If there is a destination that you must visit in the region of Murcia, without a doubt, it is Alhama de Murcia, a charming place that offers a wide range of options to enjoy your holidays.
With more than 2,000 years of history in its streets, its inhabitants are proud to keep their traditions, culture and landscapes alive. That makes this great little municipality the ideal space to receive tourists from all over the world.
We present our 10 reasons to visit Alhama de Murcia:
1. Protected regional parks: Alhama de Murcia has large, protected parks that embellish the landscapes of the entire region.
A remarkable diversity of natural areas makes its visitors fall in love. These include the Sierra Espuña Regional Park, the El Valle and Carrascoy Regional Park, the Barrancos de Gebas Protected Landscape and the Saladares del Guadalentín Protected Landscape.
2. Architectural heritage: Alhama de Murcia has an architectural catalogue rich in history.
Well-preserved spaces date back centuries and preserve the stories that led them to become part of the local heritage.
The Castle of Alhama de Murcia and the Los Baños Archaeological Museum, among others, form part of the community’s heritage legacy.
3. Festivities and traditions: Every February 3, Candlemas day is celebrated in honour of the Virgin. A pilgrimage is made to accompany her to the church.
The “Mayos de Alhama Murcia” are held on the first weekend of May. A rag doll is placed at the doors of each house; the doll is dressed in old clothes from each house and is painted with human features before being walked through the streets. This celebration aims to make a social criticism.
4. Varied gastronomy: The area’s typical dishes have kept the essence of its people alive. Because the region of Murcia is an area of agricultural, livestock and sea producers, its local gastronomy is filled with the results of their work.
Some good Murcian migas, a well-presented partridge “al ajo cabañil”, a “cocido murciano” or a large “olla gitana” will make the visit full of flavour.
5. Guided tours: There is no better way to get to know a new tourist destination than with the help of a local who shows you the small details that the place hides.
The dramatized guided tours carried out by the City Council, many of them free, are ideal for those who seek to know more about the population than what is seen.
6. Bars, pubs and cafes: There is a wide variety of options for hanging out, including for all tastes and occasions. Whether it's a casual date, a meeting with friends or an informal celebration, with different themes and atmospheres, you can enjoy a different and pleasant moment in Alhama de Murcia.
7. Children's areas: There are also places for recreation and fun so that the smallest members of the household can enjoy their visit to Alhama de Murcia.
8. Walking routes through Sierra Espuña: If you want to walk between mountains until you reach the top and enjoy the whole panorama, the different routes through Sierra Espuña are your best option.
There are different starting points, with or without stops, but with a single objective: to enjoy the Sierra Espuña trails.
9. Camping areas: In Alhama de Murcia, there are different sites to camp in the middle of nature or inside a pleasant cabin.
There’s no better way to get in touch with nature, the environment and the earth.
10. Mercado de Abastos: This is the meeting place for all inhabitants and visitors. It dates from the 20th century and every Tuesday the market is held there. You need to visit this place when you are in Alhama de Murcia.