Stage of the Camino
Stage Description
This is one of the longest and most demanding stages of the Via de la Plata, a journey that crosses a solitary and beautiful landscape. The route leaves Mérida by passing alongside the Aqueduct of the Miracles and enters the Extremaduran heathland. The path runs through the Cornalvo Natural Park, a protected area of great ecological value. The stage is very long and has few intermediate services, which requires self-sufficiency and good planning. The profile is undulating. The destination is Alcuéscar, a village that offers well-deserved rest and the opportunity to visit the Visigothic basilica of Santa Lucía del Trampal, an architectural jewel unique.
The stage connecting Mérida to Alcuéscar is one of the most challenging parts of the Saint Abdon and Sennen Way due to its great length. The journey immerses the pilgrim in the essence of Extremaduran heathland, a landscape of oak and holm trees of great beauty and solitude.
The departure from monumental Mérida is spectacular, passing alongside the Aqueduct of the Miracles. Shortly after, the path enters the Cornalvo Natural Park, an ideal protected space for birdwatching and enjoying nature. The route passes alongside Proserpina Reservoir, of Roman origin.
The main challenge of this stage is distance and lack of services. For many kilometers, the pilgrim walks through a deserted territory, requiring sufficient water and food. The profile is a continuous rise and fall, with no major peaks but a considerable accumulated slope.
After a long effort, one arrives at Alcuéscar. This town is known for housing one of the most important and unknown architectural jewels in the peninsula: the Basilica of Saint Lucy del Trampal. It's one of the few Visigothic temples preserved in southern Europe. A visit to this temple, just a few kilometers from the town, is highly recommended. Alcuéscar offers good services and the necessary hospitality to recover from such an demanding stage.
The departure from monumental Mérida is spectacular, passing alongside the Aqueduct of the Miracles. Shortly after, the path enters the Cornalvo Natural Park, an ideal protected space for birdwatching and enjoying nature. The route passes alongside Proserpina Reservoir, of Roman origin.
The main challenge of this stage is distance and lack of services. For many kilometers, the pilgrim walks through a deserted territory, requiring sufficient water and food. The profile is a continuous rise and fall, with no major peaks but a considerable accumulated slope.
After a long effort, one arrives at Alcuéscar. This town is known for housing one of the most important and unknown architectural jewels in the peninsula: the Basilica of Saint Lucy del Trampal. It's one of the few Visigothic temples preserved in southern Europe. A visit to this temple, just a few kilometers from the town, is highly recommended. Alcuéscar offers good services and the necessary hospitality to recover from such an demanding stage.
Last updated: 12/08/2025
Where to Sleep
Accommodations in this Stage
Find the perfect place for your rest in Mérida o Alcuescar.
Albergue Alcuéscar Comunidad Religiosa "Esclavos de María y de los Pobres"
Albergue de Alcuéscar (Vía de la Plata)
Apartamentos Trajano
Apartamento Ad Theatrum Merida
Apartamentos Harmonia
Hotel Apartamentos MPD
Área de autocaravanas de Casas de Don Antonio
CAMPING CARAVANAS La Tierra Verde
La Tierra Verde Holiday Accommodations
Apartamentos Puente Romano Suites
Aquaforum
HOSTAL EMERITAE SL
Parador de Mérida
Hostal La Flor de Al-Andalus
Hotel Vettonia
AZZ Mérida Medea Hotel
Hotel ILUNION Las Lomas
Casa Grande de Extremadura
Hotel Rambla Emerita
La sanchina
Hotel Nova Roma
Hotel Velada Mérida
Albergue de peregrinos – Molino de Pancaliente
Hostal Pompeya
Hotel Zeus
Casa Mami
Hotel Lusitania
Imperium Apartamentos
Albergue turistico Pampejo
Alojamiento Dominguez Arroyo
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