The stage, step by step
Leaving Salamanca
Use Salamanca to have breakfast, buy food and sort out your accommodation. Before leaving, you can find options such as Café Bar El Jardín, El Colonial, Restaurante La Hoja 21, Gadis and Dia.
First descent and open countryside
The start includes a descent between kilometres 1.8 and 4.3, losing 32 m at an average gradient of 1.3%. The route then leaves the city behind and becomes a long, open-country day.
Calzada de Valdunciel and the supply-free section
Calzada de Valdunciel is the last landmark before the most demanding section. From there to El Cubo de la Tierra del Vino, you have 20 km without villages or supplies: any shortage of water or food will be felt here.
Final climbs and arrival in El Cubo
Between kilometres 21 and 27, you face a gentle 58 m climb. The destination comes after a 36.4 km day; at the end you will find Albergue de peregrinos "Torre de Sabre", Albergue "F&M" and Albergue Municipal de Peregrinos.
What to see on stage 20
Salamanca
This is where the comfort ends. It is the last major city for quite some time and the place where you decide whether the stage goes well or badly: anything you do not buy before leaving, you will not be able to buy later.
Calzada de Valdunciel
The last village before 20 km of nothing. It is not a pretty stop and does not pretend to be one: it is where you check your rucksack, inspect your water supply and decide whether to carry on or stay.
El Cubo de la Tierra del Vino
The village gives its name to the wine-growing region of Tierra del Vino, and after 36.4 km you will understand why a local glass tastes different here. Arriving is half the celebration.
Where to sleep in El Cubo de la Tierra del Vino
In Salamanca, you can leave with the night already organised at Hostel Erasmus, Casa de la Calera, Albergue de Peregrinos, Roomin or Hostel Alda Centro. Along the stage, Albergue de Peregrinos and Albergue Casa Saso appear on the route. On arrival in El Cubo, consider Albergue de peregrinos "Torre de Sabre", Albergue "F&M" and Albergue Municipal de Peregrinos. On such a long day, booking before you set off is a sensible decision.
Where to eat and refuel
Salamanca has all the convenient options for the start: you can have breakfast at Piccolinos, El Colonial or Café Bécquer, and buy supplies at Lupa, Carrefour Express, Gadis, Dia or Mercadona. After Calzada de Valdunciel comes the 20 km without villages or supplies, so do not expect to find a bar or supermarket halfway along.
Practical tips for this stage
Do not leave without enough water and food
The 20 km between Calzada de Valdunciel and El Cubo have no villages or supplies. Take the day's main food from Salamanca, together with enough water to cross this section without relying on luck.
Avoid July and August if you can
The stage is very long and difficult, and is not recommended in July or August except for young, well-prepared pilgrims who take extra precautions.
Start early
With 36.4 km ahead and an average walking time of 8.1 hours, a late start leaves little room for rest or for dealing with unexpected problems.
Pace yourself on the climbs
The profile includes a climb between kilometres 8.8 and 11.5 and another between kilometres 21 and 27. The second comes when you have already walked many kilometres, so save energy from Salamanca.
Frequently asked questions about stage 20
Is this the longest stage in this section?
Yes. It is 36.4 km, with an average walking time of 8.1 hours.
How long am I without villages or supplies?
There are 20 km between Calzada de Valdunciel and El Cubo de la Tierra del Vino without villages or supplies.
Can I walk it in July or August?
It is not recommended in July or August. Only well-prepared pilgrims with enough water and food, and an early start, should consider it.
Where is it best to buy food?
The safest option is to buy it in Salamanca before leaving. After Calzada de Valdunciel, the long section without shops or settlements begins.