Should the Primitivo be my first Camino

[Scott Webber]

I plan to walk the Camino in May of this year. I have 3 weeks to do it and was originally planning to start in Leon on the Camino Frances and then go beyond Santiago to Finisterre. I like the idea, however, of completing a full route and learned that the Camino Primitivo might be a better option as I think I can walk the full route and still have time to walk on to Finisterre.

I have read that the Primitivo is less crowded which is good, but also that there are fewer English speaking people on the Primitivo. I am trying to learn as much Spanish as I can between now and May, but I'll be far from fluent. Should I be concerned about poor Spanish speaking skills?

I'd also be interested in hearing about any other factors that might cause you to recommend a route other than the Primitivo as my first Camino.

Thank you

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Hi Scott, if you want a peaceful, quiet walk, then the Camino Primitivo is for you! The last 2 days of this camino join the Camino Francés, and you'll be able to get the experience of a different type of Camino with many, many more walkers. Depending on whether you prefer solitude, or not, you'll have to make your choice. I think that many "hospitaleros" at the albergues do fairly well with English, I saw some French and German walkers on the Primitivo, who actually got along with the English they knew
Ultreïa!
Mary

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I hate to say this, because I want to keep this beautiful route all to myself, bit you would be crazy not to love it. It's a route for walkers, but also for slower people like me. A route you will most likely on yoir on, passing or being passed a few times a day, meeting up with others at albergues in the afternoon and evening. Not a party route, not a religiois route, just you, your feet, the mountains through old Roman minimg cities. But please don't go.

Never saw an American on the route until Lugo, now that I think about it only Europeans I think ( and I have dual Cdn and Spanish citizenship). But English is commonly spoken and what I used to speak with Germans, Italians, etc. And albergue life is much more relax: pick up the key and let yourself in or just walk in and grab a bunk! Until you hit Galicia and have to deal with the matrons telling exactly what is what that is.

But please don't go.

I would not recommed the Primitivo if you are looking to make Camino friends, if you are hpoing to meet a few people you will have dinner after dinner, a drink and another and another, or even a bit of flirting with. The Frances will give you plenty of that. If you are looking for religious sites, then the Frances will serve you better, as on the Primitivo the sky and mountains are the signs of heaven.

I would suggest if you like solitude and mountains to start in Leon and go to Oviedo via the San Salvador. I have not done it, and even those who thought the P. Was a walk in the park thought it was a workout, but it is really tempting. Perhaps too much for a first walk as albergues are few and far between and you will have to plan on carrying food some days.

But doing the P. and ending with Fisterra will add to the Frances sampler with more socialisation, so why not?!

 

[Robo]

I have only walked the CF. And was actually surprised at the lack of English in many places. So maybe that should not influence you.

My Spanish ran to about 2 dozen words....and I coped

Of course a translation app on my phone was a great help too

 

[Tania Cottew]

Hi Scott

We're doing it for the first time in May as well. We thought we'd start it from Villaviciosa around the 18th May.
What are your dates?

Tania

 

[Scott Webber]

Hi Scott, if you want a peaceful, quiet walk, then the Camino Primitivo is for you! The last 2 days of this camino join the Camino Francés, and you'll be able to get the experience of a different type of Camino with many, many more walkers. Depending on whether you prefer solitude, or not, you'll have to make your choice. I think that many "hospitaleros" at the albergues do fairly well with English, I saw some French and German walkers on the Primitivo, who actually got along with the English they knew
Ultreïa!
Mary

Thank you for your feedback!

 

[Scott Webber]

I hate to say this, because I want to keep this beautiful route all to myself, bit you would be crazy not to love it. It's a route for walkers, but also for slower people like me. A route you will most likely on yoir on, passing or being passed a few times a day, meeting up with others at albergues in the afternoon and evening. Not a party route, not a religiois route, just you, your feet, the mountains through old Roman minimg cities. But please don't go.

Never saw an American on the route until Lugo, now that I think about it only Europeans I think ( and I have dual Cdn and Spanish citizenship). But English is commonly spoken and what I used to speak with Germans, Italians, etc. And albergue life is much more relax: pick up the key and let yourself in or just walk in and grab a bunk! Until you hit Galicia and have to deal with the matrons telling exactly what is what that is.

But please don't go.

