About the Via Augusta, History, and Stages

 Walking the Via Augusta – A Quiet Camino from Cádiz to Seville

“All paths are the same, leading nowhere. Therefore, pick a path with heart.”

Carlos Castaneda

When most people think of the Camino de Santiago, they imagine the busy Camino Francés or perhaps the well-trodden Camino Portugués. Yet across Spain, and indeed across Europe, there exists a vast network of alternative, quieter paths that carry the same spirit of pilgrimage while offering a very different experience. Among them are the Camino del Norte, the Camino Primitivo, the Camino de Madrid, and the grand Via de la Plata. Extending beyond these are other southern trails such as the Camino Mozárabe, the Camino del Sur, the Camino del Estrecho, the Via Serrana, and one of the least known but most evocative of all: the Via Augusta Camino, a route that carries pilgrims from Cádiz to Seville.

A Southern Pilgrimage Route

The Via Augusta Camino spans roughly 170–190 km, linking the two Andalusian cities of Cádiz and Seville. Though today it forms a small section of the pilgrimage network, its roots are ancient. This Camino follows the course of the old Roman Via Augusta, which once stretched over 1,500 km across Hispania, making it the longest Roman road in Iberia. Originally built to connect the coastal towns of Spain with Italy, the road was reconstructed under Emperor Augustus and known as the Via Augusta Julia, honouring both Julius Caesar and Augustus himself.

Through the centuries, the Via Augusta remained central to Mediterranean life,  a highway of commerce, communication, and community. Even into the 10th century, it was maintained by the Moors, who called it al-Racif. It continued to serve travellers and traders well into the 20th century before modern highways paved over many sections. Today, walking this path is a chance to quite literally follow in the footsteps of Spanish history.

Why Walk the Via Augusta?

Unlike the crowded trails of northern Spain, the Via Augusta offers pilgrims a chance to experience quiet landscapes, solitude, and deep reflection. It is often considered the natural extension of the Via de la Plata, beginning at the Cathedral of Cádiz and ending at the Cathedral of Seville, where the Camino merges seamlessly into the Silver Route.

This path is often described as one of the flattest Camino routes, making it accessible for walkers who may prefer less mountainous terrain. Yet the journey has its own challenges: long distances between towns, limited pilgrim infrastructure, and the heat of southern Spain, where summer temperatures can soar into the 40s.

Practical Notes for Pilgrims

Length: 170–190 km from Cádiz to Seville

Time: 7–10 days or stages, depending on pace and accommodation availability

Waymarking: Well-marked with yellow arrows and shells, though in towns you may find multiple arrows pointing in different directions. GPS or GPX tracks are also essential.

Accommodation: Few albergues exist; pilgrims rely on hostels, guesthouses, casas rurales, or hotels. Booking in advance via platforms like Booking.com can be helpful.

Best Seasons: Spring (March–April) and autumn (September–October) when flowers bloom and migratory birds fill the skies. Summer walking is not recommended due to extreme heat.

Highlights: Marshes rich in birdlife, vineyards near Jerez, Roman echoes along the path, and the historic arrival into Seville.

Via Augusta Camino: Stage by Stage

While every pilgrim will walk the Via Augusta in their own way, the route usually takes between 7 and 10 days to complete.  The following stages are commonly recommended:

Stage 1: Cádiz – Puerto Real (27 km)

Your Camino begins at the Cathedral of Cádiz, where the ocean glitters at your back. A zero-kilometre marker marks the starting point, and from here you follow a coastal route northward. The way leads you out of Cádiz, across tidal flats, and toward the small port town of Puerto Real. This first day is long but flat, setting the tone for the Camino ahead.

Stage 2: Puerto Real – Jerez de la Frontera (24.1 km)

Leaving Puerto Real, the path turns inland toward Jerez de la Frontera, famous for its sherry wines and Andalusian horses. Vineyards and olive groves accompany you along the way, and the pace of life feels slower and more grounded. Jerez is a vibrant city, and many pilgrims pause here to enjoy its cultural and culinary offerings.

Stage 3: Jerez de la Frontera – El Cuervo de Sevilla (28.1 km)

This stage is one of the longer days, leading pilgrims out of Jerez toward El Cuervo de Sevilla. The route parallels sections of the A-4 motorway and runs near regional canals, reminding walkers that this is a landscape shaped both by history and modern infrastructure. It is a day of endurance, but one where quiet reflection comes easily.

Stage 4: El Cuervo de Sevilla – Las Cabezas de San Juan (29.1 km)

Another long stage, this section carries you deeper into rural Andalucía. Fields stretch wide and open, with little shade, making water and sun protection essential. The town of Las Cabezas de San Juan offers a welcome pause and is steeped in local history.

Stage 5: Las Cabezas de San Juan – Utrera (32 km)

Often considered the most challenging stage due to its length, this walk requires determination and careful planning. Yet the reward comes with arrival in Utrera, a town known for its religious heritage, lively plazas, and Andalusian charm. For many, this is one of the most memorable days on the Via Augusta.

Stage 6: Utrera – Alcalá de Guadaíra (18.5 km)

After several long days, the shorter distance into Alcalá de Guadaíra feels like a gift. The town is set along a river, with old mills and a castle that reflect its layered history. It is a stage that invites you to slow down and enjoy the details.

Stage 7: Alcalá de Guadaíra – Seville (16.6 km)

The final stage carries you into the heart of Seville, one of Spain’s most beautiful and culturally rich cities. Arriving at the Cathedral of Seville, pilgrims often pause in awe beneath its towering Gothic structure. Here, the Via Augusta merges with the Via de la Plata, offering pilgrims the chance to continue northward toward Santiago de Compostela.

A Camino of Quiet Rewards

The Via Augusta Camino may not have the bustling albergues or lively pilgrim culture of the Camino Francés, but it has something equally valuable: silence, history, and authenticity. It is a route of marshes alive with migrating birds, of Roman stones hidden beneath your feet, of Andalusian sunlight, and of towns where local life continues much as it has for centuries.

For those who seek a Camino that offers peace, solitude, and a deeper connection to both history and the natural world, the Via Augusta is a path worth walking.

See you on the Way!