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Date Published: 02/02/2026

Murcia's nature reserves see visitor boom in 2025

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Over 68,000 people explore parks through guided activities and centres

Murcia's nature reserves see visitor boom in 2025

Protected natural areas across the Region of Murcia welcomed more than 68,000 visitors in 2025, marking a steady rise in people enjoying these special spots. That's according to the latest annual report on the Visitor Information and Assistance Service, which covers everything from direct help at centres to workshops, guided walks and school programs.

Juan María Vázquez, the Minister of the Environment, Universities, Research, and the Mar Menor, couldn't hide his enthusiasm. "These figures reflect the growing public interest in learning about, enjoying, and respecting protected natural areas," he said. He also pointed out that "environmental education and outreach are key tools for ensuring the long-term conservation of our natural heritage." It's heartening to see folks getting out there, connecting with Murcia's great outdoors.

Help is on hand at four Visitor Centres and four Information Points dotted around the region.

Visitor Centres: Ricardo Codorníu in Sierra Espuña Regional Park; El Valle in El Valle and Carrascoy; Las Cobaticas in Calblanque, Monte de las Cenizas and Peña del Águila; Las Salinas in Salinas and Arenales de San Pedro del Pinatar.
Information Points: Fuente la Higuera in Sierra de la Pila (Fortuna); Sanctuary of La Esperanza in Sotos y Bosques de Ribera de Cañaverosa (Calasparra); Monte Arabí in Yecla; Coto Cuadros public forest in Murcia.

Activities really took off last year, with over 14,000 joining the 'Activity Backpack' programme. That includes treasure hunts, exhibitions, workshops and special events tied to environment days, open to families, groups and anyone curious. Schools got in on it too, with 11,800 students in 'Nature at Your Fingertips' programs, plus over 15,000 total through initiatives like ProCuadros at Coto Cuadros, where 3,306 kids learned about nature hands-on.

Standouts included visits to El Valle's Wildlife Recovery Center, popular guided tours showing off local biodiversity, and outreach at events like Science and Technology Week, reaching about 2,000 more people. It's all about making nature accessible and fun, helping everyone appreciate what makes Murcia's parks so special. If you're local, why not plan a visit? These numbers show there's something for all ages.

You might also be interested in: Sierra Espuña, a Mecca for nature enthusiasts, adventure sports and relaxation!

Images: turismoregiondemurcia

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The Astronomy and Science Centre Foundation has star-themed events and activities to delight novices and experts of all ages

Astronomy Tours stargazing and astronomical activities in Murcia

Astronomy Tours runs a whole host of astronomical activities and events in the Murcia Region, from astronomical observation sessions to a magical cruise under the stars, to really fire up an interest in the cosmic world beyond our atmosphere.

Their main base of operations is the Finca Astronomica, located close to the town of La Aljorra in the Campo de Cartagena, where you can join their astronomy tours either in the daytime or at night, all year round.

At the Finca, you’re welcomed with delicious food, drinks, a bonfire and a variety of astronomical tools and gadgets. In the summer season, they also have tours in other locations, including San Pedro del Pinatar, La Manga and Camposol, not to mention their unmissable cruise under the stars, which involves a nighttime cruise on the Mar Menor with tapas and drinks, plus a guided presentation of the night sky as you watch the galaxy glide by.

The Astronomy Tours and the Finca Astronomica are supported by the Astronomy and Science Centre Foundation, which was founded in 2019 by a group of astronomers and Starlight-certified guides and monitors in the astronomical observatories in Spain.

The purpose of the Foundation is to promote the knowledge and interest in the field of astronomy and astronomy-related sciences, which covers areas such as physics, chemistry, biology, geology, but also history, archeology, urban and medical aspects of social life, literature, art, culture and (of course) astrology.

By promoting this knowledge and getting their customers interested in astronomy, the Foundation hopes to achieve higher goals such as bringing the stars a little closer to people, and helping them to understand the importance of caring about our planet and the whole human population as a one.

To achieve those goals, the Foundation organises its day- and nighttime activities and camps which are suitable for both children and adults, and as well as this they work with Astronomy Tours stargazing and astronomical activities in Murcia

schools and organisations and write books for children to bring astronomy to the masses.

As part of this mission, they’re creating an astronomically themed park right on the Costa Cálida called the Astronomy and Science Centre which has an observatory available to the public to see the stars and the planets, and where they also promote ecofriendly and sustainable activities and closeness to nature.

The Finca Astronomica even has its own friendly and well cared for animals which live in really big spaces where people can easily enter and interact with them in their own environment.

What’s more, you can get involved in all sorts of other fun and activities for all the family at the Finca Astronomica, including glamping under the stars, stroking the animals at their petting zoo and enjoying sports like darts, archery, nerf gun fights, and many more.

This year, Finca Astronomica is excited to unveil its very own Yurt Village. Alongside the beautifully crafted wooden glamping pods, the yurts combine traditional charm with all the modern comforts including double beds, cosy carpets and plenty of shelving for your personal belongings.

But that’s not all. Each yurt comes handily equipped with light and electricity, so that you can charge your devices even as you recharge your spirit under the vast, starry sky.

This summer season is about to come alive with regular tours happening three days a week, while Adult Only Fridays are just around the corner.

Tours are available in English, Spanish and Polish.