Discover the best places to visit and tourist spots on the Costa Calida. From castles, caves and monuments to natural parks, hiking routes and waterfalls, the Region of Murcia invites you to explore its magnificent sights.
CARTAGENA
Roman Theatre
The Roman Theatre of Cartagena & the Roman Theatre Museum is one of the most beautiful and historical places to visit on the Costa Calida. 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.
LORCA
Lorca Castle
The Castle of Lorca in the Region of Murcia, is a fortress of medieval origin constructed between the 9th & 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. A visit to the castle makes a memorable day out with its panoramic views, guided tours, restaurant, exhibitions and activities for children.
MURCIA
Murcia Cathedral
Murcia Cathedral is located in the main square of Murcia city centre. 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 and the famous Bell Tower, the second highest Cathedral tower in Spain, where you can enjoy the best views over the city of Murcia.
MURCIA
Real Casino
The Real Casino of Murcia is an emblematic building in the city centre. Its unique architecture combines modernist and eclectic artistic styles from 19th & 20th century Spain, The casino is situated in the heart of Murcia City Centre on Calle Traperia, close to Murcia Cathedral, and has a splendid, most beautifully decorated restaurant. In 1983 it was declared a National Historical building, and is now considered to be of significant cultural interest.
ÁGUILAS
Águilas Castle
The Castle of 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. It comprises of a cannon battery, the ammunition depot and the central courtyard with artillery terrace. Various exhibits can be found inside with information and audiovisuals.
MURCIA
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. The magnificent flowering marks the arrival of spring, with the fields of Cieza brushed with colour, scent and impressive scenes. A perfect picnic location with plenty of photo moments.
CARTAGENA
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, near Cartagena, and boasts breathtaking views. The gun battery was built to prevent enemy ships entering the bay to attack the port of Cartagena. The buildings are extensive and were built in an ornate style reminiscent of a Disney set.
CALASPARRA
Cueva del Puerto
This 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. 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. All in all it’s a fascinating and educational visit, perfect for families with children.
CALASPARRA
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.
SIERRA ESPUÑA
Snow Wells
These fascinating snow wells, located high up in the Sierra Espuña mountains, were built in the 16th century to preserve food, medicine, cool drinks and even make ice cream. At the end of the 16th century, the first wells began to be built 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.
PLIEGO
Sima de la Higuera
The Sima de la Higuera is a hidden treasure on the Costa Calida. Situated in Pliego, it is the largest cave system in the Region of Murcia, with some very special characteristics and natural formations such as stalactites and stalagmites. The type of karst system present here can only be found in 10% of caves on the entire planet, and its superb structural features have become something of worldwide interest.
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 and experience the views.
YECLA
Mount Arabí
The spectacular Mount Arabí in Yecla is a protected natural space, classified as a Natural Monument of the Region of Murcia. There is a fantastic hiking trail starting at the Casa del Guarda, where you will discover different points of interest. As an extra surprise, on the slopes of the mountain there are some amazing rock shelters with prehistoric cave paintings, which have been declared a World Heritage Site.
MULA
Cierva Reservoir
As it passes through the north of the town, the Mula River meets the spectacular Cierva reservoir. It was officially put into service in 1929, and was filled for the first time in 1946. Today it is a popular hiking or cycling route for nature enthusiasts, and a beautiful place of interest for tourists. There is a parking lot with picnic benches to relax and enjoy a nice packed lunch located at Área Recreativa Pantano de la Cierva, 30194 Mula, Murcia.
ABARÁN
Waterwheel Route
In the town of Abarán, on both banks of the Segura River, you will find the Region of Murcia’s most fascinating set of traditional waterwheels which are still in use today to irrigate orchards. This pleasant pedestrian route known as the Ruta de las Norias, stretches just over one kilometer and runs along a river and a picturesque agricultural landscape in the heart of the Ricote Valley. An ideal little walk for families with children.
