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..
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The street markets dotted throughout the Murcia Region are steeped in history and tradition If you haven’t yet made plans for the weekend, the Murcia Region’s abundance of street markets will offer an unmissable opportunity to sample the area’s rich culture. Whether you’re into artisan products, antiques, handmade crafts or unique, local delicacies, Murcia has it all on offer, and we’ve rounded up some of the best markets..
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Region of Murcia, Registering on the Padrón What is the padrón? Empadronamiento (or Padrón) - a list of all the people who live in a certain town Empadronarse - the act of registering yourself on this list with your local town hall. Who should register? Officially all residents in Spain are required by law to register on the padrón, yet many British ex-pats still have not done so. Perhaps some view the padrón as a means of vigilance..
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Tradition and precision lie at the heart of Murcia’s most celebrated wineries Discover the captivating charms of the Region of Murcia, where grape growing reigns supreme and the legacy of wine echoes through idyllic vineyards and cutting-edge wineries. This sun-soaked region provides the perfect setting for indulging in a wine-tasting odyssey, coupling the rich history and culture of the area with sumptuous vinos that tantalise..
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ARCHIVED ARTICLE - The warmth of romantic settings more than makes up for the cold winter nights in the north of Murcia… It seems as though the extended Spanish Christmas, New Year and Three Kings festivities have only just ended, but already it’s time to look forward to another important date in many people’s calendars: Saint Valentine’s Day on 14th February. It’s hard to resist the temptation to gift your loved one something..
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New Turespaña data shows 96% of international visitors report being satisfied or very satisfied with their stay in the Region According to the latest Turespaña survey of international tourists, satisfaction levels in the Region of Murcia reach 96% when combining 'very satisfied' and 'satisfied' responses, placing it alongside Castilla-La Mancha and Galicia. In fact, around 72% of foreign visitors to the Region of Murcia say they are 'very..
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The church receives pilgrims visiting the figure of San Anton every January In the outlying district of La Copa, which lies some three kilometres to the north of the town of Bullas, there are two churches. One of these is the main building dedicated to Nuestra Señora de la Consolación, which stands in the middle of the small town, and the other is the relatively recently reconstructed church of Monte Calvario, in the Calvario district of the..
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Icy cold springs, moonscapes, badlands and enchanted natural cities in the Costa Cálida! Far from being simply a stretch of coastline in the western Mediterranean, the Region of Murcia has a fantastically varied landscape, and the following selection has been made by the regional tourism institute (ITREM) to illustrate this wealth of natural beauty! Salto del Usero Just outside the town of Bullas is the popular beauty spot of the Salto..
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In the city of Caravaca de la Cruz the threads of religious belief and military strength are inextricably intertwined The history of the Holy City of Caravaca is characterized by two main elements: the presence of the Vera Cruz, believed by many to be a fragment of the cross on which Christ was crucified, and its importance as a frontier city between the 13th and the 15th centuries, when the Region of Murcia was ruled by the Christian kingdoms..
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Three tennis and basketball courts on Paseo de la Murta in the south of Bullas As well as the varied sports facilities which are available at the La Rafa campsite and sports complex outside the southern end of Bullas, there are also tennis and basketball courts at the “Ródenas” centre. This can be found on the Paseo de la Murta, almost opposite the Obispos García-Ródenas primary school, at the junction with Calle El Tío de la..
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The Town Hall is located in the Plaza de España in the centre of Bullas The main Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) building in Bullas is in the Plaza de España, the main square which is in the old town centre and which is also home to the church dedicated to Nuestra Señora del Rosario and the Casa de Cultura, which is inside the palatial modernist building of Casa Melgares. The Bullas Town Hall offices are open to the public on weekdays (except..
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Spanish gardening problems, olives and conifers have surprisingly high pollen counts Many of those moving to Spain for the first time in are not aware of the increased risks of allergies and hay fever when planting certain types of plants in their domestic environments. The southern regions and provinces of Spain have particularly high pollen counts and the highest allergy rates, and Murcia tops the league table in the number of allergy sufferers..
