The Valle de Ricote -Ricote Valley- was the last Moorish redoubt in Spanish Levante. This is one of the most beautiful and undiscovered parts of the fertile irrigated plains around the River Segura. The towns of Ricote, Ojós, Abarán, Blanca, Ulea, Villanueva del Segura and Archena, surrounded by fruit and citrus orchards, transport us to an ideal world. A fertile plain that clings to its Arab heritage, as shown by the numerous remains from this period, including its irrigation systems. Ricote maintains a rich gastronomical tradition in which the local wine is the protagonist. Blanca has retained its legacy as a producer of esparto grass. In Abarán, visitors can follow a route that will lead them to four of the many waterwheels, or "ñoras" as they are known in the area, which transport water from the river to irrigate the most distant plains.
If there is a place where the sensitivity of the Moorish culture can still be found it is Valle the Ricote. The twisting irrigated areas, the river and a special charm make this valley a real delight for explorers and people looking for genuine experiences. If you are an enthusiast of good food, cultural visits, and outdoor sports such as hiking, rafting or climbing then you are at the right place.
Whether you fancy a long health care stay or you just have a couple of hours to spare, we recommend you take advantage of one of Spain's best balnearios -thermal spring spas-, which is only a few minutes away from the capital city. Being under mineral-medicinal water jet streams, surrendering to the best massagers' hands and enjoying the latest health and wellness treatments are the best ways of improving your quality of life.
In Blanca, at Valle de Ricote's heart, you will find an excellent museum which houses the collection by Pedro Cano, the great Murcian painter. It is definitely an unexpected delight for those who are keen on beauty, peace and understanding, in a place where the Christian, the Jewish and the Muslim cultures lived together for centuries.
Another place which is worth a visit is Medina Siyâsa Arab deserted spot, one of the most important sites of the western Islamic world. You can still visit the inside of its houses to see how its people used to live. Don't forget to take some water, comfortable shoes and a cap with you for this excursion. The second part of the experience will take place at Siyâsa museum, housing remains from the Paleolithic period until the Andalusi period, and where the life-sized reproduction of two houses of the deserted spot stands out.
One of the best ways of experiencing Valle de Ricote is by walking along its paths and discovering its best panoramic views. We suggest you follow this route and enjoy the dreamiest viewpoints of the valley in Abarán, Blanca, Ricote, Ulea, Ojós and Villanueva.
If you enjoy love stories, you can't miss the Salto de la Novia in Ojós. A legend tells of how a noble Christian girl threw herself down the rocks of this beautiful setting after losing her lover, who was an officer of the Castilian troops fighting against the Moorish army which tried to conquer Ulea. Due to its hauntingly beautiful views and its special charm, this is one of the most splendid places in Valle de Ricote.
Abarán is well known for its waterwheels, being the Spanish municipality with the biggest number of still working waterwheels and also the municipality with the hugest working waterwheel in Europe. Don't forget that, next to waterwheels, you will have the privilege of admiring the huertas -irrigated areas-, irrigation ditches and palm groves. A treat for your senses.
Going down the river on a raft, a canoe or a kayak is here one of visitors' favourite activities, since the river Segura is perfect for it in this valley. You can choose between tourist, quiet stretches and rapids such as the ones in Almadenes Canyon, which will give you a rush of adrenaline. This valley is also the perfect place for a peaceful beach day away from the coast: Abarán and Blanca have river beaches with facilities and even a chiringuito -beach bar-.
If you want to have a stunning experience, don't miss the Almadenes Canyon in Cieza, which is one of the region's most beautiful and hidden natural settings. Its walls, some 150m high at some points, have lots of caves and caverns covered with cave paintings which have been declared to be a World Heritage by UNESCO. The La Serreta Cave-Chasm is here a reference, with 50 figures inside it and a view from the heights that will leave you speechless. If you combine this with a river descent, a zip line ride or any other active tourism activity available in the area, you will enjoy an unforgettable visit.
Wherever you are, you can't miss this route. Between February and April, Cieza celebrates one of nature's greatest shows: the blooming period. Fruit trees such as plum trees and peach trees give colour and multiple scents to valleys and landscapes of the huerta. This is a wonder of nature, brief but faithful to its appointment every year. During this period, plenty of activities related to blooming are celebrated, aimed at visitors and locals.
