"Walker, there is no path,
The path is made when walking".
Antonio Machado.
The poem is especially relevant to pilgrims, who don't become pilgrims until they begin to walk, immersing themselves in their own spirituality while enjoying nature. The Region of Murcia is one of the recognized pilgrimage destinations in the world, and offers a new way of reaching the destination of Caravaca de la Cruz, the fifth place in the world to be recognized as a Holy City.
On all of the stages of the Camino, whether walking alone or withfamily, friends or workmates, the voyage is an opportunity to meditate and reflect on one's self and on the world around, providing the intimacy and privacy which at times is needed to find God.
At the same time, the journey makes it possible to meet others who share the same concerns, as well as to learn about the natural heritage, traditions and monuments along the way which were formerly unknown to the walker.
The Camino de Levante in the Region of Murcia follows the Vía Verde del Noroeste (the Green Route of the north-west), dividing it into four stages. The first runs from Espinardo to Alguazas, the second crosses the typical countryside of the "huerta" of Murcia, the third begins in Mula and ends in Bullas (one of the most arduous as it runs through the mountains) and the last joins Bullas and Caravaca crossing through picturesque landscapes which are well worth the effort of photographing.
Pilgrimage routes
Camino del Lignum Crucis
This 119-kilometre route begins in Granja de Rocamora in the region of the Comunidad Valenciana and unites towns and churches where fragments of the Cross of Christ (each known as a Lignum Crucis) are worshipped. It joins the Camino de Levante and is promoted by the Hermandades de la Santísima Cruz of Granja de Rocamora and Abanilla.
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Camino del Mediterráneo
This route can be started at two different points: Cartagena and Mazarrón. It runs for 140 km through a wide variety of landscapes: the crop fields of the Campo de Cartagena, the mountains of Sierra Espuña and the higher ground in the inland area of the Region of Murcia, with must-see stops at the Santuario de Santa Eulalia and the castle of Aledo.
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Camino de San Juan de la Cruz
This is a 160-kilometre route established by the Discalced Carmelites of Caravaca, the Discalced Carmelites of Beas de Segura and the Asociación de Cuidades del Camino de San Juan de la Cruz, and it can also be used to make the pilgrimage to the Vera Cruz of Caravaca. It is a mountainous path, crossing the Sierra de Segura through the provinces of Jaén, Albacete and the Region of Murcia, and is based on the figure of San Juan de la Cruz, a mystic, poet and Doctor of the Catholic church. Mainly suitable for hikers.
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Camino de los Vélez
A historic route which begins in Vélez Blanco in the province of Almería and for 60 kilometres crosses vast areas of cereal cropland, passing important archaeological sites such as the complex of La Encarnación. Mainly suitable for cyclists.
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Camino de la Vera Cruz
At almost 900 km this is the longest of the routes leading to Caravaca. It links different places which were placed under the authority of the Templars, crossing five different regions of Spain and including important historic centres such as Pamplona, Artajona, Daroca, Teruel, Alcalá del Júcar and Jumilla. The route is currently being re-signposted.
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Camino Espiritual del Sur
At almost 900 km this is the longest of the routes leading to Caravaca. It links different places which were placed under the authority of the Templars, crossing five different regions of Spain and including important historic centres such as Pamplona, Artajona, Daroca, Teruel, Alcalá del Júcar and Jumilla. The route is currently being re-signposted.
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Camino de Levante
This 120-kilometre route begins in Orihuela, in the region of the Comunidad Valenciana. Initially it runs along the River Segura and later heads north-west along the route of a greenway to the higher ground of the Region of Murcia. Among the attractions are the monuments of Orihuela, Cehegín, Mula and the city of Murcia, the flat croplands of the ¿Huerta¿ and the ¿Badlands
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