Until October 11 Discover Murcia's Ricote Valley through music, food and nature

The Murmullo Festival offers visitors a chance to explore one of the Region of Murcia's most distinctive landscapes at a leisurely pace

The Ricote Valley offers a very different side of the Region of Murcia, where citrus groves, mountain scenery and the Segura River come together with centuries-old irrigation systems and historic villages.

This autumn, visitors have an extra reason to explore the area as the Murmullo Festival brings music, food, culture and outdoor experiences to four municipalities across four consecutive weekends.

Running until October 11, the second edition of the festival takes place in Ojós, Ricote, Ulea and Villanueva del Río Segura. Concerts featuring regional, national and international artists are being held in outdoor settings, while the wider programme encourages visitors to discover the valley at a more relaxed pace.

Music is only part of the experience, with guided routes, local food, craft markets and activities offering an insight into the traditions and everyday life of the area.

Each of the four towns has its own character. In Ojós, visitors can explore the citrus groves and follow the Route of the Bridges, which crosses the Segura River using a series of footbridges.

Ricote offers a glimpse into the valley's Moorish past and is considered one of the last strongholds of Moorish culture in the Levante region. Its historic irrigation network includes water channels, waterwheels, cisterns and other structures that reveal how important the management of water has been to life in the valley over the centuries.

Ulea provides a quieter experience, with views across the orchards and a reputation for traditional local food. It's the kind of place where taking your time is very much part of the appeal.

Meanwhile, Villanueva del Río Segura sits in a particularly attractive position overlooking the river, providing panoramic views across the surrounding valley and its distinctive landscape.

Visitors wanting to make a longer trip of their festival visit can also explore some of the area's walking and cultural routes. The Senda de los Moriscos, or PR-8, passes through the Umbría de Ricote, combining mountain scenery with historical remains, while other itineraries link traditional water infrastructure with the area's historic manor houses.

Rural accommodation and agritourism properties also provide the opportunity to stay among the orchards rather than simply visiting for the day, making it possible to experience the valley at an even slower pace.

The festival began on September 19 and runs until October 11, with events taking place across four consecutive weekends in Ojós, Ricote, Ulea and Villanueva del Río Segura.

For anyone looking to discover an inland corner of the Region of Murcia, Murmullo provides a chance to combine live music with local food, walking, history and some of the region's most distinctive scenery.

Full festival details, including the programme and information about activities and bookings, are available at the official Murmullo Festival website.

Source: ITREM

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