Silver Way from Mérida to Salamanca

Stages

• day 1

  Arrival at Mérida

  We leave behind Torremejía along a path parallel to the N-630, which connects Seville and Mérida. We alternate between sections of trail and shoulder until we cross the EX-105 and continue along a dirt road that brings us closer to the Vega del Guadiana.

  We enter Mérida through the Bellavista neighborhood, cross the Roman Bridge over the Guadiana, and conclude the stage at Plaza de España.

  Things to consider

  Simple and somewhat monotonous stage. It is recommended to arrive early in Mérida to enjoy its heritage. Caution is advised on the road sections.

  Places of interest

  • Amphitheater – Mérida
  • Roman Theater – Mérida
  • Plaza de España – Mérida
  • National Museum of Roman Art – Mérida

  Typical dishes

  • Patatas al rebujón
  • Gazpacho
  • Ajo blanco
  • Stewed legumes
  • Game meats
  • Trout
• day 2

  Stage 1. Mérida - Alcuéscar (35.9 km)

  We leave behind the town of Mérida from the co-cathedral of Santa María la Mayor, to head towards Ferrocarril Street, where we will cross the train tracks. A little further ahead, we will cross a stream and divert to the Roman aqueduct of Los Milagros. We continue straight, ignoring the roundabouts, to reach the road to the Proserpina Reservoir, which we follow until we cross the A-5 via a bridge and continue towards the reservoir.

  We skirt the dam and leave behind the Proserpina urbanization to head towards a dirt path in the direction of Carrascalejo. It is important to pay attention, as this exit is easy to overlook. We leave Carrascalejo behind and follow a path to the right that takes us to cross the A-66 to reach Aljucén.

  We leave Aljucén via the N-630, cross the Aljucén River, and begin a gradual ascent. Before reaching an abandoned service area, we divert onto a path through dehesas that crosses the Cornalvo Natural Park. Upon exiting the park, we enter the province of Cáceres and continue to the Arco de Cáparra. In this area, it is important to closely follow the yellow arrows. We continue to the Cruz de San Juan, from where we take a pass and turn right to cover the last 5 kilometers to Alcuéscar.

  Things to consider

  This stage is long and somewhat more demanding than the previous ones, although also more varied and entertaining. Some pilgrims choose to shorten it by staying overnight in Aljucén, but we recommend, if possible, to continue to Alcuéscar.

  Places of interest

  • Hermitage of Our Lady of the Assumption – Alcuéscar
  • Hermitage of Our Lady of Fátima – Alcuéscar
  • Church of San Andrés – Aljucén
  • Church of Santa Lucía del Trampal – Alcuéscar

  Typical dishes

  • Calderetas
  • Marinated broad beans and tench
  • Iberian cold cuts
  • Migas
  • Pitarra wine
• day 3

  Stage 2. Alcuéscar - Cáceres (37.4 km)

  We leave the town of Alcuéscar to head from an asphalt track to a dirt path among olive groves, holm oaks, and kermes oaks typical of the province of Cáceres. The path will return to asphalt after almost seven kilometers, although it will again be dirt to cross the Medieval Bridge over the Ayuela River. Next, we head towards the N-630, leaving behind Casas de Don Antonio, and we will continue parallel to it until we reach the Santiago stream, which crosses via a Roman bridge.

  Further ahead, we will cross the national road to reach a detour for Aldea del Cano, where we will find the modest church of Aldea del Cano, which is well worth seeing.

  We will follow the official path straight ahead until we reach the A-66, which we will cross through an underpass to arrive, a few kilometers later, at the Aerodrome of La Cervera. We leave this place behind and continue directly to the Old Bridge of La Mocha, which crosses over the Salor River. This bridge leads us to the town of Valdesalor, where we can take a breather to face the final stretch of the stage.

  We cross the N-630 and, after a service area, we will divert to head along a dirt path until we cross the A-66 and later the N-630, along whose shoulder we will continue until we reach the Puerto de las Camellas. From here, we will continue through detours and dirt paths until we reach the city of Cáceres, entering through the entrance to a gas station. We continue to arrive at the remains of the San Francisco Bridge, which welcomes us to the city from the roundabout where they are displayed. Once here, we will continue wandering until we reach the Plaza Mayor of Cáceres.

