Day: August 21, 2024

Day 6- Lorca to Estella

Depart Time: 8:00 Temp: 63F RH: 85%

Walked today: 5.8 mi. Camino 2024: 38.4 mi.

Today was our 6th time to walk from Lorca to Estella. The sites along the way are rather mundane, the physical challenges are few and the focus is totally on the arrival to one of our favorite cities on the Camino… and less so on the journey.

joining the Camino dirt path as we left Lorca
grain fields and a few assorted vineyards and vegetable gardens dominated the scenery for the 2 miles walk leading to the next town of Villatuerta.
The grain fields and farmland runs right up the residential streets of Villatuerta.

One highlight of the day was a return to our breakfast routine of cafe con leche and tostadas con mantequilla y marmalada. Yaa!’

Having a break-fast at a favorite spot in Villatuerta
an impressive Romanesque bridge in the center of the village
the Iglesia la Asunción towers above ghetto town… never been inside… doors always locked when passing through.
Leaving Villatuerta, Ermita de San Miguel in distance on left
passing the Ermita del San Martin on our way to Estella.
downhill into a park, past some corralled horses and a farm
uphill again through an industrial area and popular walking, jogging paved road leading into Estella.
first building of Estella proper ahead
walking through “old Estella”
nearing our hotel located in center of old city
Hostal Cristina (center)

We walked directly to our hotel, Pención Cristina. It was only 11:00, so we didn’t expect to be able to check in. But, alas, the door was opened for us and we checked in and were taken immediately to our comfortable room.

This is also the 6th time we have stayed at Hostal Cristina, located on the Plaza de los Fueros. Although a large stage was installed in the Plaza when we arrived, no major festivities appeared to be underway. In years past we have witnessed huge markets, annual festivals with period costumes, “gigantes” dancers, bull running, bands, parades, etc. all in the plaza viewed from our room balcony or out among the revelry.

a view from one of the 3 balconies in our toom
another view from our room
capping off a delicious lunch/dinner with dessert (french toast & ice cream (vanilla, strawberry and lemon sherbet)

So today, we had our meal for the day in the plaza from 2:00 – 3:30 and spent the rest of the day relaxing in our room, just enjoying being here and reminiscing our extraordinary past experiences here.

Estella is a very special place among our Camino adventures.