Let's be honest, when someone mentions the Region of Murcia, the mind travels almost on auto-pilot towards the coast. We visualize The Sleeve, the Mar Menor or the coves of Eagles. It is normal. But to reduce this community solely to its beaches and tourist services of summer is a mistake in calculation; that would be to overlook its true heart: the inside.
1. Caravaca de la Cruz: The Holy City
You can not talk with the property of the interior of Murcia without starting with the heavy weight: Caravaca de la Cruz. Located in the Northwest of this town plays in another league. It is not only a beautiful village; it is one of the five sacred Cities of Christianity in the world, sharing the title with giants such as Rome, Jerusalem, Santiago de Compostela and Santo Toribio de Liébana.
A walk through history
The profile of Caravaca imposes. It is dominated by the Basilica-Santuario de la Vera Cruz, a stronghold which protects by its famous relic. Climb up to it involves getting lost by the 'Medieval Quarter", a maze of steep streets, that is, literally, a journey to the past. The facades stately, and the delightful chaos of its urban layout remind us that here was a glorious story.
But eye, Caravaca is not only faith, and stone. It is also green. The landscape of The Sources of the Marquis is a cool oasis where the water flows crystal clear among lush vegetation. The perfect place to download beats after a morning of sightseeing.
2. Moratalla: the balcony of The Northwest
If you're looking for that essence medieval pure, without filters, Moratalla is your stop. The town spills over the side of a hill crowned by a castle, creating an image that impresses even before you get out of the car.
Maze of streets and drums
Here, the best advice is to forget the GPS and let go. Its old town is a maze of steep, narrow streets, full of flowers, a direct legacy of its islamic past and of the Order of Santiago. Climb the Tower of the Homage of his castle (gothic military) has a prize: a panoramic view that takes your breath away.
And a point important: if you are lucky enough to go in easter Week, get ready for the rumble. His famous Tamborada, Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, is a sonic experience vibrant that defines the character of its people.
3. Cehegín: Marvel Rural
Very close to the previous Cehegín, a gem that has been able to take care of its Old town with a mimo exceptional. It is No coincidence that appear recurrently in the lists of the wonders of rural Spain.
Manor-house architecture
Walking down the main Street of Cehegín is like strolling through an open-air museum, but with life. Follow baroque palaces and mansions, noble, such as the Palace of Fajardo, reflecting the historical wealth of the town.
In addition, Cehegín look very far back in time. A step to the center you have the ruins of Begastri, an ancient city visigothic that adds a layer of depth cultural fascinating to visit. How to finish off? Sit at the table and ask for a "empedrao" or a few crumbs.
4. Aledo: Watchman from the heights
In the heart of the Sierra Espuña mountains, hanging, literally, on a precipice of rock, rises in Aledo. It is small in size, but giant in a strategic location. Their defensive position turned it into a square impregnable for centuries.
Night of the Candles
Your icon is the Tower of Homage, "The Calahorra". Of muslim origin and rebuilt by the Order of Santiago, has its own terrace with spectacular views of the valleys and the badlands surrounding.
However, Aledo has gained national fame recently for something more ephemeral: the Night. A summer night in the year, the people turn off all the electric lights. Just thousands of candles illuminate the streets, creating a magical atmosphere and romantic difficult to describe. If you are looking for a unique visual experience, you point it in the agenda.
5. Calasparra: Between rice fields and shrines
Calasparra is synonymous with two things: water and rice. Bathed by the Segura river, offers a different landscape from the rest, a lot more green and fertile, world famous for its Rice with Denomination of Origin.
The Sanctuary of Hope
But the large claim, which leaves you open-mouthed, is the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Hope. Forget the temples in the mountain tops; this is dug into the rock of a cave, right to the edge of the river. The architecture blends with the nature in a way so perfect that overwhelms. It is a place of absolute peace where the sound of the water is the soundtrack constantly.
6. Cabo de Palos: The charm sailor
Although this route is focused on the interior, it would be unfair to ignore the coastal town with the most personality of the region: Cabo de Palos. Unlike the cold, tourist, this place retains its soul of a fishing village.
A lighthouse and seabed unique
Its iconic lighthouse, majestic, on the promontory, has for more than 150 years guiding ships. Take a walk through there at dusk gives one of the best sunsets of the Mediterranean.
At its foot extends the Marine Reserve of Cabo de Palos e Islas Hormigas, the mecca for divers from all over the world. But if you will not get what you dive in, enjoy the surface: its coves of turquoise waters and its restaurants. Try an authentic caldero del Mar Menor in front of the port is not optional, it is mandatory.
A region to discover
The Region of Murcia is a puzzle of cultures, landscapes and flavors. These people are only a small sample of what this land offers when you go to the set script.
Either by the spirituality of Caravaca, the history of the stones of Moratalla and Aledo, the living nature of Calasparra or the taste of salt Out of Sticks, each destination is a perfect excuse to pack up. Explore them is to connect with a Murcia authentic, welcoming and amazing. Why what are you going to start?