The stage, step by step
Leaving Villaharta
Start in Villaharta with water, food and your accommodation already organised. At the start you have Resturante Santa Elisa, Bar Teo, Alsara Express and the village’s two pilgrim hostels, but there is no intermediate settlement after this.
First descent and climb
Between km 2.8 and 5, you descend 130 m at an average gradient of 5.8%. The profile then changes, and between km 8 and 12.3 you gain 141 m; this is the first long climb of the day, so tackle it without wasting energy.
The heart of the day
Another climb follows between km 13.8 and 17.5, followed by a descent between km 17.5 and 20.8. By this point you will already have covered many kilometres, with no village where you can buy food or refill your water.
The final stretch to Alcaracejos
After another descent between km 21.5 and 24, the route continues with a gentle climb between km 25.3 and 31.8. The final kilometres feel long as the effort builds, but once you reach Alcaracejos you will find El control and Taxi-Burger.
What to see on stage 11
Los Pedroches
The stage enters the Los Pedroches region, a more isolated rural and mountainous setting than the landscapes of the previous days. The wide-open scenery accompanies a long walk with no intermediate villages.
Parroquia de San Andrés
Alcaracejos’s parish church was rebuilt in 1965. It is one of the main points of interest at the destination and an easy visit after finishing the day.
Ermita de San Sebastián
This 16th-century chapel is located in Alcaracejos. It is a good addition to a visit to the village after a stage where most of the interest lies in the landscape and the physical challenge.
The Cuzna river area
The municipality of Alcaracejos includes hills and mountain areas linked to the Cuzna river. The changes in elevation across the region explain the undulating profile of this long day.
Where to sleep in Alcaracejos
In Villaharta, you can set off from the Albergue de peregrinos or Casa del Peregrino de Villaharta. If you complete the stage, the main option on arrival is Albergue de Peregrinos Municipal de Alcaracejos; book in advance because accommodation in the village is limited.
Where to eat and refuel
Leave Villaharta after eating or buying provisions at Resturante Santa Elisa, Bar Teo or Alsara Express. There is no intermediate settlement or reliable food stop during the walk. On arrival in Alcaracejos, you will find Taxi-Burger and El control, but it is best not to rely on arriving late.
Practical tips for this stage
Set off before dawn if you can
It is 33.7 km, with an average walking time of 7.5 hours. With breaks and an unhurried pace, the day becomes even longer; an early start gives you time to tackle the final kilometres in daylight.
Carry water and food for the whole day
There are no intermediate settlements and no fountain you can rely on along the way. Fill up in Villaharta and carry enough food to reach Alcaracejos.
Pace yourself on the climbs
There is a 141 m climb between km 8 and 12.3 and another of 126 m between km 13.8 and 17.5. Take both at a conservative pace: there is still a long way to go afterwards.
Book your arrival
Alcaracejos has only basic services for such a long stage. Confirm your place at Albergue de Peregrinos Municipal de Alcaracejos and avoid arriving without a plan.
Frequently asked questions about stage 11
Is this the longest stage in this section?
Yes. It is 33.7 km long, with an average walking time of 7.5 hours, 479 m of ascent and 452 m of descent.
Are there villages between Villaharta and Alcaracejos?
There are no intermediate settlements along the route. You must therefore leave Villaharta with water, food and your accommodation in Alcaracejos booked.
Where are the most important climbs?
The first significant climb runs from km 8 to 12.3 and gains 141 m. The second runs from km 13.8 to 17.5 and gains 126 m.
What services will I find on arrival?
In Alcaracejos, you have Albergue de Peregrinos Municipal, Taxi-Burger and El control. The choice is limited, so it is best to plan your accommodation and food in advance.