The hub of activity in the Caravaca de la Cruz beauty spot has been repaired, restored and enlarged over the last few months Work has now been completed to refurbish the nature centre (Centro de la Naturaleza) within the park and beauty spot of Las..

Both of these Caravaca sites contain Roman remains and even older relics from the Bronze Age The Town Hall of Caravaca de la Cruz has completed work to improve the infrastructures at the popular rural tourism sites of Las Tosquillas in Barranda and..

The 500-year-old building in the heart of Yecla is to be refurbished and put to public use At the end of September members of the public were welcomed inside the Iglesia Vieja of Yecla to admire the original interior of the church for the last time..

Enjoy the city centre as you discover some of the favourite snacks of Caravaca! In 2025 the Town Hall of Caravaca de la Cruz has joined forces with local restaurants to launch a series of five easily affordable gastronomic routes in and around the..

From history to wine-tasting, from rural hikes to the famed December fiestas, Yecla welcomes all visitors to these fascinating tours between August and December! The Tourism department of the Town Hall of Yecla in the north of Murcia has published..

The Jubilee celebrates the 300th anniversary of the arrival of the figure of the Virgen de las Maravillas in Cehegín On 25th July 2025 a year-long Holy Jubilee Year begins in the town of Cehegín in the north-west of the Region of Murcia in honour..

Enjoy the city centre as you discover some of the favourite snacks of Caravaca! In 2025 the Town Hall of Caravaca de la Cruz has joined forces with local restaurants to launch a series of five easily affordable gastronomic routes in and around the..

A brilliant healthy way to discover the city and surroundings of Caravaca One of the most enjoyable, healthiest and most environmentally-friendly ways to explore any location is on the saddle of your bike, and these guided excursions in the holy city..

Olive oil tourism in the Region of Murcia Here in the Region of Murcia olive oil is an essential part of our culture and our history, and now of our tourist activity as well! Olive oil is becoming more and more popular and rightly so, representing..

Local restaurants in and around Caravaca join forces to promote their mouth-watering specialities! A new initiative launched by the Town Hall of Caravaca de la Cruz has gained the support of 30 local bars and restaurants, all keen to promote their..

The warmth of romantic settings more than makes up for the cold winter nights in the north of Murcia… It seems as though the extended Spanish Christmas, New Year and Three Kings festivities have only just ended, but already it’s time to look forward..

Hiking, kayaking, birdwatching and the simple joy of the countryside in Caravaca, Cehegín and Calasparra Source: ITREM The River Argos is far from being a major waterway but it is one of the natural jewels of the north-west of the Region of Murcia..

This meat and flatbread meal has nothing to do with Andalusian gazpacho! Those of us who live on the coast tend to think we know about gazpacho, the cool summer drink made from blended tomato, cucumber and other ingredients. But don’t imagine that..

A lovely tasty and filling accompaniment to the Easter Week processions of Jumilla! Particularly popular during the processions and celebrations of Semana Santa in Jumilla, which have been awarded International Tourist Interest status, this humble..

“Ceci n’est pas une Santa Catalina” at the Museum of Ethnography and Natural Science in Jumilla A group of 25 artists have collaborated to produce this exhibition, featuring a variety of diverse techniques and styles to represent in their own..

Filacterias Cromáticas at the Casa de la Cultura in Caravaca This exhibition features the work of local artist Pablo Celdrán Ferrer-Egea (aka Taomí) and can be visited at the Casa de la Cultura in Caravaca de la Cruz (located in the Plaza del Templete..

Free visits to the site of the 11th-century former fortress on what is still known as the Castle Hill in Yecla Work is continuing at the archaeological site of Hisn Yakka, the former castle of Yecla on the hill which is now home to the Santuario de..

“Con los Ojos Cerrados” at the Asociación de Mayordomos in Yecla The exhibition room of the Asociación de Mayordomos de la Purísima Concepción in Yecla (Calle Niño Jesús nº 9, click for map) is hosting this exhibition of work by local artist..

The city of Caravaca has been attracting Catholic pilgrims since the 14th century Caravaca de la Cruz has attracted Catholic pilgrims and other religious tourists ever since the 14th century and this is still reflected in six monasteries, convents..

The route through the municipality of Yecla is expected to take around 12 and a half hours! Lovers of distance walking are welcome to take part in the 34th annual hike from the village of Raspay to the mystical mountain of Monte Arabí on 18th October..

Sign up now to take part in the “Jumilla Ciudad del Vino” events Registration is now open (and remains so until 15th October) for the 7th edition of the “Jumilla Ciudad del Vino” half-marathon and 10-km running races, which start and finish..

