The Valle de Ricote -Ricote Valley- was the last Moorish redoubt in Spanish Levante. This is one of the most beautiful and undiscovered parts of the fertile irrigated plains around the River Segura. The towns of Ricote, Ojós, Abarán, Blanca, Ulea, Villanueva del Segura and Archena, surrounded by fruit and citrus orchards, transport us to an ideal world. A fertile plain that clings to its Arab heritage, as shown by the numerous remains from this period, including its irrigation systems. Ricote maintains a rich gastronomical tradition in which the local wine is the protagonist. Blanca has retained its legacy as a producer of esparto grass. In Abarán, visitors can follow a route that will lead them to four of the many waterwheels, or "ñoras" as they are known in the area, which transport water from the river to irrigate the most distant plains.
If there is a place where the sensitivity of the Moorish culture can still be found it is Valle the Ricote. The twisting irrigated areas, the river and a special charm make this valley a real delight for explorers and people looking for genuine experiences. If you are an enthusiast of good food, cultural visits, and outdoor sports such as hiking, rafting or climbing then you are at the right place.
Whether you fancy a long health care stay or you just have a couple of hours to spare, we recommend you take advantage of one of Spain's best balnearios -thermal spring spas-, which is only a few minutes away from the capital city. Being under mineral-medicinal water jet streams, surrendering to the best massagers' hands and enjoying the latest health and wellness treatments are the best ways of improving your quality of life.
In Blanca, at Valle de Ricote's heart, you will find an excellent museum which houses the collection by Pedro Cano, the great Murcian painter. It is definitely an unexpected delight for those who are keen on beauty, peace and understanding, in a place where the Christian, the Jewish and the Muslim cultures lived together for centuries.
Another place which is worth a visit is Medina Siyâsa Arab deserted spot, one of the most important sites of the western Islamic world. You can still visit the inside of its houses to see how its people used to live. Don't forget to take some water, comfortable shoes and a cap with you for this excursion. The second part of the experience will take place at Siyâsa museum, housing remains from the Paleolithic period until the Andalusi period, and where the life-sized reproduction of two houses of the deserted spot stands out.
One of the best ways of experiencing Valle de Ricote is by walking along its paths and discovering its best panoramic views. We suggest you follow this route and enjoy the dreamiest viewpoints of the valley in Abarán, Blanca, Ricote, Ulea, Ojós and Villanueva.
If you enjoy love stories, you can't miss the Salto de la Novia in Ojós. A legend tells of how a noble Christian girl threw herself down the rocks of this beautiful setting after losing her lover, who was an officer of the Castilian troops fighting against the Moorish army which tried to conquer Ulea. Due to its hauntingly beautiful views and its special charm, this is one of the most splendid places in Valle de Ricote.
Abarán is well known for its waterwheels, being the Spanish municipality with the biggest number of still working waterwheels and also the municipality with the hugest working waterwheel in Europe. Don't forget that, next to waterwheels, you will have the privilege of admiring the huertas -irrigated areas-, irrigation ditches and palm groves. A treat for your senses.
Going down the river on a raft, a canoe or a kayak is here one of visitors' favourite activities, since the river Segura is perfect for it in this valley. You can choose between tourist, quiet stretches and rapids such as the ones in Almadenes Canyon, which will give you a rush of adrenaline. This valley is also the perfect place for a peaceful beach day away from the coast: Abarán and Blanca have river beaches with facilities and even a chiringuito -beach bar-.
If you want to have a stunning experience, don't miss the Almadenes Canyon in Cieza, which is one of the region's most beautiful and hidden natural settings. Its walls, some 150m high at some points, have lots of caves and caverns covered with cave paintings which have been declared to be a World Heritage by UNESCO. The La Serreta Cave-Chasm is here a reference, with 50 figures inside it and a view from the heights that will leave you speechless. If you combine this with a river descent, a zip line ride or any other active tourism activity available in the area, you will enjoy an unforgettable visit.
Wherever you are, you can't miss this route. Between February and April, Cieza celebrates one of nature's greatest shows: the blooming period. Fruit trees such as plum trees and peach trees give colour and multiple scents to valleys and landscapes of the huerta. This is a wonder of nature, brief but faithful to its appointment every year. During this period, plenty of activities related to blooming are celebrated, aimed at visitors and locals.
