CAMINO PRIMITIVO FROM LUGO ITINERARY
1: LUGO
Today you will make your way to Lugo city, a wonderful city where you should explore its historic quarter and iconic Roman Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Romans in the 3rd century.
It is in the old quarter where you will find the wonderful Cathedral of Santa Maria or the House of Mosaics, once the home of a wealthy Roman where you can see original Roman mosaics; as well as some of the best bars and restaurants to try local delicacies.
DAY 2: WALKING FROM LUGO TO PONTE FERREIRA- 26KMS
Today you will set off from Lugo city on your Camino de Santiago journey. As many pilgrims have done for many centuries, you will be leaving Lugo’s Old Town through Porta Miñá, the oldest gate of the Roman Wall, named after the Miño River.
Passing the neighbourhood of San Lázaro and the old Roman Bridge you will quickly leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind to walk through chestnuts and oak forests and farmland to Ponte Ferreira.
Along the way, you will see the various Romanesque Churches, such as Santa Eulalia de Bóveda and San Miguel; and the Baroque San Vicente do Burgo Church.
DAY 3: WALKING FROM PONTE FERREIRA TO MELIDE – 21KMS
From Ponte Ferreira, the Camino Primitivo takes you through tiny little villages and hamlets and across farmland, following ancient tracks and trails. Today you will be reaching the market town of Melide, where the Camino Primitivo joins the Camino Frances.
From now on, you will leave the peaceful quiet trails of the Camino Primitivo and encounter many more pilgrims as you get closer to Santiago. In Melide, we recommend trying Galicia’s most traditional dish: octopus, which is cooked to perfection in the many octopus restaurants in town, known as ‘pulperías’.
Another local delicacy you must try if you have a sweet tooth are Melide’s ‘‘melindres’ aniseed-flavoured sweet pastries. Melide is also home to what is believed to be the oldest cruceiro in Galicia, dating from the 14th century; and some wonderful Romanesque churches in the town’s old quarter.
DAY 4: WALKING FROM MELIDE TO ARZUA – 15KM
From Melide to Arzua it is an easy stretch of just 15kms, on the Camino Frances trail across the Galician countryside, through oak forests and passing meadows and plenty of pastures with happy cows.
The picturesque hamlet of Ribadiso, by the medieval bridge over the River Iso, is a great stop for a rest and a picnic.
You are in dairy land and you shouldn’t leave Arzua without trying some of its local cheeses, particularly the iconic ‘tetilla’. Since 1975, the town has hosted an annual Cheese Festival dedicated to its local specialties.
The Romanesque Church of Santa María and the Convent of A Magdalena are also two must-see monuments in Arzua.
DAY 5: WALKING FROM ARZUA TO RUA – 20KMS
Today you will be continuing your walk on the Camino Frances route, following trails across woodlands, farms and little hamlets in rural Galicia. It is worth stopping at the Santa Irene Chapel with the statue of St James.
Unlike previous days, you will encounter plenty of services along the trail catering for pilgrims. Your stop for the night is the pretty hamlet of Rúa.
DAY 6: WALKING FROM RUA TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA – 20KMS
Today is your last day walking the Camino de Santiago and as you get closer and closer to Santiago, the excitement among pilgrims is palpable. From Monte do Gozo you will catch the first glimpse of the city.
Entering the Old Town and finally reaching the Praza do Obradoiro with other pilgrims from all over the world is quite a special moment you will remember forever. Enjoy your achievement!
Remember to visit the Pilgrims Office to request your Compostela certificate.
DAY 7: EXPLORING SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
After your Camino walk, it is time to discover the wonderful city of Santiago de Compostela. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Town can be easily explored on foot, enjoying its vibrant atmosphere.
After a visit to the Cathedral and its treasures, head to the Abastos Market where you will find all the Galician delicacies on display from seafood and fish to cheeses, meats, vegetables and sweet treats.
The market is the city’s second most visited attraction and there are lovely cafes and bars nearby, where you can enjoy a cafe con churros, a glass of wine or sit down for lunch.
DAY 8 – SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA AIRPORT
Travel back to the Rosalia de Castro Airport in Santiago de Compostela for your flight back home, we hope you enjoyed your Camino de Santiago experience!
The Camino Primitivo from Lugo self guided tour can be tailored to your preferences and needs, talk to our travel experts for advice.