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Astronomy and fine local produce at the historic church and ruined Roman sanctuary of La Encarnación The special summer events in Caravaca de la Cruz continue on Saturday July 26 with a “Cata con Estrellas”, which combines astronomy with wine and cheese tasting during an evening under the stars. The venue for this event is the old church of La Encarnación, which stands on the site of old 1st-century Roman ruins, while wines are provided..
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Bullas Ruta del Vino: the winery and shop of Bodegas del Rosario are both in the town of Bullas The “Bodegas del Rosario” cooperative is the largest wine producer in the Bullas Denomination of Origin, and has been at the forefront of production in not only the municipality of Bullas, but also in the north-west of the Murcia region since it was the first venture of its kind to be founded in Bullas in 1950 by 37 individual producers. Bullas..
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All major hospitals have A&E Emergency Departments Listed below are all the public hospitals in the Region of Murcia which have full Emergency services cover, plus two of the more widely used private hospitals, to which expats are often referred for tests. Cartagena Hospital General Universitario Santa Lucía (full emergencies service) C/ Mezquita, s/n, Paraje Los Arcos, 30202, Santa Lucía, CARTAGENA Tel: 968 128600 Click for map..
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The 17th January is the day of Saint Antón Abad, usually associated with the protection of animals. The key activity related to San Antón is a blessing of the animals, which usually takes place following mass. This is a popular, family activity in which participants bring along their pets, and in some areas, horses, donkeys, goats and chickens are present, along with the more conventional goldfish, canaries and puppies. You'll find a..
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Tradition and beauty away from the crowds of the Costa Cálida and the big cities over the festive season If all you want for Christmas this year is to get away from the throngs of people in the shops and town centres of Murcia, bear in mind that the old saying that true beauty lies on the inside can also be applied to our Region, and that the coastline does not have exclusive rights to the most appealing and tranquil festive landscapes! In..
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The Order of Santiago (1243-1856) Santiago is the Patron Saint of Spain, and is known as Saint James in English. The Order of Santiago is associated with a red cross, its tail displayed as a sword, the heraldic term for this being a fleury fitchy, and a scallop shell, the symbol of pilgrimage associated with Saint James. Their legacy can be found throughout the Region of Murcia, in the areas they controlled; on church doors, in statues, in..
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San Pedro del Pinatar’s winning streak keeps shining as Murcia racks up Christmas Lottery prizes If you are the sort of person who buys a Christmas Lottery ticket every year, you might want to pay a bit more attention to San Pedro del Pinatar. In the last seven years this small coastal town has hit El Gordo, the top prize in Spain’s famous Extraordinary Christmas Lottery Draw, an incredible five times. The first big win came in 2017, followed..
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The Plaza de España in Bullas has changed its name frequently over the last 200 years The Plaza de España is one of the focal points of activity in the wine-making municipality of Bullas in the north-west of the Region of Murcia, and is home to various of the most important and impressive buildings in the town. These include the Town Hall, the parish church dedicated to Nuestra Señora del Rosario and the palatial Casa de los Melgares..
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Wine-making and agriculture have shaped the history of Bullas for 2,000 years Evidence of human habitation in the municipality of Bullas has been found dating back as far as the Neolithic (this period broadly dates to 4,800 to 3,000 BC across southern Spain) and the time of the Argaric culture (2200BC to around 1550BC), and later eras saw the Roman, Visigoth and Moorish cultures appear in the area. However, the name of the town is first..
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Wine production was already a feature of the Bullas economy in Roman times The Roman villa of Los Cantos, just outside the town of Bullas in the north-west of the Region of Murcia, is located close to the MU-503 road which leaves the town and heads for Zarzadilla de Totana, and is in many ways typical of the numerous villas which marked the colonization of rural areas in the south-east of Spain during the centuries around the birth of Christ..
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This Caravaca cycling tour includes optional stops at two archaeological sites One of two recommended short cycling trips for those who are not accompanied by small children, this route is entitled “Culture, Water and Roots” and covers a distance of approximately 50 kilometres, 70% of them on roads and the remainder on dirt tracks. Initially cyclists pass the local monument of Templete (where the ceremony of the Bathing of the Cross takes..
