Route Overview

Where is the Camino Primitivo?

The Camino Primitivo (also known as the Original Way or the Way of Alfonso II) is the oldest of all the Camino de Santiago routes, located in the northern Spanish regions of Asturias and Galicia. The full route stretches over 300 kilometres from the Asturian capital of Oviedo through the rugged Cantabrian Mountains and into the green hills of Galicia before reaching Santiago de Compostela. This ancient path follows in the footsteps of King Alfonso II of Asturias who made the journey in the 9th century, becoming the first recorded pilgrim to visit the newly discovered tomb of Saint James.

The Hillwalk Tours itinerary covers the final and most accessible section of the Camino Primitivo, beginning in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Lugo with its remarkable Roman walls. This 100-kilometre stretch avoids the steep mountain crossings of the early stages while still offering an authentic pilgrimage experience through rural Galicia. The route passes through traditional villages, ancient forests and rolling farmland before merging with the busier Camino Francés at Melide and continuing together to Santiago de Compostela.

Why should you walk the Camino Finisterre?

The Camino Primitivo offers a rare opportunity to walk the very first Camino route, following the path taken by King Alfonso II over 1,200 years ago. This historical significance adds a powerful dimension to the pilgrimage experience. Unlike the more crowded Camino Francés, the Primitivo remains relatively quiet and unspoiled, particularly in its early stages from Lugo, allowing for genuine solitude and reflection.

The route through Galicia showcases the region at its most authentic. You will pass through small villages where traditional ways of life continue largely unchanged, walk beneath canopies of ancient oak and chestnut trees and encounter Romanesque churches that have stood for centuries. The landscape is quintessentially Galician with its patchwork of green fields, stone walls, granite crosses and hórreos (traditional grain stores raised on stilts).

Starting from Lugo gives you the perfect introduction to both the Camino Primitivo and Galician culture. The city’s intact Roman walls (the only complete Roman fortifications remaining in the world) and beautiful old quarter provide a spectacular beginning to your journey. The UNESCO World Heritage designation recognises both the walls and the city’s importance as a stop on the pilgrimage route.

Walking the final 100 kilometres from Lugo qualifies you to receive the Compostela, the official certificate of completion issued by the Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago. More importantly, this section offers a genuine Camino experience without requiring weeks away from home or tackling the demanding mountain stages that characterise the route’s earlier sections.

When is the best time to walk the Camino Primitivo?

The Camino Primitivo through Galicia can be walked comfortably between March and November, though each season offers distinct advantages. The most popular walking months are May through September when the weather is generally warmer and drier, though Galicia’s maritime climate means rain is possible at any time of year.

Spring (April to May) brings wildflowers to the meadows and hedgerows, with bright green landscapes and comfortable walking temperatures. The route is quieter during these months compared to summer, and accommodation is readily available. Trees are in full leaf and the countryside is at its most photogenic.

Summer (June to August) sees the warmest weather and longest daylight hours, making it ideal for those who prefer guaranteed sunshine. However, this is also when the route becomes busier, particularly after Melide where the Primitivo joins the Camino Francés. Temperatures in Galicia rarely become uncomfortably hot due to the Atlantic influence.

Autumn (September to October) is considered by many to be the finest time to walk. The crowds thin out after the summer peak, the weather remains generally good and the changing colours of the deciduous forests create stunning scenery. Harvest season adds an extra dimension with grapes being picked in the vineyards.

Winter walking (November to February) is possible but requires preparation for shorter days, colder temperatures and a higher chance of rain. Many pilgrims find the solitude rewarding and accommodation providers are welcoming of winter walkers. However, some services may have reduced hours or be closed entirely.

How long does it take to hike the Camino Primitivo?

The complete Camino Primitivo from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela covers approximately 320 kilometres and typically takes experienced walkers three to four weeks to complete. However, the Hillwalk Tours itinerary focuses on the final and most popular section from Lugo to Santiago, covering just over 100 kilometres in a manageable and enjoyable timeframe.

The 7-day moderate tour from Lugo to Santiago includes 5 full days of walking at a comfortable pace, with daily distances ranging from 18 to 22 kilometres. This allows time to appreciate the scenery, stop for lunch in village cafés and arrive at your accommodation with energy to spare for exploring the evening’s destination. The first and last days are arrival and departure days, giving you time to settle in Lugo and to celebrate in Santiago.

