STAGE: Almería - Rioja

The route begins at the Cathedral of Almería, where the first signpost of the Mozarabic Way is located. From here, the pilgrims advance towards the church of Santiago and, little by little, leave the city behind. The exit from Almería is clearly signposted, thanks to the meticulous work of the Asociación Jacobea de Almería-Granada Camino Mozárabe, which has made it easy for walkers not to lose the route. During the first 7.1 kilometres, the route crosses an urban environment that includes both the city of Almería and the adjacent town of Huércal. Leaving Huércal behind, the pilgrims enter the Andarax River wadi, a natural element that will accompany much of the stage. This change of landscape is a gradual transition from urban bustle to a more rural environment. The route also crosses the village of Pechina, once a town of great importance and where Saint Indalecio, apostolic disciple of Santiago and first bishop of Almería, settled. The route takes the Andarax wadi again and guides the pilgrims to Rioja. A welcoming place where they can spend the night in the municipal pilgrims' hostel El Mozarabic.