MTB Spain: Camino Primitivo

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Arrival: Oviedo

   You will be met at Asturias Airport (OVD) and transferred (40 minutes) to the handsome, proud capital of Asturias; Oviedo. Bikes will be built and fitted before you head out to discover the city. The beautiful Cathedral of San Salvador is a must and a great place to get the first stamp in your pilgrim’s passport, proof of completion of the pilgrimage.
   
   In the evening your local guides will brief you on the journey to come before guiding you to the best ‘siderias’ in the city for some drinks and local cuisine.
   
   

   • Local accommodation
2. Day 2Oviedo to Tineo

   The exciting first steps of your route lead you out of the city on quiet lanes before you enjoy some heavenly riding along ancient paths and forest singletrack down to the River Nora. A mid-morning coffee at a pilgrims’ hostel prepares you for racy trails along the Nalon riverside, passing the striking rock pinnacle of Penaflor and entering the picturesque market town of Grado for a well-earned lunch of local delicacies.
   
   Refreshed, you tackle your first cheeky climb over the Alto de el Fresno before dropping into a fun and furious 5 km stretch of trail down to the Rio Narcea.
   
   Next comes the 11 km stretch between La Espina and Tineo, where your pace slows and the landscape deepens. You begin with a gentle climb from La Espina, winding through green fields and majestic chestnut forests. Along the way, small villages like El Pedregal and La Pereda offer brief but charming stops, each with its own timeless appeal.
   
   As the path narrows, you venture into dense oak and eucalyptus forests, encountering a few challenging climbs—but the breathtaking views make every effort worthwhile. Then comes the reward: an exhilarating descent into Tineo.
   
   Upon arrival, the Iglesia de San Pedro and Tineo’s old cobbled streets invite you to pause. A short detour to the Monasterio de Obona provides a glimpse into history, while the perfect finishing touch is a glass of sidra asturiana to celebrate your journey.

   • 42.3 miles
   • 5,561 ft
     5,561 ft
   • Local accommodation
   • Breakfast and Lunch
3. Day 3Tineo to Vistalegre

   After a good rest and a meal filled with the best local produce, it’s time to get back on the bikes for an epic day in the Asturian mountains. From Tineo, you ride through its historic streets, leaving behind the legacy of ancient Roman gold mining. The trail quickly leads you into a steep climb up Alto de Guardia, ascending along ancient stone paths before plunging into an exhilarating technical descent through meadows, forests, and isolated villages.
   
   Upon reaching Samblismo, you face a key decision familiar to all pilgrims on their way to Santiago: descend into the valley to Pola de Allande or take on the wild, remote mountains leading to the highest point of the Camino Primitivo, Puerto del Palo, at nearly 1,200 meters.
   
   As you may have guessed, you’ll be taking the more exciting route through the Hospitales, the ancient mountain paths that once sheltered weary pilgrims. These fabulous trails lead you over high ridges, ancient trading routes, and natural singletrack. On a clear day, you can see the distant Atlantic Ocean, hidden behind layers of rolling sierras.
   
   These spectacular trails take you across high ridges, age-old trading routes, and flowing natural singletrack. On a clear day, the distant Atlantic Ocean shimmers beyond layers of rolling sierras.
   
   Once, small villages along this route served as pilgrim hospitals, offering refuge. Today, these hamlets still provide shelter as you climb and descend, eventually reaching your remote resting place for the night—Vistalegre. A simple mountain retreat, paired with hearty local fare, is the perfect reward after a long and unforgettable day on the bike.
   
   

   • 34.2 miles
   • 5,446.2 ft
     5,446.2 ft
   • Local accommodation
   • Breakfast and Lunch
4. Day 4Vistalegre to Fonsagrada

   After a good rest and a breakfast filled with the finest local produce, you begin the day in Vistalegre, surrounded by the lush Asturian landscape. From here, you head toward Grandas de Salime, a picturesque village that greets you with its rustic charm. As you progress, the scenery opens up, revealing breathtaking views of the Salime Reservoir, its waters stretching across the valley and reflecting the towering mountains—a true visual spectacle.
   
   Upon reaching Grandas de Salime, you take a well-deserved break before facing the real challenge of the day: the climb to Alto del Acebo. This section follows ancient mountain paths, winding through dense forests. The ascent is steady, but each pedal stroke is rewarded with increasingly stunning views. As you gain altitude, the landscapes of both Galicia and Asturias unfold before you, offering an awe-inspiring panorama.
   
   At the summit of Alto del Acebo, you pause to take in the sweeping views of Galicia—a perfect moment to rest before continuing. After the demanding climb, the route eases into a gentle descent through pine forests and open meadows, passing through small villages like Fonfría.
   
   The afternoon takes on a more relaxed pace as you follow rural paths down to the valley floor. The terrain softens further, leading you to A Fonsagrada, a charming historical village perched at nearly 1,000 meters of altitude. Here, you unwind after a rewarding day of riding, savouring excellent Galician cuisine and preparing for the next stage of your journey.

