Yeste and the Way Back Stopping at Caravaca and Orihuela

Fully restored castle at the top of the village. Its high outer walls reflect the defensive aspect of its construction.
The visit has several interesting points as it is divided into five rooms that summarize the history of Yeste and its surroundings since the Middle Ages, including audiovisual aids.
For a time the fortress was used as a prison, and in its old dungeons there is now a museum containing traditional antique objects from the village.
Open Hours: Sunday and Monday: 10:00 - 14:00. Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 - 14:00, 16:30 - 19:00.
There is parking space at the base of the castle.

On the outskirts of Yeste is the Calares del Mundo Park, an ecosystem where the landscape of the hills is predominant and native flora and fauna coexist.
The interpretation centre is an excellent place to understand how the park is formed and to see the flora and fauna that inhabit the place, with very didactic explanatory videos and posters.
From the centre there are also viewpoints overlooking the park. It is a very nice experience if you visit with children.
The interpretation centre is not open every day. You can find the opening times and days on the website of the protected areas of Castilla La Mancha.

Slowly the return to Alicante begins with two more stops to enjoy. Caravaca de la Cruz is famous for its traditions and basilica, so it's time to park the car and enjoy this city.

Modern restaurant with an extensive menu that includes pastas, meats, pizzas, burgers, salads and sandwiches.
The drinks' menu is also generous with many varieties of beer, wine and snacks.
To recommend the barbecued castle, the duck confit cannelloni or the creamed aubergine.
Open Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 – 0:00. Saturday: 8:00 – 3:00. Sunday: 8:00 – 1:00.

This basilica is accessed via a flight of steps where the old castle once stood. Its main façade is worthy of admiration with its reddish and brown colours.
The great relic kept inside is the cross of Caravaca, venerated by thousands of believers every year. According to the legend, this cross had several miracles, such as reconversions to Christianity.
Being at the highest point of the village, from the basilica there are views of the village of Caravaca and the hills.
Open Hours: Monday to Saturday: 8:00 - 14:00, 16:00 - 19:00. Sunday: 10:00 - 14:00, 17:00 - 19:00.

You should not leave Caravaca without visiting the museum of the wine horses, a local tradition that is maintained year after year and is witnessed by thousands of spectators.
The museum is a summary of what you can find every May 2, the day the festival is celebrated. The particularity of this tradition is that horses parade dressed in hand-embroidered costumes with details in gold, silver and bronze.
The museum exhibits these costumes, and you can even take a guided tour to learn the history behind this particular celebration.
Open Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 8:00 - 14:00, 16:00 - 19:00. Sunday and Monday: 10:00 - 14:00. For more information: Caravaca Tourist Office from the cross

After the visit to Caravaca de la Cruz and after a journey of just over an hour, we arrive at the last stop on the route, the city of Orihuela.

The reason for the visit to Orihuela is none other than to see the house where the poet Miguel Hernández, one of Spain's greatest writers, lived.
During the tour you will visit the interior rooms of the house, the courtyard where Miguel Hernandez spent much of his time next to the fig tree. There is also an exhibition of his literary works.
In addition, you can see how a typical family lived during the early 20th century, as the place preserves original furniture.
Open Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 - 14:00, 17:00 - 20:00 (summer) Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 - 14:00, 16:00 - 19:00 (winter) Sunday: 10:00 - 14:00

Before returning to Alicante, it is time for dinner in the centre of Orihuela.
This traditionally decorated restaurant offers a fusion of Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine. It is ideal for sushi, niguiris, makis, although it also offers more traditional dishes such as seafood, meat and fish.
Its desserts are very elaborate, try the Manchego cheese coulant with red fruits or the tiramisu with Bayleis.
Open Hours: Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday: 9:00 - 0:00. Friday and Saturday: 9:00 – 1:30.

The route ends after four days of touring the mountain villages of Albacete. Now it's time to rest!