  Things to Consider

  This stage is quite long and ends in the city of Cáceres, so if you want to take the time to explore it, it is ideal to shorten the stage to avoid arriving too late, or to leave very early from Alcuéscar. As always, be careful with road areas and adjust the path to what is most comfortable for you.

  Places of Interest

  • Co-Cathedral of Santa María – Cáceres
  • Church of San Martín – Aldea del Cano
  • Hermitage of the Pillar – Casas de Don Antonio
  • Parish Church of the Conversion of San Pablo – Valdesalor

  Typical Dishes

  • Tenca
  • Pickled Tenca
  • Iberian Pork Meats
  • Chanfaina
  • Buche with Berzas
  • Blood Sausage and Casareño Tripe
  • Wine Donuts and Torta de Casar
  • Alfajor Cookies
• day 4

  Stage 3. Cáceres - Alcántara (33.8 km)

  We leave the Extremaduran city via the Avenida de las Delicias, leaving behind the bullring to reach the Casar road, from where we exit Cáceres. We will continue along the national N-521 on the shoulder until we reach a path that leads us to an open area, which we will continue until crossing the A-66 via an underpass. We then enter Casar de Cáceres, where, if you have left late from the capital, you can spend the night without worries.

  Likewise, Casar de Cáceres is a good place to take a break on the way, so now rested (a lot, or a little) we head from here towards the Alcántara Reservoir. We will leave the town behind a beautiful hermitage of Santiago to head along the path through livestock fields where cattle graze. Do you see those stone pillars? They are Roman milestones, and they were used to mark the distances for each Roman mile.

  If we continue along this path, we will encounter several milestones.

  We pass by several estates, including the Finca Berrueto, to reach the AVE works (High-Speed Train) that we must skirt along a path near the already known N-630. Now we will take a path with several descending slopes parallel to this road, which leads us to cross the Almonte River, to skirt the reservoir until we cross the Tagus River, where we will arrive at the shelter.

  Things to consider

  This stage is quite long, and there are people who shorten and lengthen it at will. We recommend not spending the night in Casar de Cáceres and following this itinerary, as the end of the stage leaves us at a shelter from which the entirety of the Alcántara Reservoir can be seen, and it is a refreshing place after so much Extremaduran plain.

  Places of interest

  • Hermitage of Santiago – Casar de Cáceres
  • Church of Our Lady of the Assumption – Casar de Cáceres
  • Church of San Pedro – Alcántara Reservoir
  • Constitution Square – Alcántara Reservoir
  • Church of Santa María de la Consolación – Alcántara Reservoir

  Typical dishes

  • Origüelos
  • Fried frogs
  • Marinated fish
  • Morengas
  • Cagajones
  • Chanfaina
  • Honey
• day 5

  Stage 4. Alcántara - Grimaldo (20 km)

  We leave the shelter of the Alcántara Reservoir for the national road 600 meters ahead, which leads us to a path south of Cerro Garrote, from where we can see beautiful views of the reservoir, until we cross the platform of the AVE, a route that will connect to Grimaldo in the future. We continue accompanied by the high-speed works to cross them again towards Caňaveral, on the slope of the Sierra del Arco. We arrive at the San Benito Bridge, originating from the 14th century, and we cross it to head 300 meters along the N-630 to reach Caňaveral.

  We leave the village via Calle Real, not without first taking a break and stocking up, to head back to the national road, along which we will take a path that coincides with the Natural Way of the Tagus, which saves us a kilometer of road, although it avoids passing by the Hermitage of San Cristóbal and the Fountain of the Republic.

  We continue until we see that fountain to follow the ascent to the Alto de los Castaños, from where we head down to the Puerto de los Castaños.

  Once here, we proceed along the EX-371 that takes us to a path among cork oaks, and we continue until we reach a crossing of a stream. From here, we can divert to Grimaldo if we need to replenish our strength or if we want to finish the stage.

  Things to consider

  This stage is somewhat short, but also very complete in landscapes. We will enjoy views from the Alcántara Reservoir to the ascent to the Alto de los Castaños, which can be demanding. We do not recommend extending the stage beyond Grimaldo, as the next stop is more than 12 kilometers away.

  Places of interest

  • Hermitage of San Roque – Caňaveral (Grimaldo)
  • Church of Santa Marina – Caňaveral (Grimaldo)
  • Sanctuary of Our Lady of Cabezón – Caňaveral (Grimaldo)

  Typical dishes

  • Limas
  • Migas and cold cuts
  • Garden salads
  • Iberian ham
  • Caldereta
• day 6

  Stage 5. Grimaldo - Carcaboso (30.2 km)

  We will leave Grimaldo from the road to Holguera, from where we will reach an underpass where we cross the A-66. We continue along the path through the dehesas and cork oak forests until we reach a detour at the height of two green gates.

