Coca
Camino de Madrid
Coca is a small town with an outsized historical footprint. The Castillo de Coca — a 15th-century Mudejar castle built from distinctive pink brick — is one of the most striking fortresses in Spain. It sits at the edge of town, incongruously grand for its setting, and is worth a proper visit. Note that visits may need to be booked in advance.
The town has bars and a small shop for resupply. Stock up here: the stretch after Villeguillo toward Alcazaren has approximately 17 km with no services whatsoever.
After Villeguillo (6.6 km ahead), there are approximately 17 km with no shops, no bars, and no services until Alcazaren. Plan ahead and carry plenty of water and food.
Coca was an important Roman settlement — Cauca was the birthplace of Emperor Theodosius the Great in AD 347. The castle was built in the late 15th century for the powerful Fonseca family and represents one of the finest examples of Mudejar military architecture in Spain. The geometric brick patterns are unlike anything you'll see on other Caminos.
The path south from Coca follows the Rio Eresma through pine forest. The terrain is flat, the walking is easy, and the sandy tracks are soft underfoot. You're firmly in the Tierra de Pinares now.
Accommodation in Coca.
| Albergue municipal La casa del peregrino 5€ 16 |
| Casa de la Paca Booking.com |
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