The St. James's Way is a route where pilgrims dialogue with History, Art and legends, and where spirituality beats in the air, and in human relations.

Asturias can be part of a broader itinerary or a starting point. If it is the starting point of the journey, the document must be filled out to obtain the credential, which will be stamped at each stage and will allow you to obtain the Compostela at the end of the journey, in Santiago.

The itineraries of the Northern Way of the St. James's Way, which converge in Asturias with Oviedo/Uviéu as the heart, have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their historical importance and cultural vitality. The Jacobean routes that pass through Asturias are the Primitive Way, the Northern Way or the Coastal Way, as well as the Way of El Salvador (which connects León with Oviedo/Uviéu), and the connections between the Primitive Way,and the Coastal Way.

All of these Jacobean routes have a modernized network of hostels, in line with the lifestyle and way of understanding the Camino for 21st-century pilgrims, and they are designed for rest after covering many kilometers in each stage. These stages allow pilgrims to also enjoy the warm welcome of the people of Asturias, the interesting architecture, and the delicious cuisine. Additionally, there is a wide range of rural and urban accommodations to choose from, in case you prefer that option.

 

Photo of the façade of the Cathedral of El Salvador in Oviedo/Uviéu and its square with the fountain in the foreground

The most notable Jacobean itineraries that pass through Asturias are, on one hand, the Primitive Way, which according to history-legend is the route taken by King Alfonso II of Asturias on his journey to the Campus Stellae from Oviedo/Uviéu, and over time, this would turn the monarch into the first pilgrim and the route he followed into the Primitive Way. On the other hand, there is the Northern Way or the Coastal Way, which runs parallel to the Cantabrian Sea and starts from Irún (Basque Country).

The Primitive Way divides the 145.6 kilometers of rural and mountainous landscapes into seven stages. Starting from Oviedo/Uviéu, it passes through the municipalities of Grado, Salas, Tineo, Pola de Allande, and Grandas de Salime. Along this historic itinerary, you will come across natural landmarks such as mountains, ranges, caves, rivers, waterfalls, forests, etc., as well as cultural landmarks such as museums, churches, hermitages, ancient monasteries, etc.

There are alternative routes that can be followed, or one can opt for the original route of Hospitales, between Borres and Puerto del Palo, which, as the name suggests, includes five former pilgrim hospitals and is considered the original path.

Photo of a couple of pilgrims, in the foreground on the Primitive Way, with the Monastery of San Salvador. Municipality of Salas
The St. James´s Way is one of the most important cultural routes in Humanity and was one of the most notable contributions of the Kingdom of Asturias in Medieval Europe.

The Camino de la Costa, also known as the Coastal Way, covers a distance of 281.9 kilometers, divided into thirteen stages in Asturias that closely hug the coastline. This route progresses through Bustio, Llanes, Ribadesella/Ribeseya, Priesca, Casquita, Gijón/Xixón, Avilés, Muros de Nalón, Soto de Luiña, Viḷḷamouros, Outur, A Caridá, A Veiga, and Abres.

The Coastal Way offers delightful discoveries, both natural and cultural, as it crosses medieval bridges, passes by monasteries, and provides glimpses of beautiful beaches and impressive cliffs. It also passes through coastal towns and villages, bringing you closer to the traces of ancient pilgrim hospitals. Additionally, you'll encounter palatial complexes, as well as Indian architecture and religious architecture in the form of hermitages, chapels, and churches.

Photo of pilgrims on Penarronda Beach along the Coastal Way or Northern Way. Located between the municipalities of Castropol and Tapia de Casariego
You will discover that the St. James´s Way is much more than just a route; it is truly a life-changing journey to find yourself and connect with nature and history!
Photo of a pilgrim on the Coastal Way or Northern Way, in the foreground observing the village of El Castillo with its tower and the Nalón estuary in the background. Municipality of Soto del Barco