8 romantic getaways in inland Murcia to celebrate Valentine's Day!

The warmth of romantic settings more than makes up for the cold winter nights in the north of Murcia…

It seems as though the extended Spanish Christmas, New Year and Three Kings festivities have only just ended, but already it’s time to look forward to another important date in many people’s calendars: Saint Valentine’s Day on 14^th February.

It’s hard to resist the temptation to gift your loved one something special on this date, and the regional tourist board of Murcia suggests a weekend getaway to one of the many rural retreats in inland areas lying behind the Costa Cálida, plenty of which are relatively unexplored by the numerous expats and foreign visitors in the Region. So take a look at these 8 options, and indeed many more at the tourist board’s directory of accommodation which can be found online here!

1. Centro de Agroecología y Medio Ambiente (CEAMA) en Bullas

It might not have a very romantic name, but the Centre for Agroecology and the Environment (CEAMA) in Bullas offers four sumptuous bio-climatic apartments fully integrated into the rural environment. They are located alongside an environment-friendly farming concern and various leisure facilities, and stand out through their modern design, outstanding energy efficiency and the spectacular mountain landscapes of this part of Bullas, making them an ideal getaway for couples seeking nothing more than the pleasure of each other’s company and a tranquil setting where they won’t be disturbed!

2. The Casa Borrego gastro-hotel in Bullas

Also in Bullas, standing on the course of the river, is Casa Borrego, the first gastro-hotel in the whole of the Region of Murcia. Guests here enjoy a wonderful combination of haute cuisine, luxury, rest and nature, with the surroundings providing plenty of opportunities for walking, hiking, vineyard visits and the simple joy of exploring hidden corners of the countryside – a great place to get away from it all for the weekend!

3. La Casa de los Coy in Mula

The Casa de los Coy was built in 1712 for the Álvarez-Castellanos family in Mula and has all of the personality and charm one would expect from a place so steeped in history. Just 40 minutes from the centre of Murcia, the town location is enhanced by a spacious living-room, a roaring log fire, a jacuzzi and a superb patio area, all shared by the various rooms available in the premises.

If that’s not enough, the superb 17th century wine cellar and the arts and crafts on display in the furnishings make this a true delight for a weekend away!

4. Casa Chirreas in Benablón (Caravaca de la Cruz)

The picturesque village of Benablón, just a few kilometres away from Caravaca de la Cruz, is home to Casa Chirreas, an old aristocratic house which has been refurbished as a rural tourism destination in the heart of the countryside of north-western Murcia. A communal area offers gardens, a pool, a solarium and a lovely lawn, perfect surroundings to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

5. Casa Rural El Castillico in Yecla

El Castillico is a century-old house surrounded by a pine grove in a very quiet area on the castle hill of Yecla. With three bedrooms and two bathrooms it accommodates up to 6 people and is equipped with a pool and barbecue area, all very close to the historic town centre of the northernmost municipality of the Region of Murcia.

6. Las 9 Candelas in Yecla

Right in the heart of Yecla, Las 9 Candelas exudes charm through its Antique furniture and the works of art included in the décor, although the facilities have been modernized with the addition of features such as under-floor heating and of course wi-fi.

A perfect destination for families, business visitors and romantic couples alike, Las 9 Candelas is within a couple of minutes’ walk of the Basilica, the Old Church, the archaeological museum and the town centre, so the full experience of a winter weekend in the north could not be made more comfortable and convenient!

7. El Huerto de Maravillas in Cehegín

This is an old family home in the countryside just outside the hilltop town of Cehegín, surrounded by Nature but just a 20-minute walk from the winding streets of the old town centre. The house has gradually developed into what we see today, with its lovely views of the town and the surrounding grounds well irrigated by a watercourse which serves the nearby crop fields.

8. Balneario de Leana in Fortuna

Although perhaps not the best-known spa resort in Murcia, the Balneario de Leana is one of the oldest in Spain, with a natural hot spring providing water at 46ºC with proven healing properties for a variety of ailments including rheumatic and respiratory conditions. At the same time, of course, there are a wide variety of relaxation therapy treatments available, perfect for a chilled getaway with the one you love!

Romance blossoms in the unlikeliest of places at times, but with these options and plenty more available in the Region of Murcia this February it seems it has an even greater chance of flourishing than you might have imagined!

Source: ITREM