As for the question of how many days the Camino Primitivo takes, it should be noted that in this case you will be able to complete the route in about eight days. In other words, this is an ideal plan for those who do not have much holiday time.
Below, we explain which are the stages of the Camino Primitivo and what you can expect from each of them:
Day 1: Meeting and accommodation in Fonsagrada
Fonsagrada will be our meeting point to start this fantastic story of pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago Primitivo. The first meeting will be at the hostel selected by our expert and founder Alberto Lence. We will give you the location two days before the start of the trip through the WhatsApp group.
Although we will meet at 18:30, the meeting will not start until 19:00. During this meeting you will be able to meet your fellow travellers and receive the latest instructions and recommendations from the Viajeros Canallas monitors and guides. We will finish with a dinner in which you will be able to get strength for the next stage and strengthen your bonds with the members of the group who are venturing with you in this organized Camino de Santiago Primitivo.
Day 2: Stage 1, Fonsagrada - O Cadavo
Distance to be covered: 24.3 kilometres. Estimated time: 6 hours. Difficulty: Medium / High.
The time has come to take our first steps on the Camino Primitivo. This will be our first fully Galician stage. The route runs almost entirely on dirt tracks with constant slopes, although these will be rather moderate. Be careful, we will also go through the tremendous ascent to A Lastra, so you should be prepared. During the route we will come across the ruins of the Hospital de Montouto, founded in the 14th century to provide shelter and assistance to pilgrims.
Day 3: Stage 2, O Cadavo - Lugo
Distance to be covered: 29.5 kilometres. Estimated time: 7 hours. Difficulty: Medium.
This day we will cover more distance than the previous day. The second stage of our journey takes place on comfortable dirt and tarmac tracks with fairly gentle gradients. Between O Cádavo and Castroverde we come to a modest pass and then flatten out on the plateau of Lugo until we reach the capital. The only town with services that we find until we reach Lugo is Castroverde, but luckily in some villages they have taken advantage of the passage of pilgrims to install vending machines. We will stop to rest in Lugo, which has the honour of being the largest city on the Primitive Way. Its Roman wall and the cathedral of Santa María are two of the most important sights.
Day 4: Stage 3, Lugo - Ferreira
Distance to be covered: 26.5 kilometres. Estimated time: 6h 30′. Difficulty: Medium.
This time the stage is very simple. Most of the kilometres are on local roads and in some sections we will ride on comfortable tracks, almost all of which are asphalted. It is not uncommon to encounter some unevenness.
Day 5: Stage 4, Ferreira - Melide
Distance to be covered: 20 kilometres. Estimated time: 5 hours. Difficulty: Low.
This stage of the Primitive Way is basically rural. We will cross small dirt tracks but mostly asphalt and the slopes will be almost constant but moderate. You will have the opportunity to visit small villages and in some of them you will be able to enjoy their restaurant services. Today we finish in Melide, one of the stops on the French Way of St. James.
Day 6: Stage 5, Melide - O Pedrouzo
Distance to be covered: 33.2 kilometres. Estimated time: 8 hours. Difficulty: Medium / High.
During this stage we will pass through beautiful villages such as Ribadiso do Baixo. The predominant vegetation that you will be able to see during this day consists of eucalyptus forests, pastures and meadows. We will walk along quiet forest tracks, linking up with small villages. The terrain is pleasant and easy to walk in, where you can take refuge among masses of trees. The gently rolling terrain alternates with areas close to the road. Bear in mind that you will have to cross the road several times before reaching O Pedrouzo. Among the most outstanding points of interest on this stage of the Primitive Pilgrim's Way to Santiago are the Chapel of Santa Irene with its magnificent Baroque fountain.
Day 7: Stage 6, O Pedrouzo - Santiago → 19 Km / 4-5 H
Distance to be covered: 19 kilometres. Estimated time: 5 hours. Difficulty: Low
And after so much effort, the reward arrives. This last stage is one of the most special because you can already feel the nerves and excitement of being so close to finally seeing Santiago. We advise you not to miss the views of the Cathedral from Monte del Gozo. We will take a gentle route except for the climb to San Marcos from Lavacolla. This last place has such a picturesque name because of the stop that pilgrims used to make there in order to wash up a bit before presenting themselves before the Apostle Santiago. From Monte de Gozo we are only 5 kilometres from our end and you can already make out the imposing façade of the Obradoiro in the distance. When we arrive, our deepest feelings will unconsciously come to the surface: Congratulations pilgrim! Now begins, probably "Your real Camino". The way of life.
Day 8: Farewell
