The stage, step by step
Leaving Campanario
Campanario is the last convenient place for breakfast and shopping before the long section. You can stop at Séneca, La Piscina or La Estación de Campanario and leave with enough water and food for several hours.
The ascent around the halfway point
The stage follows gentle terrain until, between km 11.5 and km 13.5, you tackle a 65 m climb. Its average gradient of 3.3% makes it the clearest effort of the day.
A prolonged descent
From km 13.5 to km 19.3, the path loses 107 m. It is a long descent, but do not run it: there are still several kilometres to cover before Don Benito.
The final kilometres towards Don Benito
In the final section, you lose height again between km 23.8 and km 27.5. Before entering Don Benito, you will find services such as Supermercado Único, Covirán and Asador Donoso; in the city itself, there are Restaurante Baslo, DosPuñados and Cash Sur.
What to see on stage 16
Campanario
This is the starting point and the last settlement with services before a long day. Its surroundings retain the granite and slate outcrops characteristic of this part of La Serena.
Iglesia de Santiago Apóstol
Don Benito’s church is a 16th-century building. It is one of the first places you can visit on arrival, before leaving the centre to look for accommodation.
Casa de Cultura
Don Benito’s Casa de Cultura was designed by Rafael Moneo, the architect who won the Pritzker Prize. Its architecture provides a contemporary counterpoint to the stage’s historic heritage.
Guadiana Valley
Most of the day follows the flat terrain of the Guadiana Valley. The feeling is one of open, consistent walking, with few changes in gradient until the central climb.
Where to sleep in Don Benito
In Campanario, you have the Albergue Municipal de Campanario and Hostal "Malay". Along the stage, there are several rural houses around Magacela: Casa Rural "El Cercón de Candelo", Casa Rural "El Cercón", Apartamento Rural "Castillo de Magacela" and Casa Rural "Olleros de Magacela". Don Benito has no municipal albergue within this section, so if the city is your goal, arrange your accommodation before setting off.
Where to eat and refuel
In Campanario, you can set off well supplied from Séneca, La Piscina or La Estación de Campanario, and buy provisions at Dia Market. Further on, there are services around Magacela, including Asador Donoso, La Parrilla, Casado, Supermercado Único and Covirán. Don Benito offers more choice at the end: Restaurante Baslo, DosPuñados, Restaurante El Museo, Play Hookah Snack Bar, Madisan Forever Now and Café Bar Los Amigos.
Practical tips for this stage
Treat it as a long day
Although the elevation gain is moderate, it is 29.1 km and the average duration is 6.5 hours. Leave Campanario early so the final kilometres do not become a race against the clock.
Save energy for km 11.5
The climb between km 11.5 and km 13.5 has an average gradient of 3.3%. Reach it at a comfortable pace and use the following descent to walk without putting extra strain on your knees.
Do not rely on a fountain
There is no marked fountain along the stage. Leave Campanario with enough water and use the shops around Magacela only if you genuinely need to refill.
Plan your accommodation
If you want to sleep before Don Benito, the rural options are concentrated around Magacela. If you continue to the city, book your accommodation in advance, as there is no municipal albergue at the end of this section.
Frequently asked questions about stage 16
Is this a demanding stage because of the elevation gain?
It is not especially demanding in terms of elevation: there are 100 m of ascent and 214 m of descent. The challenging parts are the 29.1 km and the 65 m climb between km 11.5 and km 13.5.
Where is the steepest climb?
The main climb runs from km 11.5 to km 13.5 and has an average gradient of 3.3%. It is followed by a 107 m descent.
Can I buy food during the stage?
Yes, there are services around Magacela and more options when you reach Don Benito. Even so, leave Campanario with provisions because the first section is long.
Where can I sleep if I do not reach Don Benito?
You can look for accommodation at Casa Rural "El Cercón de Candelo", Casa Rural "El Cercón", Apartamento Rural "Castillo de Magacela" or Casa Rural "Olleros de Magacela".