Lezuza – Lezuza

The first extra section of the Via Augusta takes us to the historic site of Libisosa (Lezuza), a key crossroads between Baetica and the Mediterranean that once connected the southern plateau with the eastern coast. This circular route begins and ends in Albacete and is divided into two stages.

The first stage follows the Vía Verde Sierra de Alcaraz, running parallel to the Acequión Canal toward the Laguna, where we can stop to explore its archaeological site. After a short stretch on the national road, we switch to dirt tracks through Casas del Hornillo and La Herrera, then continue on paved roads through Vandelaras de Abajo and Vandelaras de Arriba, visiting the Church of Santa María de la Granada in La Yunquera. A rural dirt path leads us to the Roman road at Casa Berruga, a tangible link to the ancient route. From there, we follow the CM-313 road to reach Lezuza.

This first stage includes a steady climb, rewarded by the historical richness of Libisosa, where we can visit its museum collection and the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción.

The second stage begins with a visit to the Libisosa Archaeological Park, featuring excavated urban structures and the Castle of Lezuza. The return journey crosses the Montiel fields of Albacete via quiet dirt tracks, mostly downhill, heading toward Balazote. From there, we reconnect with the Vía Verde Sierra de Alcaraz to return to Albacete along this marked natural trail.

This route covers a total distance of 125.15 kilometers and has a total elevation gain of 767 meters.