Stage

Castilblanco de los Arroyos - Almadén de la Plata

Guillena - Castilblanco de los Arroyos Almadén de la Plata - Monesterio Conexion Camino Francés (The French Way) Astorga - Foncebadón

29 km

This section starts at the Avenida de Antonio Machado, towards the road SE-5405. The Camino runs along this road for 15 kilometres, so you have to walk on the side with caution, although the road is not very busy. You will have to climb a bit, especially at the end.

Once you find the Finca El Berrocal, you leave the road and cross the dehesa- grazing land- with great views over the natural park of Sierra Morena. The route goes through the ruins of El Berrocal towards the hilltop of El Calvario, with a strenuous but short climb. On top of the hill, you have two great vantage points, this is a good place to take a break.

Less than 1 kilometre away, you will find Almadén de la Plata, another quaint, whitewashed village, smaller than Guillena, where you can admire the Torre del Reloj (clock tower) in the old town hall, erected at the beginning of the 20th century.

Tips from our postmen and women

What to do and see in Almaden de la Plata?

Antonia Martínez Correos Almadén de la Plata

“You may access Almadén de la Plata through the Centro de Visitantes de El Berrocal, the Visitor’s Centre. Almadén houses a fossil trunk dating back around 300 million years, unique in Spain, originating from a large araucaria forest in the current basin of the River Viar. Close to the village, you will find the Cerro del Calvario, a hilltop people climb to make promises and enjoy beautiful views over the town.

You can also visit the 16th-century church of Nuestra Señora de Gracia. To eat, I would recommend Ibéricos in places such as El Molino, an old oil mill, with an attached museum. The village has always been linked to the marble quarries, mining, and agriculture, and on Saturdays and Sundays, you can taste the wonderful buñuelos at Buñuelos Dolores.”