From Alcuéscar to Cáceres

This can be one of the longest stages of the Camino in all its variants. Indeed, from Alcuéscar to Cáceres there are almost 38 kilometers of path. However, the difficulty of this stage is reduced solely to its length, as the elevations are gentle or almost nonexistent. Many pilgrims shorten this stage in one of the towns between both points to be able to visit Cáceres with more time, either in Aldea del Cano or in Valdesalor.

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