Independent arrival in Seville. We already booked your hotel room. Proceed to your room, explore Seville, and prepare mind and body for the Camino.

During your first pilgrimage stage on the Vía de la Plata, you will mainly pass through the urban metropolitan area of Seville, the capital of Andalusia. Do not miss the ruins of Itálica just past Santiponce, the first Roman remains along the Vía de la Plata.

Distance: 22.4 km. (13.9 mi.) | Difficulty: Easy

Near Guillena begins the Sierra Norte Natural Park, where you will get, for the first time, an impression of the huge pastures, covered with cork oaks, where cattle, pigs, and sheep graze, the so-called dehesas. They will be a familiar and constant companion until shortly before Salamanca.

Distance: 17.9 km. (11.1 mi.) | Difficulty: Easy

The first part of today’s stage initially leads along a not-so-frequented country road. You will be rewarded by the beautiful landscape of the natural park Monte Las Navas-Berrocal for the last kilometers/miles. Before you reach today’s destination, there is the difficult ascent to the Calvary, the Cerro del Calvario.

Distance: 29.4 km. (18.3 mi.) | Difficulty: Longer, moderately difficult stage. Difficult at the end

You leave Almadén de la Plata in the morning and its highly visible red clock tower of the city hall and the yellow steeple of the Iglesia de Santa María de Gracia. A short and scenic stage with another dehesa brings you to beautiful El Real de la Jara, nestled in the foothills of Sierra Norte and Sierra Morena. Use the remaining time to enjoy, for example, a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding area from the Mudéjar-style castle fortress (Castillo).

Distance: 14 km. (9 mi.) | Difficulty: Easy/ Moderate, with some short steep ascents

You leave Andalusia today and enter the community of Extremadura. At the border, the remains of the castle Castillo de las Torres rise scenically on the right. The landscape becomes more open and offers a gorgeous view of the vast countryside until, just before Monesterio, some elevations offer a new sight.

Distance: 21.2 km. (13.2 mi.) | Difficulty: Easy/ Moderate. Flat, but long ascent

Passing fields and dehesas, pastures covered with cork oaks, the landscape becomes increasingly brittle and even the last plant stands eventually yield to a rather barren landscape. Remember to bring enough water and provisions. Your destination for the day is Fuente de Cantos, known for the famous baroque painter Francisco de Zurbarán.

Distance: 20.8 km. (12.9 mi.) | Difficulty: Easy/ Moderate

Through a region with almost no shadow, covered with fields, you will hike through Tierra de Barros and, among others, through the village of Calzadilla de los Barros. If open, visit the village’s church, whose Renaissance altar made of Seville tiles is said to be well worth seeing. Your destination for the day is the small town of Zafra and its medieval winding old town that captivates with its Andalusian flair.

Distance: 24.9 km. (15.5 mi.) | Difficulty:Moderate

Shortly past Zafra, you will hike through the town of Los Santos de Maimona. The only hall church in the region, the Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, has a Gothic portal decorated with scallops. Passing cereal and vine fields, olive and almond orchards, you will finally reach Villafranca de los Barros, located in the Ribera del Guadiana wine region.

Distance: 19.4 km (12.1 mi.) | Difficulty: Easy/ Moderate

Before you start today’s stage, remember to bring enough water and provisions. The route will take you past agricultural land, olive plantations, and vineyards. It offers little shadow.

Distance: 25.6 km. (15.9 mi.) | Difficulty:Moderate, as there is almost no shadow

Today’s stage will take you out of Tierra de Barros and, passing by the national road and highway, will bring you to the Guadiana basin, shaped by agriculture and viticulture. You should use the rest of the day to explore the ancient Roman city and capital of Extremadura, Mérida, and its numerous sights.

Distance: 18.2 km. (11.3 mi.) | Difficulty: Easy

Today, the Proserpina Dam, located a few kilometers/miles past Mérida, offers a welcome change from the endless plains of the previous days. Given that today’s stage is not that long, take a short break on one of the small sandy beaches. Once in your final destination, you can also enjoy the Roman thermal baths and admire the church and its beautiful Renaissance portal.

Distance: 15.9 km. (9.9 mi.) | Difficulty: Easy

Today, you will hike through the Cornalvo Natural Park, where rockroses, holm, and cork oaks define the landscape of the plateau.

Distance: 19.7 km. (12.2 mi.) | Difficulty: Easy/ Moderate

At the beginning of your stage, you will still be hiking past vineyards and olive groves until you reach the national road and highway, which you will have to walk parallel to for a part of the way. Pay attention to the remains of Roman milestones scattered along the roadside.

