Walking the Via de la Plata from Monesterio to Merida
Stage 2
107.5km
7 days
Carefully Selected 2 to 3 star accommodations
moderate
Starting From
€829
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Popular Time
Good Time
Off/Low Season
Not Possible
From Monesterio, the Camino stretches through the south of Extremadura, a region of dry and sparsely populated farmland. Walking through this dry land, with few opportunities to rest in the shade, can be seen as challenging. However, we have split most stages along this section into shorter days and the flat ground presents no particular difficulty, so it only requires an average level of fitness.
FREE This trip createstonne(s) of CO2, we offset it for free
Highlights
Monasterio
This city is the place to be for ham lovers. Monasterio is well known for its delicious ham, so much that they even celebrate it in September by organizing a Monasterio Ham Day where one can try all types of ham at different stands. But not only at this time of the year the city has something to offer. If you are interested in ham you can even visit the Museo de Jamon or go to Los Templarios for a nice dinner. If you want more of a higher class experience at a restaurant where locals also go to El Rinconcillo is the place you should go to.
Zafra
Zafra also is known as little Sevilla has beautiful things to offer. One of them is the Castle of Zafra (Palacio de Los Duques de Feria) in the middle of the town close to the Plaza de España. It offers a nice seating area in the courtyard where you can admire the beautiful architecture of the building.
Almendralejo
In Almendralejo you are able to see the parish church of Purification erected in the 16th century or get some sweets made from the nuns of the order of St.Clare, also known as the convent of Nuestra Señora del Amparo.
Monesterio to Merida
Via de la Plata
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From €829
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Preferred Month & Year
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2025
2026
2027
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
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Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
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Services
Included in this package
Bed & Breakfast
Specially Hand-Picked Accommodation
Our Holiday or Pilgrim Pack
24/7 On-Call Support
Virtual Face-to-Face Pre-Departure Briefing
Add-On
Premium Accommodation
Airport Pick-Up
Additional Nights
Dinners
Luggage Transfers from Hotel to Hotel
Day Tours to Local Sites of Interest
Not included
Flights/trains
Insurance
Drinks/Lunch
Itinerary
Day 1
MONESTERIO (Arrival)
Monesterio was strongly linked to the history of the Camino once when Templars from the Order of Santiago brought wealth to the town, back in the 15th and 16th Centuries. Nowadays, little remains as witness to this heritage and Monesterio is a quiet Extremaduran town.
Day 2 20.69km
MONESTERIO
to
FUENTE DE CANTOS
Today the Camino can be quite exposed, walking on long undulating tracks with scattered oak holms and fig groves providinge shelter from the sun here and there. A few kilometres after Monesterio, don’t miss the 5,000 year-old megalith, just 10m off the track. Grazing pigs will probably be the only inhabitants you will see along the way, as the Camino doesn’t pass through any villages before reaching Fuente de Cantos, a pretty village.
Day 3 24.2km
FUENTE DE CANTOS
to
ZAFRA
When leaving Fuente de Cantos, we follow an ancient Roman route and start to see the first planted vines of this section, a sign of changing soil. A few kilometres further on, we pass through Calzadilla de los Barros. After that, it is an isolated and peaceful stroll along undulating dirt tracks, bordered by vineyards and olive groves. The walking day ends in Zafra, a charming old town that is also known as ‘Little Sevilla’.
Day 4 19.79km
ZAFRA
to
VILLAFRANCA DE LOS BARROS
The first few kilometres after Zafra gently climb up before zig-zagging down to the whitewashed town of Los Santos de Maimona. Then, it is an enjoyable walk up and down through farmland, vineyards, and olive trees with smashing views over the surrounding countryside.
Day 5 14.8km
VILLAFRANCA DE LOS BARROS
to
ALMENDRALEJO
Leaving Villafranca de los Barros, we find ourselves surrounded mainly by vineyards as the area produces a well-known wine enjoyed across Spain. The flat ground and short distance to Amendralejo makes today an easy and pleasant stroll through the gentle countryside.
Day 6 28.04km
ALMENDRALEJO
to
MERIDA
After Almendralejo, we start to see mountains in the distance to our right and the crops also diversify as sunflower and cereal fields alternate with vines and olive groves. Toremegia is the only town we pass through today before continuing through the countryside. Getting back to civilisation, you will be stunned when approaching Merida and its rich historical heritage.
Day 7
MERIDA
After breakfast, we bid you farewell. This city has a rich Roman history. It was founded as a Roman colony in 25 BC under the order of Emperor Augustus and it became one of the most important areas in Roman Hispania. Nowadays, Merida attracts tourists from all over the world to see the sights of Roman life, including the Forum, Circus Maximus, and aqueduct.
How to Get There
Getting to Monesterio, Spain
It is best to fly to Seville.
Fly into Seville
Iberia, Vueling and Ryanair fly to Seville, amongst other companies. Ryanair flies from Dublin, London, Liverpool and Bristol. Iberia also flies from Dublin and the UK. More information.
From Seville Airport, bus to Seville bus station ( 30min). Then bus to Monesterio (1hr).
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