The Moorish sensitivity of Valle de Ricote can still be found in its cuisine: you won't be able to come back home without taking some of this place's delicacies with you. Some of the souvenirs which will make you miss your journey once you are back at home are the following: borrachos from Ojós -sponge cakes soaked in syrup and wine from the area-, picardías from Abarán -made with sugar and hazelnuts-, cordiales made with almonds, and homemade honeys. The area's best-kept secret is Ricote wine, a short crop wine with little commercialisation but really unique scents and flavours.
Whether you fancy a long health care stay or you just have a couple of hours to spare, we recommend you take advantage of one of Spain's best balnearios -thermal spring spas-, which is only a few minutes away from the capital city. Being under mineral-medicinal water jet streams, surrendering to the best massagers' hands and enjoying the latest health and wellness treatments are the best ways of improving your quality of life.
In Blanca, at Valle de Ricote's heart, you will find an excellent museum which houses the collection by Pedro Cano, the great Murcian painter. It is definitely an unexpected delight for those who are keen on beauty, peace and understanding, in a place where the Christian, the Jewish and the Muslim cultures lived together for centuries.
Another place which is worth a visit is Medina Siyâsa Arab deserted spot, one of the most important sites of the western Islamic world. You can still visit the inside of its houses to see how its people used to live. Don't forget to take some water, comfortable shoes and a cap with you for this excursion. The second part of the experience will take place at Siyâsa museum, housing remains from the Paleolithic period until the Andalusi period, and where the life-sized reproduction of two houses of the deserted spot stands out.
One of the best ways of experiencing Valle de Ricote is by walking along its paths and discovering its best panoramic views. We suggest you follow this route and enjoy the dreamiest viewpoints of the valley in Abarán, Blanca, Ricote, Ulea, Ojós and Villanueva.
If you enjoy love stories, you can't miss the Salto de la Novia in Ojós. A legend tells of how a noble Christian girl threw herself down the rocks of this beautiful setting after losing her lover, who was an officer of the Castilian troops fighting against the Moorish army which tried to conquer Ulea. Due to its hauntingly beautiful views and its special charm, this is one of the most splendid places in Valle de Ricote.
Abarán is well known for its waterwheels, being the Spanish municipality with the biggest number of still working waterwheels and also the municipality with the hugest working waterwheel in Europe. Don't forget that, next to waterwheels, you will have the privilege of admiring the huertas -irrigated areas-, irrigation ditches and palm groves. A treat for your senses.
Going down the river on a raft, a canoe or a kayak is here one of visitors' favourite activities, since the river Segura is perfect for it in this valley. You can choose between tourist, quiet stretches and rapids such as the ones in Almadenes Canyon, which will give you a rush of adrenaline. This valley is also the perfect place for a peaceful beach day away from the coast: Abarán and Blanca have river beaches with facilities and even a chiringuito -beach bar-.
If you want to have a stunning experience, don't miss the Almadenes Canyon in Cieza, which is one of the region's most beautiful and hidden natural settings. Its walls, some 150m high at some points, have lots of caves and caverns covered with cave paintings which have been declared to be a World Heritage by UNESCO. The La Serreta Cave-Chasm is here a reference, with 50 figures inside it and a view from the heights that will leave you speechless. If you combine this with a river descent, a zip line ride or any other active tourism activity available in the area, you will enjoy an unforgettable visit.
Wherever you are, you can't miss this route. Between February and April, Cieza celebrates one of nature's greatest shows: the blooming period. Fruit trees such as plum trees and peach trees give colour and multiple scents to valleys and landscapes of the huerta. This is a wonder of nature, brief but faithful to its appointment every year. During this period, plenty of activities related to blooming are celebrated, aimed at visitors and locals.
The Moorish sensitivity of Valle de Ricote can still be found in its cuisine: you won't be able to come back home without taking some of this place's delicacies with you. Some of the souvenirs which will make you miss your journey once you are back at home are the following: borrachos from Ojós -sponge cakes soaked in syrup and wine from the area-, picardías from Abarán -made with sugar and hazelnuts-, cordiales made with almonds, and homemade honeys. The area's best-kept secret is Ricote wine, a short crop wine with little commercialisation but really unique scents and flavours.
Experience the gastronomic essence of the Region through experiences that bring together tradition, local produce and unforgettable landscapes.
