This remarkable aqueduct once carried water into Mérida from the Embalse de Proserpina 5km away.
From the shadow of the aqueduct, the camino proceeds northward to a set of roundabouts. At the first roundabout it bears left, and at the second roundabout, it does the same to follow along with the Avenida del Lago to Proserpina.
Most of Proserpina sits to the east of the camino, but there is a restaurant along the road before the embalse and a few more after it.
The Roman built dam here still stands and is still in use, though no longer does it supply water to the aqueduct in Mérida.
The camino follows a paved road away from the embalse for 4km before turning sharply left to leave it (just before a bridge turns right). From here it follows a path for another 3.5km into El Carrascalejo.
Vía de la Plata Map 8
The bar adjacent to the church maintains irregular hours.
The camino climbs gently up to the village, passes counterclockwise around the church, and down the hill to the left and past the shuttered municipal albergue. It passes beneath the A-66 before arriving at Aljucén.
Accommodation in El Carrascalejo
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1 |
Albergue El Carrascalejo Municipal
Paraje La Cuesta
24 10€ Booking.com |
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There is a shop, but the opening hours (10-14) make it impractical. Both bars do food. There are Roman baths open to the public which offers pilgrim discounts.
The camino follows a paved road out of town and joins the N-630 before crossing the Río Aljucén. Once over the river, it leaves the road (before the gas station) to follow a long path through the countryside.
Along the way to Alcuéscar, there are two detours. The...
Accommodation in Aljucén
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1 |
Albergue San Andrés Private
San Andrés, 23
12 10€ |
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2 |
Casa Romana Aqua Libera ⭑⭑⭑⭑ Casa Rural
Cáceres 20
Booking.com |
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The signage for the accommodation and restaurant at Las Herrerías is unofficial and somewhat misleading. Just know that it is a detour to the left and that the official camino and Alcuéscar are to the right.
If you made this detour, follow the main road (the EX-382) in the direction of Alcuéscar.
Accommodation in Detour to Cruce de Las Herrerías
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Hostal Canuto Hostal
Cruce de las Herrería
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Hostal Los Olivos Hostal
Ctra. N-630 Km 591
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There are no arrows in town since the camino enters along the road and leaves town at the Casa de Beficiencia. If you have the afternoon energy and have not seen the town get out there and take a stroll. If you fancy an extra 6km along a quiet road, keep an eye open for signs to the...
The camino leaves town at a left turn just after the albergue. It is a paved road which gives way to a dirt road to follow through the countryside to Casas de Don Antonio.
Accommodation in Alcuéscar
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1 |
Casa de Beneficiencia de los Esclavos de María y de los Pobres Parochial
Extremadura, 2
12 Donativo€ |
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2 |
Casa Rural Casa Grande Casa Rural
Travesia Doctor Huertas
Booking.com |
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The camino completely bypasses the small village, you will need to step away from the marked trail to get to the small bar/shop located in the local social center.
Beyond Casas de Don Antonio the camino returns to the N-630 but follows a path adjacent to it. It crosses the N road and begins to veer away from Aldea del Cano.
Vía de la Plata Map 9
Located 500m off of the camino. Ask for the key to the albergue in the bar next door (Las Vegas).
If you stayed in Aldea del Cano, take the road adjacent to the albergue to return to the camino. It follows country roads again, passes under the motorway, and over the Aeródromo de la Cervera. When it gets to the Río Salor take the left-most bridge straight to Valdesalor...
Accommodation in Aldea del Cano
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1 |
Albergue Miliario del Verdinal Municipal
N-630
9 6€ |
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2 |
Casa Rural Vía de la Plata Casa Rural
Plaza Mayor, 8
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The albergue is one of the first buildings in town, instructions for getting the key are on the door... generally located at Ayuntamiento or the Hogar de Penionista. Early morning coffee available at the gas station when leaving town.
The camino leaves town along the N-630 for a short distance. At the Repsol gas station, it turns towards the right to cross over the motorway. It climbs gently to the Puerto de las Camellas (4.9km). The path is soft until the suburbs of Cáceres begin.
The camino enters the...
Accommodation in Valdesalor
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1 |
Albergue de Valdesalor Municipal
Valdesalor
14 6€ |
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When passing through Cáceres, go slow through the old town. It is small but is packed with the majority of the popular sites. The camino enters via the Arco del Cristo (1st century Roman), one of the few remaining gates to the original wall. Just uphill from the gate is the Casa...
The best landmark for exiting Cáceres is the bull ring, where the arrow visibility increases. Cross the main road at the bull ring and follow the signs to Casar de Cáceres, you will quickly find yourself leaving town along a divided collonade with trees for shade. The pedestrian...
Accommodation in Cáceres
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1 |
Albergue Municipal Ciudad de Cáceres Municipal
Universidad
60 16€ Booking.com |
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2 |
Albergue turístico Las Veletas Private
General Margallo, 36
40 15€ Booking.com |
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3 |
Pensión El César ⭑⭑ Pension
General Margallo, 61
Booking.com |
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4 |
Pensión Zurbarán Pension
Roso de Luna, 11
Booking.com |
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Hotel Don Carlos Cáceres Hotel
Donoso Cortés 13-15
Booking.com |
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6 |
Hotel Casa Don Fernando ⭑⭑⭑ Hotel
Plaza Mayor 30
Booking.com |
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7 |
Hotel Alfonso IX ⭑⭑ Hotel
Parras, 9
Booking.com |
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8 |
Parador de Cáceres ⭑⭑⭑⭑ Parador
Ancha, 6
Booking.com |
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Vía de la Plata Map 10
Plenty of food choices along the camino, and opportunities for shopping as well. The local swimming pool is a good way to cool down. The Museo del Queso is small and has a bit of charm, but leaves a bit to be desired after the jamón of Monesterio.
PACK WATER. The camino ahead is through remote pastures with little opportunity to refill.
The camino leaves Casar de Cáceres along the road to the north. It almost immediately turns to dirt and continues through the countryside. Along the way, you will pass beside and through walled pastures. It is a quiet stretch of road which, when dry, is rather enjoyable. It is remote, and...
Accommodation in Casar de Cáceres
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1 |
Albergue Municipal de Casar de Cáceres Municipal
Plaza de España
18 Free€ |
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2 |
Albergue Turistico Ruta de la Plata Casar Private
Paseo de Extremadura
Booking.com |
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Hotel Rural Vía de la Plata Hostal
Plaza de Extremadura
Booking.com |
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There is a municipal albergue down the road, it is a wonderful new building with an excellent view but also with a history of problems related to its construction which make it hard to predict if it will be open for the season. It is included here for the sake of completeness, but you are...
Rejoin the camino at the road, making sure to follow the trail upwards and not the road downwards.
Vía de la Plata Map 11
The albergue in Alcántara is closed, making this detour less common. If you want to end your stage here, there is a private hostel that can accommodate you.
