Spanish Residence - Murcia inland towns and villages

Murcia the regions inland towns

Bullas

Situated next to the Mula River & has a population of approx 9800 people. Famed for its wine produce – which is known throughout Spain, this town has been producing quality red wine for over 400 years. The steep, stepped and narrow streets thread their way between the pretty houses of the town, which has an interesting history as well as a modern feel in some sections of the town.

Calasparra

Calasparra is a traditional town situated 45kms north-west of Murcia and is aptly known as the "paradise of the region" due to the stunning landscapes and lush green fields and variety of colours surrounding the countryside. A town where the 10,000 or so inhabitants enjoy a real relaxed and typically Spanish way of life.

Well renowned for its rice produce, Calasparra rice can be found all over Spain and is also shipped World-wide - also within this area - due to the landscapes and plentiful water supplies - many fruits & vegetables are grown locally and sold throughout the markets within the North West Murcia belt during the week - the market is held each Friday in Calasparra Running through Calasparra - the Rio Segura is a favourite with locals for fishing and swimming (as the water is so clear) - and along the river white water rafting can be enjoyed (both rapids & slow).

One of the most amazing sites is the "Sanctuary de la Virgin de la Esperanza" - a church built into the side of a mountain by the river banks by hand as has been crafted beautifully for all to enjoy. During weekends and holiday times - most of the locals visit the Sanctuary not only for religious reasons, but to enjoy the facilities offered there such as children's play area, restaurant (housing in excess of 200 people), gift shop, beautiful gardens and walkways - and of course the BBQ´s that are lined up on the river bank edges with washing and cleaning facilities so all can bring their food and enjoy being part of this community - preparing their food and swimming, talking and enjoying the wonderful surroundings - a licensed bar is nearby as well as other facilities to make this an enjoyable place to be all day.

If you are more adventurous - there is so much to do here - white water rafting,horse-riding,paintballing, mountain climbing, cycling, fishing, shooting & caves which can be found with stalactites & stalagmites in beautiful underground caverns with cave drawings. A go-karting track is also nearby, so there is a plethora of activities waiting to be enjoyed.

Caravaca de la Cruz

Caravaca de la Cruz is a town of 22,880 inhabitants and covering an area of 858.3 km2, is the main town of the extensive district in the north-west of the Region of Murcia and a reference point for many municipalities in the neighbouring provinces of Granada, Jaen and Albacete.

Caravaca de la Cruz (38° north, 2° west) is situated 625 m above sea level and has a dry, not very continental, climate with average temperatures ranging between 30° C in July and 5° C in January.
Nourished by the Argos and Quipar rivers, it is an area rich in agricultural resources, which has led to its being settled by numerous people since ancient times. Within the boundaries of today's town, we find the first remains of a settlement in Palaeolithic times. Since then, other cultures came to these lands, as is borne out by the Aeneolithic, Agrarian, Iberian and Roman remains discovered. However, one cannot speak of Caravaca as a town until the Middle Ages, during the period of Muslim control. When this period was over, the Templars and later the Order of Santiago would take over the town.

For dedicated sightseers, every village in the area has its own particular attractions, either scenic or man-made. Moratalla, 14km (9 miles) to the north has a number of ruins, a church, a convent and a variety of wildlife on the doorstep. Calasparra has rice paddies surrounding the sanctuary of Nuestra Senora de la Esperanza, which is hewn out of solid rock and is a well known place of pilgrimage. It is only a short distance from the source of the Rio Segura, an attractive rivulet swollen by both the Argos and the Quipar on its way to Cieza.

This is an historic little town conveniently sited on the main road from Albacete to Murcia . Here the main attractions include prehistoric caves, castle ruins and two churches.

Cehegin

Cehegin is centrally situated in the Northwest region of Murcia about 600 meters above sea level providing its dry mountainous climate compared to the humidity found on the coast. The town has approximately 14,000 inhabitants spread across the various villages.

Cehegin is approximately 62km from the city of Murcia , which is linked by the new motorway. Both International airports in Alicante and Murcia are just over an hours drive away as are the beaches that can be easily reached.

The main quality of Cehegin is its old town, built on a mountain. The town is made up of a mix of old medieval houses, churches and glorious architecture providing an enchanting quality as you stroll around the tranquil narrow streets. For those of you that like the countryside and scenery you will find all of this and more in the area: valleys, mountains, reservoirs, forests and wildlife.

Moratalla

Moratalla is a town renowned for it's rural tourism as it is set in the side of a mountain with stunning panoramic views. Moratalla is 681m above sea level and is located approx 80kms from the cosmopolitan city of Murcia, and has just over 8600 inhabitants.

Set in the Northwest of the region of Murcia, it is the most mountainous zone in the region, with more than 20 peaks that exceed 1400m, among them the ceiling of Murcia, 2027m to the Tip of the Revolcadores. Two rivers pass through Moratalla - the Alharabe and Benamor, these long winding rivers and are favourites with locals for fishing.

The narrow and historic streets of Moratalla confirms its medieval roots, and is a place worth visiting for those interested in Spanish history. Within the countryside of Moratalla is a superb hotel as well as a large camp-site where caravans can be housed during your stay - or log cabins can be rented for periods of time with all facilities available.