Suggestions for rural tourism over Christmas and the New Year in the Region of Murcia

Inland destinations to get away from it all and enjoy a “real” Christmas in the Costa Cálida!

It goes without saying that the towns and cities of the Costa Cálida are full of hustle and bustle over the Christmas season, but for those who prefer to make use of the holidays to get away from it all there are still plenty of opportunities to take advantage of the myriad of rural destinations in inland areas of the Region of Murcia.

The attractions of nature, open-air activities, country homes and even picnics are made especially relevant for visitors from northern Europe by the relatively mild winter climate, and the regional tourist board recommends the following destinations among others:

Caravaca de la Cruz

As well has being a hub for religious tourism every seven years during Jubilee Year (the next one is in 2024), Caravaca is so much more. The old town centre is full of sights to see, and just a couple of kilometres away is the beautiful landscape and greenery of Las Fuentes del Marqués, a real picture postcard destination for a family picnic!

Exploring the large municipality, visitors can also pay visits to the Cueva Negra area, where remains of pre-Neanderthal Man dating back 800,000 years have been found, other archaeological remains from the Argaric, Iberian and Roman cultures, and the higher ground which is home to extensive forests and fruit orchards, with apricots a particularly important crop.

The area also boasts Europe's largest collection of ethnic instruments in the village of Barranda!

Cehegín

In 2019 the hilltop town of Cehegín was voted the Number 1 “Rural Marvel” of Spain, boasting an old centre which could easily grace a Christmas card anywhere in the world! Nothing could be more appropriate this festive season than a stroll round its narrow streets and a good meal at one of the many local hostelries!

Like its neighbour Caravaca, the municipality of Cehegín also encompasses mountains, fertile plains and areas of pine forest, and is an ideal location from which to explore the north-west of Murcia. Among the tourism attractions of its own are the remains of the late Roman and Visigoth city of Begastri and the atmospheric old quarter filled with historic buildings, as well as the “Peña Rubia”, which houses important prehistoric rock paintings, now protected by Unesco.

Blanca

The town of Blanca stands on the banks of the River Segura in the green valley of Ricote, a landscape which can be admired from viewing points such as the Mirador del Alto de Bayna, considered by some to be one of the finest views in the Iberian Peninsula.

The river dominates the landscape here and attracts a large number of canoeists and other sports, as well as those curious to explore an area where the Moors remained welcome until long after they were expelled from most of Spain in 1492.

Easily accessed from the city of Murcia via the A-30 motorway, Blanca has for decades been a popular day out for visitors from the regional capital as they follow in the footsteps of the noble families who built some of the largest houses in the town.

Jumilla

Jumilla is a gem of a town in the north of the Region of Murcia, the wealth of its cultural and archaeological heritage, its gastronomy and its fine wines complementing the majesty of the landscape in irresistible fashion. The castle stands high above the old medieval town centre, and the local hostelries and rural accommodation provide a warm welcome all year round!