Camino Mozárabe de Santiago
The Camino Mozárabe de Santiago is marked footpath route which serves as way for walkers of pilgrims from parts of Andalucia (other than Sevilla) to join the Via de la Plata or Ruta de la Plata at Mérida and continue north to Santiago de Compostella.
The Camino Mozárabe de Santiago (Mozarabic Way of St. James) is named after the Mozarabs, the Christians who lived in the Iberian Peninsula under Muslim rule at the time of Al-Andalus. For centuries, these believers travelled along ancient routes to reach Santiago de Compostela.
The main routes are from Almeria to Granada to Cordoba to Merida. Branches from Jaen and Malaga join the main route between Granada and Cordoba.
The route is way-marked throughout with yellow arrows and the camino shell symbol. It is a strenuous route over mountains and then dropping down to Cordoba. After Alcaracejos the scenery turns to pasturage and agricultural land. Walking is mainly on old tracks and paths and some little-used roads.
This is a very solitary route with few peregrinos and some very long daily stages-up to 35 km. Well-thought out planning is a necessity. Just past Córdoba there are some shallow rivers that might require wading, depending on the weather.
Andalucia is very hot in the summer so starting in April to arrive in Santiago in the summer would be ideal.
There are numerous facilities such as casas parroquiales and sports halls which generally have hot water, showers, heat and other amenities. Almost all village of any size will have hotels and hostales.
The routes are:
Camino de Almería: Almeria - Alba - La Calahorra - Guadix - Granada.
Camino de Granada: Granada - Alcala la Real - Alcaudete - Baena - Cordoba
Camino de Córdoba: Cordoba - Hinhosa del Duque - Don Benito - Merida
Camino de Málaga - Malaga - Antequera - Lucena - Baena into Cordoba
Camino de Jaén: Jaen - Martos - Alcaudete
Camino Mozárabe de Málaga starts from the Church of Santiago in Malaga, where pilgrims stamp their credentials, the route heads inland landscapes. The first village on the route, Almogía is known for its Muslim past, reflected in the Castle of Hins-Xan-Biter. From here, the route enters the Guadalhorce valley.
After passing El Tomillar and La Junta de los Caminos the first village is Almogia. Next Villanueva de la Concepción is located at the foot of the Torcal de Antequera, a natural environment favoured by photography lovers. The route drops down to Antequera, the monumental town, where you can visit its prehistoric dolmens, the Muslim Alcazaba, the Royal Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor and the Monumental Gates.
The route continues north accross the plains passing Cartaojal then villages of Villanueva de Algadas and Cuevas Bajas. Crossing into Cordoba province and the Sierras Subbeticas de Cordoba area reaching Encina Reales, Lucena. Cabra, Doña Mencia, joining the Granada route at Baena before dropping to Cordoba city.
Video
Below is a video by Andalucia.com Forum member Ponarth of the 165k route from Granada to Cordoba
The official website in Spanish is www.caminomozarabedesantiago.es