The exhibition commemorates the relationship of Caravaca de la Cruz with leading Catholic mystics during the 16th century The Holy City of Caravaca de la Cruz is immensely proud of its close ties with the figures of Santa Teresa de Ávila and San..

A play of mystery and bewilderment a the Teatro Vico in Jumilla The action of this play, performed by Representanment and Iraty, is set in Moscow in the early 20th century, where the matriarch of the Petrova family dies and is buried with a valuable..

Explore the hiking paths of the Sierra de la Pila in Abarán and see a dramatized re-enactment of Jaime’s death in 1824 On July 5 last year it was exactly 200 years since the renowned bandit Jaime “El Barbudo” was executed in the Cueva de la..

Discover the history and Semana Santa traditions of Moratalla in the north-west of the Region of Murcia This guided tour of the town of Moratalla, which is dominated by the medieval castle and impressive churches, begins at 11.00 on Saturday September..

Help restore the natural vegetation in the Altiplano area of northern Murcia The need for reforestation in the dry landscape of south-eastern Spain is as acute as ever as the effects of climate change become more and more apparent and this annual..

Javier García Moreno and Pedro Navarro open the Flamenco Festival in Caravaca de la Cruz in the church of San Sebastián Following the success of last year’s inaugural edition, Caravaca de la Cruz is once again holding its own Flamenco Festival..

Reversión is performed at the Teatro Thuillier in Caravaca as part of the second annual flamenco festival Following the success of last year’s inaugural edition, Caravaca de la Cruz is once again holding its own Flamenco Festival in 2025, featuring..

A special night in Caravaca as Lidia Plaza is joined by the OSRM at the superb old church of El Salvador Following the success of last year’s inaugural edition, Caravaca de la Cruz is once again holding its own Flamenco Festival in 2025, featuring..

A program of works by Beethoven and local composers at the Teatro Vico in Jumilla The High Sauerland district is located in the north-east of Germany, sharing borders with Belgium and the Netherlands, and the local symphony orchestra (conductor Marcos..

Painting for prizes in the streets and squares of the town of Yecla The annual “Certamen Nacional de Pintura al Aire Libre” is being held in Yecla on Saturday 25th October, when competitors will meet at 8.00 at the Escuela Municipal de Bellas..

The tour of Yecla includes two churches and the Teatro Concha Segura This free guided tour in Yecla on Saturday October 25 begins at 10.00 at the Iglesia del Niño Jesús and includes visits to some of the Modernist architectural jewels of the town..

Learn about the hidden secrets of local lore in the town centre of Yecla Over the course of the last couple of decades Halloween has become one of the most important dates in the calendar of Spain and the night before All Saints’ Day is now celebrated..

The Anacronía Ensemble at the municipal auditorium in Yecla The International Chamber Music Festival in Yecla (“Festival Internacional de Música de Cámara de Yecla”, or FIMYECLA), offers a series of free high-quality small-scale concerts throughout..

4 races of different lengths to test competitors of all levels and ages This year’s Caravaca Experience trail running event takes place on Sunday October 26, with a fourth competition added to the menu as events of this kind continue to grow in..

Celtic music from the Basque country at the Ethnic Music Museum in Barranda The 2025 “Conciertos Sentidos” series of free musical events at the Museum of Ethnic Music in the Caravaca village of Barranda continues on Sunday 26th October with a..

The “Dos Vientos Diferentes” show at the church of San Sebastián in the Caravaca Flamenco Festival Following the success of last year’s inaugural edition, Caravaca de la Cruz is once again holding its own Flamenco Festival in 2025, featuring..

A free open-air percussion workshop and a performance by exciting young dancer Águeda Saavedra in Caravaca Following the success of last year’s inaugural edition, Caravaca de la Cruz is once again holding its own Flamenco Festival in 2025, featuring..

Learn about the hidden secrets of local lore in the town centre of Yecla Over the course of the last couple of decades Halloween has become one of the most important dates in the calendar of Spain and the night before All Saints’ Day is now celebrated..

The 19th century mausoleums and pantheons are predominantly in the Romantic style The main cemetery of Jumilla is not only a last resting place for the deceased, but also a site which allows insights into the historical and artistic heritage of the..

Learn about the hidden secrets of local lore in the town centre of Yecla Over the course of the last couple of decades Halloween has become one of the most important dates in the calendar of Spain and the night before All Saints’ Day is now celebrated..

All age groups and categories are catered for in this great ride through the mountains and countryside of Caravaca The success of the “La Peregrina” mountain bike event in Caravaca last year, when it was held for the first time as part of the..

