From Monesterio, the Camino stretches through the south of Extremadura, a region of dry and sparsely populated farmland. Walking through this dry land, with few opportunities to rest in the shade, can be seen as challenging. However, we have split most stages along this section into shorter days and the flat ground presents no particular difficulty, so it only requires an average level of fitness.
Monasterio
This city is the place to be for ham lovers. Monasterio is well known for its delicious ham, so much so that they even celebrate it in September by organising a Monasterio Ham Day. But not only at this time of the year the city has something to offer. If you are interested in ham you can visit the Museo de Jamon or go to Los Templarios for a nice dinner any time of year. If you want more of an upmarket experience at a restaurant where local, El Rinconcillo is the place for you.
Zafra
Zafra is also known as ‘Little Sevilla’ and has many beautiful things to offer. One of them is the Castle of Zafra (Palacio de Los Duques de Feria) in the middle of the town, close to the Plaza de España. It offers a nice seating area in the courtyard where you can admire the beautiful architecture of the building and watch the world pass by at a leisurely pace.
Almendralejo
For a small town, this place offers a lot to see and do. In Almendralejo you are able to see the parish church of ‘Purification’ erected in the 16th Century or get some sweets made by the nuns of the Order of St. Clare, also known as the convent of Nuestra Señora del Amparo.
MONESTERIO
MERIDA
Services
Included in this package
Add-On
Not included: Flights/trains, Insurance, Drinks/Lunch
Itinerary
Day
km
MONESTERIO
Monesterio was strongly linked to the history of the Camino once when Templars from the Order of Santiago brought wealth to the town, back in the 15th and 16th Centuries. Nowadays, little remains as witness to this heritage and Monesterio is a quiet Extremaduran town.
Day
19.2 km
MONESTERIO FUENTE DE CANTOS
Today the Camino can be quite exposed, walking on long undulating tracks with scattered oak holms and fig groves providinge shelter from the sun here and there. A few kilometres after Monesterio, don’t miss the 5,000 year-old megalith, just 10m off the track. Grazing pigs will probably be the only inhabitants you will see along the way, as the Camino doesn’t pass through any villages before reaching Fuente de Cantos, a pretty village.
Day
40.6 km
FUENTE DE CANTOS ZAFRA
When leaving Fuente de Cantos, we follow an ancient Roman route and start to see the first planted vines of this section, a sign of changing soil. A few kilometres further on, we pass through Calzadilla de los Barros. After that, it is an isolated and peaceful stroll along undulating dirt tracks, bordered by vineyards and olive groves. The walking day ends in Zafra, a charming old town that is also known as ‘Little Sevilla’.
Day
7.8 km
ZAFRA VILLAFRANCA DE LOS BARROS
The first few kilometres after Zafra gently climb up before zig-zagging down to the whitewashed town of Los Santos de Maimona. Then, it is an enjoyable walk up and down through farmland, vineyards, and olive trees with smashing views over the surrounding countryside.
Day
14.4 km
VILLAFRANCA DE LOS BARROS ALMENDRALEJO
Leaving Villafranca de los Barros, we find ourselves surrounded mainly by vineyards as the area produces a well-known wine enjoyed across Spain. The flat ground and short distance to Amendralejo makes today an easy and pleasant stroll through the gentle countryside.
Day
27.7 km
ALMENDRALEJO MERIDA
After Almendralejo, we start to see mountains in the distance to our right and the crops also diversify as sunflower and cereal fields alternate with vines and olive groves. Toremegia is the only town we pass through today before continuing through the countryside. Getting back to civilisation, you will be stunned when approaching Merida and its rich historical heritage.
Day
km
MERIDA
After breakfast, we bid you farewell. This city has a rich Roman history. It was founded as a Roman colony in 25 BC under the order of Emperor Augustus and it became one of the most important areas in Roman Hispania. Nowadays, Merida attracts tourists from all over the world to see the sights of Roman life, including the Forum, Circus Maximus, and aqueduct.
Getting to Monesterio, Spain
It is best to fly to Seville to start the Via de la Plata Camino.
Fly into Seville
Iberia/BA, Vueling and Ryanair fly to Seville, amongst many other international airlines. Ryanair flies from Dublin, London, Liverpool and Bristol. Iberia/BA also flies from Dublin and the UK.
From Seville Airport, there is a regular shuttle bus (Aeropuerto Especial) to Seville city centre.
From there, a bus to Monesterio takes around 1 hour.
Getting home from Merida, Spain
Fly from Seville
From Merida, there is a bus to Seville that takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Then, buses from Seville city centre to Seville Airport are regular and only take 30 minutes.
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| Off season | |
| February | Off season |
| March | Good time |
| April | Good time |
| May | Good time |
| June | Good time |
| July | Good time |
| August | Good time |
| September | Popular time |
| October | Good time |
| November | Good time |
| December | Good time |