Embalse de Alcántara to Grimaldo
The original path takes over from the road, with a beautiful dehesa as the final stretch.
Best season: Year-round; a short, pleasant stage to get back into rhythm
Map
- Embalse de Alcántara
- Grimaldo
FEAACS track published by IGN. Follow current trail signs.
Source: IGN/CNIG · FEAACS · CC BY 4.0 · Accessed:
Gaps in the source file are preserved; no connections have been added.
Does not include access from the track to: Embalse de Alcántara, Grimaldo.
The Camino Bonsai Café team · Last editorial update:
From Embalse de Alcántara to Grimaldo is 20.3 km along the Vía de la Plata. It's stage 13, with 356 m of ascent and 138 m of descent, completed in about 5h 30min. Difficulty: Easy.
20.3 km is the editorial distance, the one guidebooks use for planning. The IGN GPX track below the map measures 19.2 km: it can differ because of route variants, the exact start and end points, and the access paths into villages, which it leaves out. Neither figure is the road distance between the two towns.
Original path and dehesa to Grimaldo
The stage recovers the original route of the path as far as Cañaveral, avoiding the stretch alongside the N-630 road that characterized earlier stages.
After Cañaveral, a firm climb leads up to the Alto de los Castaños, from where the path continues along a track through a beautiful Extremaduran dehesa to Grimaldo, a village located about 600 meters off the official route.
At just over 20 km, it's a short, moderately difficult stage, ideal for recovering rhythm after the demanding day to the Embalse de Alcántara.
What the terrain is like, section by section
Terrain
A firm climb to the Alto de los Castaños, followed by a track through dehesa.
Scenery
Extremaduran dehesa, especially beautiful on the final stretch.
Path type
Original dirt path, away from the road.
Villages
Cañaveral, halfway through the stage, and Grimaldo, about 600 m off the official route.
Water points
Available in Cañaveral and Grimaldo.
Shade
Good on the dehesa stretches.
Traffic
Light: the path avoids the N-630 on this stage.
Key fact
At 20.3 km, it's a short, manageable stage for recovering strength.
Staying in Grimaldo
Grimaldo offers simple accommodation for pilgrims, with Cañaveral as an alternative halfway along.
Accommodation in Grimaldo
A pilgrims' albergue and La Posada de Grimaldo, both in the village.
Eating on this stage
Both Cañaveral and Grimaldo have simple dining options for pilgrims.
Simple Extremaduran cuisine
Local bars and inns with pilgrim's menus.
Stops with history on this stage
A good resting point
A village halfway through the stage with several accommodation options.
The Alto de los Castaños
The highest point of the stage, reached after a firm climb from Cañaveral.
A beautiful Extremaduran dehesa
The final stretch runs along a track through one of the most characteristic landscapes of Extremadura.
Take your time enjoying the dehesa stretch before reaching Grimaldo: it's one of the prettiest landscapes on this part of the route.
Getting there and back
If you're starting here: the Embalse de Alcántara has few public transport connections, so it's worth planning ahead.
If you need to get back from Grimaldo: Cañaveral, very close by, has better bus connections with the main towns in the area.
What to know before this stage
Make the most of the short stage
At just over 20 km, it's a good day to recover rhythm.
Prepare for the climb to the Alto de los Castaños
It's firm but short, the main elevation gain of the stage.
Enjoy the dehesa
The final stretch to Grimaldo is one of the prettiest parts of the stage.
Keep the detour to Grimaldo in mind
The village is about 600 meters off the official route.
Don't ruin this stage
Not planning the departure from the Embalse de Alcántara
The area has few transport connections, so it's worth organizing ahead of time.
Rushing through the dehesa
It's one of the most pleasant stretches of the stage: enjoy it unhurried.
Forgetting the small detour to Grimaldo
The village is a little off the official route.
Not making the most of the stop in Cañaveral
It's a good spot to recover strength halfway through the stage.
What to pack, travel insurance and getting around
One single guide with the recommended gear, useful services (insurance, eSIM) and transport options for the whole Camino.
Work out how much it will cost you
Set the days, route and type of trip, and we give you an estimate of the total cost with a full breakdown.
Everything you want to know before this stage
How many kilometers from the Embalse de Alcántara to Grimaldo?
Is this stage difficult?
Where can I stay on this stage?
Is Grimaldo on the official route?
What is the Alto de los Castaños?
Browse the stages
Ideas for after you finish the Camino
A café waiting for you in Santiago
You still have many kilometres ahead, but once you finish the Camino in Santiago, Bonsai Café is a great spot for breakfast: right in the city centre, with Berraco by Bou specialty coffee and weekend brunch.
Transparency: this page contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through one of them, Guía del Camino de Santiago may receive a commission. Read our affiliate policy