This year’s event is being held in tribute to local canine athlete Copy, who passed away recently The second annual 10-km run to raise funds for local animal welfare charity APCOM is taking place in Caravaca de la Cruz on 16th November, with lesser..

The “Caravaca heráldica” tour includes many of the oldest noble houses in the centre of Caravaca For many centuries now the city of Caravaca de la Cruz has been the unofficial capital of the north-west of the Region of Murcia, dating back to..

The closing event of a season devoted to the Catholic mystics Santa Teresa de Ávila and San Juan de la Cruz in Caravaca de la Cruz The Holy City of Caravaca de la Cruz is immensely proud of its close ties with the figures of Santa Teresa de Ávila..

The Jubilee in Caravaca is a culturally and socially dynamic event as well as one of great religious significance (Source: ITREM, tourist board of the Region of Murcia) When Pope John Paul II granted a Holy Jubilee Year to Caravaca de la Cruz..

Guitarist Fernando Espí at the municipal auditorium in Yecla The International Chamber Music Festival in Yecla (“Festival Internacional de Música de Cámara de Yecla”, or FIMYECLA), offers a series of free high-quality small-scale concerts throughout..

The musical tradition of Murcia with influences from elsewhere in Europe at the Ethnic Music Museum in Barranda The 2025 “Conciertos Sentidos” series of free musical events at the Museum of Ethnic Music in the Caravaca village of Barranda comes..

A popular rural tourism destination with a prestigious musical museum on the high ground of north-western Murcia Barranda is a small village in the high ground of north-western Murcia on the RM-730 road between Caravaca de la Cruz and La Puebla de..

A chance to see the incredible embroideries of the Running of the Wine Horses up close If you’re in the Region of Murcia on May 2 then take the opportunity to witness one of the most memorable and unique fiestas to be seen anywhere in Spain and..

Up to 72 hours free motor home camping close to the city centre of Caravaca The council-run motor home and caravan park in Caravaca de la Cruz is located 2 kilometres from the RM-15 motorway alongside the RM-715 in Calle Pabellón (click for map)...

A popular walking and picnic area and home to a sleeping giant named Tomir! Peña Rubia is a vertical limestone peak in the Cerro Gordo area of mountainous terrain, surrounded by pine forest and a perfect mountain ecosystem. The escarpments reach..

A picturesque rural retreat, a popular rural tourism destination and a wealth of history shared with Caravaca The village of Archivel lies in the municipality of Caravaca de la Cruz between Barranda (also in Caravaca) and Campo de San Juan (in Moratalla..

The Museo de Música Étnica y Colección Carlos Blanco Fadol in Barranda The man responsible for this amazing place is a remarkable man by the name of Carlos Blanco Fadol. There are many accomplished musicians throughout the world with a passion..

Caravaca de la Cruz is a focal point for spirituality and culture during 2024 Source: ITREM, regional tourist board of Murcia, “La belleza de lo Extraordinario” It’s always a great time to visit the Region of Murcia but in 2024 that’s doubly..

A 78-kilometre hiking and cycling route full of beautiful scenery and cultural and historical significance The Vía Verde del Noroeste (the Greenway of the North-west) is one of the most important ecological routes in the Region of Murcia and is also..

Millennia of archaeological remains have been found in the picturesque mountain scenery of La Encarnación It has been said that if one place in the Region of Murcia above all others can boast archaeological remains which transcend the centuries..

The second most important place of worship in Caravaca The parish church of El Salvador in Caravaca de la Cruz (Parroquia de El Salvador) plays an important part in the Holy Jubilee celebrations which are held every seven years in the city, and is..

Explore the hiking paths of the Sierra de la Pila in Abarán and see a dramatized re-enactment of Jaime’s death in 1824 On 5th July 2024 it was exactly 200 years since the renowned bandit Jaime “El Barbudo” was executed in the Cueva de la Excomuni..

A harder job would be to name reasons NOT to visit Yecla and Jumilla! If you’re one of those whose knowledge of the Region of Murcia is limited to the beaches of the Mediterranean and the Mar Menor, couple of local watering holes or restaurants..

The Vía Verde del Chicharra covers a distance of 31.6 kilometres The Vía Verde del Chicharra is a greenway which has been created, like many others, by making use of an old disused railway trackbed, this one running from Yecla in the north of the..

100% ecological family-run winery supporting the Ruta del Vino de Yecla Bodegas Evine is an ecological family-run winery operating under the Denominación de Origen de Yecla (D.O. Yecla) which produces small volumes of wine, the emphasis being on..

