Northwest Route

The Bullas Wine Route will take you through all the district's tourist attractions, not just those directly related with its principal product, such as the Wine Museum, old and new bodegas and extensive vineyards, as well as monuments such as the baroque Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario (18th century), the D. Pepe Marsilla Bullas 1900 House and Museum, which recreates local life of the period, the Casa de los Melgares (Cultural Centre), the Clock Tower or the remains of the former mediaeval fortress in the popular and colourful surroundings of the Plaza Vieja and Plaza del Castillo, as well as natural landscapes such as the Salto del Usero waterfall or the spring at La Rafa.

The Wine Route or a visit to the traditional El Zacatin market, the Wine Museum and the D. Pepe Marsilla, Bullas 1900 House and Museum, or simply enjoy the wonderful countryside.

Wines and cheeses of certified origin (D.O.) and special torrijas (bread soaked in milk, fried and then coated with sugar). Handicrafts Market of "El Zacatín" (first Sunday of the month).

It is a delight to stroll through the old quarter along a sign-posted route with streets of Moorish and Medieval origin, and admire the Church of La Concepción (15th century), the Church of La Magdalena (16th century), the Archaeological Museum and the Palace of Los Fajardo (17th-18th century), which houses the Town Hall today. On the outskirts of the town are the Church and Convent of San Esteban and the Shrine of La Virgen de las Maravillas. Visitors must also see the Archaeological Site of Begastri (Late Roman settlement and Visigoth town) and the Pre-historic paintings in the Caves of Peña Rubia. Another highlight is the Virgen de la Peña Shrine.

Trekking between the Mountains of Burete and Lavia (three Short Trails-PR). There is also an Ecological Park and youth hostel.

Typical desserts such as bienmesabe and "pero de Alcuza", an autochthonous variety of fruit. Olive oil and handmade cold meats. You could also buy a Begastri cross. Handicrafts Market of "El Mesoncico" (last Sunday of the month).

As a Holy City, Caravaca has the privilege of staging its Jubilee every seven years, the next being planned for 2010. The jewel of the city's monuments is the Castle-Shrine, where the Vera Cruz de Caravaca ("Holy Cross of Caravaca"), which contains the Lignum Crucis, has been kept since the 13th century. We might also mention the Museum of La Vera Cruz. Visitors will also be interested in seeing the Church of La Soledad (16th century), which houses the Archaeological Museum, the Church of El Salvador (16th century), a marvellous example of the Murcian Renaissance, the Church of La Concepción (16th century), the Templete (18th century) where the Cross is washed on 3rd May, and the Museum of Festivities (House of the Uribe Family, 16th century) and the Museum of Miniatures. A few kilometres away, we find the Archaeological Complex of La Encarnación, and the Ethnic Music Museum in Barranda.

The bicycle route through the Arco del Nevazo and route on horseback through the Mountains of El Gavilán. Four Short Trails (PR) through Caravaca's mountain ranges. Natural Site of Las Fuentes del Marqués, featuring a number of natural springs, and the Torreón de Los Templarios ("Templars' Tower") which houses a Nature Centre.

Sweet specialities such as yemas de Caravaca. Visitors must buy a Caravaca Cross. Handicrafts Market (third Sunday of each month, except in summer).

Take a stroll through the steep, narrow streets that lead towards the Christian Fortress (15th century), with its keep, a reconstruction of a former Moorish fortress dating from the 9th century, passing the Church of Santa María de la Asunción (16th century) along the way. Just a few kilometres further on is the Casa de Cristo Sanctuary (15th-17th century), a former Mercedarian convent now converted into a tourist complex, which brings together the chapel itself, a rural guesthouse and restaurant, and the Regional Centre for the Interpretation of Rock Art in a wonderful architectural and natural setting; the Hermitage of La Rogativa and the natural beauty spot of La Puerta.

Trekking, bicycle and horse-riding routes through the surrounding mountain ranges. Discover El Sabinar, which features a savin tree reserve to protect this species threatened with extinction, or El Calar de la Santa. Of particular interest are the district¿s caves and shelters with pre-historic rock art, which were declared UNESCO World Heritage in 1998. The Cañaica del Calar and Fuente del Sabuco sites in El Calar de la Santa are amongst the highlights. The most daring visitors might like to take on the Revolcadores Peak (the highest peak in the Murcian Region).

Skillfully handmade drums and delicious marzipan products.

In a small grotto excavated out of the rock we find the Shrine of La Virgen de la Esperanza. Back in the town itself, we find the House of La Encomienda, which houses the Municipal Archaeological Museum, the building known as El Molinico (16th century), the Baroque Church of San Pedro (18th century), the Neo-Mudejar-style Clock Tower and the Rice Museum located in the Casa Granero (former granary), which is also home to the Tourist Office.

We recommend a visit or caving in the Cave of El Puerto, whose galleries have been equipped with both artificial lighting and sound. Rafting or kayak trips for tourists or those more experienced in the sport down the River Segura through the Almadenes gorge, which is one of the region's most outstanding areas of unspoilt natural beauty, stopping off to visit the 'Abrigo del Pozo' rock paintings is also a must.

Rice of certified origin.