Christmas getaways in 4 of the most picturesque towns in Murcia!

The joys of the festive season as you discover other towns and traditions in the Region of Murcia

Christmas is the same everywhere, isn’t it? Santa, presents, carols, a family get-together for lunch or dinner, and then perhaps a brisk walk to shake off the after-effects of the overeating.

Well no, it doesn’t have to be like that. In some parts of the Region of Murcia the Christmas break is an opportunity to enjoy something very different, with the attractions of a country house or cottage, the sights, smells and sounds of nature, outdoor activities and a chance to get to know some delightful towns other than the major cities of Cartagena and Murcia itself.

What follows is a short list of just some of the destinations recommended by the regional tourist board as the tome approaches to finalize our plans for the festive season!

Caravaca de la Cruz

As well as being one of the most religious of the towns in the Region (especially relevant as we celebrate the birth of Christ), holding a Jubilee Year which attracts Catholic pilgrims from all over the world every seven years, Caravaca has a charm of its own at Christmas time. The streets are filled with light and a festive atmosphere which makes strolling through the town irresistible, and you certainly won’t want to miss out on a visit to Las Fuentes del Marqués. This is a natural beauty spot fit to grace any Christmas card and a great place to enjoy a family picnic!

But the festive mood is most noticeable in the old city centre, where cultural events and activities abound every winter: details of the schedule will appear here when they are published.

Cehegín

Caravaca’s near neighbour Cehegín is always featured on any list of the best places to enjoy Christmas in Murcia, and with good reason!

In 2019 the town was named “Rural Wonder of Spain”, and the old centre of the hilltop town sometimes looks as though it has been lifted straight from a nativity scene. This is a place to lose yourself in the maze of old, narrow streets and enjoy lunch or dinner in one of the many restaurants offering their Christmas fare.

While in Cehegín, make sure you visit the main nativity scene itself, which has been growing since it was first set up in 1983 and now occupies an area of around 120 square metres. Populating this miniature landscape are approximately 600 figures representing traditional craftsmen and trades of the Region of Murcia, and you can see them in the church of La Magdalena (itself awarded National Monument status and a fine representative of Renaissance architecture).

Blanca

We move now to the Ricote Valley, and the town of Blanca on the banks of the River Segura. From high above the town at the viewing point of Alto de Bayna you can see the weir and the Las Cuevas botanical garde, a view which has to be one of the most spectacular in the whole of Spain. At Christmas the lights of the town of Blanca can be seen in the distance, another sight worthy of a Christmas card and a perfect image to send to your friends and family as you wish them all the best for the festive season!

Jumilla

There are many reasons to raise a toast to Jumilla, not least the top-quality wines produced in the area. Like Yecla, its neighbour in the “Altiplano” area of the north of Murcia, the town offers a large dose of history, nature and a reputation for prestigious wine which comes from the tradition of growing grapes here over the last 2,000 years.

The castle has been declared a National Monument and stands proudly over the town, rewarding those who walk up the hill with stupendous views over the fertile plans and the mountain ranges around them – an especially magical sight in winter.

Coming down from the castle, there are plenty more treasures to discover along the cobbled streets and charming squares of the old town centre, with historic and monumental buildings everywhere you look. At Christmas the town dresses up for the occasion, with lights, decorations, street markets and activities for the whole family!

And you never know, here in the north of Murcia the winter temperatures are decidedly nippy and there’s even the off chance of some snow!!

If you can’t decide on your choice for a Christmas getaway, there’s only one solution: visit more than one of these destinations as you get to know more of the Region of Murcia!

Source and images: ITREM