Camino De Santiago

– Oviedo to Santiago de Compestela, Spain –

Distance (KM)

Days

# Caminos walked

About My Camino

The Camino Primativo is my fourth Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, and it came right on the heels of my Italian walk on the Via Francigena. This pilgrimage route is known as the “original way” because it is the oldest of all the Camino de Santiago routes. It originated in 814 A.D. when King Alfonso II of Asturias made the pilgrimage from his kingdom to Santiago de Compostela to see the remains of St. James.

The Camino Primativo has a reputation for being less popular than many other routes. This tends to make it a quieter and more serene pilgrimage through northern Spain (however, it was surprisingly busy in May 2025). Moreover, the rugged terrain through the mountains of Asturias and Galicia also makes it one of the more physically challenging Camino routes.

Below is my daily trail journal from the Camino Primativo – along with my packing list and some additional random thoughts about this wonderful springtime Camino experience.

Trail Journal

Pre-Hike

Why I chose to walk the Camino Primitivo
A warm-up in Italy’s Via Francigena
Prologue: Lights Out!

Camino Primativo

Day 1: A Sweaty Start
Day 2: Labor Day
Day 3: The Sound of Music
Day 4: Hospitales Route
Day 5: Down to the Dam
Day 6: Rain, Rain, Go Away
Day 7: Too Cold For May
Day 8: An Easy Day into Lugo
Day 9: Walking with Others
Day 10: Pilgrims Everywhere
Day 11: Trail Magic
Day 12: 10km to Santiago

11 Differences Between the Camino and Via Francigena

May 26, 2025 | Italy, Via Francigena

In February, I publicly announced my plans to walk 400+ kilometers on the Via Francigena. Soon afterward, several friends began referring to this upcoming trek as my "Italian Camino." I can see their point of view. This new pilgrimage resembled my other trips on the...

Resources

Wise Pilgrim – Camino Primativo (navigation app I used)
WhatsApp (essential for texting in Spain)
Airalo (e-SIM provider I used in Spain)
Booking.com