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Moratalla is the most north-westerly municipality in the Murcia Region
Moratalla is the most north-westerly municipality in the Region of Murcia and is renowned for its outstanding natural scenery, pine forests and open unspoilt beauty.
It also houses the most important prehistoric rock paintings within the region, with sites such as Cañaica del Calar, Fuente del Sabuco, Molino de Capel, Andragulla, La Risca and El Molino containing more than 50% of the Arte rupestre of the Region of Murcia. Information about these can be found in the Casa de Cristo in the interpretation centre for rock art.
Throughout its 10,000 year history, Moratalla has been occupied by a series of cultures, its abundant water and mountainous aspect offering water and shelter for prehistoric hunters throughout pre-history to the era of the Iberians when several settlements were known to exist. The Romans farmed this area, villas discovered at Ulea, Los Granadicos,Andrevía and Víllora, and mined sulphur from the site of the old volcano of Salmerón, one of their most important remains being a bridge, the Puente de Hellín crossing the River Alhárabe.
The Moorish invaders who followed the Romans built castles and watchtowers in the municipality and as the Moors were followed by the Christian armies of the Reconquist the castle of Moratalla and its tower, the Torre del Homenaje which dominates the skyline of the town today took its current form and gave the town the structure it has today.
Moratalla has an atmospheric and complete old quarter, winding streets clustered around the foot of the castle, Casas Señoriales, the noble homes of local landowners and baroque churches of the Convento de San Francisco and the Iglesia de la Asunción creating an intimate, small town atmosphere
Its principal economic activity is agriculture, producing almonds, olives, wheat and irrigated soft fruit crops, including apricots and cherries, although rural tourism is also an important activity, with a well supported campsite and many rural houses servicing those who enjoy walking and outdoor pursuits in the area. Regular walks are run throughout the year, organised in conjunction with the tourist office.
The most important Fiestas are Semana Santa, which includes the Fiesta del Tambor, in which the tamboristas drum in the streets on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, wearing distinctive multi-coloured robes and capirotes, and the Fiesta del Santísimo Cristo del Rayo, which includes several days of encierros, or bullrunning. Moratalla is colder than other municipalities in the winter as it is higher, the Campo de San Juan and Casa de Cristo, high up above the main town, normally being the first to catch any winter snow that falls in the region.
Where is Moratalla?
Moratalla is in the North-west of the Region of Murcia, accessed via the Autovia del noroeste from Murcia to Caravaca de la Cruz.
On its northern and western borders it joins Albacete, to the east is Calasparra, and to the south, Caravaca de la Cruz and Cehegín. See map above.
Use the search titles below for more information about specific subjects in Moratalla, or to go the North-west section, which contains a mixture of What’s on, local news and community information across the North-west or town by town information, accessed via the map box at the bottom of every page.
Sabores del Camino gastronomy route in Caravaca de la CruzLocal restaurants in and around Caravaca join forces to promote their mouth-watering specialities! A new initiative launched by the Town Hall of Caravaca de la Cruz has gained the support of 30 local bars and restaurants, all keen to promote their culinary..
Three out-of-the-way Murcia towns are among the most popular rural Spanish holiday destinations... and one makes the top 3!Murcia is proving to be a region on the rise as more people from Spain and further afield opt for countryside get-aways Tucked away in the northwest of Murcia, the charming town of Moratalla has been making waves in the world of rural tourism and.. 11/03/2025
10 sites to see prehistoric rock art in the Region of MurciaFrom Yecla and Moratalla in the north to Isla Plana in the south, Murcia was home to cave-dwelling artists as long as 10,000 years ago Hidden away in caves and rock shelters of the Murcia countryside is evidence that the forefathers of modern humans inhabited..
Discover the magic of Christmas in inland Murcia!Tradition and beauty away from the crowds of the Costa Cálida and the big cities over the festive season If all you want for Christmas this year is to get away from the throngs of people in the shops and town centres of Murcia, bear in mind that the..
May 31 Desafío Achilasis Iron Man challenge and obstacle race in ArchivelThe Caravaca countryside hosts its annual test of strength and resilience alongside the popular obstacle race The details have been confirmed for this year’s “Desafío Arcilasis” event in the village of Archivel, where competitors will..
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5 great destinations in the north-west of Murcia during the Holy Jubilee Year of 2024 in CaravacaCaravaca and its neighbours Cehegín, Bullas, Calasparra and Bullas all offer a fascinating range of experiences to visitors The city of Caravaca de la Cruz is one of only 5 to have been awarded the status of “Holy Cities” by the Vatican..
Where is the finest view in the Region of Murcia? The regional tourist board names 17 favouritesThere is a huge variety of views, from Yecla in the north to Águilas in the south, but is your favourite on the list? Choosing the best view in the Region of Murcia is an impossible task, partly because everyone is entitled to their own opinion.. 11/05/2023
Cycling in the Region of Murcia: four picturesque but testing climbs in less frequented areas of the Costa Cálida!Some of the most demanding ascents in southern Spain are to be found in the mountains of Murcia The Region of Murcia is something of a paradise for nature lovers who enjoy exploring on two wheels, with rides ranging from the flat crop fields of the Vega Media..
Official caravan and motor home campsites in the Region of MurciaEnjoy coastal and inland caravanning holidays all year round in the Costa Cálida A large number of people visiting the Costa Cálida in motor homes choose to do so without booking into an official site with facilities, but the majority still prefer..
Five great walks in the Region of Murcia!From the Costa Cálida in the south to the mountains of Jumilla, fabulous landscapes and fascinating sights! Throughout the Region of Murcia and the Costa Cálida there are countless attractive walking routes, popular with those exploring..
The nature reserve of the riverbank woodland in CañaverosaA lush green environment on the banks of the upper reaches of the Segura in Calasparra and Moratalla Cañaverosa is the only one of the three nationally recognized nature reserves in the Region of Murcia to be located on land, with the other two both..
The castle of Benizar in the mountains of Moratalla Part of the Moorish battlements can still be seen at the majestic hilltop fortress of Benizar The remains of the castle of Benizar, in the north-west of Moratalla close to the boundary with the region of Castilla-La Mancha, are perched magnificently on..
Moratalla history Since prehistory Moratalla has been home to makind due to its abundant natural resources Moratalla has a rich and varied history, its abundant natural resources exploited by settlers throughout its history, a constant stream of inhabitants leaving behind.. 20/01/2014
Hospitals, Region of MurciaAll major hospitals have A&E Emergency Departments Listed below are all the public hospitals in the Region of Murcia which have full Emergency services cover, plus two of the more widely used private hospitals, to which expats are often referred for tests..
Weekly markets north and north-west Murcia Regular markets in the north and north-west of Murcia Not all weekly markets are set in stone, and if they coincide with public holidays they may be cancelled or postponed. In addition, days can change, so if you're not sure a call to the relevant..
