The Region of Murcia Surrounding Caravaca de la Cruz > Images of the Murcia Region

Murcia is located at the South-East corner of the Iberian Peninsula, between the regions of, Andalusia, Castile-La Mancha and Valencia bordering the province of Albacete in the North, the province of Alicante in the East, the provinces of Granada, Albacete and Almería in the West, and the Mediterranean in the South-East.

All of our accommodation in Caravaca de la Cruz is Ideally located with an easy drive of only 60 to 90 minutes to any of the three main airports, Alicante, Murcia (San Javier) or Almeria. We can arrange airport transfers and/or car hire if required.

Accessibility to other parts of the region is extremely good since the opening of the new motorway, the C415, while the city of Murcia is only 35 minutes away. The coast is 45 – 60 minutes away. There are very good air-conditioned coaches that link the area with Murcia city and beyond.

The surrounding towns and area is famed for its’ natural beauty attracting walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and lovers of the outdoors.

Many beautiful walks, springs, forests and mountain ranges can be found within the province. The most famous is the natural park Sierra Espuna where wildlife such as wild boar, foxes, mountain cats and endangered species like royal eagles and goshawk can be seen. There are two local ex pat British walking groups that provide guided walks in the area. We can assist you if you would like to join any of these walks.

The region of Murcia has a rich history and has been inhabited for thousands of years.  Neolithic man, the Romans and the Moors have left their legacy. This legacy includes cave paintings, some of the oldest human remains in Spain, Roman spa baths, some still in operation, Moorish irrigation systems and water wheels (noras), castles and religious sites. The area is littered with fortress and castles from the time of the Moorish occupation and the reconquesta era.

Surrounding Towns

Moratalla

The town is situated at the base of The Sierra De Los Alamos, amongst extensive pine forests with views across wheat plains and apricot orchards.

The impressive castle that dominates the old town and the surrounding area was built during the period of occupation by the Moors

The stunning Casa De Cristo is a short drive away in the mountains. Here a miracle is said to have taken place when a farm labourer saw an apparition of Jesus Christ and was thus cured of a badly disabled arm. A church has been built on the site with an adjoining restaurant. The views from this high vantage point are spectacular.

There are 2 lively fiestas a year, the main one being in July when in the town centre there is a bull run. The other fiesta is during Holy Week (Semana Santa) when Nazarenes (hooded catholic brotherhoods) parade around the town visiting local shops and bars beating locally made drums to ward off evil spirits.

Cehegín

Cehegin has been inhabited for many years. The Peña Rubia Mountain, which overlooks the town, contains prehistoric cave paintings.

The original Romano-Visigoth settlement was at Begastri. This was eventually overtaken by a Moorish settlement until 1266 when Caravaca, Cehegín and Bullas were handed to the Order of the Temple for their assistance in repelling the Moors.

Following the enforced disbandment of the Knights Templar in 1307, the Order of Santiago took charge of the towns.

The town has a good selection of tapas bars and restaurants and has an old and new quarter. The old town square is well worth a visit with its church in honour of Mary Magdalene and fantastic views of the surrounding area.

Calasparra

Set in the hills bordering the river Segura is The ‘Santuario de la Virgin de la Esperanza’ (The Virgin of Hope). The church is built in a cave overlooking the river Segura. It is a tranquil place where the visitor can enjoy a riverside BBQ or a meal in the sanctuaries restaurant. Amongst other dishes this restaurant serves traditional Spanish rice dishes made from the famous Calasparra rice which is renowned throughout all of Spain.

Peaceful riverside walks can be taken around the grounds of the sanctuary,
but for the more adventurous a range of outdoor pursuits such as white water rafting, mountaineering, mountain walks and excellent fishing and hunting can be found around Calasparra.

The railway station at Calasparra is on the main Murcia-Madrid line.

Bullas

Bullas is located on the C415 motorway close to Cehegín at the western entrance to the Sierra Espuña national park. Smaller than its neighbours it also has an old and new town.