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A great evening out for all the family in the historic setting of the ruined Roman sanctuary 2026 is a big year for those interested in astronomy, with a solar eclipse being visible in Spain on 12th August, but apart from that there are many other events to look forward to, and this is a chance to enjoy a magical night out with the family at this “Myths and Stars” event at the archaeological sites of the 1st-century Roman sanctuary in La Encarnaci..
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Enjoy monuments in the centre of Caravaca and the natural beauty spot of Las Fuentes del Marqués! This 14-kilometre circular cycling route, taking you to many of the most iconic locations in the holy city of Caravaca de la Cruz, is a very easy one and is suitable for practically all members of the family other than the very youngest! The most natural starting and finishing point of the route is the Plaza del Arco, in the historic centre, where..
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The tower was built to regulate irrigation times in the farmland around Bullas Visitors viewing the town of Bullas in the north-west of the Region of Murcia will see two distinct towers in the skyline, and although at first sight this may appear to indicate two churches, one of these is in fact a clock tower, the Torre del Reloj. The imposing clock tower which stands at one of the highest points of the town of Bullas was built in 1900, after..
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History through heraldry in Caravaca de la Cruz! As one of the major religious pilgrimage destinations in Spain the city of Caravaca de la Cruz in north-western Murcia was also home in the Middle Ages and Early Modern period to some of the most important noble families in the south-east of the Iberian Peninsula, and this is reflected in the number of imposing official and religious buildings and impressive former noble palace-homes in the old..
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Bullas Ruta del Vino: Bodega Balcona can be visited by prior appointment Bodega Balcona is a family-run company which produces three wine labels from the grapes harvested on land in the Valle del Aceniche, and every effort is made to maintain the local viticultural and vinicultural traditions while at the same time incorporating state-of-the art technology into the production process. The land on which the vineyards of Bodega Balcona..
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Bullas Ruta del Vino: the Monastrell winery specializes in organic and vegan wine production In the highly competitive world of wine production the small winery of Bodega Monastrell in Bullas has carved out a niche for itself in the field of organic and even vegan wines, having developed a range of products derived from the grapes grown at its picturesque vineyards in the Aceniche valley. The company was formed by Alfonso and Mavi, a..
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Practical information to help you enjoy a visit to Bullas The wine installations and attractions of the Rutas del Vino of Bullas can be enjoyed and visited in a number of ways, either by individuals or groups of any size. There are five Bodegas registered with the route, two of which are in the urban town and sell wine directly from their premises and three in the countryside which only receive visitors by prior arrangement. The bodegas..
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The Bullas waterfall and rock pools offer an inland bathing alternative in the north-west of the Murcia Region The Salto del Usero is one of the most widely enjoyed natural beauty spots in the Region of Murcia, and during the summer is used as an inland beach by many of those who live in the municipality of Bullas and the surrounding area. The Salto is a spot just outside the town of Bullas where the cold water of the natural springs which..
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Astronomy and fine local produce at the historic church and ruined Roman sanctuary of La Encarnación The special summer events in Caravaca de la Cruz continue on Saturday July 26 with a “Cata con Estrellas”, which combines astronomy with wine and cheese tasting during an evening under the stars. The venue for this event is the old church of La Encarnación, which stands on the site of old 1st-century Roman ruins, while wines are provided..
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Rural houses, rooms, chalets and rental apartments in Bullas There are a range of accommodation options for those planning a visit to Bullas. These options all form part of the Rutas del Vino offering and can be booked by the night or for longer periods. For further assistance contact the Tourist Office in Bullas. Alojamientos Turísticos La Rafa Located in the picturesque countryside by the River Mula, the site of La Rafa is named..
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Enjoy coastal and inland caravanning holidays all year round in the Costa Cálida A large number of people visiting the Costa Cálida in motor homes choose to do so without booking into an official site with facilities, but the majority still prefer to relax in a designated campsite fully equipped to make their stay in the Region of Murcia as stress-free and pleasurable as possible. Hand in hand with motorhome tourism, of course, goes the traditional..