BULLAS
Salto del Usero
The Salto del Usero is one of the most beautiful and natural wonders in the Murcia Region. A magical place where water, vegetation and erosive processes have created an environment with a special atmosphere well worth visiting. Located in the town of Bullas, you can bathe in natural pools during the summer months and appreciate the spectacular waterfalls. During the winter, this hidden paradise becomes a magnificent walking route.
ALEDO
Estrecho de la Arboleja
Located close to the historic town of Aledo, on the southern slopes of Sierra Espuña, you will discover an impressive canyon, the Estrecho de la Arboleja. Hidden in the most remote part of the Murcian Region this natural space, full of charm and beauty, is a small canyon that has been formed over thousands of years where the water has been sculpting the limestone rock turning this area into a unique paradise.
MURCIA
El Valle Trail
The Sendero El Valle is a simple walking nature trail, suitable for children, and runs through a magnificent forest style regional park. It is a pleasant tour that allows you to soak up all its natural beauty, while learning about the values of its cultural heritage in this spectacular part of the Murcia Region. As you walk through the enchanting forest, you take in the delightful scents of pine, rosemary and thyme, and come across ravines and a waterfall.
SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR
Regional Park & Salt Lakes
This is a pleasant and simple walking or cycling route that takes you through the beautiful regional park of the San Pedro del Pinatar, with sea views, salt lakes, bird watching spots, and an abundance of wildlife to admire on the way, including the famous resident flamingos. A swim in the Regional Park’s natural beaches or in the therapeutic mud baths is a healthy experience in a peaceful and privileged setting.
SIERRA DE LA PILA
Regional Park
The Sierra de la Pila Regional Park is located in the north-east of the Region of Murcia in the municipalities of Abarán, Blanca, Fortuna and Molina de Segura. This steep and rugged mountain range, whose maximum altitude is at La Pila, a peak of 1,265 metres, boasts some of the most incredible views on the Costa Calida. On this picturesque hiking route there are picnic areas to stop and absorb the views, and signposts to guide you along the way.
MURCIA
Bolvonegro Strait
The canyon is one of the most spectacular places of natural beauty in the Murcia Region. It has been formed by the Moratalla river, with some fascinating stone formations. During this picturesque walk, you will come across cascades, rock pools and natural formations. The end of the route is the greatest part as you arrive at a wooden bridge crossing the river, where the highest and narrowest rock sculpures can be seen.
OJOS
Hanging Bridges
Tucked away in one of the most beautiful valleys in the Murcia Region, the Valle del Ricote, you will find the small town of Ojós. This charming place has a great agricultural tradition, which today is more leant to tourism, thanks to its exciting hiking route. With over 5km of natural beauty, you will pass over magnificent suspension bridges, walk through picturesque pathways, along riverside forests, and bathe in the fresh waters during the summer.
MORATALLA
Somogil Natural Pools
This hidden treasure is found on the outskirts of Moratalla, where the Alhárabe river flows and cascades, creating a very picturesque hiking trail. Autumn and spring is a particularly beautiful time to visit when there is an abundance of water flowing, with lots of floral richness and colour. Historically considered a natural spa, the bathing pools maintain a constant temperature of 26 degrees all year round.
MURCIA
Badlands
The Gebas Ravine is a protected environment situated close to Alhama de Murcia, and has become one of the most spectacular places of natural beauty in the Murcia Region. The vast terrain is characterised by badlands: gullies, ravines, canyons and erosive forms of clay, giving the area a luna appearance. Beautifully contrasted with the turquoise waters of the reservoir, the landscape is rare in the region and quite impressive to discover.
CARTAGENA
Arco de la Picadera
This beautiful hiking route with breathtaking scenery takes you to the natural monument of Arco de la Picadera. It is one of the most spectacular arches in the Murcia Region due to its shape, its grandeur, and the incredible views. The circular trail of around two hours long is mostly signposted, and runs through the Sierra de Muela, Cabo Tiñoso and Roldán Natural Area, west of the municipality of Cartagena.
