Sensorial tourism on the Region of Murcia: mindful hiking and yoga experiences enable you to reconnect with Nature in the Costa Cálida!

A range of mountain and beach activities in Murcia designed to reduce stress and anxiety levels

The Costa Cálida and the Region of Murcia are probably best-known to visitors for the climate, the beaches, the gastronomy, the landscape and the variety of sporting and active leisure attractions, but there are also a host of “sensorial tourism” and mindfulness activities which are rapidly gaining in popularity.

Some of those promoted by the regional tourist board are available only in Spanish (click here for the full selection) but those outlined below are also recommended for non-Spanish speakers with a good command of English.

Take your pick from the options and savour every moment as time stands still in the natural environment of the Region of Murcia!

Yoga on the beach

The benefits of yoga are well-known and include a reduction of blood pressure and heart rate, improved coordination and concentration and noticeable increases in concentration and digestive comfort. With these in mind Terapia Forestal offer yoga sessions in the best possible location, on the beach next to the lighthouse of Cabo de Palos in the far south-east of Murcia.

Here the sand and the see allow your neurones to make new connections, reducing stress levels, and the sessions offered at 25 euros are designed for beginners and those of intermediate level. More advanced practitioners can enquire about individual or small group sessions.

For bookings and contact information click here.

Stand-Up Paddle yoga

Paddle boards have become extremely popular over the last few years and can be seen all year round at the beaches of the Costa Cálida, and as well as healthy physical exercise they offer a perfect opportunity to enjoy yoga on the water!

This involves practising yoga while at the same time working on balance, flexibility and concentration, and of course enjoying the great coastal landscape and views. Classes cost 25 euros and usually last around an hour and a half, including a short paddle out to the spot where the activity is held.

The postures involved are simple ones at first while you get used to the moving surface and to avoiding sudden movements, and the sessions end with relaxation techniques.

All equipment is provided, including wetsuits in winter, adapted and a paddle.

For bookings and contact information click here.

Mindful reconnection with nature

Terapia Forestal also offer this Shinrin Yoku activity, allowing you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the forest and in the idea of improving the health of the planet and the people on it.

The activity lasts between two and three hours and does not require a high level of fitness: it has its origins in Japan and aims simply to promote our connection with nature, thus reducing stress and anxiety levels. Walking through the forest in almost complete silence, participants stop frequently to experience the atmosphere through all six senses – yes, six, including intuition!

There is no hurry, and one objective is to eliminate the idea of reaching a finishing line. This teaches a lesson that can then be taken back to everyday life.

The price of the activity is 25 euros: for further information and contact details click here.

Paddle board route

A relaxing tour by SUP paddle board of the small coves and beaches around the headland of Cabo de Palos, this activity (priced at 25 euros) requires participants to bring their own boards and paddles. Their reward is an unforgettable trip around the headland accompanied by the gentle splashing of the sea, with the option of donning masks and flippers to explore the underwater world.

Sunglasses, cap and suncream are recommended. For further information and bookings click here.

Mindful hiking

Aktiveco organize three Mindful Hiking activities in the spectacular mountain landscape of Sierra Espuña, allowing you to absorb the atmosphere and experience the healing energy of the “green lung” of Murcia.

The first of them includes a very leisurely 4-kilmometre route and three phases: awakening, sensorial experience and sharing. Prices vary between 12 and 18 euros per person depending on group sizes, and information and bookings are available here or by telephone on 608 301115.

Participants should wear adequate clothes and footwear and bring two litres of drinking water.

The second “Senderismo Consciente” activity lasts between 3 and 5 hours and costs between 14 and 20 euros, again depending on group size, while the third is a two-day experience in which you are totally immersed in nature in all your senses. The night is spent either open camping or in a mountain shelter or hostel.

These are just a few of the options available to you as you reconnect with nature in the Region of Murcia – take the time to enjoy them and see the world in a different light!

Source: Regional tourist board of the Region of Murcia (ITREM)