Murcia’s surroundings
Murcia, the capital of Murcia region, is the perfect destination for discovering both this beautiful city and its surrounding area. The first trip you could do is to the Monastery of Fuensanta, in the suburb of Algezares, just a few minutes away. The monastery’s name comes from a spring that flowed next to the sanctuary that locals believed to have healing properties. Set in the stunning Regional Park of Carrascoy and El Valle, this is a classic day trip that travellers always enjoy.
Fans of city tourism who love culture, architecture, art and food have several day trip options to choose between that are sure to delight. Mula is just 37 km away, about 27 minutes by car, and has a surprising wealth of palaces and monuments. One of the most important dates in its calendar is Holy Tuesday and the Night of the Drums, when the city trembles from midnight to four in the morning. Cartagena is 50 km away from Murcia, also a roughly half-hour car journey, and this city has such an extensive heritage that you’ll have to return several times to be able to see it all.
Next is one of Murcia’s most picture-perfect spots: Aledo. It’s 58 km from Murcia, about 40 minutes by car, and this town built from stone and set amid the mountains makes an unforgettable trip. And just a little further on, around 70 km away or 45 minutes by car, are three famous destinations in Murcia region: Calasparra, Lorca and Caravaca de la Cruz. Calasparra offers nature-lovers the chance to discover Almadenes Gorge and El Puerto Cave.
In turn, Lorca has an extensive heritage with numerous impressive monuments: a castle, Jewish Quarter and synagogue, the former Collegiate Church of San Patricio, the Palace of Guevara, the Church of San Francisco, etc. And don’t forget Caravaca de la Cruz, on the border with Granada. This Holy City has a Sanctuary of the True Cross with an impressive façade built in red Cehegin marble, plus a rich religious heritage that is well worth discovering in person.
Yecla is another city that should definitely be included among a list of day trips to Murcia’s surrounding area. It’s 90 km away, about an hour by car, and is a wonderful area for wine tourism. Visiting the vineyards, going for a wine-tasting at a winery or enjoying a paired meal are all great activities in this town.
Murcia’s coastline is another excellent reason to visit the city, and there are some wonderful beaches just a few kilometres from the region’s capital: Playa de La Llana (54 km), Mazarrón (67 km), La Manga (75 km), Puntas de Calnegre (80 km), Calas de Bolnuevo (103 km) and Águilas (105 km). And if you’d like to add a dash of action to your holiday, don’t miss dramatic settings such as the cliffs at Calblanque, the gorges at Gebas, the Gredas de Bolnuevo, Abanilla Desert and the San Pedro del Pinatar salt mines.