The mountain bridge between two routes: about 121 kilometers from León over the Cantabrian Mountains to Oviedo – to the San Salvador cathedral and the start of the Camino Primitivo.
The Camino San Salvador is the historic detour from the Camino Francés to the San Salvador cathedral in Oviedo. An old saying goes: "Whoever goes to Santiago but not to the Saviour visits the servant and leaves out the Lord." For centuries pilgrims therefore turned off at León, crossed the Cantabrian Mountains and visited the relics in Oviedo before continuing to Santiago on the Camino Primitivo.
Today it's a short but demanding mountain route: lonely passes, the green valleys of Asturias and a grand finale in the cathedral of Oviedo.
The name refers to San Salvador (the Saviour), to whom the cathedral of Oviedo is dedicated and which gives the route its goal.
Ideal if you love mountains and want to begin the Camino Primitivo not in Oviedo but "properly" in León. Anyone who values elevation and stillness is in the right place.
Less suitable if you dread long climbs or need dense infrastructure: the mountain stages are hard and partly lonely, and there can be snow up top early and late in the year.
From León the route climbs gradually into the mountains of León, over mining villages and quiet valleys. The highlight is the crossing of the Cantabrian Mountains near the Puerto de Pajares.
On the Asturian side it descends through green, steep valleys to Oviedo, where the San Salvador cathedral and the start of the Camino Primitivo await.
In just 121 kilometers you gather over 3,600 meters of climb and more than 4,200 of descent – making the San Salvador one of the most mountainous routes for its length. Sure-footedness and fitness are needed, though technically it remains a hiking trail.
Most pilgrims need about 5 to 7 days. Supplies are sparse – plan stages, water and accommodation ahead.
The goal and purpose of the route is the San Salvador cathedral in Oviedo with its Cámara Santa, one of the oldest and most important relic chambers in Europe (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Here lies the origin of the whole pilgrim movement of Asturias.
The scenic highlight is the lonely crossing of the Cantabrian Mountains – wide mountain pastures, old shepherds' paths and far views.
The Camino San Salvador doesn't end in Santiago but in Oviedo – where the Camino Primitivo begins. From here it's about 310 kilometers on the oldest Way of St. James of all to Santiago de Compostela. Many combine the two: first over the mountains to the Saviour, then on the Primitivo to the Apostle. If you started in León, you came on the Camino Francés.
The best time is late spring to early autumn; in winter the passes are snow-covered. Accommodation is in albergues and guesthouses, and the network is thin. As on all Spanish routes, you'll need a pilgrim's credential (credencial).
Budget roughly €25–40 per day. Albergues usually cost €8–15, plus food.
The starting point is León, well connected by train and bus (and on the Camino Francés).
AC Hotel Oviedo Fórum by Marriott
Open season unknown
Albergue & Hostel Gascona
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Albergue Check in León
Open season unknownEverything you need for the Camino San Salvador, shipped to your door.
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