome to Lugo, the starting point for your exciting journey! If you arrive in the morning on this first day you can spend exploring the city of Lugo and all it has to offer.

Lugo, located on a hill on the banks of the river Miño, preserves major remains of its Roman past, among them its ancient wall, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Inside the walls, the city conserves quiet pedestrian streets, wide squares and spacious gardens, where buildings such as the Cathedral, the Archiepiscopal Palace, and the City Hall stand out. The historic quarter also houses some of the best restaurants in Galicia, where it is possible to sample the excellent fresh meats and fish which have earned Lugo’s gastronomy-recognised acclaim.  Many bars in town will serve free tapas, when you order a drink. Apart from culture and cuisine, one can breathe nature in Lugo. For hydrotherapy lovers, at the foot of the river Miño you will find the historic spa, where the remains of the ancient Roman baths can be visited.

Today you have time to look around the old centre of Lugo and prepare for your walk the next morning. Visit ancient Roman remains such as the walls, bridge, baths or mosaics that made Lugo a significant centre for the Romans. There is a  network of unique museums such as the Domus de Mitreo (ancient temple dedicated to the oriental god Mitra), the House of Mosaics or the Provincial Museum. and the Castro de Viladonga archaeological site outside the city; The Lugo Cathedral is one of the most beautiful in Galicia and of historical significance for Pilgrims on the Primitivo route.

Meals: B

Leave Lugo by the oldest gate in the wall, down to the Roman bridge, which spans the Miño River. Moving further away from Lugo, we come to San Vicente do Burgo, where there was once a pilgrim hospital. This section of the stage offers striking panoramic views of the city receding in the distance. The route continues through San Pedro de Mera and San Romao da Retorta that offers delightful examples of the Romanesque style. and where there is a Roman milestone – evidence that the Primitive Route follows the path of an ancient road. From here onwards, the trail follows ancient paths that are still much in use and connect an endless of small rural villages.

In Ferreira, apart from the medieval bridge, there is also a Romanesque church dating from the late 12th century, which was part of Vilar de Donas.

Meals: B

The walk today takes you through beautiful farmland and forest, passing small villages and crossing lovely arched stone bridges.

The route continues on to Aguas Santas with its curative springs, As Seixas, and the border between the provinces of Lugo and A Coruña. Cross the Careón Mountains, an area of great ecological value where flora and fauna that have grown scarce in Galicia have been preserved. The highest peak, O Careón, rises to 798m. Continue through Vilouriz to Vilamor.

The Primitive Route converges with the French Route at the historic town of Melide, a busy town founded in the 13th century which has many historic buildings and churches including the Capilla de San Pedro and San Roque next to which stands a 14th century stone cross said to be the oldest in Galicia. The museum and the buildings around the Plaza de Convento are well worth a visit. Melide is also famous for Pulpo Gallego, octopus cooked Galician style and reputed to be the best in Spain. From here you join the Camino Frances, now the most popular route to Santiago.

Meals: B

Melide is a busy town founded in the 13th century and has many historic buildings and churches including the Capilla de San Pedro and San Roque next to which stands a 14th century stone cross said to be the oldest in Galicia. The museum and the buildings around the Plaza de Convento are well worth a visit. Melide is also famous for Pulpo Gallego, octopus cooked Galician style and reputed to be the best in Spain. Much of the path after Melide winds through woodlands of oak, pine and eucalypt, passing over several valleys through Boente, Castañeda and then Ribadiso from where you can see the Hospital San Anton, one of the oldest pilgrim hospitals in existence.

From Melide you will notice the path is much busier, filled with pilgrims on the Camino Frances. The path winds through woodlands of oak, pine and eucalypt, passing over several valleys though Boente, Castañeda and then Ribadiso from where you can see the Hospital San Anton, one of the oldest pilgrim hospitals in existence. From Ribadiso follow the country road on a steep uphill climb and through the outer suburbs before entering Arzua.

Arzua with a population of around 7000 is the last large town before you reach Santiago. The 14th century Capilla de la Magdelena is the town’s main monument. Arzua is most famous for its local cheese, Queixo, a smooth creamy cheese made from cow’s milk which most restaurants feature in some way and is definitely worth trying. The town also celebrates its cheese with a Queixo Cheese festival every March.

Meals: B

The majority of today’s walk to O Pedrouzo is through wonderful pine and eucalyptus scented woodland. The path is mostly level, passing through three shallow river valleys with a gradual climb up to Alto de Santa Irene at 404m. The country lanes and woodland paths pass through many small hamlets. The final section climbs steeply to a main road, into eucalyptus woodland and onto A Rua and the village to O Pedrouzo. O Pedrouzo /Arco do Pino is a small but busy town with plenty of shops, restaurants and bars and the staging point for the last section of the Camino before entering Santiago de Compostela.

Meals: B

Today’s route will likely be busier as pilgrims begin the last stage of their walk into Santiago, filled with excitement and anticipation. The pilgrims mass at Santiago Cathedral begins at midday so you will need to leave early to arrive on time. The first section of today’s route passes through eucalypt forests with most of the route on quiet roads and pathways before the final kilometres and a climb to Mount Gozo before descending into the suburbs of Santiago. The path runs alongside the airport and you will see many crosses of twigs and branches used by pilgrims to decorate the fence.

Lavacolla village is where pilgrims traditionally washed to purify themselves before entering Santiago and Lavacolla literally means to wash your tail. At Monte Gozo, Mount of Joy, you will first sight the stunning Catedral de Santiago spires.

The final section is well signposted into the old quarter with its wonderful historical buildings and narrow shop filled alleyways, until you finally reach the Praza Obradoiro in the heart of Santiago de Compostela, and the wonderful ancient Cathedral.

Meals: B

Today you have the whole day to enjoy and explore historic Santiago de Compostela with its many enticing tapas bars and restaurants. You can attend the midday pilgrims mass and look around the famous Cathedral of St James which forms the city’s heart and watch the steady stream of pilgrims arriving into the square as they finish their epic journey. Alternatively you may like to take a day trip out to visit Finisterre, the ‘end of the world’ or a shorter rooftop tour of Santiago, both of which can easily be arranged locally.

Meals: B

You are free to check out of your hotel any time before 10am. If you would like to explore Santiago further you are able to leave your bags with reception.

Meals: B

• 8 nights in accommodation that is clean, comfortable and well-located
• Private ensuite rooms on a twin-share basis
• Daily breakfast
• Luggage transfer each day from hotel to hotel (1 x 20kg bag per person)
• RAW Travel navigation app with maps of your hotel locations and emergency contact numbers
• Local and Australian emergency contact numbers
• Pre-trip Camino guidance and planning
• Dedicated local support person in Spain for reassurance

• Single supplement $420
• Travel insurance
• Flights

Take a private transfer from Santiago airport to your hotel in Lugo at an additional cost from $320 per vehicle (based on 4 people), so that you can start your trip as smoothly as possible.

For an extra indulgence, upgrade your hotel in Santiago to a Parador from $170 per person/per night twin share and $250 per person/per night single occupancy, when booked 6 months in advance (subject to availability).

You may like to extend your trip and stay an extra night in Lugo and/or Santiago – price available on request.