Murcia, how beautiful you are
THE GREEN WAY
Between the cities of Murcia and Caravaca de la Cruz runs the Northeast Greenway , 78 kilometers of natural path that follow the old railway line that linked the capital of the Region with the Holy City. Along this path - which we can travel on foot, by bike or on horseback - we will find obligatory stops such as Mule or Bullas.
In the municipality of Mula, in the district of Yéchar , it's found Source Caputa , an oasis of water set by the singing of the frogs that feeds the Mula River. As it progresses and increases its flow forms small waterfalls and natural pools where to take refuge from the heat in summer. A permanent water source that the Romans discovered and that, except during the earthquake that shook Mula in 1999, there is no memory that it has stopped flowing.
Natural pools? Yes, we are talking about Murcia and Fuente Caputa is not its only Eden, would you ever have imagined it? Following the course of the Mula river, on its way through Bullas, again it meanders forming pools of water and among them one with particular charm: the usero jump, a waterfall located within a natural vault surrounded by copious vegetation . This pool is linked to a particular tradition. Coinciding with the night of San Juan, the Descent of the Mora from Monte Castellar to the Mula river is represented in the Salto del Usero, where he takes a bath.
Usero waterfall in Bullas
LAND OF RICE AND ADVENTURE
Calasparra is well known for its rice production . The “bomba” rice - along with that of the Vega del Ebro and that of Valencia - is one of the only three Spanish rices with a recognized Designation of Origin. Beyond conquering us with its particular flavour, this Murcian cereal also gives us one of the most curious landscape views of Murcia: the rice fields of Calasparra.
Depending on the time of year, the High valley of the Segura change their colors and textures. After sowing in May, blue reflections can be seen in the puddled water of the plantations; during the summer, intense greens and in September an elegant gold before harvesting the spikes. The best way to immortalize this color palette is to look out from the Mirador de Las Lomas, on the access road to the Sanctuary of Hope . Likes on Instagram are guaranteed.
In contrast to the beauty of its surface, the treasures that Calasparra hides underground are less well known. A few kilometers from the town you can visit the Cave of the Port , with a known route of almost 5 kilometers and a drop of up to 114 meters deep. A labyrinth of stalagmites, stalactites and columns which offers two possible routes: a guided tour suitable for all audiences and a complete caving experience that will take us to the deepest point of its galleries.
Canyon of the Almadenes
THE ALMADENES CANYON
Also in the northwest of the Region of Murcia, we find another enclave worth mentioning, the Almadenes Canyon . This gorge of Segura River, Protected Natural Area , offers refuge to diverse fauna such as otters, tortoises, eagle owls, rabbit eagles or tourists eager for nature and adventure. Between its high stone walls you can go hiking, canyoning or kayaking down the river or pneumatic boat, you will see that it has little to envy other famous descents such as the Sella in Asturias. Since you are in the area, be sure to visit the cave paintings of The Shelters of the Well , declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Gebas Ravines
SIERRA ESPUÑA, MOON LANDSCAPE
Even when Murcia sticks to its stereotype of a barren and parched nature, it knows how to show off a heart of palm. An example of this is what is known as the "lunar landscape" of the Gebas Ravines , which we find in the town of Alhama de Murcia in the natural setting of Sierra Espuña. From the homonymous viewpoint we can appreciate in all its splendor this vast and arid Protected Area of high geological value. Losing your gaze among its gullies, ravines and canyons, it becomes difficult not to imagine scenes worthy of a movie. Game of Thrones was not looking for locations?
Gebas Ravines
MEDITERRANEAN IN ITS PURE STATE
More likely if you are from Madrid, surely you know someone who has spent the summer in Murcia and its beaches. Or perhaps you yourself have experienced the crowded sands of the holiday villages of this area of the Levante , the chiringuito beaches and – of course – the warm waters of the Mar Menor.
In any case, erase for a moment any preconceived idea you may have of the Costa Cálida and visualize wild coves, uninhabited environments, coastal mountains that offer impressive views of the Mediterranean. This is what you will find in regional parks like those in Cabo Cope and Puntas de Calnegre, in Águilas; Cabo Tiñoso, in Cartagena; or Calblanque, in La Union. You will not really know the Murcian beaches until you have visited them.
Calblanque Beach
Perhaps due to its proximity to La Manga, the most popular regional park is Calblanque - to access its beaches in high season a free bus route has been established due to the increase in visitors in recent years -, but they have nothing to envy Cape Cope or Cape Tiñoso.
These parks that make up the Mazarron Bay They are a privileged environment for diving and dolphin and whale watching. This area has been immersed in procedures for years to be declared a Marine Reserve, as was done with Cabo de Palos and Hormigas Islands . If you are also one of those who take advantage of the quiet beaches to free yourself from the ties of the swimsuit, Cape Cope, Cape Tiñoso and Calblanque they are usual enclaves for nudism in the Region, especially in its most remote coves.
Summit of Mount of Ashes
And if you prefer activity to a relaxed day at the beach, you can also enjoy kicking different hiking trails . In the area you can visit, for example, two homologous military batteries, **Cenizas and Castillitos, in Monte de las Cenizas (Calblanque)** and in Cabo Tiñoso respectively, which give us beautiful panoramic views of this environment. where sea and mountains embrace. Both conserve imposing coastal canyons. It can also be interesting to visit the adjoining Sierra Minera de La Unión and its mining park , recently restored, where you can take guided tours such as the Mina Agrupa Vicenta.
Union Mines
BETWEEN TWO SEAS
Among its singularities, Murcia can boast of having two seas: the Minor and the Major, that for the rest of the mortals is known as the Mediterranean. Between the two, always guarded by pink flamingos, hides another of its natural beauties: the Salinas of San Pedro del Pinatar. A wetland with sandbanks, an example of balanced coexistence between man and nature, of those that are few. Here we find in the same space some salt mines in operation, a protected area for birds , ponds where we can apply medicinal mud - which, if you ask the locals, will cure all ills- and the last weirs in use, traditional fishing techniques of Arab descent.
To know all the corners of the Salinas free guided tours can be arranged, but probably the best option is to get a bike and explore its paths without haste and if you can with a break. Enjoy the strange sensation of entering the seas and fill your lungs with the strong smell of salt.
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