Much of this route is based on the ancient Via Herculea and reconstructed by the Roman emperor Augustus. In recent times the Cádiz Jacobean Association and Friends of the Camino in Santa Maria have formalised and waymarked the route that we use today.

The Route:  This 173 km, 6-7 day Camino is probably the flattest of them all. With just a few low hills to climb it is an inviting journey accessible for every pilgrim. It starts in the ancient historic Andalucian city of Cádiz and leads us along beaches and tranquil salt marshes before turning inland to Jerez de la Frontera, the birthplace of the word sherry and another historical gem.

From Jerez the route meanders through a rich tapestry of historic towns and cities. Pilgrims pass shimmering reservoirs and lakes, follow quiet canals, and walk through pastoral landscapes. On the few occasions that we do climb low hills we are rewarded by sweeping panoramic views of the Andalucian countryside.

Suggested Stages

1. Cádiz – Puerto Real (27 km) The Vía Agusta sets off from the Iglesia de Santiago, next to the cathedral. After walking through the historic city, we are led along wide sandy beaches and then through a salt marsh to San Fernando. From here we walk on a good track through the attractive Cádiz Bay Nature Park to Puerta Real.

2. Puerto Real – Jerez de la Frontera (24 km) We again start off along a beach and mud flats before once more entering a nature reserve: a haven of lush green shrubs, towering pines and salt marshes. Within the reserve a lookout tower invites us to pause and take in sweeping views over the peaceful landscape before crossing a long wooden foot bridge spanning the San Pedro River and surrounding marshes. 

Our journey leads us to the historic town of El Puerto de Santa María which offers two options: we can either skirt its edges or take an alternative route to explore its rich heritage.

From El Puerto the Camino heads in land and uphill granting us one final glimpse of the route that we have followed from Cádiz before venturing into the countryside to arrive and another interesting historic city: Jerez de la Frontera.

3. Jerez de la Frontera – El Cuervo (28 km) After exploring the ancient city the Camino skirts the town of Guadalcacín, soon joining a surprisingly unobtrusive motorway.

On leaving the motorway we return to the quiet of countryside, pass into another park we arrive at a peaceful Ermita at the top of a hill. From here the Camino descends through the Laguna de los Tollos nature park to arrive at the town of El Cuervo where we are likely to see locals riding their horses through the streets – a charming reminder of Andalusia’s enduring past.

4. El Cuervo – Las Cabezas de San Juan (30 km) A quieter, if longer, day unfolds as we pass through a patchwork of parcelas (small agricultural holdings). Just beyond the town of Lebrija – where we pause for a rest – the Camino leads to the curios historic site of El Fontanel (The Spring).

The Camino continues through gentle pastoral scenery to arrive at the Balso de Don Melendo – a serene nature reserve and reservoir. From here we walk alongside a canal for a while before tracking cross country to the hilly town of Las Cabezas with its compact and lively centre.

5. Las Cabezas de San Juan – Utrera (32 km) We soon leave Las Cabezas behind and climb uphill before leaving the road on a narrow path. The path soon leads to tracks sometimes which take lead us through the countryside sometimes following canals.

Along the way we visit the sleepy village of Trajano for a rest before good tracks guide us once again into the countryside over some low hills and then down into the attractive town of Utrera.

6. Utrera – Alcalá de Guadaíra (19 km) Leaving Utrera the Camino follows a quiet road past tranquil parcelas. The road becomes a track and opens out onto a plain. A short but fiercely steep ascent, rewards with sweeping views back over the way we came. We descend gently arriving in Alcalá via a Roman bridge and medieval walls with views of the 14^th c. Marchenilla castle atop the hill.

7. Alcalá de Guadaíra – Sevilla (18km). For nearly half of our final day the Camino leads us pleasantly along the banks of the Guadaíra river and canals. Even when we do arrive in Sevilla, half of our route is on a cycle/walkway. It is only for the last few kilometres that we are aware of being in a large city. Our Camino culminates at the magnificent and beautiful World Heritage listed cathedral.

As this is a short day we have plenty of time to enjoy the delights that Sevilla has to offer. 

From here to Santiago is 1,000km along the Vía de la Plata.

Waymarking: The Camino is signed with the usual yellow arrows, mojones, shells etc. Some mapping apps are not accurate, and an old route via Dos Hermanas is no longer in use. The Cádiz Jacobean Association and Friends of the Camino in Santa María have done a great job in detailing and waymarking the route.

Terrain: Not strenuous as the terrain is so flat. Rare climbs come as a pleasant change and give good views of surroundings. The local Amigos Association have obviously worked hard to find a route that avoids roads as far as possible but some tarmac is unavoidable. All stages, except 3 and 5, pass towns with accommodation and so could be subdivided. It would also be possible to cut out the first 40 km by taking the ferry across the bay from Cádiz to El Puerto de Santa María.

Weather/When to go: Southern Spain is notoriously hot in summer when temperatures exceed 40 C. This, along with the other southern routes, such as the Mozárabe, is an excellent Camino for the winter months from October/November to March/April. Those planning to continue to Santiago would perhaps choose to start in March/April to arrive in Santiago in April/May.

Accommodation: There is accommodation at end of each stage and often between stages too. There are two albergues and a few hostels offering dormitory accommodation.

Notes: 

• This is a quiet route with few pilgrims – perfect for the inner journey that we pilgrims love so much.
• Some Spanish is very helpful.
• Walking to Santiago from Cádiz, a historic major sea port and natural setting off point, rather than a major city in the middle of the Andalucía (i.e. Seville) makes this feel a more ‘complete’ and satisfying Camino.
• Cyclists can manage most of the route with occasional rougher terrain where they may need to walk or bypass.

Websites, guides and contacts:

• Currently there is only one English guide book and it is available in our online shop.
• Asociación Gaditana Jacobea ‘Via Augusta’ formed in 2009. For office hours check their website; the association is very welcoming and their president speaks good English. Their website offers a free printable 8-page guide (folleto informativo) in Spanish (check print preview carefully to make sure you get whole pages), and a free printable leaflet with useful contacts. Their website gives accommodation details too.
• Also check the website for the Asociación de Amigos del Camino de Santiago en Cádiz, tel: 648 879 322 which gives brief notes, enlargeable IGN maps and Google earth links.
• English guide (October 2013) covering Cádiz to El Puerto de Santa Maria. A PDF document is available from the CSJ by contacting the office. This guide is a work in progress and it is intended that it will eventually cover the whole route to Seville. If you have any additions, comments or corrections that you are happy to be included in this guide please let us know.  If you found it helpful please consider making a donation.