  On one side, the path diverts us towards Riolobos, advancing along a dirt road protected by a stone wall until we reach a track that leads us to the bank of the Jerte. We reach Riolobos, where we will find all the necessary services to rest and regain strength. From here we find another detour: the shorter option takes us to the right of the CC-293 until we reunite with the original path; the other option goes along the road, crosses the stream of El Boquerón del Rivero and arrives at the hermitage of Our Lady of Argamasa, continuing on to Galisteo.

  The original path continues straight ahead, crossing the same stream and resuming the road to Riolobos. We cross the canal on the right bank of the Jerte and continue until the Arroyo de las Monjas, which takes us directly to Galisteo.

  We leave Galisteo from the Plaza de España, cross the wall and exit to the Roman Bridge that crosses the Jerte, actually a medieval bridge. From here we reach the EX-A1 and continue on to Aldehuela del Jerte. Finally, we follow the road for about 5 kilometers until Carcaboso.

  Things to consider

  This stage is quite long and offers several alternatives to adapt it according to preferences. It can be made shorter or longer depending on the chosen detours. We recommend planning the stage well the day before. Additionally, the next stage is 38 kilometers, so it is advisable not to shorten this day too much.

  Places of interest

  • Manrique de Lara Bridge – Galisteo
  • Galisteo Wall – Galisteo
  • Picota Tower – Galisteo
  • Church of the Assumption – Galisteo
  • Church of Santiago Apostle – Carcaboso

  Typical dishes

  • Blood sausages and tripe
  • Potato in vinegar
  • Potato salad
  • Migas and fried galisteo
  • Landrillas and chanfaina
  • Galistean tongue
  • Huesillos and coquillos
• day 7

  Stage 6. Carcaboso - Aldeanueva del Camino (38.3 km)

  We will leave the town of Carcaboso via a dirt track that leads to a cube of the Junta de Extremadura indicating the direction to Aldeanueva del Camino, and takes us to an alternative route that unnecessarily extends the path by one kilometer. We continue along the asphalt to reach a slight ascent, which leads us to a path among cork oaks where we continue through the dehesas until we reach the Finca Dehesa Venta Quemada, from where we will follow the dirt road that takes us to the famous Arco de Cáparra.

  Just a few meters from here, you will find the only supply point on the route: some vending machines.

  We pass through the arch and continue along the service track to reach a detour that will take us to the Asturias hostel, which is located two and a half kilometers from this point. If we continue, we arrive at the road to Casas del Monte, which leads us to a dirt track that takes us near a house in ruins.

  We cross the A-66 via an underpass and head towards a path that moves away from the national road and the highway, entering a beautiful path among dehesas and cattle that leads us to some farmhouses. From here, we will cross the A-66 through a tunnel that leads us directly to Aldeanueva del Camino.

  Things to consider

  This stage is one of the longest, so there are options to shorten it, such as the detour to Oliva de Plasencia or further ahead in Jarilla. Our recommendation is to plan the stage in advance before leaving Carcaboso and to adapt the route according to your feelings to decide whether to stop or not before reaching Aldeanueva del Camino.

  Places of interest

  • Arco de Cáparra
  • Church of Our Lady of San Servando – Aldeanueva del Camino
  • Church of Our Lady of the Elm – Aldeanueva del Camino

  Typical dishes

  • Kid stew
  • Pickled potatoes
  • Pork with peppers and Extremaduran migas
  • Pork ears and stewed chorizo
  • Sweet doughnuts, sweet soup, and mantecados
• day 8

  Stage 7. Aldeanueva del Camino - La Calzada de Béjar (21.8 km)

  We leave the town of Aldeanueva via the national road N-630, which leads us to cross the A-66, continuing along the shoulder of the national road until we reach Camping Las Cañadas, where we can make our first stop on our way to Calzada de Béjar. We will continue along an intermittent path between asphalt and dirt trail, skirting the Baños reservoir, to arrive at the municipality of Baños de Montemayor, where we will find the Roman baths that give it its name.