The Moorish sensitivity of Valle de Ricote can still be found in its cuisine: you won't be able to come back home without taking some of this place's delicacies with you. Some of the souvenirs which will make you miss your journey once you are back at home are the following: borrachos from Ojós -sponge cakes soaked in syrup and wine from the area-, picardías from Abarán -made with sugar and hazelnuts-, cordiales made with almonds, and homemade honeys. The area's best-kept secret is Ricote wine, a short crop wine with little commercialisation but really unique scents and flavours.
Whether you fancy a long health care stay or you just have a couple of hours to spare, we recommend you take advantage of one of Spain's best balnearios -thermal spring spas-, which is only a few minutes away from the capital city. Being under mineral-medicinal water jet streams, surrendering to the best massagers' hands and enjoying the latest health and wellness treatments are the best ways of improving your quality of life.
In Blanca, at Valle de Ricote's heart, you will find an excellent museum which houses the collection by Pedro Cano, the great Murcian painter. It is definitely an unexpected delight for those who are keen on beauty, peace and understanding, in a place where the Christian, the Jewish and the Muslim cultures lived together for centuries.
Another place which is worth a visit is Medina Siyâsa Arab deserted spot, one of the most important sites of the western Islamic world. You can still visit the inside of its houses to see how its people used to live. Don't forget to take some water, comfortable shoes and a cap with you for this excursion. The second part of the experience will take place at Siyâsa museum, housing remains from the Paleolithic period until the Andalusi period, and where the life-sized reproduction of two houses of the deserted spot stands out.
One of the best ways of experiencing Valle de Ricote is by walking along its paths and discovering its best panoramic views. We suggest you follow this route and enjoy the dreamiest viewpoints of the valley in Abarán, Blanca, Ricote, Ulea, Ojós and Villanueva.
If you enjoy love stories, you can't miss the Salto de la Novia in Ojós. A legend tells of how a noble Christian girl threw herself down the rocks of this beautiful setting after losing her lover, who was an officer of the Castilian troops fighting against the Moorish army which tried to conquer Ulea. Due to its hauntingly beautiful views and its special charm, this is one of the most splendid places in Valle de Ricote.
Abarán is well known for its waterwheels, being the Spanish municipality with the biggest number of still working waterwheels and also the municipality with the hugest working waterwheel in Europe. Don't forget that, next to waterwheels, you will have the privilege of admiring the huertas -irrigated areas-, irrigation ditches and palm groves. A treat for your senses.
Going down the river on a raft, a canoe or a kayak is here one of visitors' favourite activities, since the river Segura is perfect for it in this valley. You can choose between tourist, quiet stretches and rapids such as the ones in Almadenes Canyon, which will give you a rush of adrenaline. This valley is also the perfect place for a peaceful beach day away from the coast: Abarán and Blanca have river beaches with facilities and even a chiringuito -beach bar-.
If you want to have a stunning experience, don't miss the Almadenes Canyon in Cieza, which is one of the region's most beautiful and hidden natural settings. Its walls, some 150m high at some points, have lots of caves and caverns covered with cave paintings which have been declared to be a World Heritage by UNESCO. The La Serreta Cave-Chasm is here a reference, with 50 figures inside it and a view from the heights that will leave you speechless. If you combine this with a river descent, a zip line ride or any other active tourism activity available in the area, you will enjoy an unforgettable visit.
Wherever you are, you can't miss this route. Between February and April, Cieza celebrates one of nature's greatest shows: the blooming period. Fruit trees such as plum trees and peach trees give colour and multiple scents to valleys and landscapes of the huerta. This is a wonder of nature, brief but faithful to its appointment every year. During this period, plenty of activities related to blooming are celebrated, aimed at visitors and locals.
The Moorish sensitivity of Valle de Ricote can still be found in its cuisine: you won't be able to come back home without taking some of this place's delicacies with you. Some of the souvenirs which will make you miss your journey once you are back at home are the following: borrachos from Ojós -sponge cakes soaked in syrup and wine from the area-, picardías from Abarán -made with sugar and hazelnuts-, cordiales made with almonds, and homemade honeys. The area's best-kept secret is Ricote wine, a short crop wine with little commercialisation but really unique scents and flavours.
Experience the gastronomic essence of the Region through experiences that bring together tradition, local produce and unforgettable landscapes.