The mid-May fiestas feature folk dancing, music and the famous parade of floats made from quilled paper Every year in mid-May in Yecla, reflecting the town’s agricultural heritage, the local fiestas are celebrated in honour of San Isidro, the patron..

Explore the hiking paths of the Sierra de la Pila in Abarán and see a dramatized re-enactment of Jaime’s death in 1824 On 5th July 2024 it was exactly 200 years since the renowned bandit Jaime “El Barbudo” was executed in the Cueva de la Excomuni..

Caravaca and its neighbours Cehegín, Bullas, Calasparra and Bullas all offer a fascinating range of experiences to visitors The city of Caravaca de la Cruz is one of only 5 to have been awarded the status of “Holy Cities” by the Vatican and is..

Ulea and Abanilla are also added to the itinerary as places where fragments of the True Cross are venerated As preparations continue for the Holy Jubilee Year in Caravaca de la Cruz in 2024 it has been announced that a new branch of the pilgrimage..

Explore the hiking paths of the Sierra de la Pila in Abarán and see a dramatized re-enactment of Jaime’s death in 1824 On 5th July 2024 it was exactly 200 years since the renowned bandit Jaime “El Barbudo” was executed in the Cueva de la Excomuni..

Icy cold springs, moonscapes, badlands and enchanted natural cities in the Costa Cálida! Far from being simply a stretch of coastline in the western Mediterranean, the Region of Murcia has a fantastically varied landscape, and the following selection..

Locations to send chills down your spine even in the heat of the Costa Cálida summer! The Region of Murcia is renowned for its sunshine, the warmth of its climate and its people, the good living and the delicious food, but even the Costa Cálida..

Half a dozen plans for a day away from the beach in the Costa Cálida! School’s almost out for summer, and thousands of families will be heading from all over Europe to the Costa Cálida for their annual dose of sun, sea and sand, but of course..

A green oasis of nature and wildlife in Calasparra in northern Murcia The tourist information point of Cañaverosa in the municipality of Calasparra is located at the entrance to the astonishing Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Esperanza, alongside the..

Some of the most demanding ascents in southern Spain are to be found in the mountains of Murcia The Region of Murcia is something of a paradise for nature lovers who enjoy exploring on two wheels, with rides ranging from the flat crop fields of the..

Calasparra is one of only three areas in Spain with Denomination of Origin status for locally grown rice Despite rice being one of the commonest foods on the planet it is a relatively rare sight to see the product being cultivated in Europe, but in..

A small agricultural village in northern Lorca on the old inland route to Andalucía La Parroquia, also known as La Parroquia de la Fuensanta and La Tova, is a small village with around 500 residents in the western part of the “Tierras Altas”..

Wednesday is market day in Cehegín: fresh fruit and veg and a range of other goods For many expats and visitors, one of the great joys of shopping in Spain is the opportunity to buy fresh products and bargain clothes in the weekly local markets..

Saturday is market day in Mula: fresh fruit and veg and a range of other goods For many expats and visitors, one of the great joys of shopping in Spain is the opportunity to buy fresh products and bargain clothes in the weekly local markets, which..

Friday is market day in Calasparra: fresh fruit and veg and a range of other goods For many expats and visitors, one of the great joys of shopping in Spain is the opportunity to buy fresh products and bargain clothes in the weekly local markets..

The main square of the old quarter of Calasparra The Plaza de la Corredera is the most important square in the town of Calasparra and is centrally located in the heart of the old quarter. It has been re-modelled several times and today contains..

Part of the Moorish battlements can still be seen at the majestic hilltop fortress of Benizar The remains of the castle of Benizar, in the north-west of Moratalla close to the boundary with the region of Castilla-La Mancha, are perched magnificently..

The figure of the patron of Calasparra is brought from her rural sanctuary into the town Every 1st May the figure of the Virgen de la Esperanza is brought down from her sanctuary outside Calasparra to the town below, where she remains until the first..

The Order of Saint John the Hospitaller in the Region of Murcia 1244-1851 The Orden de San Juan de Jerusalén is a religious order of knights known in English as the Knights of the Order of Saint John the Hospitaller, which grew from a brotherhood..

Calasparra Fiestas and Traditions Calasparra has a number of local fiestas and festivals throughout the year, intertwining its rich history with the main local traditions which define the town, namely the agricultural links of Calasparra, rice growing..

Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Esperanza, Calasparra One of the most beautiful sanctuaries in the Region of Murcia is that of the Virgen de la Esperanza in Calasparra. This little sanctuary is cut into the rock face of a sheer cliff overlooking..