For those with more time available, extra nights can be added at any point along the route. Lugo in particular rewards a longer stay with its Roman walls, cathedral and vibrant restaurant scene. Santiago de Compostela offers endless opportunities for exploration and many pilgrims choose to add several days at the end to fully experience the city and attend the Pilgrim’s Mass.

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Tour Route

Types of Trails

Choosing the right hiking tour for you can be, at times, tricky. It is always important to consider your own physical capability and comfort levels.

For example, at Hillwalk Tours, we have grouped each trail route we offer into three categories depending on personal preference and fitness levels. These are – Gentle, Moderate, and Challenging. Each of these categories, depending on the destination, will include anything from 4 to 14-day itineraries, with customers given the option to add rest days where they see fit.

Our Gentle hikes are perfectly suited for those who would consider themselves as a part-time hiker. This would be for those enjoy taking photos and meeting locals while taking in the spectacular scenery. Our Moderate hikes will suit people who are used to regular exercise and appreciate the opportunity of covering plenty of ground each day without going beyond their limits. Finally, our Challenging hikes are for hikers who look to set off early in the morning and not stop until they have reached their destination.

With regards to our Camino Primitivo trail, we offer a single 7-day Moderate hike, covering 15-21.5 km or 9.5-21.5 miles and between 4-7 hours per day.

Hillwalk Tours Guide Notes

When you book your Camino Primitivo tour with Hillwalk Tours, you will receive comprehensive walking documentation designed by our route development team. This includes detailed route notes written specifically for our itineraries (not generic guidebook descriptions), accurate turn-by-turn directions and GPS tracks accessible through the HiiKER app for easy navigation on your phone.

Your walking pack also includes historical and cultural information about the places you pass through, suggestions for the best places to eat and drink each evening and practical details about your accommodation. We personally walk every route we offer and update the information regularly, which allows us to provide more detail and local knowledge than standard guidebooks.

The route is also well waymarked with yellow arrows and scallop shell symbols, the traditional markers of all Camino routes. However, waymarking can occasionally be less frequent than on the Camino Francés, making our detailed notes and GPS tracks particularly valuable.

Alternatively, serveral off-the-shelf guidebooks covering the Camino Primitivocan be found.

Starting and Finishing Point

The tour begins in Lugo, a historic city in eastern Galicia that can be easily reached by bus from Santiago, A Coruña or other major cities. Lugo’s intact Roman walls (a UNESCO World Heritage site) encircle a charming old town with a beautiful cathedral, excellent restaurants and a genuine local atmosphere. Most tours include two nights in Lugo, allowing time to explore the city and rest after your journey before beginning the walk.

The route finishes in Santiago de Compostela, the ultimate destination of all Camino routes. Santiago has excellent transport connections including an international airport, regular train services to Madrid and other Spanish cities and bus links throughout Galicia and beyond. Many pilgrims choose to spend extra nights in Santiago to fully experience this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage city.

Public transport is readily available at all points along the route. Regular buses connect Lugo, Melide, Arzúa and Santiago, making it easy to adjust your plans if needed. Taxis are available in all the main towns for any necessary transfers.

Sample Camino Finisterre Itineraries

The following are examples of Hillwalk Tours Gentle, Moderate and Challenging itineraries of hiking the last and most popular section of the Camino Finisterre.

Moderate 7-Day

Day 1: Arrival in Lugo

Day 2: Lugo to San Román de Retorta (11.5 Miles / 18.5 Km) then transfer back to Lugo

Day 3: San Román de Retorta to Vilamor de Abaixo (13.5 Miles / 22 Km) then transfer to Melide

Day 4: Vilamor de Abaixo to Arzúa (12.5 Miles / 20.5 Km)

Day 5: Arzúa to A Rúa (11.2 Miles / 18 Km)

Day 6: A Rúa to Santiago de Compostela (13 Miles / 21 Km)

Day 7: Departure from Santiago de Compostela

Currency and Expenses

The currency used along the Camino Primitivo, as in the rest of Spain, is the Euro (€).

The cost of food, drinks, and activities while walking the Camino Finisterre can vary depending on factors such as location, time of year, and personal preferences.