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Campers and visitors can enjoy the restaurant and open-air pool at La Rafa The La Rafa campsite and sports and tourism complex is located just outside the southern end of the built-up area of the town of Bullas, and is also within walking distance of the Salto del Usero beauty spot where bathers take a dip in the cold water of the River Mula during the summer. Sports facilities at La Rafa include an open-air swimming pool (with café-bar)..
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A 78-kilometre hiking and cycling route full of beautiful scenery and cultural and historical significance The Vía Verde del Noroeste (the Greenway of the North-west) is one of the most important ecological routes in the Region of Murcia and is also an important tourist attraction, particularly every seven years when pilgrims and hikers flock to the Holy City of Caravaca de la Cruz for the Jubilee Year. Much of the 78-kilometre greenway follows..
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The regional government has finalised the official academic calendar, including everything from nursery start dates to local bank holidays and saints' days The regional government has officially announced the school calendar for the upcoming 2026–2027 academic year in Murcia, published in the Region's official gazette (BORM). The school year kicks off in early September, but the exact date your children return depends on their age group..
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Superb winery and vineyard tours, tastings, meals and a wonderful all-round experience in the landscape of Murcia Many places in inland Murcia have recently been celebrating World Wine Tourism Day, with special events such as winery tours, museum visits, tastings and fiestas to celebrate the end of the grape-picking season, and although it might not be the main attraction of the Costa Cálida for visitors and autumn sunseekers the Region has every..
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Enjoy the city centre as you discover some of the favourite snacks of Caravaca! In 2025 the Town Hall of Caravaca de la Cruz has joined forces with local restaurants to launch a series of five easily affordable gastronomic routes in and around the city under the name of Sabores del Camino, enabling visitors (and locals!) to enjoy the local cuisine whether they are exploring for the first time or retracing familiar ground. One of these routes..
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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..
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A great evening out for all the family in the historic setting of the ruined Roman sanctuary 2026 is a big year for those interested in astronomy, with a solar eclipse being visible in Spain on 12th August, but apart from that there are many other events to look forward to, and this is a chance to enjoy a magical night out with the family at this “Myths and Stars” event at the archaeological sites of the 1st-century Roman sanctuary in La Encarnaci..
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Casa de la Cultura, Bullas houses the library, municipal archive, auditorio and offices The Casa de la Cultura is housed inside one of the buildings which dominate the Plaza de España in Bullas, the Casa Melgares.This distinctive blue and white building was built around 1925 by Don Pedro Melgares and was restored for public use by the Town hall in 1994. The building contains an eclectic combination of styles, as while the façade shows clear..
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A step back in time on the Ruta del Vino to Bullas around the year 1900 The Casa-Museo Don Pepe Marsilla in Bullas occupies a house which was originally built in the year 1723, but was remodeled in the late 19th century by one of the town’s most illustrious and forward-thinking residents, who did a great deal to drag local wine-making and other aspects of daily life into the 20th century. José Marsilla Melgares de Aguilar (1854-1930)..
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Caravaca and its neighbours Cehegín, Bullas, Calasparra and Bullas all offer a fascinating range of experiences to visitors The city of Caravaca de la Cruz is one of only 5 to have been awarded the status of “Holy Cities” by the Vatican and is celebrating its latest Holy Jubilee Year in 2024, when large numbers of pilgrims and hikers will be making their journey to the Santuario de la Santísima y Vera Cruz. But at the same time, Caravaca..
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The history of Bullas is inextricably linked with wine production Grapes and wine are an intrinsic part of the history, economy and entire way of life of the town of Bullas in the north-west of the Region of Murcia, to the extent where it is very difficult to talk about Bullas without mentioning wine and very difficult to talk about wine in Murcia without mentioning Bullas. One of the fruits of this relationship between the town and its..
