places to visit – COSTA CALIDA SCENE

Discover the top attractions and tourist spots on the Costa Calida. From castles, caves and monuments to natural parks and waterfalls, the Region of Murcia invites you to explore its magnificent places of interest.

ROMAN THEATRE CARTAGENA

The Roman Theatre of Cartagena with the Roman Theatre Museum is one of Spain’s many beautiful and historical places to visit. The discovery and excavation of the Roman Theatre in Cartagena in recent years has been one of the most surprising discoveries of archeology of the city. Its monumental remains have come to certify the important role it played in the history of ancient Hispania. The recovery of the Roman Theatre in Cartagena, funded by the Foundation Teatro Romano, has provided many benefits for educational and cultural purposes. In addition, the considerable wealth of the pieces found during subsequent excavations at the Theatre has created a new museum space, the “Roman Theatre Museum”. MORE INFO

LORCA CASTLE

The Castle of Lorca in the province of Murcia, is a fortress of medieval origin constructed between the 9th and 15th centuries. It consists of a series of defensive structures that, during the Middle Ages, made the town and the fortress an impregnable point in the southeast part of the Iberian Peninsula. You can also find some remains of Islamic buildings, the ruins of the Jewish quarter and its synagogue, together with the 19th century military buildings, all reflecting an extensive sequence of human occupation. A visit to Lorca Castle makes an interesting and memorable day out with its panoramic views, guided tours, restaurant, exhibitions and activities for children. MORE INFO

MURCIA CATHEDRAL

Murcia Cathedral is centrally located in the main square of Murcia city centre, Plaza del Cardenal Beluga. Here you will discover artistic beauty in abundance, with different architectural styles and works of art that evoke the spiritual richness of this place of faith, worship and prayer. Murcia Cathedral has a museum located in the annexed premises of the Gothic cloister. This is the oldest part of the church that is still preserved since its construction in the 14th century. Murcia Cathedral Museum houses the treasures of the Cathedral, with important paintings and sculptures, as well as textiles and objects which reveal the historical and artistic influence of the place. One of the main highlights of Murcia Cathedral is the Bell Tower, the second highest Cathedral tower in Spain, where you can climb up and enjoy the best views over the city of Murcia. MORE INFO

REAL CASINO DE MURCIA

The Real Casino de Murcia (Royal Casino of Murcia) is an emblematic building in the city of Murcia. Its unique architecture combines modernist and eclectic artistic styles from the 19th and 20th century in Spain, with the beauty of the building awakening the admiration of all its visitors. The casino is situated in the heart of Murcia City Centre on Calle Traperia, close to Murcia Cathedral. This enchanting space houses the Real Casino de Murcia Society, a private institution founded in 1847, which today has more than 1,600 members. In 1983 it was declared a National Historical building, and is now considered to be of significant cultural interest. Visitors and tourists are welcomed to visit the casino from Monday to Sunday 10:30am-7pm. MORE INFO

ÁGUILAS CASTLE

The Castle of Águilas namely “Castillo de San Juan de las Águilas” was an 18th century defense fortress built to worn off pirate raiders from northern Africa. The castle sits high above the town offering spectacular panoramic views of Águilas and its surrounding countryside. Castillo de San Juan comprises of three main features; the San Pedro cannon battery, the ammunition depot and the central courtyard with artillery terrace. Various exhibits can be found inside with interesting information and audiovisuals. Opening times are Tuesday to Sunday 10am-2pm & 4pm-6pm. Entrance 2€.

MEDINA SIYASA

Medina Siyâsa is one of the most important archaeological sites of preserved Islamic architecture in Europe. Medina Siyâsa was an 11th century Muslim town located in the city of Cieza. It was the most outstanding Islamic settlement within the kingdom of Murcia. Today, the excavated medina buildings can be viewed through protected perimeter fencing and the external areas of the site can be explored on foot. The nearby Siyâsa Museum can be found a short drive away and makes a fascinating end to the visit. Divided into four levels, the museum presents a journey through the history and archaeological heritage of the city of Cieza. Guided visits to the site are by reservation only Tel: 686 199 961.

SIMA DE LA SERRETA CAVE

The Cueva-Sima de la Serreta is located in the protected natural area of the Almadenes Canyon. The river Segura runs through this canyon, enclosed between vertical walls that in some sections reach 100 meters in height. Three main elements make this cave one of the most unique archaeological sites in Murcia. One is its spectacular location, in the middle of the Almadenes Canyon where you can enjoy one of the best views of the Segura river as it passes through the Region of Murcia. Another is discovering the existence of the remains of a Roman habitat, being the only one documented so far inside a cave in the entire Iberian Peninsula. Finally, the amazing discovery of two panels of well preserved rock art paintings, declared a World Heritage Site in 1998. Guided visits by reservation only Tel: 658 641 101 MORE INFO

CIEZA IN BLOOM

Cieza is on the entrance to the north of the Murcia region and holds a richness in its natural landscapes. The most famous spectacle Cieza has to offer is during the month of March when the entire countryside comes into bloom, known as the “Floración de Cieza”. Every year, the flowering of the orchards in Cieza is an event that attracts nature lovers to this part of Murcia, where you can enjoy the blossoming of different trees such as peach, apricot and plum. The magnificent flowering marks the arrival of spring, with the fields of Cieza brushed with colour, scent and impressive scenes. There are specific viewpoints set up in “Olmico”, “Soto de la Zarzuela” and “La Macetua”, where you can walk through the trees for perfect picture moments or soak up the enchanting views with a picnic lunch.

