From Alcántara to Grimaldo

Today we will face a short stage with slightly more positive elevation than the previous ones, as from the shelter of Embalse de Alcántara to the town of Grimaldo, we will ascend nearly four hundred meters in a progressive manner. This stage will be a breath of fresh air among Mediterranean forests and a path that is a bit more mountainous than the previous stages. It is worth noting that we will encounter the AVE construction works once again, but it will only be in the first part of the stage.

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