Dining out along the Camino offers a range of options, from budget-friendly pilgrim menus to more upscale dining experiences. A typical pilgrim menu, which includes a starter, main course, dessert, and often wine or water, generally costs between €10 and €15. Mid-range restaurant meals can range from €15 to €30 per person, excluding drinks. If you opt for finer dining, prices will be higher. Beverages such as a glass of wine or a beer usually cost between €2 and €5, though prices may be slightly higher in larger cities or popular tourist areas.

The route passes through relatively quiet rural areas where most attractions are free to enjoy. Churches and chapels welcome pilgrims without charge though donations are appreciated. The Roman walls in Lugo can be walked for free and offer spectacular views over the city. In Santiago the cathedral is free to enter though there may be charges for the museum or rooftop tours.

Costs are generally lower along the Camino Primitivo compared to the busier Camino Francés, particularly in the smaller villages between Lugo and Melide where prices reflect local rather than tourist economics.

Camino Primitivo Accommodation and Services

Hotels and Guesthouses

Hotels and guesthouses are available in all the main towns along the Camino Primitivo from Lugo to Santiago. Lugo offers the widest choice with everything from budget pensiones to comfortable modern hotels. Melide, Arzúa and Santiago also have good selections. These establishments provide comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, breakfast and often additional services like laundry.

Albergues (Pilgrim Hostels)

Albergues are less common on this section of the Camino Primitivo compared to the Camino Francés, though availability increases significantly after Melide where the routes merge. They range from municipal albergues (often donation-based) to private facilities with better amenities. Most provide dormitory-style accommodation, shared bathrooms and communal areas. Some offer meals or kitchen facilities for self-catering.

Bed & Breakfasts (Casas Rurales)

Traditional Galician guesthouses and rural bed & breakfasts offer comfortable lodging with breakfast included and a warm welcome from local hosts. These are particularly common in the smaller villages and provide an authentic experience of Galician hospitality. Many are family-run establishments in traditional stone buildings.

Shops and Grocery Stores

Lugo, Melide, Arzúa and Santiago have supermarkets, bakeries and shops where you can buy food, snacks and supplies. The smaller villages between these towns may have limited or no shops, so it is advisable to carry water and snacks for the day’s walk. Your accommodation hosts can advise on where to buy provisions and many can provide packed lunches on request..

ATMs

ATMs are available in bigger towns. However, in smaller villages between these points, access may be limited. It’s recommended to withdraw sufficient cash in larger towns. Some establishments in coastal areas may only accept cash, so plan accordingly.

Camino Finisterre Trail Etiquette

The Camino Primitivo passes through working farmland and small rural communities where local people maintain traditional ways of life. Respecting the trail, the landscape and local customs ensures the route remains welcoming for future pilgrims.

Pilgrims are encouraged to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. This means carrying out all rubbish until you reach a proper bin, never leaving litter on the trail or in the countryside. The Camino passes through beautiful forests and farmland that deserve protection and care.

Be considerate of other pilgrims and local residents. Keep noise levels down, particularly in the early morning when leaving accommodation and in the evening in villages. Remember that the Camino passes directly through communities where people live and work.

Respect private property and farmland. Stay on marked paths, close gates behind you and never damage walls, crops or vegetation. The yellow arrows and waymarks are sometimes painted on private buildings with the owner’s permission, so treat them with care.

Greet fellow pilgrims and locals with a friendly “Buen Camino” or “Buenos días”. This simple courtesy is part of the Camino tradition and helps maintain the welcoming spirit of the route.

Hillwalk Tours Camino Primitivo Map

Camino Primitivo Terrain

Waymarking

The Camino Primitivo is generally well waymarked with the traditional yellow arrows and scallop shell symbols used on all Camino routes. However, waymarking is less frequent than on the heavily travelled Camino Francés, particularly on the quieter section from Lugo to Melide. Pay close attention at junctions and in villages where the route can be less obvious.

Yellow arrows appear painted on trees, rocks, walls and road surfaces at regular intervals. Concrete markers with the scallop shell symbol and distance information are also present at key points. In some areas you may also see the traditional mojones (stone waymarkers) showing the distance remaining to Santiago.

After Melide where the Primitivo joins the Camino Francés, waymarking becomes much more frequent and obvious due to the higher volume of pilgrims. From this point navigation is straightforward.

