The stage, step by step
Leaving San Pedro de Rozados
You leave San Pedro de Rozados, where Albergue Mutatio Elena and Albergue Mari Carmen are almost beside the starting point. The terrain begins with gentle undulations and can be deceptive: because the stage ends in a city, it is tempting to set off too quickly.
Towards Miranda de Azán
The profile shows a descent between kilometres 8.3 and 10, with 61 m of elevation loss and an average gradient of 3.5%. The route then continues towards Miranda de Azán, the stage's midway landmark.
The long descent in the middle section
Between kilometres 11.3 and 17.5, you lose 93 m steadily. In Miranda de Azán, you can stop at Musicarte or La fragua de Ross before tackling the final section.
Entering Salamanca
From kilometre 19 onwards, the route is predominantly downhill as it approaches Salamanca. The urban finish offers plenty of places to eat, shop and sleep, including Restaurante La Liebre, Albergue Juvenil Lazarillo de Tormes, Casa de la Calera and Albergue de Peregrinos.
What to see on stage 19
Puente Romano de Salamanca
One of the great landmarks on the approach to Salamanca. It is 19 centuries old and combines different phases of construction and restoration associated with Augustus, Vespasian and Trajan.
Catedral Vieja de Salamanca
The older of the two cathedrals, it was joined to the Nueva when the latter was built alongside it, so they are visited together. If your legs are feeling the effects of the long descent, this is a particularly rewarding stop.
Catedral Nueva de Salamanca
This is the cathedral that grows larger in front of you as you cross the Roman Bridge: the huge one that dominates the city's skyline during the final kilometres of the stage.
Salamanca
The southern half of the province preserves the route, landmarks and even a Roman drain from the road you have been walking for days. As a stage finish, it is one of the easiest: a university city, late-night dining and plenty of beds.
Where to sleep in Salamanca
If you want to split the day, Albergue Mutatio Elena and Albergue Mari Carmen are just after leaving San Pedro de Rozados, while Albergue de peregrinos de Morille is around kilometre 5. If you reach Salamanca, the choice is much better: consider Albergue Juvenil Lazarillo de Tormes, Casa de la Calera, Albergue de Peregrinos, Albergue Juvenil or Hostel Alda Centro. On a stage finishing in a city, booking ahead saves you from looking for a bed after the final descent.
Where to eat and refuel
You can stop at Restaurante VII Carreras when leaving. Miranda de Azán offers two specific places to take a break, Musicarte and La fragua de Ross. The choice expands considerably on entering Salamanca, with options such as Restaurante La Liebre, Restaurante Casaserra, Mesón La Parada, Café Lis, Café Puccini and Café Atelier. You will also find supermarkets such as Mercadona, Lidl and Supercor Stop&Go for supplies on arrival.
Practical tips for this stage
Leave with water and some food
Between San Pedro de Rozados and Salamanca, you only pass through Miranda de Azán. It is 23.6 km with just one place to sit down, so leave with a full bottle and something to eat in your pocket; the fact that the finish is a capital city offers little help halfway through.
Save energy for the descent
The stage includes 297 m of descent compared with 95 m of ascent. The descent between kilometres 11.3 and 17.5 is long and can put considerable strain on your knees.
Make the most of Miranda de Azán
Miranda de Azán is in a useful position for a break before the final section. If you set off late, it is better to take a proper rest here than to reach Salamanca with empty legs.
Allow time for the arrival
The final section leads into a city with plenty to see. If you want to visit the Roman Bridge and both cathedrals at your leisure, start early and avoid stretching the day too far.
Frequently asked questions about stage 19
How many kilometres is the stage from San Pedro de Rozados to Salamanca?
It is 23.6 km, with an average walking time of 5.2 hours.
Is it a difficult stage because of the elevation profile?
It is not particularly mountainous, but it includes 95 m of ascent and 297 m of descent. The overall descent is more noticeable than the climbs.
Where can I take a break halfway through?
Miranda de Azán is the main intermediate settlement. You can stop there at Musicarte or La fragua de Ross.
What is worth visiting on arrival?
Puente Romano de Salamanca, Catedral Vieja de Salamanca and Catedral Nueva de Salamanca are the most relevant sights at the entrance and finish of this stage.