ARCHIVED - September 10 Free guided walk at the mystic mountain of Monte Arabí in Yecla
Whet your appetite to learn more about the fascinating mountain in the north of Murcia
This free tour is described as an “aperitif” visit, with participants not only working up an appetite for lunch but also whetting their appetite to learn more about Monte Arabí, a mountain which has fascinated and intrigued the residents of what is now northern Murcia for millennia.
The walk, entitled “Enamórate de Arabí” (fall in love with Arabí), begins at 9.30 and is scheduled to end at approximately 12.30 after covering a distance of no more than around 2 kilometres.
Online registration to take part is available here as of August 26.
For more upcoming events in the Costa Cálida visit the What’s On section of Murcia Today.
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Oficina de Turismo de Yecla
Yecla is a large municipality in the north of the Region of Murcia which is 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 in many ways an identity quite different from the more 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, so is closer for visitors from the Alicante coastal areas than those living in many parts of Murcia itself. However, it's well worth a visit, the historic old town itself an atmospheric and interesting place, crammed full of history, the natural areas of Monte Arabí offering stunning views for those who enjoy the outdoors, the wine routes taking visitors straight into the heart of wine production in the area and the gastronomy varied.
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 directly opposite the tourist office, although those driving to Yecla for the first time are advised to park alongside the Basílica which is easy to find.
Click for full information about visiting Yecla including the wine routes, where to go and what to see; Yecla
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 08:00 (8am) to 15:00 (3pm).
Saturday: 10:30 to 14:00 (2pm) and 17:00 (5pm) to 19:30 (7.30pm)
Sunday: Closed
Click for map, Yecla tourist office