  We leave behind Baños de Montemayor from the upper part of the municipality to return to the national road, from where we will transition to a Roman cobblestone path that will ascend for a couple of kilometers in a steep climb to the Puerto de Béjar. We have entered the Community of Castilla y León, and as a welcome, a service station with a shop and a bar awaits us.

  We leave the road to take a path that crosses beneath the A-66 to continue along a wooded path descending among oaks and holm oaks until we reach the Roman Bridge of Malena, over the river Cuerpo de Hombre. We continue along this path, finding one of the best-preserved milestones of the route, finally heading along the cobblestone stretch that will lead us to the town of La Calzada de Béjar.

  Things to consider

  Although the stage is short, it has some elevation changes such as the climb to Alto de Béjar, which will make it a bit more complicated. Even if we can manage the climb without problems, we recommend that you take advantage of this stage to rest from the previous two, enjoying everything it has to offer.

  Places of interest

  • Building of the Spa – Baños de Montemayor
  • Cathedral of Plasencia – Baños de Montemayor
  • Church of Our Lady of the Assumption – Calzada de Béjar
  • Roman Fort – Calzada de Béjar

  Typical dishes

  • Lamb stew in Béjar style
  • Scrambled potatoes
  • Bacalao a la bejarana
  • Iberian sausages
• day 9

  Stage 8. La Calzada de Béjar - Fuenterroble de Salvatierra (27.9 km)

  We leave Calzada de Béjar behind the church to head to the road, which will take us to a path that will accompany us on our way to Fuenterroble de Salvatierra. We will continue and cross the C-515 to reach a promenade alongside Roman milestones that will accompany us until we cross the Sangustín River, which brings us back to a path after a few meters of asphalt to continue to Valverde de Valdelacasa. We leave this town, not without taking a breath, and continue near the Guijuelo road until we reach the town of Valdelacasa.

  We cross this road to go through Valdelacasa and return to a dirt path that leads us back to a road track that we will follow until we leave a quarry behind. Next, we come out to the local road that will take us straight for about four kilometers of gentle descent to Fuenterroble de Salvatierra, our stage end for today.

  Things to consider

  This stage is quite short and relaxed, in addition to being well marked by milestones and by the Camino's own signage. Although the stage is short, we do not recommend extending it to the next town, as it is almost fifteen kilometers from Fuenterroble de Salvatierra, making the stage too long if we start in Calzada de Béjar. Therefore, we recommend spending the night here and enjoying the place.

  Places of interest

  • Gothic Church of Santa María la Blanca – Fuenterroble de Salvatierra
  • Thematic Park of the Vía de la Plata – Fuenterroble de Salvatierra
  • The milestones and the remains of the Roman road – Fuenterroble de Salvatierra

  Typical dishes

  • Guijuelo Ham
  • Local products made with wheat and barley
  • Iberian cured meats
  • Goat cheese
• day 10

  Stage 9. Fuenterroble de Salvatierra - San Pedro de Rozados (20.6 km)
• day 11

  Stage 10. San Pedro de Rozados - Salamanca (20.6 km)

  We leave the town of Fuente de Cantos via the Constitution square, heading towards the road to Medina de las Torres, from where we will divert to an ancient Roman road towards Zafra. Not long after, we arrive at Calzadilla de los Barros, sheltered by the fields. From here, we will continue along a path parallel to the N-630, from which we will soon diverge while crossing several streams. We keep moving through fields and livestock farms, cross the railway tracks, and head towards Puebla de Sancho Pérez, where we can take a short break before tackling the last 4 kilometers. We leave this town behind and continue along a path parallel to the Old Puebla road until we enter Zafra.

  Things to consider

  This is not a very long stage, but it can be shortened by spending the night in Puebla de Sancho Pérez. It is quite a monotonous stage, as from Fuente de Cantos we traverse agricultural areas with little tourist appeal until we reach Zafra. These stretches can be ideal for reflection and self-discovery, an essential part of the Camino de Santiago.

  Places of interest

  • Church of Santa Lucía – Puebla de Sancho Pérez
  • Church of San Salvador – Calzadilla de los Barros
  • Chapel of Our Lady of Bethlehem
  • Collegiate Church of Candelaria – Zafra
  • House of Ajimez – Zafra

  Typical dishes

  • Retinto
  • Lamb or pork stew
  • Oxtail
  • Migas
  • Almond hearts
  • Santa Clara pastries
• day 12

  End of the Camino

  After arriving... End of the Camino