Distance: 14.7 km. (9.1 mi.) | Difficulty: Easy

The landscape looks more and more like a steppe today, sparsely covered with holm oaks and broom. Your destination is Cáseres and its historic old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We recommend a walk in the evening, when the old town is sparsely lit by the street lights.

Distance: 23.6 km. (14 mi.) | Difficulty: Easy/ Moderate

Since today there is only a very short hike through a barren treeless landscape, it is recommended to visit Cáseres in the morning and its numerous sights, such as the late Gothic Co-Cathedral of Santa María or the Plaza Mayor with the Torre de Bujaco.

Distance: 11.3 km. (7 mi.) | Difficulty: Easy

Your destination for the day, Cañaveral, at the foot of Sierra Pequeña, can be seen shortly after Casar de Cáseres. The place, however, does not seem to be getting any closer. About halfway, you will reach the Alcántara Dam (Embalse de Alcántara), one of the largest dams in Europe. Along the way, you will also cross the Tajo via the Puente de Alcántara, a masterpiece of Roman architecture built entirely of granite.

Distance: 33 km. (21 mi.) | Difficulty: Moderate, longer stage

The landscape becomes more diverse again. You will hike along paths through cork oak dehesas until you reach Riolobos.

Distance: 20 km. (12.4 mi.) | Difficulty:Easy/ Moderate

First, you will walk to Galisteo, whose walls, built in the ninth century, are almost completely preserved in their original state and whose tower (torre del homenaje [keep]) is visible from afar. Shortly after Galisteo, the valley of Río Jerte begins, where poplars, willows, and lush bushes grow, and the landscape finally becomes a bit greener again.

Distance: 20 km (12.4 mi.) | Difficulty: Easy/ Moderate

Today, depending on the accommodation, there are two route variants:
Accommodation in Olivia de Plasencia: You will first walk the first kilometers/miles through a beautiful landscape with ancient oaks, until you leave the Way of Saint James at the homestead Ventaquemada and walk about 7 more kilometers/4.3 miles to Olivia de Plasencia.

Distance: 13.2 + 6.7 km. (8.2 + 4.2 mi.) | Difficulty: Easy/ Moderate

Accommodation in Jarilla: Passing the above-mentioned homestead, you will remain on the Way of Saint James and reach the Roman ruins of Cáparra, which also includes the Arch of Cáparra (Arco de Cáparra). About 8.5 kilometers/5.3 miles ahead, you will finally reach the junction that will take you to the accommodation in Jarilla, slightly apart from the Camino.

Distance: 26.4 + 2.2 km. (16.4 + 1.4 mi.) | Difficulty: Easy/ Moderate

Depending on the accommodation, the day continues as follows:
Accommodation in Olivia de Plasencia: You will leave the town and return to the Way of Saint James, which you will reach again near the ruins of Cáparra. Continuing on paths past walls and bushes, you will get closer to the highway and national road, part of which you will have to pilgrimage along.

Distance: 7.5 + 19 km. (4.7 + 11.8 mi.) | Difficulty: Easy/ Moderate

Accommodation in Jarilla: In case the accommodation is in Jarilla, you will first have to walk the short distance back to the Way of Saint James on this day. After that, you will continue on tracks until you reach the national road and highway, and after a few more kilometers/miles, you will reach your destination for the day.

Distance: 2.2 + 12.4 km. (1.4 + 7.7 mi.) | Difficulty: Easy

Today’s stage leads mainly along the national road. Therefore, you might take advantage of a short break in the town of Baños de Montemayor and its healing thermal springs. On the way, you will leave Extremadura and enter the province of Salamanca, part of the municipality of Castile and León. In the valley Río Cuerpo de Hombre, the landscape becomes greener and the path is flanked by deciduous forests.

Distance: 21.9 km. (13.6 mi.) | Difficulty: Moderate

Through vast dehesas, some of which are reminiscent of the African savannah, you will get closer and closer to the Castilian highlands. Once in today’s destination, Fuenterroble de Salvatierra, if you still have time, visit the Gothic church and its Baroque main altar. Starting from Fuenterroble, there is the option to call the hotel located outside about 5 kilometers/3.1 miles for a taxi transfer (cost not included, about 10 euros each way) or walk the remaining 5 kilometers/3.1 miles.

Distance: 20.6+5 km. (12.8+3 mi.) | Difficulty: Easy/ Moderate

In the morning, you either take a taxi transfer back to Fuenterroble or walk back. Afterwards, you continue the pilgrimage through a barren plain until you reach about halfway Cruz de Santiago on the Sierra de la Dueña, from which you will have a great view of the large and steppe-like landscape. On treeless paths, you will then go downhill again until you reach your destination for the day.