I would not recommed the Primitivo if you are looking to make Camino friends, if you are hpoing to meet a few people you will have dinner after dinner, a drink and another and another, or even a bit of flirting with. The Frances will give you plenty of that. If you are looking for religious sites, then the Frances will serve you better, as on the Primitivo the sky and mountains are the signs of heaven.

I would suggest if you like solitude and mountains to start in Leon and go to Oviedo via the San Salvador. I have not done it, and even those who thought the P. Was a walk in the park thought it was a workout, but it is really tempting. Perhaps too much for a first walk as albergues are few and far between and you will have to plan on carrying food some days.

But doing the P. and ending with Fisterra will add to the Frances sampler with more socialisation, so why not?!

Thank you for your feedback!

 

[Scott Webber]

I have only walked the CF. And was actually surprised at the lack of English in many places. So maybe that should not influence you.

My Spanish ran to about 2 dozen words....and I coped

Of course a translation app on my phone was a great help too

Thank you for your feedback!

 

[Scott Webber]

Hi Scott

We're doing it for the first time in May as well. We thought we'd start it from Villaviciosa around the 18th May.
What are your dates?

Tania

Hi Tania, My plans aren't finalized yet, but I was thinking about starting in Oviedo on the 20th or 21st. Perhaps we'll cross paths!

 

[crackmrmac]

Should the Primitivo be your first Camino, why not!!!
You appear to have sufficient time to complete walk to the coast.
Last year when I walked Primitivio for first time (but not my first Camino) I met many on it for first time. OK, some were continuing from Norte, Salvador and further afield but for others it was their first Camino. These first timers wanted to walk a "complete camino", avoid crowds and walk in scenic countryside. I don't think too many of them spoke fluent spanish
Enjoy the planning.
Buen Camino.

 

[Tia Valeria]

If you try with your Spanish, however limited it is appreciated and the Primitivo is a lovely Camino and May-June is a good time to walk.
Buen Camino

 

[Scott Webber]

Should the Primitivo be your first Camino, why not!!!
You appear to have sufficient time to complete walk to the coast.
Last year when I walked Primitivio for first time (but not my first Camino) I met many on it for first time. OK, some were continuing from Norte, Salvador and further afield but for others it was their first Camino. These first timers wanted to walk a "complete camino", avoid crowds and walk in scenic countryside. I don't think too many of them spoke fluent spanish
Enjoy the planning.
Buen Camino.

Thank you. I'm convinced. I'm doing the Primitivo!

 

[Kiwi-family]

That's a decision you won't regret! I wonder which one you'll do next;-)

 

[petro]

Hi Scott, we might meet. I am starting out (DV) on 10 May.

 

[crackmrmac]

Thank you. I'm convinced. I'm doing the Primitivo!

Hola, I think you will have a great walk. You will be in good form. Enjoy all that is presented on the way.
Buen Camino.

 

[Anna Machial]

The Primitivo was my first camino last May. Given that you have 3 weeks you should not have any problem completing it and then some. Unfortunately I couldn't do all of it because of lack of time and because I am a slower walker with a knee problem, walking from 8 to 25 km a day. Not knowing Spanish was not an issue. When necessary, in a pharmacy, we used google translator.
In one way not having done a previous camino was an advantage because we were quickly able to adjust to the terrain given no expectations. We met many walkers that had a hard time adjusting because they were expecting the Primitivo to have easier terrain like previous caminos. They had feet and knee problems as a result of having higher expectations and doing longer distances.

 

[Faye Cape Town]

Hello all,

I am walking the Primivito in August starting about the 26th July and I have until the 19th August when I fly out of Santiago. This is my first Camino and I planned to start in Oviedo. Unfortunately I know this is a busy time but I could not get around that. I am slightly concerned about the albergues being completely full along the way, anyone got any advice?

Any helpful hints with regards to packing or anything along the way would be much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Hello all,

I am walking the Primivito in August starting about the 26th July and I have until the 19th August when I fly out of Santiago. This is my first Camino and I planned to start in Oviedo. Unfortunately I know this is a busy time but I could not get around that. I am slightly concerned about the albergues being completely full along the way, anyone got any advice?

Any helpful hints with regards to packing or anything along the way would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Don't walk ultra long days, walking In Hours after everyone else.

 

[ParistoCapeCod]

Good resources http://www.caminodesantiago.gal/gl/planifica/as-rutas/camino-primitivo