Embarking on the Camino de Levante is a spiritual and cultural journey, but also a fantastic gastronomic adventure. Because, let's be honest, good food is something we can't overlook while walking. Here, we offer you a detailed guide, stage by stage, to enjoy the best places to refuel on your route.
First Stage: Orihuela - Murcia (24 km, 6 hours)
We begin our journey in Orihuela, very close to the Cathedral of El Salvador. Don't forget to visit the Miguel Hernández House Museum and admire the Tajo-Segura transfer before starting your walk. During this stage, our first stop will be in Beniel, where we'll have a well-deserved snack and a fresh drink at Bar "El Currante" to start our journey well.
Then, we continue through the Vega Baja orchard, enjoying the landscape until we reach Murcia, our lunch stop. In Murcia, we must visit Restaurante Casa Pacoche, a must for tasting local cuisine. Since we are in the center, we can also have a drink at Café del Arco, in Plaza Romea, before spending the afternoon exploring the theater, cathedral, and old town.
Route: Orihuela - Beniel - Alquerías - Beniaján - Murcia
Second Stage: Murcia - Alguazas (26 km, 6.5 hours)
After an afternoon and a night of rest in Murcia, we head towards Alguazas. We will pass through Alcantarilla, Javalí Nuevo, Torres de Cotillas, and Molina de Segura. During the journey, we will stop to visit the La Ñora waterwheel and other notable monuments here.
For lunch, we will stop in Molina de Segura, where we can choose between Restaurante Signatura. But if we prefer to treat ourselves, Casa Herminio is the ideal place to recharge. Check out all the other options.
Route: Murcia - Alcantarilla - Javalí Nuevo - Torres de Cotillas - Molina de Segura - Alguazas
Third Stage: Alguazas - Mula (26 km, 6.5 hours)
Our third day takes us through lands of castles and badlands. We will pass through Campos del Río and Albudeite before reaching Mula. In Campos del Río, we will enjoy the unique landscapes of the Gebas ravines, impressive eroded formations.
We will stop in Albudeite for a refreshment at Casa del Huerto before continuing to our final destination of the day, Mula. In this land, famous for its drum festivals, we will eat at Restaurante Casa Cristo, and since we are in pilgrim mode, what better place to enjoy a good meal! But if you prefer to see everything this town has to offer, you can check out more options here.
Route: Alguazas - Campos del Río - Albudeite - Mula
Fourth Stage: Mula - Bullas (21 km, 5 hours)
This stage is characterized by its iconic vineyards, which produce the famous wine with our land's designation of origin. We leave Mula after visiting the Castillo de los Vélez and the Monastery of the Incarnation, heading towards Bullas, enjoying the wine landscape.
Once we arrive in Bullas, Restaurante Asador del Noroeste is the perfect option for a good meal. We also recommend the restaurant El Borrego and Entretempos Café y Vino. And if you still have energy after eating, don't miss the Wine Museum, the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, and the Old Plaza of Bullas.
Route: Mula - Bullas
Fifth Stage: Bullas - Caravaca de la Cruz (22 km, 5 hours)
The final stage of the Camino de Levante is as special as it is emotional. As we approach Caravaca de la Cruz, the excitement grows. In Cehegín, the open and welcoming personality of its people, along with its landscapes and stately homes, will make us want to return. We will visit the Palace of Jaspe and the Church of Santa María Magdalena.
For a good snack, we recommend the restaurants El Casino and Felymar and El Sol, which offer impressive views. Finally, we resume our journey towards Caravaca, with its spectacular entrance by the banks of the Argos River and the Basilica of the Vera Cruz atop the hill.
Once in the Holy City, we celebrate our achievement at either Ateneo Restaurant or Salones Castillo. And we can't end without tasting the yemas de Caravaca, the typical sweet that concludes this journey in a very, very sweet way.
Route: Bullas - Cehegín - Caravaca de la Cruz
Enjoy your meal and do not forget to say "buen camino"!