A route, first waymarked in 1999, which feeds into the Vía de la Plata (starting in Seville) at Mérida, enabling pilgrims from Granada and south-eastern Spain to continue on to Santiago de Compostela.

The Route: 630km to Mérida. Starting from the beautiful city of Almería on the south coast, the route runs for 70km through dramatically hilly semi-desert landscape, often in dried-up river beds or gorges to Abla. At 900m altitude we are now at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is a further 130km, rising to 1300m, through arid hills passing villages with hilltop forts and castles, before dropping to the fascinating troglodyte area around Guadix. From Guadix we rise once again to 1400m in the increasingly forested hills before dropping to the historic city of Granada, home to the Alhambra.

From Granada we head north for 110km, often through olive plantations  with the mountains never far away, to Alcaudete (where the 2-day link route from Europe’s olive oil capital, Jaén, joins) and onto to Baena, gradually leaving the arid south for the greener interior. In Baena we join the Mozárabe route from Málaga and the two routes run together to Mérida, still 320km away.

From Baena it is 70km, passing through more olive groves and hill top villages as the landscape gradually becomes flatter to another beautiful historic city: Cordoba with its vast mezquita-cathedral.

From Cordoba it is 250km to Mérida, initially rising though attractive hilly countryside which gradually becomes flatter. There are still hilltop villages with forts and castles and these give wide views over the surrounding Meseta plain with its more arable land. Eventually we arrive at our destination, the historic city of Mérida known especially for its Roman amphitheatre.

The total distance from Almería is 630km and takes around 27 days.

From Mérida it is a further 760km to Santiago along the Via de la Plata.

Waymarking: Well-waymarked throughout, with the yellow arrows familiar to those who have already walked the Camino Francés.

Weather/When to go: The summer months in the south of Spain can be extremely hot and dry. March-May and September-October are recommended.

Accommodation: The Amigos in Almería manage eight albergues in the southern section of the Camino. These are unmanned and pilgrims should phone to obtain a pass code to enter the albergue. Elsewhere there are albergues in many towns/villages. There is also other reasonably priced accommodation.

Distinctive features of the route and general information: The Mozárabe, along with most southern routes, is a long and very solitary route with few pilgrims and often sparse pilgrim services. Only two stages are longer than 30km but pilgrims are advised to plan a day or so ahead to check food and accommodation availability. Occasionally it is wise to carry food and to always carry water.

This long, wonderful route is perfect for those seeking time for reflection, solitude or prayer. Knowledge of Spanish will be very helpful although not quite vital.

Of the two major Mozárabe routes (from Almería and Málaga) the Almería route is 150km longer, has a lot more ascent and averages 3km more walking per day (21km vs 18km). From Baena the routes are the same.

Mezquita de Córdoba

Guide books: The CSJ guide to this route is available through our online shop.

Website: The Amigos in Almeria provide a wealth of information, in Spanish at: https://www.caminomozarabesantiago.com/

Cyclists: Much of the route is accessible to very fit, energetic mountain bikers though there are sections where the cycling pilgrim will need to dismount and push his/her machine up steep hills.

Language: Pilgrims without a reasonable command of Spanish will find this route difficult.