   • 19.3 miles
   • 3,805.8 ft
     3,805.8 ft
   • Local accommodation
   • Breakfast and Lunch
5. Day 5Fonsagrada to Lugo

   Today starts with beautiful paths climbing to reach the emblematic Alto de Montouto and the ruins of an ancient pilgrims’ hospital beside an impressive Celtic burial chamber. It’s a wonderful place for you to contemplate the past before a terrific descent down to Paradevilla for a mid-morning snack and coffee.
   
   The trail snakes its way through numerous ancient settlements where time seems to have stood still. In Galicia, much of the terrain is made up of smallholdings where it’s not uncommon to see people scything grass by hand or ploughing fields with oxen.
   
   A bit of effort is needed to reach the Alto de Fontaneira, offering you amazing vistas down to the rolling green valleys of Galicia. The trail then begins to descend on a multitude of tracks and paths for the last 20 km to the fortified city of Lugo, your home for the night.
   
   Lugo is a great place to overnight and wander its old lanes to the impressive cathedral and Plaza Mayor. The food is excellent too, and it’s probably time for you to try the Galician dish of pulpo a la feira, octopus with spicy paprika, washed down with a crisp Albariño white!
   
   

   • 32.9 miles
   • 3,526.9 ft
     3,526.9 ft
   • Local accommodation
   • Breakfast and Lunch
6. Day 6Lugo to Sedor

   Leaving Lugo you'll first descend to cross the snaking Rio Mino, which further west is the natural border between Portugal and Spain. After a few easy kilometres along a narrow lane, your way intersects with a Roman road connecting Braga in Portugal with the trading route of the Via de la Plata coming from the Mediterranean. There are beautifully restored Roman temples and milarios that make interesting breaks in the journey.
   
   Once over the open moorland of Hospital das Seisas you'll take a long steady descent passing Celtic Castros (settlements) and interesting horreos (grain stores) to arrive in the small bustling town of Melide. It’s here where you will join the Camino Frances, the most popular of the pilgrim routes to Santiago.
   
   On the final kilometres of this penultimate day, the trail continues through oak woods and eucalyptus plantations, following a well-restored medieval road. One last flowing descent takes you down to cross the Boente Valley, from here it’s a short pedal to your relaxing accommodation for the night, a great place to refuel for the final hop to the great city of Santiago.
   
   

   • 35.4 miles
   • 3,559.7 ft
     3,559.7 ft
   • Local accommodation
   • Breakfast and Lunch
7. Day 7Sedor to Santiago de Compostela

   Your final day’s cycling on the journey to Santiago is full of fun, with a party atmosphere filling the trail! It will be a memorable day, with just 45km to go! A steady climb brings you to the artisan’s town of Arzua where, according to legend, a local woman who denied a tired, hungry pilgrim a piece of bread had her head turned to stone! So please be in a sharing mood!  You will cycle deep into mysterious Galicia, rich with legends and stories of Brujeria (witchcraft) and mythology. The route is intricate, winding through tiny granite hamlets and farmsteads, giving you the chance to savour the region’s beauty.
   
   Many of the trails you'll ride on today are corredioras, ancient stone paths linking villages, which make fabulous mountain biking trails.
   
   There is a quiet rest area in Santa Irene where you can stop and rest for lunch, refuelling for the final pedal to Santiago. After riding through Lavacolla you’ll take on the last climbs of the Camino as you head up on paved roads and along to Monte del Gozo (Mount Joy), so-called as the long-awaited sight of Santiago comes into view for the first time. From here it’s downhill all the way to a place declared a World Heritage Site in its entirety by UNESCO, Santiago de Compostela. Your sights will be firmly set on the Plaza de Obradoiro, Santiago’s impressive cathedral square, which houses its greatest treasures. It’s a special moment, signifying the end of a truly memorable ride!
   
   

   • 28 miles
   • 2,706.7 ft
     2,706.7 ft
   • Local accommodation
   • Breakfast and Lunch

   • 

     Santiago de Compostela

     Arrive at this UNESCO World Heritage Site at the end of the tour

8. Day 8Departure: Santiago de Compostela

   After a relaxing breakfast it’s time to pack those bags one last time, as you’ll be transferred to Santiago de Compostela airport for your flight home (just a short 30 minute transfer).
   
   Santiago de Compostela is a beautiful city to explore at your own pace and it is well recommended if you wish to stay for longer. The cathedral never fails to impress and delight, especially the impressive incense-bearing Botafumerio as it swings from the rafters. Other sights of particular interest include Convento de San Paio de Antelares, which houses the Museo de Arte Sacro, the Praza de la Azabacheria and Museo do Pobo Galego. The Hospital Real (now a luxury hotel) is worth a visit, even if it’s for a quick drink in the bar. Or why not take a few moments to relax and reflect on the trip and watch the world drift by in a plaza – a fantastic place to end the trip, relax and unwind.
   
   

   • Breakfast

   • 

     Santiago de Compostela

     Arrive at this UNESCO World Heritage Site at the end of the tour