4 Suggestions for surprising inland tourism in the central Murcia countryside

Explore the history and natural enclaves of Abanilla, Abarán and the Sierra de la Pila!

Those who know the Region of Murcia understand that even in the Costa Cálida, with its year-round sunshine and water sports activities, the winter months also provide a great opportunity to explore some of the inland areas which tend to get overlooked during the long hot days of summer, and the regional tourist board (ITREM) has put together this short list of some suggestions for a day out in central and eastern parts of Murcia.

Although lesser-known, these locations have all the charm and fascination of the beachfront locations on the Mediterranean and the Mar Menor – or perhaps even more so as they take you into the heart of “real” Murcia!

1. Abanilla

One of the recommended destinations is historic Abanilla, which is still a small town – most of it can be seen in a short 3-kilometre walk starting outside the Town Hall on the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. As is the case throughout Murcia, a brief glimpse of the history of Abanilla quickly reveals both its Moorish and Christian roots, which are jointly celebrated in the annual fiestas.

The main sights include the Fuente de las Cortes in the Calle Mayor, and on the other side of “La Cañada” the church of San Pascual, the Casa Pintada and the Casa de la Encomienda. Ready to find out about the secrets of Abanilla? See you in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento!

2. Abarán

The countryside around Abanilla is decidedly wild in nature, featuring the “Badlands” alongside the River Chícamo, but for something a little leafier and greener we head west to the Ricote valley and the path of El Jarral in the municipality of Abarán. This is a 2-kilometre route along the banks of the River Segura and its tiny tributaries to the riverside beach – here we can see how the small dam and reservoir of Soto Damián diverts the course of the river to the Nicolás Gómez hydro-electric plant.

Alongside is a fish ladder, right at the end of the main “acequia” (Moorish irrigation channel) of Abarán, as well as the “Motor Resurrección” water pumping station, the path to Blanca and the historic Molino de la Encomienda mill. This is truly a delightful walk along the river as you explore the cultural history of Murcia’s greenest valley!

3. Water wheels

While in Abarán, it would be shame to miss out on the local “Ruta de las Norias” (Route of the Water Wheels), which includes the largest working structure of this kind on the whole of Europe – you can’t fail to be impressed! The walk begins in the Parque de las Norias and is simple to follow, and you’ll definitely be wanting to take some photos along the way!

4. Sierra de la Pila

Finally, let’s take a walk on the wild side in the territory of the legendary bandit Jaime "El Barbudo". Jaime was one of the most notorious outlaws in south-eastern Spain in the early 19th century, pursuing his own Wild West lifestyle. He only fell foul of the law after the age of 25, when he killed another bandit in defending his land and cattle, and then devoted himself to defending what he saw as just causes – until his death by hanging at the age of 40.

His hideaways were in the mountains of the Sierra de la Pila, north of the regional capital, where a 10-kilometre hiking route can be followed as you follow in Jaime’s footsteps 200 years on…

This might be a tiring walk – for further information consult the tourist information point (click for map) - but you’ll feel you fully deserve your hearty dinner as you reflect on the sights seen along the way!

Of course, these are just a couple of suggestions for little adventures in inland Murcia, and there are countless more to be found as you explore the area – all of them offering surprise, delight and something new. And when your day is done, don’t forget to round it off with a drink and a tasty tapa!

Source: ITREM