The Hillwalk Tours route notes and GPS tracks provide an additional layer of security, offering turn-by-turn directions and exact coordinates for all key junctions and landmarks. This combination of traditional waymarks and modern navigation tools means you should never feel lost or uncertain.

Difficulty

The Camino Primitivo from Lugo to Santiago is graded as moderate in difficulty. This section avoids the steep mountain climbs of the earlier Asturian stages while still including enough variety to feel like a genuine challenge.

The terrain consists mainly of forest paths, farm tracks, quiet country roads and occasional stretches on busier roads (though these are generally short and well-marked). Underfoot conditions are usually good with a mix of earth paths, gravel tracks and tarmac. After rain some sections can become muddy, particularly through wooded areas.

Elevation changes are present but manageable. The route includes several climbs and descents as it crosses the rolling Galician landscape, with the most noticeable ascent coming on the final approach to Monte do Gozo before descending into Santiago. None of the climbs are extreme and all can be tackled at a steady comfortable pace.

Sights & Attractions

Lugo and the Roman Walls

Lugo stands as one of the most historically significant cities in Galicia. The Roman walls that encircle the old town are the only complete Roman fortifications remaining anywhere in the world, earning UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000. Built in the 3rd century AD to defend the Roman settlement of Lucus Augusti, the walls stretch for over two kilometres and reach up to 15 metres in height. Walking the complete circuit along the top takes about 30 minutes and offers spectacular views over the city and surrounding countryside.

The Cathedral of Santa María, begun in the 12th century, blends Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles. Its interior holds a perpetual exposition of the Blessed Sacrament that has continued unbroken since 1673. The old town within the walls is a maze of narrow streets, charming plazas and traditional restaurants serving Galician cuisine. The twice-weekly market at the Plaza de Abastos showcases local produce and gives a genuine taste of everyday life in the city.

Ponte Ferreira

This medieval bridge crosses the Río Ferreira between small hamlets and offers a peaceful spot to rest. The stone construction has carried pilgrims for hundreds of years and the riverside setting with overhanging trees provides welcome shade on warm days. Look for the traditional cruceiro (stone cross) nearby, a common sight at crossroads and river crossings throughout Galicia.

San Román de Retorta

This small village preserves a remarkable 12th-century Romanesque church that marks the end of the first day’s walking. The church features a beautifully carved portal and stands as a fine example of rural Romanesque architecture. The village itself represents traditional Galician agricultural life with stone houses, hórreos and narrow lanes that have changed little over the centuries.

Melide

The symbolic end of the route stands on dramatic cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean. Known in Roman times as Finis Terrae, the End of the World, the lighthouse marks a place of ancient belief and pilgrimage. Watching the sun sink into the ocean here is one of the most memorable moments of the entire Camino experience.

Arzúa

Arzúa is the last major town before Santiago and is celebrated for its local cheese, queso de Arzúa, a soft cow’s milk cheese with denominación de origen protection. The town hosts a cheese festival each March and shops throughout the town sell the local product. The 14th-century chapel of A Magdalena stands near the centre, a simple but beautiful building that has welcomed pilgrims for over 600 years.

Just outside Arzúa, the medieval pilgrim hospital at Ribadiso still operates as an albergue. The stone bridge and riverside setting create one of the most photographed spots on this section of the Camino.

Santiago De Compostela

A stunning 2.5km beach near Finisterre, often overlooked by pilgrims rushing to the lighthouse. It’s one of Galicia’s most beautiful beaches.

The Camino Finisterre begins at the Cathedral of Santiago, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Europe and the resting place of Saint James. The cathedral’s towers rise above the old city in the Praza do Obradoiro where buskers echo through the arcades. Santiago is rich in history with medieval streets, old monasteries and lively squares filled with music and food. Before departing on the journey to Finisterre, many pilgrims attend the Pilgrim Mass and witness the unique Botafumeiro, a giant incense burner on ropes pulled by 8 men. The city offers a perfect place to rest and reflect before beginning the walk to the Atlantic coast.

Wildlife

The Camino Primitivo from Lugo passes through diverse landscapes supporting varied wildlife. The oak, chestnut and eucalyptus forests host birds including woodpeckers, jays, nuthatches and various warblers. Birds of prey such as buzzards and kestrels hunt over the open farmland.

