13.1 miles
Pleasant exit from Zafra onto a country road. After about 5 km, we came to the town of Los Santos de Maimona—population 8000; a former Roman town and important center of the Knights of Santiago (St. James). The Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de los Angeles has a pleasant interior and a noteworthy Plateresque door of forgiveness (Puerta del Perdon).
People were working on floats for the Semana Santa parades inside the church.
After leaving the town, we had a little difficulty route finding.
In general, walking a camino is a little like ”following the yellow brick road.” You follow the Camino yellow arrows. Unfortunately, at times, you may have a plethora of conflicting arrows as when we entered Fuente de Cantos. At other times, arrows may be sparse, such as when entering or leaving a big city. If you happen to miss an arrow…!
It is best to supplement with some kind of navigational app. I am using AlllTrails supplemented by the maps on the very basic ”Wise Pilgrim” app. Close to and in towns, we often use Google maps. Stephen has been very good about reminding me to check that we’re going the right way!
Figs, other fruit trees (almonds, peaches?), vineyards and olive groves and Extremaduran red clay (very messy when wet). (“Barros” means clay or mud.)
Many wild orchids, thyme, sages and other salvias, borage, giant fennel, wild daisies, corn camomile, Patterson’s Curse (ubiquitous and poisonous to horses but pretty purple flowers).
Vegetable gardens: artichokes, fava beans, chard.
Stand of bamboo.
Short walk along highway before following another country road into Villafranca los Barros
Villafranca de los Barros (pop. 13,000) is a lively town of white washed houses with a number of pleasant squares where people socialize.
We are staying in a 3 star hotel in the less attractive modern town. Our room is basic but clean (45 euros). It has marble floors. There is a restaurant and cafeteria.