October 5 Free guided walk along the Pasarelas Yecla nature path to the castle hill sanctuary and the Museo Mariano
Enjoy the views from the castle hill of Yecla before visiting two sites refelcting the history and traditions of the town
On the hill which borders the southern edge of the town of Yecla, where in centuries past the castle used to stand, a series of wooden walkways has been installed to provide a “Sendero Azul” walking or hiking path, and this guided visit follows the route with plenty of stops before ending at the top of the hill visits to the sanctuary of the Virgen del Castillo and the Museo Mariano.
Although it is located on the hillside the route is an easy one and can even be tackled with pushchairs (although wheelchairs are not possible), and of course it provides various spectacular views out over the town itself and the surrounding countryside.
The sanctuary is home to the figure of the Virgen del Castillo, who plays a pibotal role in the annual local fiestas in December, while the Museo Mariano is devoted to the fiestas themselves and to the centuries-old traditions which underlie them.
The visit on Sunday October 5 begins at 10.30 at the Edificio Bioclimático (click for map) and is expected to last approximately 3 hours, with prior booking required online here.
If visiting Yecla don’t forget to make sure one of your first ports of call is the tourist office (Plaza Mayor, 1, email turismo@yecla.es).
For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of Yecla Today.
Address
Plaza Mayor, Casa de los Arcos, s/n 30510 YECLATel: 968 754 104
Oficina de Turismo de Yecla
In early 2025, due to renovation work at the usual office, the service is located on the other side of the Plaza Mayor at Calle Epifanio Ibáñez nº 2 (click for map).
Yecla is a large municipality in the north of the Region of Murcia, home to just under 35,000 people, and these days is best known for its wines, which enjoy Denomination of Origin status, and its furniture production, which has its origins in the abundance of pine trees on the mountainsides and the high plateaux.
While visitors in the 21st century may be attracted primarily by wine tourism, the town (or city, as it was proclaimed in 1878) also has a wide historical, cultural and natural heritage, and an identity quite different from the coastal areas of the Region of Murcia. For this reason it is often grouped together with its neighbour and fellow wine-producing area Jumilla as part of the Altiplano area.
Yecla borders with Castilla-La Mancha and the Region of Valencia and is closer to Alicante coastal areas than much of Murcia. These visitors come to see the historic old town itself - an atmospheric and interesting place, crammed full of history - the natural beauty of Monte Arabí, with stunning views for those who enjoy the outdoors, the gastonomy and of course the wine route.
Yecla boasts cave paintings from 10,000 years ago in Monte Arabí, a Bronze Age settlement at El Arabilejo, Iberian remains in El Pulpillo and a Roman administrative centre at Los Torrejones as well as the remnants of the 11th century Moorish castle on the hill behind the town. More modern (and complete) testimony to the past are the buildings in the town centre, which include the grandiose Basílica de la Purísima, with its striking blue dome, the archaeological museum and the attractive Plaza Mayor, where the 16th century Town Hall stands alongside the Renaissance Casa de los Alarcos, the clock tower and the old grain store.
The tourist office holds a full selection of leaflets, maps, pre-planned routes, accommodation and restaurant options and information about visiting Yecla for both individuals and groups.
There is parking close to the tourist office, although those driving to Yecla for the first time are advised to park in Calle Perales.
For further information go to the home page of Yecla Today.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday 8.00 to 15.00
Saturdays 10.30 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 19.30.
Public holidays 10.30 to 14.00
Click for map, Yecla tourist office
