The stage, step by step
Leaving Embalse de Alcántara
You begin beside Embalse de Alcántara and face an initial climb between km 2.3 and 4, gaining 50 m with an average gradient of 2.9%. A 52 m descent follows, taking you to km 5.8.
Towards Cañaveral
Between km 5.8 and 11.3, the route climbs again: 136 m of sustained ascent with an average gradient of 2.5%. Cañaveral is the only village where you can stop and reorganise your day.
The stage’s long climb
The most demanding section comes between km 15.8 and 21.5, where the trail gains 179 m at an average gradient of 3.1%. Fuente de La República lies along this stretch and is a useful place to refill your water.
Downhill to Grimaldo
From km 21.5, a 67 m descent brings you towards Grimaldo. At the end of the stage you will find Albergue de peregrinos de Grimaldo.
What to see on stage 13
Embalse de Alcántara
This is the starting point of the stage and immediately sets the open character of the route. It is worth setting off fully prepared, as the first settlement you reach will be Cañaveral.
Cañaveral
Cañaveral is the only intermediate settlement of the day. Its position divides a stage with two long climbs and provides a clear reference point before the final effort.
Grimaldo
Grimaldo is the stage destination and where the main climb comes to an end. It is also the natural place to rest before continuing towards Carcaboso.
Where to sleep in Grimaldo
At the start you have Albergue Turístico Vía de la Plata Embalse de Alcántara. In Cañaveral, you can stay at Hostel Albergue Cañaveral, while at the end of the day there is Albergue de peregrinos de Grimaldo. Accommodation is fairly concentrated in these three places, so it is worth booking before you set off during the busy season.
Where to eat and refuel
Food options are very limited on this stage. Cañaveral is the only place where you can stop; beyond there, do not count on finding an open bar or shop. Set off with enough food and do not leave your shopping until the last minute.
Practical tips for this stage
Set off prepared from the reservoir
Start with water and some food in your rucksack. Fuente de La República comes well into the stage, not at the beginning, and the day includes 376 m of ascent.
Save energy for the second climb
The climb between km 15.8 and 21.5 is the longest, gaining 179 m at an average gradient of 3.1%. Do not treat it as just a final short rise.
Make the most of Cañaveral
Use your stop in Cañaveral to rest, eat and check your water before continuing. The most sustained section of the stage lies ahead.
Book your bed
There is accommodation at the reservoir, in Cañaveral and in Grimaldo, but not a continuous chain of options. If you plan to sleep in Grimaldo, confirm your place in advance.
Frequently asked questions about stage 13
How long does it usually take from Embalse de Alcántara to Grimaldo?
It is 25.9 km, taking around 4.5 hours at a normal pace. The 376 m of accumulated ascent makes the second half more demanding than its relatively level terrain might suggest.
Where is the hardest climb?
The main climb runs from km 15.8 to 21.5, gaining 179 m with an average gradient of 3.1%. There is another climb between km 5.8 and 11.3.
Is there an obvious place to stop halfway?
Yes. Cañaveral is the intermediate settlement and divides the day well. Further on, Fuente de La República provides a specific place to refill your water.
Where can I sleep at the end?
Grimaldo has Albergue de peregrinos de Grimaldo. You could also stay earlier at Albergue Turístico Vía de la Plata Embalse de Alcántara or Hostel Albergue Cañaveral.