Distance: 5 + 28.7 km. (3 + 17.8 mi.) | Difficulty: Moderate, longer stage

On wide paths, you hike past gently rolling fields to Salamanca, Spain’s oldest university city. Explore the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its many sights, such as the Old Cathedral, which offers a great view of Salamanca, and the Plaza Mayor, one of the most beautiful town squares in Spain.

Distance: 24.4 km. (15.1 mi.) | Difficulty: Easy/ Moderate

As there is a not so long stage ahead of you today, you can perhaps use the morning to visit the beautiful city of Salamanca. The pilgrimage route past Salamanca takes you first along a segment parallel to the national highway and then changes to a flat landscape lined with fields until you reach your destination for the day, Calzada de Valdunciel, whose stone houses reflect the common construction style of the region

Distance: 16.8 km. (10.4 mi.) | Difficulty:Easy

Today, you continue through the flat landscape, where only shortly before El Cubo de la Tierra del Vino isolated forests appearing on the horizon offer variety to the eye. The town originally lived from winegrowing, but nowadays it concentrates on the cultivation of grains.

Distance: 9.7 km. (12.2 mi.) | Difficulty: Easy

The landscape becomes more diverse again. You hike through small forests and poplar groves. Stop along the way in Brocal de las Promesas, a wishing and “vow-making” well. You will spend the night in Zamora. Its own charm is also a highlight of the Vía de la Plata. The city also offers many attractions, such as the Plaza Mayor, flanked by the old and new city hall, or one of the Romanesque churches located on or near the pilgrimage route.

Distance: 31.5 km. (19.6 mi.) | Difficulty: Moderate, long stage

If you did not manage to explore Zamora fully yesterday, perhaps the morning is still a good time to do so. You will leave the city and walk through the “Land of the Bread” (Tierra del Pan), a flat and open landscape shaped by grain crops.

Distance: 19.3 km. (12 mi.) | Difficulty: Easy, but without any shadow

Just past the Ricobayo Reservoir, located unfortunately close to the highway, you will reach the ruins of the Castrotorafe Fortress, seat of the Order of Saint James in the Middle Ages, enthroned over the Way of Saint James. Your destination for the day is Granja de Moreruela, where the Vía de la Plata splits and continues towards Astorga on the Camino Francés (the French Way), and towards Santiago de Compostela on the Camino Sanabrés (also known as the Mozarabic Way).

Distance: 23.5 km. (14.6 mi.) | Difficulty: Easy

Today begins your first stage on the Camino Sanabrés (Mozarabic Way). You will enter the valley of the Esla, a picturesque, hilly landscape that finally takes over from the barren plains of the previous stages.

Distance: 26 km. (16.2 mi.) | Difficulty: Easy/ Moderate with slight differences in altitude

Continuing through a diverse landscape, you will first hike along the foothills of the Sierra de la Cuelbra, home to many Iberian wolves. Through the Sierra de las Cavernas, you will head to the valley of the Tera and to Santa Marta de Tera. Visit the parish church and observe the oldest preserved statue of Saint James. You continue on the Camino to La Barca and a short walk away to Camarzana de Tera.

Distance: 28.3 + 2 km. (17.6 + 1.2 mi.) | Difficulty: Moderate, long stage

Initially, you will walk back the short distance from La Barca to the Camino again. Along the Tera, surrounded by poplar plantations, you will come to the Nuestra Señora de Agavanzal Dam after a few kilometers/miles. The landscape remains green and the route takes you through some small villages until you reach Mombuey. Visit the parish church of the village and its prominent steeple. There is a transfer afterwards (not included, about 56 euros for the round trip the next day) to Puebla de Sanabria, where you will spend the next two nights.

Distance: 2 + 30.5 km. (1.2 + 19 mi.) | Difficulty: Moderate, long stage

You will walk to Puebla de Sanabria on field and forest paths, where the rivers Tera and Castro meet. In this border town between Portugal, León, and Galicia, a visit to the massive Castle of the Counts of Benavente (Castillo de los Condes de Benavente) and its almost square keep is definitely worth your while.

Distance: 30.9 km. (19.2 mi.) | Difficulty: Moderate, long and slightly hilly stage

The Way of Saint James takes you along streams and oak woods to the Padronelo Pass. Depending on the season, the slopes along the way are colored red and yellow by the blooming broom. After leaving the rather-flat-to-slightly-hilly stages behind, the ascent to Padronelo Pass offers some variety. You will spend the night in the small village of Lubián, the last stop before you reach the border leading to Galicia.

