Day 1 (July, 2021) Valencia to Algemesi:
The first stage is 38K and we already had walked from the Cathedral south several k so we took a train 8K to avoid repeating the urban walking. The beginning of Levante takes one through hot humid coastal plains loaded with orange, persimmon, pomegranate orchards. Not overly exciting but great to be starting a long Camino.
We arrived mid-afternoon in Algemesi where the girls at the Museo de Festa took very good care of us and set us up in the donativo municipal albergue across the street. We of course had the dormitory to ourselves as they said we were the first pilgrim in a week and had only 4 total this year.
Our hosts recommended Bar Garrafera for a Meñu del Dia and it proved to be one of the better ones. I strolled over to Iglesia de Santiago at 7PM but it was closed. 30K
Day 2 Algemesi to Xativa:
Woke at 5:30 and left at 6:08. Not hot but humid. Beautiful sunrise in Aztira. Made it to La Pobla Lharga at 9:30 for snack and drinks. Very crowded Bar. Tough walking through more fruit fields as the heat intensified. The plains of fruit orchards started giving way to rolling hills of olive and almond orchards.
Mika found some figs and good blackberries to eat and even a walnut and almond.
The afternoon heat was stifling as we arrived in Xativa at 2 and had nice Menu del dia of beet gazpacho and cuttlefish bunless burger before enjoying rooftop views of the Castle on the mountain top above us . Casa Rural was a good accommodation with a cozy room with AC, sitting room and rooftop patio and breakfast for €40. 31K walk.