Mammals are present but often shy. Foxes, rabbits and hares live along the route though are more likely to be seen at dawn or dusk. Roe deer inhabit the wooded areas. Wild boar are present in the forests but avoid humans and are rarely encountered during daylight hours.

The hedgerows and field margins support diverse plant life. Spring brings wildflowers including wild roses, honeysuckle, foxgloves and various orchids. The traditional stone walls host ferns, mosses and lichens. Autumn transforms the deciduous woodlands with spectacular colour as the leaves change.

Butterflies are common in summer months with species including peacocks, red admirals and various whites. Bees work the flowering meadows and orchards. Lizards sun themselves on rocks and walls, particularly in the warmer months.

History of the Camino Primitivo

The Camino Primitivo holds the distinction of being the oldest recorded pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. In the year 829, King Alfonso II of Asturias received news that the tomb of Saint James the Apostle had been discovered in a field near the Roman settlement of Iria Flavia. The king immediately set out from his capital in Oviedo to verify the finding and pay his respects, becoming the first recorded pilgrim to make the journey to what would become Santiago de Compostela.

The route Alfonso took became known as the Camino Primitivo or Original Way. During the 9th and 10th centuries this was the main pilgrimage path to Santiago, followed by believers from across Christian Europe who travelled to the Asturian court before continuing south through the mountains and into Galicia. The route gained additional importance as it passed through territory firmly under Christian control at a time when much of the Iberian Peninsula remained under Moorish rule.

As the Reconquista progressed and new territories came under Christian control, alternative routes developed. The Camino Francés, entering Spain through the Pyrenees and crossing the northern meseta, eventually became more popular due to its lower altitude and gentler terrain. The Primitivo’s demanding mountain crossings meant it gradually attracted fewer pilgrims, though it never fell completely out of use.

The pilgrimage declined significantly from the 16th century onwards due to the Reformation, wars and changing attitudes towards religious pilgrimage. By the 20th century only a handful of pilgrims walked any Camino route each year. The revival began in the 1980s and has accelerated dramatically in recent decades. The Camino Primitivo has benefited from this resurgence while maintaining a quieter and more authentic character than the busier Camino Francés.

Did you know?

King Alfonso II became known as “Alfonso the Chaste” and his pilgrimage to Santiago established a tradition that Spanish monarchs would follow for centuries. The discovery of Saint James’s tomb in Galicia proved politically valuable for the Christian kingdoms of northern Spain, providing a powerful religious focus to rival the Islamic pilgrimage sites in territories under Moorish control.

The name “Primitivo” doesn’t mean primitive in the sense of basic or crude, but rather “original” or “first” in Latin, reflecting its status as the earliest established route to Santiago.

The People & Local Customs

Rural Galicia along the Camino Primitivo maintains traditions that have endured for centuries. The pace of life in the small villages remains unhurried and deeply connected to the agricultural calendar. Stone hórreos (raised granaries) stand beside farmhouses as they have for generations, their slatted walls allowing air to circulate around stored grain. These distinctive structures appear throughout the route and have become symbols of traditional Galician rural life.

The Galician language (Galego) is widely spoken in the countryside, particularly among older residents. While everyone speaks Castilian Spanish, hearing Galego adds to the authentic character of the route. The language shares roots with Portuguese and has its own rich literary tradition. Village festivals celebrate local patron saints with processions, traditional music featuring the gaita (Galician bagpipes) and communal meals.

Stone crosses called cruceiros mark crossroads, bridges and village boundaries throughout the route. These range from simple stone monuments to elaborate carved structures and often incorporate pre-Christian symbols alongside Catholic imagery, reflecting the layering of beliefs over centuries. Pilgrims traditionally pause at these crosses for a moment of prayer or reflection.

Folklore, Legends & Mythology

Legends of the Forest Paths

The oak and chestnut forests along the Camino Primitivo feature in numerous local legends. These ancient woodlands were seen as liminal spaces where the natural and supernatural worlds met. Travellers moving between villages after dark would make protective signs and avoid lingering in the deepest woods where spirits were said to gather.

Stories tell of lights seen moving between the trees at night, sometimes explained as lost souls seeking the correct path to the afterlife, other times as lanterns carried by the Santa Compaña. Locals advised pilgrims to stay on the marked trail and never to follow mysterious lights into the forest, no matter how benign they appeared.

