Primitivo July 18th or 19th

[Pronetowander]

First time doing Camino. Excited and nervous at same time. Flight arriving in Asturias 17 July at 9pm. I think it will take an hour at least to get to Oviedo. Not sure if I can start walking the next day or not. All the guide books say that finding the Primitivo start is not easy. Would love to find someone to start with? Are there suitable places to stay near the start?
Learning so much from this forum and very grateful

 

[Tincatinker]

Start from the Cathedral. Its easier than you fear.

Gronze offers this for accommodations https://www.gronze.com/asturias/oviedo/albergue-peregrinos-salvador

Your one challenge will be landing at Asturias late in the evening and getting into the city. The Beloved and I, off a similar flight time, made it in 20 minutes with a cab driver who would have put the average F1 driver in his dust. The airport bus will get you there but too late for the Albergue.

I'm rather fond of this place
www.hotelfavila.es/en/
which is pilgrim friendly and a 10 minute, easy, walk to the Cathedral. The staff will direct you, or even take you to the way-mark once you have had your breakfast.

 

[Jan_D]

Hi Zebo, welcome to the forum!

In July and August there are around 100 pilgrims walking each stage of the Primitivo per day. You'll meet fellow pilgrims on the path, otherwise in the albergues.

Unfortunately the Oviedo albergue reception closes at 9pm, so you won't make it. The bus company Alsa does the Airport-Oviedo route every hour, on the hour, until 23h00. Journey takes 45 mins, drops you off at the bus station, which is pretty central. Or, as Tincatinker says, just get a taxi.

Probably best to get a hotel for your first night (you can find something on booking.com - just make a note of check-in times, lots of smaller establishments don't have 24hr reception). You could spend the day in Oviedo - it's a really great city! Enjoy your first morning in Spain, have a nice breakfast, visit the cathedral. The pilgrim albergue opens at 2pm, so you can get there early, and meet other pilgrims as they arrive.

Of course, if you're ready to walk as soon as you wake up, just head to the cathedral and follow the arrows out of town! You'll meet lots of pilgrims in the next albergue along the Way.

 

[Pronetowander]

Start from the Cathedral. Its easier than you fear.

Gronze offers this for accommodations https://www.gronze.com/asturias/oviedo/albergue-peregrinos-salvador

Your one challenge will be landing at Asturias late in the evening and getting into the city. The Beloved and I, off a similar flight time, made it in 20 minutes with a cab driver who would have put the average F1 driver in his dust. The airport bus will get you there but too late for the Albergue.

I'm rather fond of this place
www.hotelfavila.es/en/
which is pilgrim friendly and a 10 minute, easy, walk to the Cathedral. The staff will direct you, or even take you to the way-mark once you have had your breakfast.

Start from the Cathedral. Its easier than you fear.

Gronze offers this for accommodations https://www.gronze.com/asturias/oviedo/albergue-peregrinos-salvador

Your one challenge will be landing at Asturias late in the evening and getting into the city. The Beloved and I, off a similar flight time, made it in 20 minutes with a cab driver who would have put the average F1 driver in his dust. The airport bus will get you there but too late for the Albergue.

I'm rather fond of this place
www.hotelfavila.es/en/
which is pilgrim friendly and a 10 minute, easy, walk to the Cathedral. The staff will direct you, or even take you to the way-mark once you have had your breakfast.
[/QUOTE


Thanks for your advice, recommendations. Jan. I might just spend the day in the city and move to the Albergue in afternoon and meet other pilgrims.

 

[Pronetowander]

Tincatinker, very helpful. I will check out the hotel you recommend and might just have a relaxing morning there and not rush off. Jane's advice was great too.

 

[Elle Bieling]

Hello @Zebo. In order to find the start of the Primitivo, find the plaque and signpost to the left on the street, as you face the cathedral. I have photos of this place on my blog, click here.
I also give detailed instructions on how to get out of the city on day one.
Good luck. You can do it! Elle

 

[Pronetowander]

Hello @Zebo. In order to find the start of the Primitivo, find the plaque and signpost to the left on the street, as you face the cathedral. I have photos of this place on my blog, click here.
I also give detailed instructions on how to get out of the city on day one.
Good luck. You can do it! Elle

Thanks Elle,
My confidence with directions is growing as I read more posts. I realise I won't be alone either as I am walking at a busy time. And I am going to spend my first day in Oviedo so I have time to get my bearings. Thanks for your help.