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Date Published: 06/11/2025

Guatazales in Bullas: Where regenerative farming brings the ancient River of Honey back to life

Meet the happy bees, taste award-winning organic produce and reconnect with nature in the mountains of northwest Murcia

Guatazales sits in one of the most magical and mysterious corners of the Region of Murcia, along what is known today as the Río Mula in Bullas. But 1,200 years ago, the first Arab explorers who arrived here on a scorching summer day had another name for it. They called it "Wād-ʿAsal", the Honey River.

It must have seemed like a mirage at first. Honey running down the riverbanks on that hot day, glistening in the sun. But as they drew closer, the explorers discovered the source of this sweet phenomenon. Bees buzzed around cracks in the rocks where their honeycombs had melted in the intense heat, creating rivers of golden honey that flowed towards the water below.

Guatazales pays homage to this river and the fertile abundance of the lands through which it flows, where for millennia people have delighted in exquisite oils, honeys and wines. Today, that same spirit of natural abundance and respect for the land lives on through regenerative organic agriculture and beekeeping practices that are helping to heal the landscape.

A different approach to beekeeping

There's a world of difference between exploiting a beehive and consciously nourishing it. Conventional beekeeping often relies on migratory practices, forcing bees into work cycles far beyond their natural lifespan.

Large quantities of honey are extracted, and the colonies are fed with compound stimulants made from white sugar, egg proteins and vitamins.

At Guatazales, things are done differently. This is regenerative beekeeping, where the bees actively help regenerate the soil and landscape, promoting biodiversity of flora and fauna. On farms at risk of desertification in northwest Murcia, their presence has increased almond production by up to 35%.

Natural breeding and feeding cycles are honoured, with swarming allowed to replicate colonies. The hives best adapted to the terrain are carefully selected. And when it comes to harvest time, only part of the surplus is taken, approximately 5kg per year per hive, varying according to blooms and seasonality.

All the pollen and royal jelly stays with the bees, where it belongs.

Miguel, who looks after what he calls the "happy bees" of Guatazales, treats them more like pets than livestock. Their welfare comes first and foremost and he's determined to make sure they live their best life. That's why they spend their days at Guatazales instead of being forced to migrate to new hives elsewhere.

There's a lovely family history behind Miguel's beekeeping too. His grandfather was the first in the family to start keeping bees when his wife was pregnant with Miguel's father. She had a craving for honey, so he built his first hive by hand. Guests to Guatazales can still see this incredible piece of original craftsmanship today.

The torch passed from grandfather to father and then to Miguel, who now continues the tradition with the same care and dedication.

Beekeeping workshops and experiences

For those curious about the fascinating world of bees, Guatazales offers truly memorable experiences. The beekeeping workshops are designed to be fun, educational and genuinely hands on.

Visitors spend around two hours discovering the life and behaviour of the colony, learning fascinating facts about these remarkable creatures and observing inside the hive itself.

During the tour, visitors are fully suited in protective gear so they can get up close and personal with the bees whilst Miguel shares his knowledge in an interactive and engaging way. If they're lucky, they might even take away a piece of honeycomb to enjoy during the tasting afterwards.

The workroom visit reveals how the honey is harvested and processed, giving participants a complete picture of the journey from hive to jar.

Organic beekeeping for beginners course

For those who want to take their interest further, Guatazales offers a comprehensive beekeeping course for beginners. This is perfect for anyone looking to start keeping bees themselves in Spain.

The three and a half hour course covers everything needed to get started. After an introduction to beekeeping and the materials required (protective equipment is provided during the workshop), the focus turns to the main topic of swarming season and establishing new colonies.

The visit to the bees includes a masterclass covering bee behaviour and life cycles, the essential know-how basics, common mistakes to avoid whilst beekeeping and an overview of bee products.

