Balsicas
Balsicas is a relatively large village only 12 kilometres inland from the Mar Menor. The village contains a mixture of old and new, which means there is plenty to look at as you wander around, stopping in the lovely park and seeing the asymmetric church. There are two main attractions; Ros castle and a train station.
Trains run everyday from here; south to Torre Pacheco and Cartagena and north to the city of Murcia and beyond, all the way to France if you really want a long journey!!
If the iron and wooden gates are open within the castle walls you can walk in and take a look around Ros Castle. The Spanish speaking caretaker is often only too pleased to show you all the beautiful reclaimed furniture including rocking horses, cribs, doors and tables.
Places of interest & ideas of things to do in Balsicas
- Village Centre: lovely park, church and selection of shops, bars and restaurants.
- Train Station: trains to the cities of Cartagena and Murcia.
- Ros Castle: beside the church, if it is open go in and meet the caretaker.
Ideas of places to twin Balsicas with day or night
- Catch a train to the city of Cartagena (the train station is opposite the main tourist office and the stop for the tourist bus) visiting some of its interesting museums, follow our Cartagena city walking route or relax beside the marina. After returning to Balisicas have a refreshing cerveza or vino in one of the bars before driving home.
- Spend the morning getting to know Balsicas, perhaps pop into the castle if the gates are open. Then drive the 15 minutes to the Mar Menor and relax on the beach, walk along the promenade or have a drink in the marina at San Pedro del Pinatar.
- Twin a visit here with a stop at the tiny villages of Sucina or Avileses or the larger town of Torre Pacheco.
Places of Interest
Balsicas Ros Castle
N37°49.013 W0°57.323Parking: is in the street opposite the castle wall.
From here: if the big iron and wooden gates are open, then the caretaker will be there, he loves to show people around but only speaks Spanish.
Top tip: this is not an official tourist attraction, so does not have opening hours or entrance fee, it is just something to do if it is open!
Balsicas Train Station
N37°49.131 W0°57.069Main Stations along the line: east to Cartagena and west to Murcia.
Parking: is in the streets around the train station and is free.
From here: enter the train station and purchase your ticket.
Top tip: this train line is used by various regional operators, but you can find the timetable using the Renfe website. Click on the word welcome to change the site to English, then in the drop down menus on the Departure select either Cartagena if you want to go to Murcia or Murcia if you want to go to Cartagena. In the drop down menu for Destination select the station that you are going to, select the date, then click search. To find the time that the train stops at Balsicas click on the train that you want in the Train/Route column and the time table will pop up.
Balsicas Village Centre
N37°49.013 W0°57.323Parking: is in the streets and is free.
From here: explore the streets that surround the church and pretty plaza.
