Things to Do in the Murcia Region of Spain
- Emily Anne
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
SUMMARY
This guide includes hikes, hidden beaches, small towns, nature reserves, practical travel tips for exploring the Murcia region of Spain. Each spot is based on our firsthand experience and includes suggestions for what to look out for and how to get the most out of your time in one of our favorite regions!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to Do near Murcia, Spain
If you're looking to explore a part of Spain that's a little off the radar but still packed with natural beauty and great day trips, the Murcia region should be on your list. We weren't totally sure what to expect when we went, but we ended up loving how relaxed and scenic everything felt. This post covers some of our favorite experiences and things to do in the Murcia region of Spain, from hiking badlands to spotting flamingos and staying at one of the coolest places we've ever booked!
MIRADOR BARRANCOS DE GEBAS
The Mirador Barrancos de Gebas was one of our first stops, and the views were unreal. White and gray badlands are in all directions, rolling into a turquoise reservoir in the distance. You can drive up to the viewpoint, but fair warning: the road is extremely narrow and full of bumps and potholes, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. Be sure to avoid going if it's been raining, as parts of the road could easily wash out. Once you're there, the view feels like looking out over a mini Grand Canyon with soft pastel coloring.
If you feel up for hiking, there's a 4km trail down to the Algeciras Reservoir. It's not super well-marked, so definitely download the AllTrails app ahead of time to help navigate, and be sure to bring plenty of water. The trail winds through arid terrain and offers amazing lookout points along the way.
CAPE SAN ANTONIO & CALA LES ROTES HIKE
Just outside of Xabia, Cape San Antonio is lined with miradors (scenic viewpoints) that give you wide-open views of the ocean and coastline. Every stop feels like a worthwhile detour! We made our way slowly, pulling over often to take it all in.
The Cala Les Rotes / Cova Tallada hike is the most popular hike in the region. It winds along a rocky coastline before dropping into a sea cave you can explore. Due to increasing popularity, the hike requires a reservation during certain parts of the year. We found a lot of conflicting information online about when during the year this was required. The takeaway: don't trust the dates listed in blogs and double-check the official website before you go! It's strictly enforced, and there's a park ranger at the trailhead checking. Bring water, wear decent shoes (keeping in mind that parts of the trail require getting wet), and plan for a few hours if you want to take your time.
If you're looking for a spot to eat after your hike or just want a drink with a view, stop at Restaurante Mena. It's near the Cova Tallada trailhead and has an outdoor terrace overlooking the water. The view alone was worth the stop. It's a perfect place to unwind after a hike!
VALLE DE RICOTE & OJÓS
We drove into the Valle de Ricote region, and our visit was primarily based around the small town of Ojós. It's quiet and surrounded by green hills and orchards, with expansive mountain ranges that rise in the distance and small valley towns tucked between them. One of my favorite parts of the region was seeing the colorful houses scattered across the valley, often framed by lush plants with those tall, dramatic mountains in the background.
A highlight was the Mirador Casa Forestal La Calera. It's easy to get there by car with a short walk to the viewpoint. It overlooks the valley and has a few picnic tables where you can have a snack while enjoying the view. If you enjoy quiet, scenic drives and visiting places that feel more local than touristy, this area is worth carving out time for. It was a highlight of our time in the Murcia Region!
WELMOON VILLAS PAISAJE
Welmoon Villas Paisaje was easily one of the coolest places we've ever stayed. The villa was tucked away in the valley with floor-to-ceiling windows and a big terrace overlooking the landscape. There's a wood-fired hot tub, daybed, outdoor dining table, and a small kitchen area if you feel like cooking. We spent the evening lying in bed, stargazing out the giant overhead window. There were no city lights, just a clear view of the sky and stars everywhere.
In the morning, breakfast was delivered to our door in a picnic basket with toast con tomate, fresh fruit, and juice. We took our time on the terrace, enjoying the morning sun and the silence. Welmoon Villas is an ideal stay if you're looking to get out of the city and soak up the area's natural beauty. We spent just one night hanging out, drinking wine, and stargazing, and we wished we could've stayed longer.
CAÑÓN DE ALMADENES
This spot is great if you want to see a totally different side of Murcia. The canyon is deep and narrow, surrounded by cliffs, with layered rock faces that stretch high above the riverbed. It feels really remote, and the views from the trail are incredible. The rock formations have a reddish tone that contrasts beautifully with the greenery, especially in the early morning or late afternoon light. Some people do kayaking tours through the canyon, which look awesome if you're up for getting on the water. We stuck to the land route and had the place almost to ourselves.
There is limited signage, so it helps to map out your hike ahead of time using the AllTrails app. Also, bring plenty of water—there's no shade, and it can get pretty hot if you're hiking during the day.
SANTUARIO VIRGEN DE LA ESPERANZA
Tucked into a cliffside near the Segura River, this sanctuary is unlike any other church I've visited. The small chapel is built into the rock and feels like a sanctuary within a cave. The Santuario Virgen de la Esperanza dates back to the 17th century and was built to honor the Virgin of Hope, a revered figure in the region. According to tradition, a shepherd discovered a statue of the Virgin in a cave here, which led to the sanctuary's construction. The chapel has been a pilgrimage site ever since, especially during local festivals.
Outside, there's a shaded picnic area next to a beautiful creek and some food stalls, depending on the day. We saw families relaxing with packed lunches and a few locals lighting candles inside. It's a peaceful stop and felt more like a hidden spot locals go to than a big tourist site, though it likely would have felt different if we had been there at a peak time when any tourist groups were visiting.
SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR
This little beach town was one of the most chill places we visited. It's right along the Salinas y Arenales de San Pedro del Pinatar nature reserve, which has walking and biking trails, lots of open sky, and salt flats. If you're into bird watching, this is the spot—bring binoculars, and you might even catch flamingos from afar. We also learned that people apparently take mud baths in the flats, though we didn't see anyone doing that while we were there. Several docks go straight into the muddy water, which we assume are used for that. The area has a super relaxed vibe, no big crowds, and a mellow beach nearby that's great for a low-key afternoon.
Exploring Murcia gave us a completely different experience from the more tourist-heavy regions of Spain. The landscapes felt a little more raw, the towns were sleepier in the best way, and we got to check out some unique spots that don't show up on every itinerary. If you're up for slower travel and a few dirt roads, this region has a lot to offer!
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