JARDIN DE LA SEDA

Jardin de la Seda is an enchanting public park quietly tucked away in the heart of Murcia city centre. It was constructed in 1990 on the site of an old silk factory and is how the park got its name; “Seda” meaning Silk. Among the many highlights of the park is the existing chimney from the factory which has become a symbol of the park and its neighborhood. A visit to Jardin de la Seda takes you to a place full of beauty and charm with lakes, streams and bridges, ducks and swans, viewpoints with picnic benches, rose gardens and a large children’s playground. There is a delightful cafeteria built on a raised platform over one of the lakes serving refreshments, sandwiches, tapas and warm Mediterranean dishes. Jardin de la Seda can be found on Calle Senda de Enmedio, 30009 Murcia.

CASTILLITOS MILITARY BATTERY

The Castillitos Military Battery, locally known as the Batería de Castillitos, is one of the most picturesque places to visit in the Murcia region. It lies on the ridge of a cape above the sea, west of the city of Cartagena, and boasts breathtaking views. The gun battery was built between between 1933 and 1936 to prevent enemy ships entering the bay to attack the important port and military arsenal at Cartagena. The Batería de Castillitos military buildings are extensive and were built in an ornate style reminiscent of a Disney set. You can look inside many of them including the gun control bunkers and the towers, with the highlight being the massive guns with 17 meter long barrels. The Batería de Castillitos, located on the RM-E23, can be visited for free and is open all year round.

CUEVA DEL PUERTO CALASPARRA

The Cueva del Puerto is an amazing cave to discover, hidden away in Calasparra in the region of Murcia. It is part of the Sierra del Puerto mountain range and it approximately 700 metres long and 50 metres deep, with much of the cave yet to be discovered. The Cueva del Pueto maintains a comfortable temperature of 18 degrees all year round, which makes it an ideal place to visit during any season. A tour guide takes you through the cave which lasts about an hour, and explains how all the different formations have been created over time. This is a fascinating and educational visit, perfect for families with children. MORE INFO

CALASPARRA SANCTUARY

This unique sanctuary is located in a cave carved into rock about 6km away from the town of Calasparra, with beautiful views of the River Segura flowing past it. Dating back from the17th century, there are two statues of the Virgen de la Esperanza kept in this sanctuary. According to the legend, one of the statues was found by a shepherd who sheltered his cattle in this cave sculpted by the river. The local people of the village tried to move the statue to the town of Calasparra but, due to its weight, they decided it should remain in the cave. Opening times are 9am-7pm daily and entrance is free. MORE INFO

SIERRA ESPUÑA SNOW WELLS

These fascinating snow wells, located high up in the middle of the Sierra Espuña mountains, were built in the 16th century to preserve food and medicine, cool drinks and even make ice cream. At the end of the 16th century, the first wells began to be built in Sierra Espuña to store snow and distribute it as ice to hospitals, cities and towns in the Kingdom of Murcia. Today, you can visit the site to see the ruins, and even go inside a couple of the wells which have been restored. The best place to park the car is at Mirador del Collado Mangueta, and take the signposted path (about a 15 minute walk) to the wells.

SIMA DE LA HIGUERA

The Sima de la Higuera, or Cave of the Fig Tree, is a hidden treasure situated in the municipality of Pliego, and is the largest cave system known in the Region of Murcia. More than 5,500 meters long, it features some very special characteristics and natural formations such as stalactites and stalagmites. The type of karst system present here can only be found in 5-10% of caves on the entire planet, and its superb structural features have become something of worldwide interest. A visit to the cave can only be made by an authorised appointment from the link below. It is accessed by abseiling down a rope with a specialist guide, wearing the correct equipment. This experience is not for the claustrophobic! MORE INFO

CABO DE PALOS LIGHTHOUSE

The lighthouse at Cabo De Palos is an acclaimed site of cultural interest, offering the perfect blend of local history combined with incredible panoramic views of the La Manga and Mediterranean seas. At 51 meters tall, this impressive building is the second tallest lighthouse in Spain. A guided visit to the lighthouse consists of climbing around 300 steps up a narrow and steep staircase, well worth it once you reach the top! During the 30 minute visit, you will learn about the fascinating history and architecture of this famous landmark. MORE INFO