Bullas wines are probably the best in southeast Spain. These wines can be found throughout the region but they can be purchased direct from the producers in their bodegas in Bullas. There is also a wine museum for connoisseurs to visit.

Mula

Mula was once the site of the earliest Arab baths in all of Spain. The ancient town centre gives a visual picture of how life was before the Moors were driven out by the Rayos Catolicos, Ferdinand and Isabella.

Towns around the Sierra Espuña

(Alhama de Murcia, Totana and Aledo)

These towns are steeped in local tradition and culture.

The district is also known for its pottery manufacturing, and Totana is Spain´s second most important area for pottery production. The district of Aledo has kept alive the tradition under the gaze of its Moorish watchtower and has dominated the valley since the days when it bore witness to skirmishes between Christians and Moors.

Close by to Aledo is the Santuario de Santa Eulalia. This is a beautiful sanctuary with its own restaurant. The order of Santiago built the original sanctuary; however over the years it has been added to and is now a large hermitage. In 2002 it was declared a place of cultural interest and has fantastic views of the surrounding area.

Towns of the Ricote Valley (Ricote, Ojós, Abarán, Blanca, Ulea, Villanueva del Segura and Archena)

This is one of the most beautiful and undiscovered parts of the fertile irrigated plains around the River Segura. These towns are surrounded by fruit and citrus orchards including delicious peaches. A fertile plain that clings to its Arab heritage, as shown by the numerous remains from this period, including its irrigation systems and massive water wheels (noras).

Another ideal location for outdoor pursuits and rural tourism including white water rafting, climbing and hiking.

Spa Towns of Fortuna and Archena

Both of these towns have hot spring spa baths dating back to the Roman times. These are ideal places to spend time relaxing and pampering oneself.

Lorca

As you approach Lorca the castle dominates the city skyline, which dates back to the 13th century and which is a Spanish National Monument. Lorca is known as the “baroque city” because of the significant architectural legacy.

There are a number of archaeological sites, the Milaria Column from the Roman age, the Tower of Espolón or the Alfonsina Tower and the San Antonio Porch, a gate from the old walled enclosure which guarded the city, from the 10th century. There are also many churches and convents of different ages and styles.

The Coast (La Manga, Puerto de Mazarrón, Aguilas and Cartagena)

Murcia has over 170 km of coastline with coves and small beaches which alternate with rocky shores and cliffs. The Murcia coastline includes numerous places of interest to the naturalist. Many of these places are declared Protected Natural Areas.

From Caravaca de la Cruz you can be at the coast within one hour, the following coastal towns offer the most to a visitor:

La Manga

A coastal strip of land which, bar a few connecting channels, or narrows, completely closes off the Mar Menor, ideal for snorkelling.

Puerto de Mazarrón

Is a seaside resort town with a lively nightlife. The local coastline offers splendid beaches and unspoilt coast. About 3km from the coast is the town of Mazarrón with some excellent buildings including the Town Hall and several churches. There is also the ruins of Velez Castle.

Aguilas

An old Roman fishing port. In the centre of Aguilas there are the gardens in the Plaza España, the 19th century Town Hall and the impressive church of San José. In the high part of the old quarter stands the castle of San Juan de Aguilas, built in 1579. At the foot of the castle is the harbour. The coastline here offers excellent diving.

Cartagena

Carthaginians and Romans took an interest in this town because of its maritime importance, it was also under Arab domination until Fernando III the Saint reconquered it and incorporated it into the kingdom of Castile.

It is famed throughout Spain for its Roman fiestas which take place each September, which is a spectacle not to be missed.

Gateway to the Kingdom of Al-Andalus and Beyond

From Caravaca de la Cruz you can be visiting the Alhambra Palace in Granada or skiing on the Sierra Nevada in approximately just over 2 hours. Cruz Tours can assist you with a visit to the Alhambra including transport, entrance tickets and guides if required.

North African Morocco can be reached by ferry and is within 5 hours driving.

 

To see further details of the Murcia Region and Caravaca de la Cruz go to our LINKS page for the official area & tourism websites.