DAY 27 - ZAFRA to VILLAFRANCA DE LOS BARROS - Sunday 19 May 2024

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We started slowly today, admiring some of the sights we had already seen and some new ones as we came out of Zafra.

The path took us steadily up past roadwork and small farms. We encountered a dog who didn't bark but looked like he wanted to come too! At the top of the hill we had great views down to Los Santos de Maimona. The main square and church in this town were very beautiful - and yes, there were storks. We found a churreria open who made us a coffee. 

We continued on a dirt track past vineyards, olive groves and almond trees. We saw several wells which were sealed but previously used to water livestock. We met some Spanish people from Madrid out for a three day walk and another pilgrim who passed with a 'buen Camino'. The track was muddy in places but easily negotiable. 

At a crossroad we took a variant that added 800m to our walk but gave us the option of lunch. Unfortunately the restaurant was closed, so we continued on past some not so friendly dogs - don't believe that doggy smile in the photo. 

We found a dusty bench where we ate some of our convent biscuits before tackling the last stretch into Villafranca de los Barros. In Villafranca we didn't find much evidence of music like the roundabout sign proclaimed, but we did find decorative macrame hoops throughout the town. 

At the Everest Bar Cafe, we found welcoming locals and enjoyed a great lunch of salad and mushroom stew. It was only a short walk then to our hotel for the night.

Another fine day for walking through vineyards and olive groves
Leaving Zafra
Entering Los Santos de Maimona 
The storks of Los Santos de Maimona 
Los Santos de Maimona
Butterfly
Fun with a muddy puddle
Frog
On from Los Santos de Maimona
Dusty road with poppies. We like poppies. 
Coming up to Villafranca de los Barros 
A friendly-looking dog
A rare bench provided our afternoon rest stop
Entering Villafranca de los Barros 
Villafranca de los Barros 
Lunch at the Everest Bar, Villafranca de los Barros 
Birds
Day 27 - Map

Day:                                27
Distance:                       22.49 km
Walking time:               4 hrs 40 mins
Elevation gain:             344 meters
Cumulative distance:  479.41 km

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