5 natural monuments in the Region of Murcia

Places in Murcia where the spectacle of nature takes the breath away

The Region of Murcia, in the south-east of Spain, is known mainly for its warm climate (with over 320 days of sunshine per year), but apart from the weather there are many more reasons to enjoy a visit to an area which is often forgotten as travellers flock to the crowded resorts in the larger coastal areas of the Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol.

Among the secret treasures in Murcia are numerous beauty spots which are fully deserving of the status of “natural monuments”, places where the jaw-dropping scenery provided by nature far outstrips anything created by Man!

The following suggestions are among those recommended by the regional tourist board to take away a truly unforgettable experience – and the photos or social network posts to prove it!

The first suggested stop is in the north of the Region at Monte Arabí in the municipality of Yecla, a rocky mountain which dominates the landscape. It is not only a great place to visit but also the source of various legends and home to prehistoric rock art dating back thousands of years, and to walk along the paths surrounded by silence apart from the sounds of nature is to feel oneself transported back to the long-distant past, finding the secrets of our ancestors at every step.

Changing the venue to the southern part of the Region, a must-see stop is the Gredas of Bolnuevo on the coast in Mazarrón. These are eerie sandstone rock formations created over unimaginable periods of time by wind and water, the resulting shapes proving an irresistible attraction for sightseers and anyone interested in creating long-lasting memories – it’s not unusual to see wedding photos being taken while you clamber up to the bases of these fascinating natural statues!

The next port of call is the Sima de la Higuera in Pliego, approximately 30 kilometres due west of the regional capital. On this occasion the “monuments” are to be found deep under the ground, as this is a vertical cave which attracts potholers and speleologists looking for adventure.

Inside are collections of countless other-worldly rock structures and hidden galleries, a true delight for those with a hankering to explore and discover sights that few have been privileged to see!

Next, to appreciate the enormity of geological time, the internationally renowned “Capa Negra” just outside the Holy City of Caravaca de la Cruz. This extraordinary site consists of layers of sediments which were created millions of years ago and which give a unique insight into the passing of time and the very evolution of our planet!

Many scientists are convinced that the layer of black rock dates from the meteor strike which led to the disappearance of the dinosaurs around 65 or 70 million years ago and radically altered the kind of life which exists on Earth, and this is one of the finest examples of evidence of that event to have been found worldwide.

Finally, the tourist board recommends the Salto del Usero in Bullas. This large pool of fresh water is hidden in the rocks just outside the town, where subterranean water emerges into a landscape formed by erosion over millions of years. It’s an extremely popular place for bathers during the hot summer, but be warned – the water really is very cold indeed!

The visitors flocking to Caravaca during the Holy Jubilee Year of 2024 will find themselves drawn to this oasis paradise, a perfect place to stop, cool down and relax before continuing their pilgrimages to Caravaca!

These are just some of the natural wonders of the Region of Murcia, and happily there are plenty more just waiting for you to discover – come and see them, your welcome is guaranteed!

Source: ITREM (Region of Murcia tourist board)

Images: ITREM, Universidad de Murcia, A. Ros / J.L. Llamusi / Ayuntamiento de Pliego