Certain old trees, particularly ancient oaks, were believed to house protective spirits. Travellers would leave small offerings of bread or coins at the bases of these trees when passing through unfamiliar territory. Some of these practices continue today with walkers occasionally leaving stones or other tokens at particularly impressive old trees along the route.

Wolves and Wild Men

Wolves once roamed the Galician mountains in significant numbers and feature prominently in local folklore. Stories of werewolves (lobisomes in Galego) were common in rural areas. These creatures were typically people who had been cursed, often for some transgression, and were forced to transform into wolves at night and hunt in the forests. The affliction could be hereditary or passed on through a bite or scratch.

Tales also circulated of wild men living deep in the forests, neither fully human nor animal. These figures appeared in stories as guardians of the wilderness who would help lost travellers if approached respectfully but could turn hostile if the woods were threatened or disrespected. Such legends reinforced traditional environmental ethics and the importance of maintaining proper relationships with the natural world.

Protective Charms and Pilgrim Magic

Pilgrims walking the Camino Primitivo in medieval times carried protective charms and followed specific rituals to ensure safe passage. The scallop shell served not only as proof of pilgrimage but as a protective amulet against evil spirits and bad weather. Touching the shell to sacred springs or fountains was believed to charge it with protective power.

Collecting stones from the path and carrying them to specific locations, particularly to the Cruz de Ferro on other Camino routes, represented a symbolic unburdening of sins or troubles. While the Cruz de Ferro lies on the Camino Francés rather than the Primitivo, pilgrims on the original way developed their own stone-carrying traditions, leaving pebbles at cruceiros and wayside shrines.

The act of walking itself held spiritual significance beyond the Catholic framework. The rhythmic nature of long-distance walking, the physical challenge and the movement through varied landscapes were seen as transformative. This understanding predated Christianity and connected to older pilgrimage traditions in the region.

The Camino Finisterre Pop Culture

Film and TV

The Way 

While this 2010 film starring Martin Sheen focuses primarily on the Camino Francés, it touches on the continuation to Finisterre and the symbolic importance of reaching the ocean. The film’s themes of completion and transformation resonate strongly with the Finisterre experience.

Footprints, the Path of Your Life

Documentary following a group of young men from Arizona walking the Camino Norte and Camino Primitivo, led by their parish priest. The film explores themes of faith, friendship and self-discovery along these less-travelled northern routes.

Books

A Pilgrimage to Finisterre by Patrick Keefe

While primarily about the journey to Santiago, this book includes reflections on the continuation to Finisterre and Muxía, emphasizing the spiritual significance of reaching the Atlantic coast.

Food and Drink

Pulpo a la Gallega (Galician Octopus)

This traditional Galician dish is a must-try along the Camino Finisterre. Octopus is boiled and served with olive oil, paprika, and coarse salt. Finisterre and Muxía are excellent places to sample this local specialty prepared with fresh Atlantic octopus.

Galician Cheese

Galicia takes its cheese seriously and walking through the region you’ll understand why. Four Galician cheeses hold Protected Designation of Origin status and each one tells you something about the land. The most famous is Tetilla, a mild creamy cheese whose distinctive conical shape comes from the funnels in which the milk is left to curdle (the name itself means “small breast” in both Spanish and Galician). Then there’s San Simón smoked with local birch wood giving it a caramel-coloured exterior and a gentle smoky sweetness that has won it multiple World Cheese Awards. The Arzúa-Ulloa is arguably the most consumed cheese in all of Galicia and is known simply as “queixo do país” meaning cheese of the land. Pilgrims walking the Camino Finisterre pass right through the heart of cheese country and one of the great pleasures of walking in Galicia is that a slab of local cheese some bread and a glass of Albariño at the end of the day never feels like anything less than a perfect meal.

Percebes (Goose Barnacles)

These unusual shellfish are considered a delicacy in Galicia. Harvested from dangerous coastal rocks, they’re expensive but offer a unique taste of the sea. The Costa da Morte is famous for its percebes.

Vieiras (Scallops)

Scallops, the symbol of the Camino, are caught fresh in Galician waters and prepared in various ways. The most traditional preparation is vieiras al horno (baked scallops with breadcrumbs and seasonings).

