7 hidden gems in the countryside of Murcia!

Natural rural treasures in Murcia where you can hear the silent call of Nature this winter!

As we tread the same paths and visit the same places day by day the Region of Murcia becomes ever more familiar to us, but do you realize how easy it is to stray off the map and lose yourself in the wonders of Nature?

Sometimes we really need to disconnect and change our surroundings, get away from the noise and frustrations of everyday life and enjoy the silence and unknown quantities of places we have never seen before, where it seems no-one would be able to find and disturb us. That might seem difficult as we trudge around the supermarket or stride down shopping streets, but the Regional Tourist Board of Murcia (ITREM) suggest the following destinations to break the routine for a few hours and come back refreshed and ready to face life anew!

1. The Estrecho de Arboleja in Aledo

We begin our tour at the gorge known as the Estrecho de Arboleja, an impressive natural canyon sculpted by the force of the water over the millennia just a few kilometres from the charming hilltop town of Aledo. The limestone walls of the gorge and the native plant life endow the spot with a magic of its own, inviting us to enjoy a moment of calm reflection in the pure, clean air. The gorge is reached along an easy path, making it accessible to the almost all rather than only to specialized rock climbers!

2. The Cuatro Calas of Águilas

Just in case anyone imagined that the beaches in Murcia were only for the summer, the “Cuatro Calas” in Águilas, consisting of the beaches of Cala Reona, La Higuerica, La Carolina and Los Cocedores, prove the opposite. Together they form a true natural paradise, where the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean are flanked by an unspoilt landscape which exudes calm and tranquillity.

Of course they become more crowded during the summer, but in the off season they are a haven of peace, perfect for a long walk by the sea.

3. The Salto de Usero in Bullas

To visit this fairy-tale grotto scene all you have to do is make your way to Bullas, a little over half an hour by car on the motorway from the regional capital. As the water which eventually reaches the River Segura emerges from the rocks it forms a waterfall and a cold pool which is immensely popular among bathers during the summer – in winter bathing is not permitted (and neither is it particularly appetizing, as the water temperature is close to freezing!) but it remains a charming place to stroll around in the country and shed the worries of everyday life!

4. The regional park of Sierra Espuña

The mountains of Sierra Espuña are better-known than some of the places in this list – after all, they are hard to miss as you drive around south-west Murcia! – but there are still some hidden corners within the forests of the protected area which escape the notice of most visitors. One of the these is the pass called the Senda de Las Alquerías, which winds through the pine groves offering occasional spectacular views of the Region through the trees.

5. The regional park of Calblanque, Monte de las Cenizas y Peñas Blancas

Another protected area, the coastline of Calblanque and the mountainous terrain behind it between Cartagena and Cabo de Palos are another of the jewels of the Spanish Mediterranean coast. During the winter the almost-deserted beaches and dunes provide a unique backdrop for walkers and hikers – and, of course, photographers, who are drawn here by the clarity of the light and the wild and unspoilt scenery.

For those taking close-up shots, the diversity of the native flora and fauna make this a perfect spot for nature pictures, and of course many other nature enthusiasts are drawn by the same attractions.

6. The Cueva del Puerto in Calasparra

A fascinating combination of nature and adventure, the Cueva del Puerto in the municipality of Calasparra is the perfect destination for many visitors. Its large underground galleries, full of stalactites and stalagmites, provide a daunting spectacle, and there are guided tours during which the history and geology of the cave system are fully explained.

7. The Barrancos of Gebas

Returning to the foothills of Sierra Espuña, we now enter the “Badlands” of the Barrancos de Gebas. These incredible landscape features are sometimes referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Murcia” and consist of a barren landscape eroded by wind and water. The views here are stunning all year round and in winter the shadows created by the low sun make a breathtaking sight, especially in contrast with the sharp blue of the reservoir in sunlight.

While in the area, drop into the nearby villages of Gebas, El Berro and Fuente Librilla to sample the atmosphere of what may be considered the “heart” of the Region of Murcia.

This is just a short eye-opener to let you know about a few of the lesser-known treasures of Murcia, but there are plenty more! Just get out there, fill your lings with the clean air of the countryside, open your eyes and don’t be afraid to explore the area this winter!

Source: ITREM

Images: www.Turismoregiondemurcia.es

www.wikiloc.com (Murciapie)