Region of Murcia and Costa Calida by bike via the Vias Verdes

The green way for pilgrims by bike

This cycling tour follows the Greenway of the North West through the Region of Murcia. From the traditional countryside of Mula to the Holy City of Caravaca de la Cruz, you will discover exceptional landscapes, welcoming villages that have a very rich heritage as well as gastronomy and wines. This cycling trip in Spain passes through the villages of Mula, Pliego, Bullas, Cehegín and Caravaca de la Cruz.

Points of interest :

• The medieval quarter of the village of Mula
• Bullas vineyards
• The Sanctuary of Vera Cruz de Caravaca
• The natural, historical and cultural wealth of the Caravaca countryside.

Day 1: Arrival in Murcia in Spain

Arrival in Murcia. Night in a 4 * hotel.

Day 2 : Murcia-Molina de Segura-Campos del río-Mula - 54 km

 
You follow the route of La Ñora, through the countryside of Murcia and its magnificent gardens to the Contrapartida, birthplace of the Huerta de Murcia. You then continue on the Green Way towards Mula through arid landscapes with a lunar aspect. The end of this cycling stage will be marked by the appearance of the fortress of Mula which, from the top of its rocky peak, guards the city. Overnight in a rural hotel.

Day 3: Mula-Pliego-Mula - 31 km

Continue your cycling holiday in Spain enjoying the landscapes of the Mula and Pliego countryside, living testimonies of the ancient Moorish irrigation systems. The route will take you to the village of Pliego along the Ecotourism Water Route. A second stage of discovery which will also allow you to explore the old quarters of Mula. Overnight in a rural hotel.

Day 4: Mula-Bullas-Cehegín-Canara-Cehegín-Caravaca de la Cruz - 45 km

Optional tour through the valley of the Argos river and Canara: +16 km
The Voie Verte takes you to the Northwest Canton. You cross tunnels and viaducts to the foot of the mountain range which overlooks the wine town of Bullas. Make a first stop in Bullas before reaching the charming village of Cehegín. Discover its magnificent district populated by Baroque palaces. Then, direction Caravaca de la Cruz by the green way. If you wish, we recommend that you take the optional loop through the valley of the Argos river, between olive trees and carnation greenhouses. Back to Cehegín, continue on the Green Way towards Caravaca and its sanctuary. Overnight in a charming hotel.

Day 5: Caravaca de la cruz-Moratalla-Caravaca de la cruz - 48 km

The visit to the Comarca del Noroeste is completed with that of the medieval village of Moratalla. The beautiful circuit that will take you there will take you along quiet roads lined with olive trees and large fields of cereals. You continue this stage with a visit to the old quarter of Moratalla, its Renaissance churches and medieval fortresses. Overnight in a charming hotel.

 
Day 6: Caravaca de la Cruz-Archivel-La Encarnación-Caravaca de la Cruz - 49 km

 
This last stage is devoted to the discovery of the surrounding countryside of Caravaca. Between irrigation canals and springs that spring from the rocks, discover the historical and natural wealth of these places which are full of traces of past civilization. The gentle climb to the village of Archivel crosses the valley of the Argos river and the beautiful hills dotted with almond, olive and peach trees. Archivel is the highlight of our day and the start of a long descent to the small village of La Encarnación, passing through many springs, orchards and other hamlets.

Take a gastronomic break at La Encarnación before returning to Caravaca de la Cruz by crossing the parade of La Encarnació, an archaeological hotspot in Spain. Paleolithic, Argaric, Iberian, Roman, Muslim and Christian sites are concentrated here. A final climb between the apricot and wheat fields and you can admire the high sanctuary of Caravaca. Overnight in a charming hotel.

Day 7 :  End of the cycling tour in Spain after breakfast.

Option for one more day: Walk around Murcia - 35 km
Beautiful stage in the surrounding countryside of Murcia, the Huerta, along the millennial irrigation canals punctuated by old mills and rich vegetation. Discovery of the old quarters of Murcia with its magnificent baroque cathedral and its small streets. The end of this circuit culminates at the Sanctuary of La Fuensanta which dominates the valley from the top of its hill.

General informations :

• 7 days and 6 nights
• Standard version accommodation comfort level: 3/4 * (local standards)
• Child rates: contact us

The dates :

Departure every day from March to November 2024

• High season (including Holy Week): 24/03 to 31/03 and 15/06 to 15/09

Included :

• Self-guided online tour
• 6 nights in a 3/4 * hotel
• Luggage transfer.
• Roadbook.

Not included :

• Entrances and visits to monuments and museums
• The insurance
• Return transport
• Lunches and dinners not included
• Bike rental.

The options :

• VTC or electric bike rental
• Transfer Alicante - Murcia by train or bus or private transport
• Half pension
• Insurance.

Levels :

1 2 3 4 5 6
 
Ground :

Hilly circuit level 2 - Small roads with little traffic away from cars.
 
Weather :

Temperate Mediterranean climate with hot summers.
 
Technicality:

Cycling: 31 to 60 km per day or 3 to 5 hours of cycling.
Partly marked itinerary, useful roadbook and map reading.
 
Meals:

- Breakfasts: generous (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, butter, bread, jam, orange juice)
- Lunch: not included
- Dinner: not included.
 
The bike :

- Rental bike: mountain bikes suspended at the front with disc brakes, mudguard and luggage rack, with 1 bag.
- Possibility to rent electric bikes.
If you rent a bicycle, it will be given to you on the day of your arrival at the 1st hotel.
A security deposit will be requested.
At the end of the circuit, you must leave this bike at the last hotel and notify reception, its return is included in the rental price.
 
- Personal bicycle: We do not recommend bicycles with small tires. Hybrid bikes and mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to check your bicycle before setting off.

 
Assistance:

Assistance in case of breakdown (except punctures for which we do not intervene).
 
Luggage:

They are transported by a courier or by our team and limited to one piece of luggage per person (max. 20 kg).
 
Roadbook :

We will provide you with detailed maps and a description of the routes when you arrive at the first hotel with vouchers for hotels and restaurants as well as luggage labels.
 
Transport :

- By road: Alicante is about 1000 km from the French border. Highways to Alicante.
- By plane: Alicante airport.
- By train or plane: Transfer - Alicante Murcia 12 € (indicative prices).

 
Cancellation insurance :

In order to guarantee the reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance. To learn more about insurance, click here.