5 great summer plans in the north-west of Murcia!

Mountain scenery, freshwater swimming, spectacular countryside, local tradition and the authentic food of inland Murcia

It goes without saying that beach tourism accounts for a very high proportion of visitors to the Region of Murcia every summer, whether they come from elsewhere in Spain or from other countries, but at the same time for those who really want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the busy coastline there are plenty of appetizing destinations to be found inland, among the mountains and high plains.

The north-west of the Region is a greener landscape, where the days are hot (of course they are!) but the nights are generally a good few degrees cooler than on the coast, with plenty of spectacular landscapes, hidden natural plunge pools and bathing areas, summer festivals offering evening concerts and the rich traditions of local culture and gastronomy.

Above all, of course, this is REAL Murcia, where the Spanish way of life is not cluttered by a massive influx of visitors from all over the world and the local identity remains intact throughout the year.

The Salto del Usero in Bullas

One of the most refreshing visits is the Salto del Usero just outside the town of Bullas, in the north-west of the Region and one of only five sites to be declared Natural Monuments in the whole of Murcia. The turquoise of this natural pool, into which a waterfall brings icy cold water from an underground river, is a hugely attractive sight and a magnet for those wishing to experience a really cold dip! The whole area is great for walks along the River Mula, but they wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the water itself!

One word of warning: over recent years the site has become so popular that a booking system is now in place from 1^st July to 14^th September, and although it only costs 1 euro for a stay of up to four hours, it means that some planning has to be made! Booking will become available for the summer online here.

The “Pozas” of Somogil

A little further north, in the municipality of Moratalla, there are other opportunities for lovers of nature and the great outdoors, including the Pozas de Somogil, small bodies of water which comes from the River Benamor and are hidden along mountain trails in the forests of Mediterranean vegetation.

Although they are well hidden the route to get there is not actually too complicated, and along the way you’re likely to see plenty of dazzling dragonflies. The reward is a dip in the crystal-clear water, far from the madding crowd of the coast and with just the natural beauty of the area for company.

A perfect place to just sit, read, chat and relax!

The mountains of Burete

Cehegín too boasts freshwater pools which are popular with bathers in the mountains of Burete and Lavia, reached along a country walking route which is not often in the tourist guidebooks! The best advice is to go there with someone who knows the area well, otherwise you might find yourself becoming increasingly frazzled as you wander in the summer heat, but on the small oases of cool water, the shade of the holm oaks and the scent of rosemary!

The lavender fields of Moratalla

Among the most unusual summer festivals in the Region of Murcia Planes is Lalavaland, in and around Moratalla, where the lavender fields are the setting for series of concerts, creative workshops and food and wine tastings at dusk. This is rather more than just a photo opportunity – it’s a chance to experience the calm pace of summer life in the north-west, to let it wash over the five senses and truly connect with nature.

The tastes of north-west Murcia

The gastronomy of the north-west of Murcia is widely known for the authenticity of the local produce, many of which bear their own Protected Denomination of Origin status. Perhaps the most iconic is the rice grown in Calasparra, which is at the heart of so many typical dishes in the area, but of equal value are the stone fruit grown in vast orchards in the north-west, especially the apricots, peaches and plums.

And all tastes are catered for, if we take into account the cheeses (and especially the wine cheeses!) of Murcia, made from goat milk, and the “pimentón” paprika pepper, which adds distinctive couloir to many a savoury dish throughout the year

And to wash everything down, why not choose a wine from with one of the three Denomination of Origin labels in Murcia – Jumilla, Bullas and Yecla!

Further information about all of these destinations and countless others of in Murcia can be found at the website of the regional tourist board.