Distance: 28.4 km. (17.6 mi.) | Difficulty: Moderate, longer stage with the ascent to the Padronelo Pass

Just past Lubián, you will enter Galicia today, a region that lives mainly from agriculture and fishing. The capital is Santiago de Compostela, the final destination for many pilgrims. On your way, you will be accompanied by a constantly changing landscape today, from barren mountain slopes to lush green meadows.

Distance: 24.1 km. (15 mi.) | Difficulty: Moderate

Starting from A Gudiña, there are two route options. You follow the northern path towards Laza in order to reach your destination for the day, Campobecerros, located on the edge of the O Invernadeiro Natural Park. Accompanied by heather and broom, you can take a look at the Portas Reservoir on this route if the weather is good. Upon arrival in Campobecerros, there is a transfer to Laza (not included in the price, approx. 20 euros each way), where you will spend the next two nights.

Distance: 19.7 km. (12.2 mi.) | Difficulty: Easy

The transfer back to Campobecerros takes place in the morning (not included in the price, 20 euros each way). Even though you will have to ascend a bit the first kilometers/miles, shortly after, you will descend steadily through a landscape shaped by chestnuts, pines, and spruces to the valley of the Tâmega, where you will spend the night in Laza.

Distance: 15 km. (9.3 mi.) | Difficulty: Moderate

The ascent to Alberguería begins short after Laza, crossing forest paths and pine woods. Passing through the small agricultural town of Vilar de Barrio, the route continues partly through oak and deciduous forests until reaching Xunqueira de Ambía. On the way, you will be able to see the hórreos, typical of Galicia, warehouses built on stilts, where mainly corn is stored.

Distance: 33 km. (20.5 mi.) | Difficulty: Moderate/ Challenging, long stage with the ascent to Alberguería at the beginning of the stage

At the beginning, the route ascends again, but it later stays flat, for the most part. Through many small villages and hamlets, you finally reach the industrial area of the provincial capital Ourense, your destination for today. The old city and its cathedral already offer a small preview of Santiago de Compostela. The thermal baths, some of which can be used free of charge, are very popular not only among pilgrims.

Distance: 22.4 km. (13.9 mi.) | Difficulty: Easy

Starting from Ourense, to reach Cea, there are two route options. To get to your accommodation located in Viduedo, you must follow the right-hand route that will take you past agricultural fields and pastures, and through small hamlets.

Distance: 120 km. (12.4 mi.)| Difficulty: Moderate

In the morning, take a look at the old village center in Cea, certainly worth seeing. There are again two route options. We recommend the longer, but more beautiful right-hand route via the impressive monastery of Oseira. After arriving in O Castro Dozón, you will be transferred back to your accommodation in Viduedo/Cea (not included in the price, 20 euros for one to four people for the round trip on that day and the next day.)

Distance: 21.5 km. (13.4 mi.) | Difficulty: Moderate

The transfer back to O Castro Dozón will take place in the morning. The Way of Saint James takes you along the national road from time to time.

Distance: 27.8 km. (17.3 mi.) | Difficulty: Moderate, longer stage

Just before Santiago de Compostela, Galicia shows its beautiful and green side once again. Through a hilly landscape, you will arrive today to Ponte Ulla on small rural roads in the valley of the Ulla.

Distance: 20 km. (12.4 mi.) | Difficulty: Easy/ moderate, longer descent to Ponte Ulla

The last kilometers/miles await you! Before arriving in the urban area of Santiago, you will initially hike through the eucalyptus forests typical of the region. Allow yourself to be amazed by the Santiago Cathedral. Congratulations, dear Pilgrim: You. Have. Arrived. Celebrate, and enjoy!

Distance: 20.7 km. (12.9 mi.) | Difficulty: Easy/ moderate, a longer ascent to Outeiro at the beginning

We strongly feel that, after this amazing journey, it is instrumental to spend (at least!) one full, extra day and another night in Santiago, which is why it is added in our program „by default“ (though you can opt out of it). This is both the time and the place to unwind, to reflect upon and enjoy your journey’s end and, most importantly, to take it easy on yourself with your post-Camino re-entry into the big, wide World. Aside from that, the UNESCO-listed city of Santiago is full of incredible places to explore, and you can collect your very well-earned Compostela (Certificate of Completion) as well as attend the Pilgrims’ Mass at the Cathedral.

Farewell, Santiago; farewell, Camino – and sage travels on your journey back home or to your next adventure! And here is another option well-worth considering: to continue the Camino on to Finisterre (the „End of the World“) and / or to Muxía – two stunning, mystical places on the majestic Atlantic coast.

¡Buen Camino!