Active tourism, landscape and views, history and local gastronomy in the north-west of Murcia

The town of Moratalla in the north-west of the Region of Murcia offers visitors a variety of rewarding experiences, mostly involving the mountains and views provided by the landscape, the historic town centre, the rhythm of rural life and of course the local gastronomy. But if you’re planning to see the town and the area in just one day, the regional tourist board has the following suggestions for packing in a range of different activities, some on foot and others by car, making a complete and memorable trip for all the family with a little healthy exercise thrown in!

Morning: go up to the Castle and take a walk through the old town

Start your day with the climb up to the castle or fortress of Moratalla, standing on top of the hill where the settlement was first established. The fortress has been restored and can be visited, with its hilltop location affording great views out over the valley below – this is your first point of contact with local history, and at the same time a walk along the castle walls will help you get your bearings for the rest of the day!

Leaving the castle, stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets and squares of the old town, admiring the traditional façades of the buildings which maintain the typical rustic look of the north-west of Murcia. During the spring, when the fruit trees are in blossom, and when the local fiestas and other events are being held, you’ll see the town at its finest!

Don’t miss the Teatro Trieta and the other cultural venues, which again are particularly busy during the local festivities, and then it’ll be time for a spot of lunch!

Lunchtime: the local gastronomy and some lovely views

For lunch, as ever the recommendation is to opt for the local cuisine, which, as you would expect in this rural community, features hearty and locally sourced dishes (such as migas, seasonal stews and game hunted in the mountains). Then, to help your digestion, head for one of the “miradores” (viewing points) and admire the almond and pine groves, interrupted by river valleys and floodwater channels – a spectacular example of the landscape of inland Murcia.

Afternoon: Las Pozas del Río Alhárabe and walking routes around the Calar de la Santa

Two contrasting offers for your afternoon activities:

1) Pozas del Río Alhárabe

About 7 or 8 kilometres from the town centre are the “pozas” or freshwater pools of the River Alhárabe (also known as the Pozas de Somogil), a series of natural pools and weirs and small waterfalls, ideal for enjoying a country walk, and, weather permitting, a dip in the very refreshing water! The area is reached on foot from the nearby campsite (Camping La Puerta) or along other paths along the course of the river: make sure you are equipped with appropriate footwear and neoprene shoes for walking in the water.

2) Walking routes around the Calar de la Santa / the valley and local paths

If you prefer walking and hiking, the paths in the area of El Calar de la Santa (which belong to the local network of walking routes and are marked in local guides) offer a combination of landscape, viewing points and, in some cases, prehistoric rock art. The range of circular routes includes various distances and degrees of difficulty; make your choice based on your level of fitness and how much daylight remains!

Seasonal recommendations and precautions

Spring and autumn are, for most people, the perfect times of year to visit, with their milder temperatures and the promise of fruit blossom in spring and lavender fields in autumn as well as the most comfortable meteorological conditions for walking.

Summer: if you choose the Pozas in July and August be wary of the strength of the sun and the possibility that the small pools can become crowded. Take plenty of drinking water and avoid the heat of the middle of the day.

Other precautions: Please respect the rules regarding visits to the countryside and avoid leaving litter. Make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear and check on the conditions of the river before you rush into the Pozas – they can become dangerous following heavy rainfall. For more adventurous routes, take a map of a GPS tracker and make sure someone is aware of your planned route.

Autumn 2025

If you’re coming to Moratalla this autumn, you might want to catch the Lavandaland Festival, a celebration of the local lavender which is the only event of its kind in the Region of Murcia.

There is even a tourism project known as “Moratalla, Territorio Lavanda”, in which the schedule includes not only nature but also art, gastronomy and local traditions. Throughout the autumn, visitors can sign up for walks in the lavender fields, workshops involving natural products, arts and crafts demonstrations and musical events in natural surroundings: click here for further details.

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