Parque de ocio infantil y familiar cumpleaños · hamburguesería · pizzería · bocatería Postres y repostería caseros
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Disponemos de un menú diario que consta de Primer Plato, Segundo Plato, Ensalada, 1 Bebida, Postre o Café por 10€ en sala y 9€ en barra. Con nuestro menú del día puedes comer como en casa, con nuestros guisos tradicionales, sopas y arroces.
Discover moreDiscover a curated selection of recommended activities to experience the Region of Murcia in a unique way. From nature trails and water sports to cultural visits, wine tastings or relaxing getaways. Ideas for all tastes and seasons, allowing you to connect with the landscape, history and Mediterranean essence of the destination.
FOR FREE
This tour invites you to discover the most authentic essence of this small village in Sierra Espuña. Have a walk through its quiet streets, get to know its traditional buildings and discover how rural life continues to thrive in one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Region of Murcia. Also available in English on other dates under the name ¿Gebas: landscape and culture¿. This tour is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
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FOR FREE
The origins of the gong date back to 3500 BC and were originally used to bring the soul peace. In kundalini yoga, the sound is used to connect to that which is higher than us and aids profound relaxation and meditation. Live a genuine healing experience through deep and immersive listening in the nature of the sound waves emitted by the instrument, which massage and calm every cell of your body. Let the vibrations of the purest sounds caress your ears and skin; feel yourself to be an integral part of the setting; and travel through sound. Only Sierra Espuña can offer you such a complete experience, in which, by doing yoga and with the sound of the gong as a facilitator, you can feel that you are an integral part of the setting, focussing on your breathing and attaining mindfulness. Sit down, let everything stop and perceive nature as you have never experienced it before. Location: Sierra Espuña National Park.
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FOR FREE
Enjoy a magical night, accompanied by your family, under the starry sky in Caravaca de la Cruz, in unmatched surroundings: the Archaeological Site of the Ermita de la Encarnación. On this journey to the past, you will discover the secrets of the cosmos through fun stories and an introductory talk about archeoastronomy. Afterwards, we will enjoy the dark sky by stargazing with a telescope, where we will get closer to the stars, and finally with the help of a Starlight guide from Astroversia, we will finish with a picture under the stars to capture this family memory. Book your place and live this unforgettable experience. Astroversia and the Caravaca de la Cruz City Council.Astroversia, bringing you the stars.
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Enter the world of stars with a unique astrotourism experience, involving astronomy and gastronomy at the Ermita de la Encarnación in Caravaca de la Cruz, which is located on Roman ruins. Start Time: 18hEnter the world of the stars with a unique astrotourism experience of astronomy and gastronomy from the Ermita de la Encarnación in Caravaca de la Cruz, located on Roman ruins. Participants will attend a tasting of select wines from the Julia Casado Winery: red, white and sweet inspired by the Three Wise Men, paired with a snack of artisanal cheeses from the area and chocolates, and then enjoy an astronomical observation session with a telescope. guided by a Starlight expert. This experience culminates with a photograph under the starry sky, uniting the rich gastronomy of the region with the beauty of the cosmos.Book your place and live this unforgettable experience.
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Would you like to enjoy the 52,000 square meters available within the walls of Lorca's Castle?The Castle of Lorca opens its doors with free access to the garden area until the end of the year, so you can enjoy this spectacular heritage space located in the highest area of the city.You can also complete your walk stopping at Las Caballerizas del Castillo restaurant to have a natural slush drink or to try any of our Three Cultures new proposals.We're ready now, all we need is you!You can also use our audioguide totally free thanks to the IZI Travel App and make the visit in Spanish, English, French or German.Castillo de Lorca is certified by SICTED (Sistema Integral de Calidad Turística Española en Destino) and we are recommended by TRIPADVISOR.De domingo a viernes de 10.00h a 16.00h (última entrada 15:30h) Sábados de 10.00h a 18.00h (última entrada 17.30h)Price: For free!Contact: 968959646 / 968479003
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FOR FREE
Para descubrir el centro histórico de la ciudad de una forma amena visitando el Monumento al Carnaval, Monumento al Ferrocarril, Plaza de España, Iglesia, Museo Arqueológico, Termas Romanas y Casino.Salida: Oficina de TurismoHorario: 11.00 h.Duración aproximada: 1 h y 1/2
Information and ReservationsFind the perfect accommodation among hotels, rural houses and more.
