Via de la Plata

Starting from Sevilla, in the heart of the southern province of Andalucia, to Monesteria at the gateway of Extremadura, the ‘Scallop Shells’ lead us north towards Santiago. Heading out from the beautiful city of Sevilla, pilgrims will encounter relics of a past in which Iberian and Islamic culture mixed freely, creating a culture, architectural style, and lifestyle unique across all of Spain.

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.

On this section, the Camino heads north, through Extremadura Province, a land of dry and gently hilly landscapes that sometimes seems to be inhabited by more cerdos ibericos (dark brown pigs typical of the region) than people. Indeed, there can be long gaps between villages, giving you time to enjoy open and quiet landscapes of crop fields and vines, cork oak forests, and wild flowers all year round.

The well-marked Camino runs through the heart of Extremadura all the way to Carcaboso. This is where we observe the most changes in the landscape, day after day. At the beginning, there is very little shade along the Silver Way but as the landscape becomes more undulating, woodland starts to appear. This is a welcome sight for most pilgrims!

We start this section in the very north of the province of Extremadura and soon we enter Castilla y Leon with its more mountainous landscapes. Here, the Camino combines all types of scenery, from meadows with grazing cattle to woodland to the imposing Duena Peak (an elevation of 1,140m), one of the highest points of this route. We finally arrive in Salamanca, famous for its Renaissance architecture and one of the country’s most lively cities.

As we leave Salamanca and its lively buzz, we follow the well-indicated scallop shells and we soon find ourselves walking across flat cultivated lands and along endless red earth tracks. The last walking day to Zamora is challenging for its length but, as the first walking days are of short enough distances, anybody with an average level of fitness can do it.

As you head north west through Castilla y Leon, the landscape begins to change and switches from red earth farmlands to greener hills and woodland, inhabited by a wide range of wildlife. The major Rio Tera is also part of the landscape as the Camino comes across its banks on several occasions. We also walk through many typical rural villages, some of them mainly occupied by deserted stone houses and old churches.

As we veer west, this eighth section on the Via de la Plata route offers some of the most rewarding views of the whole Camino. This portion of the Silver Way also enters Galicia and runs through beautiful low mountains, making it challenging but offering great views all days long.

Green and undulating landscapes, there is no doubt: you are in Galicia! The Way of Saint James crosses the south west edge of the Cordillera Cantabrica, through isolated villages and roaming cattle. It definitely offers some of the most stunning views of the whole Via de la Plata route!

Starting in Ourense and reaching the city of Santiago de Compostela, this section of the Camino runs through both farmland and the green low mountains of Galicia. As you approach the final destination of the Way of Saint James you can feel the buzz and appeal it has created over the centuries, as the rich heritage evidenced in the chapels, crosses, and statues linked to the Camino can be seen every day during the walk to you final stop.

The Via de la Plata is a historic pilgrimage route in Spain that spans approximately 1,000km. It is also known as the Silver Way or the Camino Mozárabe. The route starts in the southern city of Seville and ends in Santiago de Compostela, the final destination of the famous Camino de Santiago. The origins of the Via de la Plata date back to Roman times, when it served as a major trade route between the cities of Seville and Astorga. Over the centuries, the route gained significance as a pilgrimage path to Santiago de Compostela, joining the main Camino Francés in Astorga. The Via de la Plata offers a unique experience to pilgrims, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty across the whole of Spain. The route takes travellers through a variety of landscapes, including vast plains, rugged mountains, and charming villages. Along the way, pilgrims can explore Roman ruins, mediaeval bridges, and impressive cathedrals. We offer customised holiday packages on the Via de la Plata to suit all budgets.