Disponemos de un menú diario que consta de Primer Plato, Segundo Plato, Ensalada, 1 Bebida, Postre o Café por 10€ en sala y 9€ en barra. Con nuestro menú del día puedes comer como en casa, con nuestros guisos tradicionales, sopas y arroces.
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Parque de ocio infantil y familiar cumpleaños · hamburguesería · pizzería · bocatería Postres y repostería caseros
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Atempo Weekend Bistrót, es un sitio distinguido en Archena, Murcia. Es un espacio diáfano y amplio, que evoca los viejos cafés de París; hecho para que te dejes seducir por sus platos y poder disfrutar de comidas y cenas en grupo o en pareja. Su cocina está llena de toques de autor, con una amplia muestra de aperitivos y recetas que son una delicia al paladar. La Carta cuenta con una gran variedad platos y platillos como los caramelos de foie, las hamburguesa de gambas al Jack Daniel's; lomos de corvina con arroz al caldero del Mar Menor y como toque final déjese seducir por postres como la tarta de queso con miel de citricos. En la Atempo Weekend Bistrót están orgullosos de poner su amplia experiencia al servicio del cliente, están ante todo a tu disposición para satisfacer tus necesidades. No te pierdas este lugar en Murcia. Para consultar precios y disponibilidad clic aquí
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Discover a curated selection of recommended activities to experience the Region of Murcia in a unique way. From nature trails and water sports to cultural visits, wine tastings or relaxing getaways. Ideas for all tastes and seasons, allowing you to connect with the landscape, history and Mediterranean essence of the destination.
FOR FREE
Free tour in English of 90 min. of duration approx. Also available in Spanish under the name "Cultura y Color en la Fiesta de los Mayos".Discover the soul of Alhama de Murcia on a guided panoramic tour in English through its charming old town, uncovering the secrets of its past and its rich cultural identity. The experience culminates in the magic of the Fiesta de Los Mayos, officially recognised as a festival of national tourist interest, where creativity, social satire and tradition come together in a unique and captivating celebration. The tour takes about 90 minutes. Also available in English under the name "Culture and colour at Los Mayos Festival".
Information and Reservations
FOR FREE
FOR FREE
This year he organizes the night Bodegas Casa Boquera ink where we will enjoy wine, tapas and music. The first wines of the DO Yecla 2017 will be presented.The concert is in charge of Cheers that will make a tribute to the best Spanish Pop of the 80s. Located in the Boquera del Carche.The price of the dinner and the concert is ¤ 25. There will be a bus leaving from Bodegas la Purisima, which will make the service both on the way and back at the end of the evening. Its cost will be ¤ 5.
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FOR FREE
SAN JAVIER "The Vía Herculea"Guided tour starts at the San Javier Museum, where we can learn about the town's history from the early days as well as knowing the life of illustrious people born in the municipality. The different objects exhibited there, such as an airplane donated by the San Javier Air Base, will take us on a journey through the past. The Nativity Scene (Belén), one of the main tourist attractions in San Javier as well as a tradition with deep roots in the whole Region, is featured at the museum. After leaving the museum we will have a walk to the parish church of Saint Francis Xavier, one of the first churches built in the Mar Menor area. The temple houses several works of art by renowned artists, like the sculptor Sánchez Lozano or the painter Muñoz Barberán. Strolling on we arrive at the Almansa Park, located on the former Tomás Maestre estate. Nowadays this park is a cultural landmark in the municipality, where important festivals such as the International Jazz Festival and the Interantional Festival of Theatre, Music and Dance are held. And last but not least we will access the heart of the Town Hall, the Plenary Hall, from where the members of the local government administer San Javier.
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From 25 €
Enjoy a day out in a vineryard and a tour around Bodegas Castaño with a wine tasting including four different wines paired with chees and cold meat.
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FOR FREE
Sierra Espuña is a historic and magical forest, a protected space home to hundreds of animal and plant species in which diversity is celebrated in every corner. Here you'll feel the peace that only nature can provide. Prepare your senses for a complete mindful hiking experience, complemented by a unique yoga and meditation session during the trek. You'll feel like time has stopped and there is nothing but your full consciousness, control of your breath, and your integration into what is happening here and now. Listen to the sound of the wind and the chirping of birds, feel the pure air slowly filling your lungs, let the wind caress your skin, and smell the scent of a forest teeming with life. Location: Sierra Espuña Regional Park.
Information and ReservationsFind the perfect accommodation among hotels, rural houses and more.
