A Day Out Caravaca, Moratalla and Calasparra
The inland part of the province of Murcia is just as delightful and worth visiting as the coastal part. It has spectacular scenery as it lies within the Espuna and Revolcadores Mountains along the banks of the Segura river. There are many charming towns and villages that have been inhabited since prehistoric times, and plenty of unique culture as this area has remained relatively isolated throughout history.
This day out is designed to give you a good feel for the area, but there is so much to see and do in all three places, that you might prefer to spend the whole day visiting only one of them. Or perhaps you can 'mix and match' these destinations with the villages of Mula, Bullas or Cehegin which you'll pass on the way to Caravaca and that make up the other day out to inland Murcia.
Caravaca, or Caravaca de la Cruz as it is properly known, is of huge religious significance to all Catholics. It is ranked amongst the top five most religious places in the world alongside Rome and Jerusalem. Moratalla is a delight to wander around with the castle providing an excellent view point and Calasparra is world famous for producing rice.
Places to stop during a day out Caravaca, Moratalla and Calasparra
- Caravaca de la Cruz: ranked amongst the top five most religious places on earth by the catholic church this city is centred around the impressive sanctuary of the Vera Cruz.
- Moratalla: charming town with steep, narrow twisting streets that lead up to the castle Fortaleza.
- Calasparra: surrounded by mountains and situated on the banks of the River Segura, this town is based around the production of rice.
- Calasparra Viewpoint: stunning views down the valley following the course of the river and in the opposite direction towards the Revolcadores Mountains.
- Sanctuary of Our Lady of Hope: an amazing ‘church’ which has been built into the cliff beside the river, the sanctuary is dedicated to the Virgin de la Esperanza.
Places of Interest
1 Caravaca de la Cruz
N38°06.642 W1°51.804Parking: is on the side of the road and is free.
From here: walk downhill following the river, at the bridge beside the Fiesta Museum turn right, the first building is the tourist office from where you can collect a map and information.
Places of interest and things to do in Caravaca de la Cruz
- Old Town: Caravaca has been given the title of a Holy City by the Vatican, a title that it shares with only four other cities in the world including Jerusalem, Rome, Santiago de Compostella and Santo Toribio de Liebana. Because of this it has become a tourist magnet with many things to see and do.
- The True Cross of Caravaca: the Lignum Crucis or Vera Cruz is a two armed cross that contains a fragment of the cross on which Jesus was crucified. The legend says that whilst the town was under Moorish rule the chieftain decided that he wanted to witness a Christian mass, so ordered a priest to say mass. The priest declined as there were no crosses available and the chieftain became mad, then two angels appeared with the two armed cross, on seeing this the chieftain converted religion.
- Sanctuary of the True Cross: the original temple of the city.
- Museum of the True Cross: situated inside the sanctuary of the Vera Cruz, its several exhibit rooms show the history of the true Cross as well as the history of the town.
- Fiesta Museum: explains about the fiesta of the True Cross which is of international tourist interest.
- Archaeological Museum La Soledad: features a variety of archaeological exhibits.
- Ethnographic Museum of Miniatures: crafted in iron and wood, these highly detailed miniatures recollect the traditional professions and activities of the area.
- Artists Market: known as the 'La Corredera' craft market it is held on the third Sunday of every month between 09.00 and 14.00.
- Vivas Verdes Cycling & Walking Route: follows the old Murcia - Caravaca railway line.
2 Moratalla
N38°11.334 W1°53.434Parking: is in the street and is free, spaces are limited so you might have to park further away and walk.
From here: walk uphill and turn right at the crossroads, then continue along Calle Tomas El Cura into the old quarter.
Places of interest and things to do in Moratalla
- Old Quarter: situated around the imposing castle take time to wander around these quirky streets.
- Castle Fortaleza: built in the 9th century, this castle has been occupied by Moors and Christians throughout its history.
3 Calasparra
N38°13.906 W1°42.010Parking: is in the street and is free.
From here: continue along the street, until you reach a large junction, turn left and continue into the heart of the town.
Places of interest and things to do in Calasparra
- Old Town: take a wander along the flat streets of the old town to see the various churches and the famous Clock Tower that was used to tell farmers when to use the irrigation systems to flood the rice fields.
- Rice Museum: take a visit here to learn more about the main agriculture of the area; the production of rice.
- Artisan Market: held every second Sunday of each month in the Plaza de la Corredera from 09.00-14.00.
4 Calasparra Viewpoint
N38°15.387 W1°42.460Parking: is at the viewpoint and is free.
From here: relax and enjoy the peace and quiet as well as the truly stunning vistas.
Places of interest and things to do at Calasparra Viewpoint
- Views: soak up the amazing views down the valley along the course of the river Segura or behind towards the mountains of Revolcadores which reach a height of over 2,000 metres.
5 Calasparra Sanctuary of Our Lady of Hope
N38°15.730 W1°42.673Parking: is in the car park and is free.
From here: walk through the gates to explore the sanctuary or down through the car parks to get to the river.
Places of interest and things to do at the Sanctuary of Our lady of Hope
- Sanctuary: an amazing church which has been built into the hillside. According to legend, a small religious image of ‘nuestra senora de la Esperanza’ was found inside the cave by a shepherd seeking refuge. When the religious authorities from Calasparra tried to move the carving to one of the churches in the town, the image became extraordinarily heavy in relation to its size. This was taken to mean that the Virgin wished to be worshipped in her grotto. A larger, baroque sculpture was placed next to the original image and, according to documents found, both have been worshipped together, the small one at the feet of the larger one, since 1786.
- Walking & Cycling Route: there are a number of marked walking and cycling trails from the sanctuary.
- Picnic Area: there are lots picnic tables along the banks of the river as well as purpose built BBQ’s, but use of these is restricted.
