The Camino Mozárabe refers to the routes originating in Almería, Jaén and Málaga. The routes all join in or just before Baena where they run together for 320km to Mérida.

The Route: From Málaga to Mérida is 480km. From the attractive, though very touristy city of Málaga, the Camino heads into the rolling hills and to a pass at 1000m just before the attractive town of Antequera, 60km from Málaga. The route then passes some interesting hills as it enters the flatter olive groves. The route rises gently to the brows of hills to enjoy views of the countryside for the remaining 90km to Baena where they run together for 320km to Mérida.

Waymarking: Generally well-waymarked throughout, with the yellow arrows familiar to those who have already walked the Camino Francés. The volunteers from the Asociación Jacobea de Málaga help maintain the way marks up until Córdoba.

Weather/When to go: The height of summer is best avoided due to extremely high temperatures. March-May and September-October are recommended. The route crosses several rivers and during the rainy season (usually in mid January – February) this may cause delays or detours.

Accommodation: There are albergues in at the end of most stages along the route and plenty of other 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 pilgrim advised to plan a day or so ahead to check that food and accommodation availability, to carry food when necessary and to always carry water.

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

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

Guide books:

• Camino Mozarabe, Malaga to Merida, Camino Pilgrim Guides, 2022.  With detailed route guidance, information and advice for where to stay and places of interest. Written by our volunteer and experienced pilgrim Tim Stapenhurst. See our online shop Camino Mozarabe-Malaga-Merida.

Web resources:

Málaga to Córdoba

Córdoba to Mérida (Mérida is on the Vía de la Plata) Sevilla to Mérida and on to Santiago de Compostela

General information about the Camino Mozárabe and its various branches

In a 2014 blog post about walking Málaga to Córdoba in winter, Rodney Lynn writes:  

"This 200 km section of the Málaga-Santiago camino is an interesting and at times challenging walk through the olive orchards for which this region of Spain is famous. Málaga, Antequera, Lucena and Córdoba are fascinating towns and worth the time investigating – particularly Córdoba."

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. Touring bikes will have to stick to the roads.