The stage, step by step
Leaving Guillena
Use the first few kilometres to have breakfast and buy whatever you need. In Guillena, you have the Albergue Municipal, Albergue Luz del Camino and Hostal Bar Frances, as well as bars, cafés and supermarkets before you enter the countryside.
The dehesa climb
From km 1.8, the climb that dominates the stage begins and continues until km 16.8, gaining 301 m at an average gradient of 2%. The route crosses dehesa and scrubland, with no villages where you can stop for a break.
A stretch without services
La Cestilla is roughly halfway and is your only reliable water point, but do not plan the day around finding shops or bars. The landscape is open and shade is not guaranteed.
Arriving in Castilblanco
Towards the end, Albergue de peregrinos Castilblanco appears close to the destination. Afterwards, you can visit Iglesia del Divino Salvador and rest in the village where the stage ends.
What to see on stage 2
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Granada
This 15th-century Mudéjar church is one of Guillena’s notable buildings. You can see it before setting off, while you still have time to organise water and food.
Vía de la Plata dehesa
This is the route’s first unmistakable dehesa landscape, with scrubland and a feeling of isolation that lasts for almost the whole day. The height is gained gradually, without one single ramp concentrating all the effort.
Iglesia del Divino Salvador
The church in Castilblanco de los Arroyos is a whitewashed 15th-century Mudéjar temple. It is in the destination village, so you can visit it after dropping off your rucksack.
Monumento a Cervantes
Castilblanco has a monument dedicated to Cervantes. The writer mentioned the village in Las dos doncellas, an interesting detail for anyone arriving on foot from Guillena.
Where to sleep in Castilblanco de los Arroyos
In Guillena, you can sleep at the Albergue Municipal, Albergue Luz del Camino or Hostal Bar Frances. If you complete the stage, Castilblanco has Albergue de peregrinos Castilblanco; it is worth checking availability before setting off, as there is no obvious alternative midway.
Where to eat and refuel
Guillena has everything you need before starting: Restaurante Bar El Portugués, Don Pizzeto, Bar Gordo Casa Luisa, Venta La Alegría and Venta Casa de la Pradera cover quick meals and sit-down food; you can also shop at MASS Supermercados or Dia. There are no services after that, so do not set off expecting to eat on the way.
Practical tips for this stage
Buy supplies before leaving Guillena
The practical advice for this stage is simple: leave Guillena with water and provisions. There are no intermediate villages where you can top up your rucksack.
Do not trust the word ‘flat’
Although it may look flat on paper, the total ascent reaches 303 m. The climb is gradual, but it occupies almost the entire route and you will feel it in your legs.
Find a steady rhythm
The main climb maintains an average gradient of 2% between km 1.8 and km 16.8. It is better to walk steadily and save energy for the arrival in Castilblanco.
Protect your head
The dehesa does not guarantee continuous shade. A hat, sun cream and an early start are especially important in hot months.
Frequently asked questions about stage 2
How many kilometres are there between Guillena and Castilblanco?
The stage is 18.3 km and takes an average of 4.1 hours. The ascent is concentrated in a long climb, with 303 m of ascent and 5 m of descent.
Is there a village between Guillena and Castilblanco?
There are no settlements in between. The stage crosses dehesa and scrubland, so you should leave Guillena with enough food and water.
Where can I find water during the stage?
La Cestilla appears roughly halfway along the route. Even so, do not rely on an intermediate stop: leave Guillena already fully supplied.
Where can I sleep on arrival?
The pilgrim accommodation at the destination is Albergue de peregrinos Castilblanco. In Guillena, you can also choose between the Albergue Municipal, Albergue Luz del Camino and Hostal Bar Frances.