5 Stunning Places to Visit in Murcia Region, Spain
- Apr 12, 2023
- 4 min read
Never thought I would end up living half a year in Murcia, but here I am! And after some time here I have done my explorations in the area, scanning Google Maps, reading articles and generally going by the gut, and let me tell you, this region, which sometimes is referred to as Huerta De Europa or The Orchard (or the crop garden) of Europe, is quite magnificent. Murcia exports 70% of it’s vegetables and 34% of their fruits to Europe. There are a lot of orange & lemon trees as well as almond and peach trees covering vast mountainy lands. You’ll see all kinds of crops growing here thanks to the almost 330 days of sunshine a year and very fertile land, even if at the first glance it seems dry and rocky - the soil here has great ability to hold water and is rich in minerals.
So if you have done exploring Murcia city, I invite you to take a look at these 5 stunning natural wonders of Murcia region!
1. Cueva Del Puerto
This was one of the most epic experiences I have ever had! Don’t be fooled by a few pictures online, this place deserves a visit! The route through the caves is around 600 m long and every step of it is mother nature showing of her artwork through formations of limestone and other materials. These are hydrothermal caves which means that the inside is very warm and humid, so leave your jumper behind. Upon going there we did not register before and the price from an individual was 12 eur. Unfortunately, our lovely guide did not speak English, but despite that she made sure we see every special formation in the shape of different animals and insisted on making amazing photos for me and my mom! Truly a wonderful experience!
Location Important to note that in this area are many places showing 7000 – 5000 year old cave art, if you are art history nerd – don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore those caves too! Check - Acceso A Cueva De La Serreta and Pinturas rupestres Minateda.
2. Sanctuary of Hope / Santuario Virgen de la Esperanza
Continuing the theme of the caves, if you are in the area of Cueva Del Puerto, then be sure to visit this cave church. Built partly in the mountain this tranquil church is awe-inspiring! The ambiance inside is so peaceful and quiet, except the sound of a mountain spring dripping down the wall inside the church. A beautiful and unique take on a place of worship, by the river Segura. Also not far are options to go rafting on the river and beautiful trails for hiking!
3. Calblanque Beach / Playa de Calblanque
If you are going to visit La Manga you can not miss the stunning Calblanque National Park with beautiful virgin beaches. What makes this beach so special is the fossil dunes , metamorphic rocks and Quaternary sediments. It is hard to explain, but the cliffs are literally made from iron and crystal. I wish I was a geologist so I could explain this phenomenon better, but nevertheless, it is a truly unique beach with bike and hiking trails and perfect for different water sports or just catching a sunset!
4. Bolnuevo
A stunning 40-minute drive away from Cartagena is a small town called Bolnuevo, which is famous for its rock formations and tasty fish foods! These rocks are something out of a sci-fi movie. They resemble ancient giant mushrooms or some unformed alien beings! An epic sight to behold, unfortunately, the formations are recently fenced in, so it is not possible to see them up close, but the sight of them is pretty impressive as it is, being beautifully lit even at night.
5. Ricote Valley – Blanca, Ojos, Ulea
This list would not be complete if I did not mention the place where I live! This beautiful valley surrounding river Segura with its charming little cities is a beautiful place to catch the feel of life in Murcia. A little less known fact is that this valley is associated with Sufi mysticism and if you allow yourself to open up your heart you can definitely feel the magical wisdom in this valley. If you love hiking, there are so many beautiful trails leading up in the mountains, with even more dazzling views!
If you are in Blanca, I suggest having a view from Mirador Alto de Bayna and if you like arts – check if Centro Negra is having an exhibition! And for plant-based food lovers, it is worth contacting Agape Plant Based duo, they might be holding a supper club event where you can try dishes made from the organic food produced in Murcia, to really catch the taste of this land!
What is important to add, if you are looking for hiking trails use app - Wikiloc. It is the most popular here and full of amazing trails to explore!
In conclusion, Murcia Region is truly a hidden gem of Spain that offers a lot of natural wonders, unique experiences and cultural richness. From the stunning Cueva Del Puerto with its hydrothermal caves to the tranquil Sanctuary of Hope and the beaches like Calblanque, there is something unique for everyone.
So, if you have the chance to visit Murcia, be sure to take a break from the bustling cities and discover the beauty of the region that lies beyond. Have fun!
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