Ribeiro Wine

This light, slightly sparkling white wine from the nearby Ribeiro region pairs perfectly with seafood. It’s crisp, refreshing, and widely available in restaurants along the route.

Albariño Wine

Galicia’s most famous white wine, Albariño comes from the Rías Baixas region. Its citrus notes and high acidity make it an ideal companion to the rich seafood dishes of the coast.

Tarta de Santiago

This traditional almond cake, dusted with powdered sugar in the shape of the Cross of Santiago, is a sweet way to celebrate completing your pilgrimage. It’s available throughout Galicia but tastes especially meaningful when enjoyed at journey’s end.

Is the Camino Finisterre Vegan Friendly?

While Galician cuisine is heavily focused on seafood and meat, vegan options are increasingly available, especially in larger towns. Santiago de Compostela has several vegan and vegetarian restaurants. Smaller villages may have more limited options, so it’s advisable to communicate dietary requirements in advance with accommodations.

Traditional Galician vegetable dishes include pimientos de Padrón (small green peppers), ensalada mixta (mixed salad), and tortilla de patatas (though this contains eggs). Most restaurants can prepare salads and vegetable dishes upon request.

We recommend bringing certain items such as plant-based milk, nut butters, or protein powders if you have specific dietary needs, as rural areas may have limited specialized products.

In addition, the following apps show restaurants which offer vegetarian and/or vegan opions:

• Happy Cow (€0.99)
• Vanilla Bean (free)

Other Pilgrim Trails

There are various other pilgrim trails available to you once you have completed the Camino Finisterre. Here are some other pilgrim trails we offer which form the larger Camino de Santiago walking route network:

• The Camino Francés
• The Camino Portugués (Traditional Route)
• The Camino Portugués (Coastal Route)
• The Camino Finisterre
• The Kerry Camino
• St Kevin’s Way & Glendalough

Camino Finisterre Tips and FAQs

Camino Finisterre Photo Gallery

Hillwalk Tours

About Us

Hillwalk Tours is an award-winning walking tour operator which specialise in self-guided walking holidays in Ireland, Scotland, Portugal, England, Wales and along the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Our goal is to create happy experiences for all of our customers, suppliers & staff.

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Customer Reviews

Leave No Trace

We like to walk in nature and since you are reading this – we believe you do too! It is important to ensure that our impact on the environment is limited so that hikers can enjoy the same view after us. The rule applies: when you leave, make sure that nature looks the same as when you arrived or simply put “leave no trace.” As more and more people take to the great outdoors, our collective mark on the environment increases.

What does this mean in reality? Of course, do not leave any rubbish or waste behind. Do not collect stones, flowers, or other “souvenirs”. Don’t carve your name on a tree or break branches… I think you get the drift. It is imperative for walkers to play their part in making sure litter, damage to vegetation and all forms of pollution are limited.

Noise can also be a form of pollution. Whoever walks through a forest talking and laughing loudly, for example, ruins the peace and quiet of other walkers, who can no longer hear the birds. The same goes for cell phones that suddenly start ringing. Keep the volume down and respect your surroundings. Ultimately, the point is to ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy walking through nature. So that applies to you, but also to those who tread the path after you.

Hillwalk Tours proudly supports sustainable tourism and loves the countryside as it is – wild, peaceful and clean. We are proud to support the “Leave No Trace” initiative that aims to preserve the natural beauty of each nations countryside where we offer hiking holidays. We try to create happy experiences for our accommodation too, and the restaurants, shops and taxi companies that serve our walkers. These are often small businesses located in isolated areas that have been left behind by urban migration and a lack of investment in rural regions. Their warm hospitality and friendly welcomes epitomise the magic of a Hillwalk Tour and we’re dedicated to helping keep these rural communities alive.

The Benefits of Hiking

In recent years, walking and hiking outdoors has been widely reported to have numerous physical and mental health benefits. The following are examples of some of these benefits:

Improve strength and fitness

• Weight loss
• Muscle gain
• Improve metabolism
• Improve digestion
• Better quality sleep
• Increase in Vitamin D
• Improve discipline
• Sense of achievement
• Living in the present moment

Hiking Equipment List

For a more in-depth list of recommended hiking equipment list, click here.

Make A Booking

Are you ready for your Camino Finisterre adventure? Get started by simply filling out the booking form below!