The stage, step by step
Leaving Pinos Puente
Make the most of Pinos Puente to have breakfast, buy water and prepare your legs. The Albergue de peregrinos de Pinos Puente is close to the start, and you also have Farmacia del Puente, Farmacia del Parque de Pinos Puente and Farmacia Central.
The climb starts early
From km 2 onwards, the route becomes an almost continuous climb to the finish, gaining 398 m with an average gradient of 3.2%. The change from valley to hills is immediate: there is less urban space and more open countryside.
Olivares, a chance to pause
Olivares comes relatively late in the day and is the main intermediate point for regrouping. You will find Farmacia Maria Rocio Luque and Supermercado Autoservicio Merida there, although you should not expect a long break with a wide range of services.
The final climb into Moclín
The climb continues to the entrance to Moclín. You will arrive having descended 14 m but climbed 401 m, which explains why this stage feels much harder than the previous one.
What to see on stage 2
Castillo de Moclín
The 14th-century Nasrid fortress controlled the passage between the Vega de Granada and Alcalá la Real. It retains five defensive towers from the old Nasrid optical communication network and is the great visual reward after the climb.
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación
Moclín's parish church forms part of the town's historic complex. You can visit it on arrival, once you have left the hardest section of the day behind.
Iglesia del Cristo del Paño
This church is another of Moclín's notable religious landmarks. Its presence recalls the frontier and religious character the town had during the medieval period.
The hills from the Vega
The scenic interest of the stage lies in the change of surroundings: you leave the flat farmland and gain height towards denser Mediterranean vegetation. The climb lets you watch the valley fall away behind you.
Where to sleep in Moclín
The departure option is the Albergue de peregrinos de Pinos Puente. At the destination, Pósito de Moclín is the obvious reference point for arranging your night in Moclín. There is no hostel between the two towns where you can split the stage, so book at the destination if you expect to arrive late or are walking in a busy season.
Where to eat and refuel
Food options are concentrated in Pinos Puente and Moclín, with few possibilities during the climb. At the start you have Restaurante La Cruz de Granada, Telepizza, Montserrat, Don Kebab and bar Carlillos. In Moclín there are Bar la Plaza and Alimentation Moclin; in Olivares, you can use Supermercado Autoservicio Merida to top up your provisions.
Practical tips for this stage
Carry water and food from Pinos Puente
The stage gains 401 m in just 14 km and intermediate services are limited. Set off with a full bottle and something substantial to eat; Olivares should not be your only plan.
Save energy for the finish
The profile climbs from km 2 to km 14.6. Although the distance may not look great, that means 398 m of elevation gain at an average gradient of 3.2%, with very little accumulated descent.
Start early
The climb leaves you exposed to both exertion and heat. Set off early from Pinos Puente, especially in the warmer months or if you want to visit the castle on arrival.
Book Moclín in advance
Pósito de Moclín is the destination's main accommodation reference. As this is a short but demanding stage with few alternatives on the route, do not leave finding a bed until the last minute.
Frequently asked questions about stage 2
Is this stage harder than Granada to Pinos Puente?
Yes. Although it is only 14 km, it gains 401 m and climbs continuously from km 2 to km 14.6. The previous stage gained just 17 m.
Are there services in Olivares?
Yes. Olivares has Farmacia Maria Rocio Luque and Supermercado Autoservicio Merida. It is the main intermediate point for replenishing supplies, but the choice remains limited.
Where can I sleep?
You can set off from the Albergue de peregrinos de Pinos Puente or sleep at Pósito de Moclín on arrival. Do not plan the day around finding another hostel between the two.
How long does it take to reach Moclín?
The average duration is 3.1 hours, although this may be longer if you take breaks on the climb. The altitude rises from 562 m to 963 m.