The stage, step by step
From Seville to the Guadalquivir
You start in the centre of Seville, using Catedral de Santa María as your landmark, and cross an urban section before heading towards the Guadalquivir. Santiponce appears on the far side of the river, the first place clearly linked to the route.
Santiponce and Itálica
In Santiponce, you can make a detour to Itálica, the ancient Roman city of Baetica. After that, leave the urban surroundings behind: this is where you should have everything you need for a stretch with no opportunities to restock.
Dirt tracks, olive groves and orange trees
For around 9 km, you follow a dirt track through wheat fields and olive groves. The landscape of olive and orange trees gradually gives way to dehesa with holm oaks, cork oaks and wild olive trees; there are no significant climbs.
Arriving in Guillena
Reaching Guillena brings the 18 km without shops or fountains to an end. Once in the village, you can visit Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Granada and organise the following day.
What to see on stage 1
Catedral de Santa María de Sevilla
This is the main starting point for the Vía de la Plata in Seville. Setting off from here means beginning with an urban section before heading towards the Guadalquivir and Santiponce.
Itálica
The ruins of Itálica recall the Roman importance of this part of Baetica. The site preserves an amphitheatre, baths, aqueducts and houses decorated with mosaics.
Monasterio de San Isidoro del Campo
This 14th-century monastery was the first monument in the province of Seville to be declared a Conjunto Histórico-Artístico of national interest. It stands in the Santiponce area.
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Granada
The church in Guillena combines Gothic-Mudéjar, Neoclassical and Baroque features. It is a good place to round off the day before looking for accommodation or a meal.
Where to sleep in Guillena
There is very little pilgrim accommodation along this stretch. In Guillena, you have the Albergue Municipal; do not expect to find an obvious place to break the stage midway, so decide before setting off whether you will sleep in the destination village.
Where to eat and refuel
In Seville, you have plenty of choice: eat at Postiguillo, Taberna de Arenal or Casa Román, buy supplies at La Alacena Real and stop for a drink at El Pasaje. After Santiponce, options disappear for much of the route; reach Guillena with food and water, as you will not be able to improvise a stop.
Practical tips for this stage
Fill your water bottles before Santiponce
There are 18 km without fountains or shops between Santiponce and Guillena. Carry at least 2 litres of water and some food, even if the temperature does not seem high when you start.
Set off early in hot weather
Between June and September, temperatures easily exceed 35 °C. A hat, sun protection and an early start make a real difference on the exposed section.
Take care at Arroyo de los Molinos
The crossing appears roughly 4 km after Santiponce. If it has been raining or the water is running high, cross carefully: the passage can occasionally be difficult.
Do not underestimate the monotony
The stage is flat and has no technical difficulties, but the dirt-track kilometres without services can feel heavy if you have not found your rhythm. Use Seville to have breakfast and set off properly prepared.
Frequently asked questions about stage 1
How long does it take to walk from Seville to Guillena?
The distance is 21.9 km, taking around 4.9 hours at a normal pace. The terrain is flat, but the heat and lack of stops can make it considerably longer.
Are there water points or shops after Santiponce?
There are no fountains or shops during the 18 km between Santiponce and Guillena. Leave Seville with at least 2 litres of water and enough food.
Is this a physically demanding stage?
Not because of the gradient: total ascent is 26 m and descent is 34 m, with altitudes ranging from 5 m to 23 m. The demanding part may be walking in full sun without services.
What is worth seeing before arriving?
Itálica is the standout visit on the route, and in Seville you can begin beside Catedral de Santa María. In Guillena, Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Granada is a fitting cultural end to the day.