The core of the course focuses on how to start beekeeping independently, and participants receive a beginner's kit that includes two old hives plus techniques and materials to get honeybee colonies started. Guatazales in Bullas: Where regenerative farming brings the ancient River of Honey back to life

The courses run in February and March, prime time for the swarming season, and conclude with a tasting of bee products. The price is €225 per person.

Casa Rural Agrolavia

Any of these experiences can be combined with a stay at Agrolavia, the rural house set in the heart of this beautiful landscape. Located about 8km from Bullas town centre, the house sits atop a hill in the mountainous region of the Sierra de Burete, Sierra del Cambrón and Sierra de la Lavia.

It's nestled within a natural protected area, a bird protection zone covering around 20,400 hectares along the Río Mula.

The setting is spectacular. Panoramic views stretch across the surrounding countryside from every window and terrace, with lush greenery wherever you look. It's the kind of place where time seems to slow down, where you can wake to birdsong, enjoy morning coffee while taking in stunning views and spend the day exploring trails and natural wonders.

The house is fully equipped for a relaxing weekend or a longer holiday, complete with a swimming pool for those warm Murcian days. It's more than simple rural accommodation. It's a place to disconnect from the noise and stress of everyday life and reconnect with nature and yourself.

🐝🍯 A visit to #Guatazales rural house in Murcia, a relaxing getaway with beekeeping, country walks and even a swimming pool! pic.twitter.com/wPuqgPdqnV
— Spanish News Today (@MurciaToday) November 4, 2025

Tasting experiences

The flavours of the Mediterranean land come alive through Guatazales' various tasting experiences. There's something to suit all interests, budgets and time constraints.

For a quick introduction, the 45 minute tasting of Guatazales products showcases the organic produce that has won recognition for sustainability and acknowledgement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These award winning products, a benchmark for quality and sustainability in the Region of Murcia, can be sampled at a nearby restaurant or at Casa Rural Agrolavia itself.

For a more immersive experience, the three hour food and wine option includes a visit to the Salto del Usero, a stunning natural swimming spot, with free time for a dip depending on the season. This is followed by the Guatazales product tasting, creating a perfect blend of natural beauty and culinary delight.

Guatazales offers several more wine and gastronomy tours and experiences.

Guatazales also collaborates with wineries holding the Bullas Protected Designation of Origin, organising visits to different wineries in the area where guests can enjoy tastings of high quality local wines.

Tours can include the wine museum, vineyards and other wine related places of interest, taking visitors through the emblematic corners of the Bullas PDO to discover the land through their senses.

Take a piece of Guatazales home

For those who want to continue enjoying these special products at home, Guatazales has an online store offering their organic honeys, extra virgin olive oil and Clarea wine.

The honeys are particularly special. Each variety is essentially a limited edition, since what's produced depends entirely on which flowers, herbs and plants are blooming. Everything is completely organic, of course. Varieties include wild thyme, almond, wild lavender and the intriguing and rare wild honeydew.

Guatazales organic extra virgin olive oil is equally distinctive. Made from Picual and Pico Limón varieties, this unique oil from northwest Murcia tastes like no other. It's a fruity selection of the best olives from two varieties full of contrasts and nuances, so different and attractive that tasting it becomes a meditative delight for the senses. The oil is harvested early, cold pressed and processed only through mechanical methods.

Then there's Clarea, the newest arrival. This sweet wine made with honey and walnuts is a true delight to savour on its own, as a dessert or with select cheeses. It's a honey wine made to celebrate the summer solstice, inspired by ancient Celtic and Christian rituals performed on the shortest night of the year.

Thanks to this cultural legacy, walnut wine is still made today in Bullas and northwest Murcia using a traditional recipe that blends red wine with sugar, walnuts and cinnamon.

From the taste and essence of the Mediterranean land, these flavours create an experience for the palate and the senses, carrying forward the ancient abundance of the River of Honey into the present day.

Shop online

Can't make it to Guatazales in person? All of these exceptional products are available through the Guatazales online shop and delivered directly to your door. It's the perfect way to bring a taste of this magical corner of Murcia into your own home.

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