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.
Restaurante situado en la carretera del balnerario, frente a la plaza 1º de mayo. Exquisita gastronomía y trato personalizado. Tapas creativas, arroces, cocina tradicional con menús diarios. Comuniones, celebraciones y otros tipos de eventos.
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Atempo Weekend Bistrót, es un sitio distinguido en Archena, Murcia. Es un espacio diáfano y amplio, que evoca los viejos cafés de París; hecho para que te dejes seducir por sus platos y poder disfrutar de comidas y cenas en grupo o en pareja. Su cocina está llena de toques de autor, con una amplia muestra de aperitivos y recetas que son una delicia al paladar. La Carta cuenta con una gran variedad platos y platillos como los caramelos de foie, las hamburguesa de gambas al Jack Daniel's; lomos de corvina con arroz al caldero del Mar Menor y como toque final déjese seducir por postres como la tarta de queso con miel de citricos. En la Atempo Weekend Bistrót están orgullosos de poner su amplia experiencia al servicio del cliente, están ante todo a tu disposición para satisfacer tus necesidades. No te pierdas este lugar en Murcia. Para consultar precios y disponibilidad clic aquí
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.
From 5 €
Imagina estirar tu cuerpo y tu mente bajo los últimos rayos del sol, mientras el cielo se tiñe de colores cálidos y el silencio del entorno te envuelve. Comenzaremos con una sesión de yoga al aire libre al atardecer en el Cabezo Gordo, perfecta para relajar cuerpo y mente, conectarte con la naturaleza y prepararte para una tarde-noche mágica bajo las estrellas. Finalizaremos con una meditación con sonidos de cuencos tibetanos.
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From 12 €
¡Descubre el artista que llevas dentro frente al atardecer!Olvídate del estrés y ven a disfrutar de una forma divertida de conexión con el arte. Un profesional te guiará paso a paso para que recrees la famosa obra de Van Gogh "La noche estrellada", mientras disfrutas del entorno mágico del Cabezo Gordo.
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From 3 €
VISITA CON UN ARQUEÓLOGO QUE EXCAVA Y ESTUDIA LA SIMA DE LAS PALOMAS. RESULTADOS Y HALLAZGOS DE LA INTERVENCIÓN Y CONSERVACIÓN ARQUEOLÓGICA DE ESTE YACIMIENTO. El objetivo de la actividad es dar a conocer las últimas actuaciones arqueológicas que se están llevando a cabo en el yacimiento, descubierto en 1991. Hoy en día, la Sima de las Palomas es indudablemente el yacimiento del Hombre de Neanderthal más importante del arco mediterráneo español y el segundo en importancia sobre el Hombre Fósil en la Península Ibérica, después de Atapuerca. La Sima de las Palomas se ubica en la ladera sur del Cabezo Gordo, Paisaje Protegido que tiene un gran interés biótico, paisajístico, paleontológico y cultural. Se subirá a un mirador donde se encuentra el yacimiento paleantropológico. Desde este estratégico lugar, se divisan los cultivos del Campo de Cartagena. La entrada está a unos 80 m. sobre el nivel del mar y permite una bonita vista panorámica del Mar Menor, laguna salada más grande de Europa. Además, se visitará la Cueva del Agua, antigua mina con un lago de agua natural donde habitan en la actualidad 5 especies diferentes de murciélagos.
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FOR FREE
SANTIAGO DE LA RIBERA: THE MAR MENOR PEARL (ENGLISH GUIDED TOUR) A marvellous walking tour through the most important sights of Santiago de la Ribera will take you through its historical streets and buildings. From the Time of the foundation at Torre Mínguez to the nowadays fishing village you will get to know about the General Spanish Air Academy (enjoying their plane models), Casa Grande Building, the Art Nouveau building of Conde Campillo or its famous yatch club.During the walk, as witness since centuries ago, we find the Mar Menor: an unique lagoon which is part of the DNA of Santiago de la Ribera. Our stroll will end in a magnificent point: The Castillico Beach.
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From 20 €
From 5 €
Atractiva actividad en El Cabezo Gordo. Un juego tipo Gymkana que hará más divertida la visita en este espacio natural. Los visitantes irán acompañados por un guía que dará las explicaciones en la Cueva del Agua y la Cueva del Pie del Gigante. A su vez, se tendrán que descubrir enigmas para completar el juego ¿Podrás salir de la cueva?
Information and ReservationsFind the perfect accommodation among hotels, rural houses and more.
