Camino de las Asturias

The place

pilgrimage path in Spain

Why go

Oviedo Cathedral and the Cámara Santa (relics). Tineo and the Monastery of Obona. Puerto del Cebrero (755 m). O Cebreiro and its pre-Romanesque church. Rural Galicia with its hórreos and pallozas. Praza do Obradoiro in Santiago.

A bit of history

The Camino Primitivo is the oldest of the Caminos de Santiago, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1993). Alfonso II the Chaste ordered the first church to be built over the Apostle's tomb in the 9th century, marking the beginning of the pilgrimage to Compostela.

Getting there

Oviedo: Asturias airport (20 min by bus) or RENFE/FEVE trains from Madrid (5h) or Bilbao (3h). Santiago de Compostela: international airport and AVE trains from Madrid.

Recommended gear

Waterproof hiking boots (Asturias is very rainy). Raincoat. Trekking poles recommended. Lightweight sleeping bag. Pilgrim's credential.

Best season

May to October. Spring is rainy but green. July–August is the busiest period. September–October is ideal (fewer pilgrims, good weather).