From Almadén de la Plata to Monesterio

On today's stage, we will advance from Almadén de la Plata to the border crossing between the Andalusian and Extremaduran lands, in the locality of El Real de la Jara, to head towards Monesterio. This will take us along a long path through the numerous dehesas and the farmland of Andalusians and Extremadurans. It will also lead us across several streams that we will cross to reach our stage's end.

We leave the town of Almadén de la Plata behind, passing the bullring, to continue around the hill of Covachos, from where we will head towards the town of Monesterio. A little further on, we will cross a stone bridge that leads us to a path through pastures and holm oaks, cork oaks, and rockroses, with some moderate elevation changes. We cross the Arroyo Mateos and continue ascending until we reach the Old Road of Almadén de la Plata, which will take us to the town of El Real de la Jara.

We leave behind El Real de la Jara via a street leading to a medieval castle before crossing the Arroyo de la Víbora, at the entrance to Extremadura. This part of the stage will be a constant ascent to the town of Monesterio, so gather your strength and supplies. We cross into Extremadura and pass by the ruins of the Castle of las Torres, advancing along a dirt track between pastures until we reach the Hermitage of San Isidro and the Venta el Culebrín. Further ahead, we will find the Hotel-Restaurante Leo, where we can take a short break and tackle the final stretch along the shoulder of the national road until we reach a path parallel to the highway. Along this path, we will leave behind the picnic area of the Cruz del Puerto to finally arrive at the town of Monesterio.

Things to consider

This is a long route that crosses the border between Extremadura and Andalusia. It traverses the bucolic pastures from Almadén de la Plata to Monesterio. Do not despair, as the architectural sites are worth it. Remember to carry enough water, as although there are some intermediate points, they are quite far apart.

Places of interest

• Church of San Bartolomé – El Real de la Jara
• Medieval castle – El Real de la Jara
• Ham Museum – Monesterio
• Castle of las Torres – Monesterio
• Church of San Pedro – Monesterio

Typical dishes

• Lomo a la presa de entraña
• Iberian ham
• Cured meats
• Potatoes with spine
• Rice with offal
• Morcones