The stage, step by step
Leaving Alcalá la Real
Make the most of Alcalá la Real to have breakfast, buy water and deal with anything you need before leaving town. At the start you will find supermarkets, pharmacies and bars, as well as Mirador Tierra de Frontera for the previous night's accommodation.
The first undulations
The route climbs between km 1.8 and 3, then links into a 151 m descent to km 8.9. The scenery retains its hilly, olive-grove character, with no intermediate town where you can split the stage.
The steep descent and Puertollano
Between km 10.2 and 12.5, the route loses 163 m at an average gradient of 7.2%. Fuente de Puertollano is around km 5.4, so make use of it before entering the most demanding section of the descents.
The climb and arrival in Alcaudete
After the lowest point, the route gains 139 m between km 13.5 and 18 and still has another climb up to km 20.7. The final kilometres descend towards Alcaudete, where El Torero, Patoca and the Albergue de peregrinos await.
What to see on stage 4
Castillo Calatravo
Alcaudete's fortress was rebuilt by the Order of Calatrava and retains a central tower around 40 m high, along with several defensive enclosures. The arrival is much more rewarding if you set aside some time to visit the castle.
Iglesia de San Pedro
This 16th-century church is an example of Alcaudete's Renaissance architecture. You can visit the historic centre after leaving your rucksack and having a rest.
Convento de Santa Clara
Founded in 1500, it retains distinctive architectural features, including stone Solomonic columns. It is a short visit close to Alcaudete's monumental centre.
Iglesia de la Encarnación
The Mannerist church contains works possibly attributed to Pedro de Mena. Together with the castle and the other churches, it completes the town's monumental route.
Where to sleep in Alcaudete
To set off from Alcalá la Real, you have Mirador Tierra de Frontera. In Alcaudete, the Albergue de peregrinos is virtually at the end of the stage. There is no other notable hostel between the two points, so decide before setting off whether you will sleep in Alcalá or Alcaudete.
Where to eat and refuel
Alcalá la Real has most of the options at the start: Pizzería Sabores, Kebap Kapadokia, Dos Soles, Restaurante Torrepalma, Zacatín and Kebap El Dani. During the walk, you can stop at Cafe-Bar El Parque around km 12.1. In Alcaudete, you can finish with El Torero, Patoca or Churrería los Zagalez, but carry some food in case opening hours do not work in your favour.
Practical tips for this stage
Load up with water before leaving
Fuente de Puertollano is a useful reference point, but it comes in the first part of the day, around km 5.4. Do not plan the stage on the assumption that water will be available after that point.
Take the descents seriously
The descent between km 10.2 and 12.5 loses 163 m at an average gradient of 7.2%. Control your pace: you still have a 139 m climb between km 13.5 and 18 ahead of you.
Do your shopping in Alcalá
You can shop at Masymas, Mercadona or Alimentacíon Mercedes before setting off. There is no continuous chain of services between Alcalá and Alcaudete, so do not leave buying food until you are on the route.
Book your arrival
The Albergue de peregrinos is Alcaudete's main accommodation reference. After 23.3 km and 563 m of descent, you will be glad to know exactly where to leave your rucksack when you arrive.
Frequently asked questions about stage 4
How much elevation change is there?
The figures are 295 m of ascent and 563 m of descent over 23.3 km. The maximum altitude is 923 m and the minimum is 563 m.
Where is the steepest descent?
The steepest section is between km 10.2 and 12.5: it loses 163 m at an average gradient of 7.2%. This is the section to tackle most cautiously.
Is there water along the route?
The main reference point is Fuente de Puertollano, around km 5.4. Leave Alcalá with enough water so you are not relying entirely on it.
Where can I sleep in Alcaudete?
The Albergue de peregrinos is near the end of the stage. If you prefer to set off already accommodated, Mirador Tierra de Frontera is in Alcalá la Real.