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The monthly artisan market of El Zacatin in Bullas The artisan market of El Zacatín is held throughout the year on the first Sunday of each month between 10.00 and 14.00. El Zacatín is an atmospheric and popular artisan market, taking place in the centre of town in the Plazas Vieja and Castillo and was one of the early pioneers amongst the artisan markets of the region. It has a practical blend of local food goods, including wine..
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The decision means around 270 language assistants will no longer be placed in classrooms across the Region next academic year The Murcia Region has decided not to join the national programme for native language conversation assistants in schools, meaning students in the Region will not have access to it next academic year. The scheme will continue in 14 other autonomous communities, as well as in Ceuta and Melilla, where native speakers..
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The main church of Bullas was built in the 18th and 19th centuries The parish church of Bullas dominates the Plaza de España in the centre of the town, and has been one of the most recognizable landmarks in the municipality ever since its construction. It was awarded the status of National Monument in 1982 and is one of the most recognisable buildings in the municipality. The building of the church was started in the final years of the..
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Bodega San Isidro is a Co-operative from which wine can be purchased directly Over a million litres of Cepas del Zorro wine is produced at the Bodega San Isidro every year The Bodega San Isidro in Bullas is a cooperative winery located just outside the town of Bullas itself, and uses state-of-the-art production technology to produce wine which is mostly sold in bulk within the domestic Spanish market. Grapes are delivered to the winery..
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Oficina de turismo de Bullas The Tourist information office which covers the municipality of Bullas is part of the same complex housing the Museo del Vino, the Wine Museum, focusing on one of the principal activities in the area of Bullas: wine production. The tourist office can offer details of Bodegas which can be visited by the general public, as well as provide a map of the town, along with information about local accommodation and restaurants..
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Policía Local, Region of Murcia Abanilla 968 68 00 16 968 68 06 35 policiamunicipal@abanilla.es 30640 Pza. de la Constitución, 1 Abarán 968 77 00 66 968 77 04 51 Sj_pl_abaran@yahoo.es 30550 Pza. de la Zarzuela, 1 Aguilas 968 41 32 55 968 44 74 28 lorenes@hotmail.com 30880 Juan Pablo I, 1 Albudeite 968 66 75 05 968 66 76 09 albudeite2@eresmas.net 30190 Paseo de la Constitución, 2 Alcantarilla 968 80 15 00 968 89 80 09 policia@ayto..
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Tuesday is market day in Bullas: fresh fruit and veg and a range of other goods For many expats and visitors, one of the great joys of shopping in Spain is the opportunity to buy fresh products and bargain clothes in the weekly local markets, which are awash with colour and noise as shoppers jostle for space, queue to be served, stand and chat, get in each other’s way and generally socialize as they go about the business of stocking up on..
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The name of the square comes from a Bullas-born Rif War hero One of the most popular squares in Bullas is far from being the largest, but has its own character and plenty of establishments which make it one of the most picturesque and interesting parts of the town to visit. This is the Plaza del Teniente Flomesta Moya, which is unofficially known as the “Plaza Vieja” (the old square), reflecting the fact that it was replaced as the..
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The palace of the Melgares family in Bullas was built in 1925 The Casa de los Melgares is a striking palatial home which was built on the northern side of the main square of Bullas, now known as the Plaza de España, in 1925, and such is its size and its appearance that it competes for dominance of the square with the parish church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario. The palace was built on a site which was previously occupied by an inn on the..
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Bodegas Lavia, a picturesque vineyard and winery on the Bullas Ruta del Vino This D.O. Bullas vineyard is located at 800 metres above sea level Bodegas Lavia is one of the wineries on the Bullas wine route, offering visitors an opportunity to see the vineyards where the grapes are grown and the production plant where the wines of Lavia, Lavia + and Finca Paso Malo are produced, as well as tasting the end result. Bodegas Lavia is located..
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Regular markets in the north and north-west of Murcia Not all weekly markets are set in stone, and if they coincide with public holidays they may be cancelled or postponed. In addition, days can change, so if you're not sure a call to the relevant tourist office is advisable to avoid a wasted trip (click tourist offices in the region of Murcia for more information). As a general rule the weekly markets are open from 9.00 to 14.00. The..
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