The stage, step by step
Set off with all services available
Monesterio has bars, restaurants, supermarkets and accommodation, making it the right place to have breakfast and prepare your rucksack. You can leave from Albergue Municipal Las Moreras or Albergue Parroquial de Peregrinos.
The first descent
The route leaves Monesterio and descends gradually. Between km 3.8 and km 9.5, you lose 79 m, a comfortable section for finding your rhythm, although take care of your knees if you are carrying a heavy pack.
The central descent
The loss of height becomes more pronounced between km 10.5 and km 13, with 84 m of descent. You then regain 52 m between km 13 and km 15.8, before another 47 m descent to km 18.
Arriving in Fuente de Cantos
The final kilometres lead towards Fuente de Cantos without passing through another settlement. Arrive with enough time to find accommodation and enjoy the area’s Iberian products and charcuterie.
What to see on stage 5
Monesterio
The starting village marks the transition from Sierra Norte to the Extremaduran plain. It is the last convenient place to organise water, food and rest before entering a stretch without villages.
Extremaduran plain
The landscape gradually opens out, replacing the previous stage’s mountain character with flat to gently undulating terrain. The wide horizon makes the route feel fast, although it can become monotonous.
Fuente de Cantos
The destination is already part of the Extremaduran plain. It is also a good food destination for trying Extremaduran cured ham and charcuterie after your walk.
Where to sleep in Fuente de Cantos
In Monesterio, you can sleep at Albergue Municipal Las Moreras or Albergue Parroquial de Peregrinos. In Fuente de Cantos, pilgrim accommodation includes Albergue Turístico Vía de la Plata and El Zaguán de la Plata. As there is no intermediate settlement, decide before setting off where you want to finish.
Where to eat and refuel
Monesterio is the best place to eat and shop: you have Moya, Mallorca, Restaurante La Ponderosa, Abarka, El Rinconcillo and Don Fadrique, as well as D.P. and supermarkets such as Komo-Komo, El Árbol, Dia Market and Spar. There is no reliable stop afterwards, so have breakfast before setting off and carry something for the way.
Practical tips for this stage
Shop in Monesterio
There is no intermediate settlement where you can restock. Although the stage is short, carry water and some food from Monesterio rather than relying on finding a service on the way.
Make the most of the favourable profile
The stage loses 273 m and gains only 106 m. The descent is an advantage, but do not go too fast: repeated downhill kilometres can put strain on your ankles and knees.
Do not confuse short with effortless
The average walking time is 4.6 hours and the terrain is flat, but the lack of villages means you must sort everything out before setting off. An early start leaves you the afternoon free in Fuente de Cantos.
Reach the destination in good time
In Fuente de Cantos, you can look for accommodation and sit down to eat local Iberian products. If you are walking in peak season, confirm a place before leaving Monesterio.
Frequently asked questions about stage 5
How long does it take to walk from Monesterio to Fuente de Cantos?
It is 20.7 km, with an average walking time of 4.6 hours. The terrain is flat, with 106 m of ascent and 273 m of descent.
Is there a village between the two places?
There is no intermediate settlement. Leave Monesterio with water, some food and anything else you need, rather than relying on a stop that does not exist.
Is the whole stage downhill?
Not completely. There is a 52 m climb between km 13 and km 15.8, but the overall balance is clearly downhill, with 273 m of descent.
Where can I sleep in Fuente de Cantos?
On arrival, you can look for a place at Albergue Turístico Vía de la Plata or El Zaguán de la Plata. In Monesterio, there are Albergue Municipal Las Moreras and Albergue Parroquial de Peregrinos.