ARCHIVED - National Geographic lists Murcian town among 100 most beautiful in Spain
Moratalla has been recognised by the prestigious publication for its charm and "Moorish essence"
Spain is without doubt a favourite tourist destination for those seeking incredible coastline and climate, rambling mountainous countryside and picturesque villages and towns steeped in charm.
And one of the 100 most beautiful places to visit is the town of Moratalla in the Murcia Region, according to National Geographic, which has published its top stunning destinations worth a visit in Spain 2023. Moratalla has made it into the top 20 "outstanding enclaves" category, ranked 17th. Two Alicante towns have also made the list.
The American publication selects small towns and villages that stand out either for their tourist attraction, historical heritage, natural value or architecture.
Editors Meritxell Batlle Cardona and José Alejandro Adamuz, who have the final say, chose Moratalla for its "charm", which "resides precisely in its surroundings and in the rhythm that permeates its narrow streets".
Also read: The history of Moratalla
Although the castle is considered Moratalla's most outstanding attraction and a visit is highly recommended, the publication highlights the "quiet life, where the Moorish essence is still very evident" and focuses on the local lifestyle.
"There are lunches in the tavern with local wine and afternoons in the square. Reminiscences of the Middle Ages can be seen in its narrow streets and architecture – so palpable in its wrought iron balconies," states National Geographic.
Visitors are also urged to spend a day or longer touring the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, the viewpoint overlooking the river Alhárabe, San Francisco Convent and the chapels of Santa Ana and Casa de Cristo.
Image: Ayuntamiento de Moratalla
Address
Calle Barrio Nuevo s/n - Bajos Ayuntamiento 30440 MORATALLATel: 968 730 208
Oficina de Turismo de Moratalla
The tourist office in Moratalla is located below the Town hall at the main entrance into the centre of the Moratalla Urban centre.
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.
Moratalla is best known for its natural attractions, walking routes and beautiful countryside and the tourist office will be happy to provide a list of lodgings and accommodation as well as maps showing the main walking areas.
The main attractions to visit are the castle, although this is only open occasionally, and the Casa de Cristo, which houses the Prehistoric Rock Art Interpretation centre, although it is pleasant to walk through the old streets of the town and admire the views from both the main Plaza and the viewing point high above the town.
Moratalla Tourist information office
C/ Barrio Nuevo, s/n
Bajo del Ayuntamiento
30440 Moratalla - Murcia
Tlfno. 968 730 208
Click for map, Calle Barrio Nuevo S/n Moratalla
Opening Hours for Moratalla Tourist office
Tuesday to Friday 10am to 2pm and 4pm to 6.30pm
(Summer evening hours 5pm to 7.30pm)
Saturdays 10am to 2pm
Closed: Christmas day 25th December, 1st and 6th January, 11th to 17th July- depending on the programme of the Fiestas of Stmo Cristo del Rayo
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 North and western borders it joins Albacete, to the east is Calasparra, and to the South, Caravaca de la Cruz and Cehegín.
Click for map, Moratalla
There is a dedicated town section for 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.
View Moratalla, Murcia in a larger map
