Walking Near the Murcia Golf Resorts: Sierra Espuña, Calblanque and More

The best walking near the Murcia golf resorts is in Sierra Espuña, a 17,800-hectare regional park of pine forest rising to about 1,583 metres, and at Calblanque, a protected stretch of undeveloped coast near La Manga. Both have waymarked trails from under an hour to a full day, and October to May is the best season to walk.

Anyone who notices how green the hills behind the resorts are soon starts wondering: "Where can we walk?" More places than most people expect. Golf may be the reason many owners come, but the countryside is what keeps a lot of them here. Here are the walks I recommend most.

Where are the best walks near the golf resorts?

The two highlights are Sierra Espuña, inland, and Calblanque, on the coast. Both are protected regional parks with marked paths, visitor information and parking.

Which is closer depends on where you live. Alhama Nature at Condado de Alhama sits in the municipality of Alhama de Murcia, one of the gateways to Sierra Espuña. From the Mar Menor side, including Serena Breeze in Los Alcázares and the La Torre, Roda and Mar Menor Golf resorts, Calblanque is the easier trip.

What is Sierra Espuña like for walking?

Sierra Espuña is the region's great green mountain. The regional park covers about 17,800 hectares across Alhama de Murcia, Totana, Mula, Aledo, Librilla and Pliego, and rises to around 1,583 metres.

Much of the pine forest you see today was replanted from 1891 onwards, after centuries of felling had left the hills bare. The visitor centre, named after Ricardo Codorníu, the forestry engineer who led that work, is the best place to start, with maps and advice on routes.

The park has 11 marked trails. A few good starting points:

*Source: Barceló walking guide to Murcia and Spain.info. Always check route conditions at the visitor centre before you set out.*

High up the mountain, at around 1,400 metres, are the Pozos de la Nieve: 25 large circular snow wells dating from the 16th century. Workers packed winter snow into them and carried the ice down to the towns in summer. Look out too for the endemic Espuña squirrel and birds of prey such as golden eagles.

Can you walk at Calblanque?

Yes, and it is one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in south-east Spain. The Parque Regional de Calblanque, Monte de las Cenizas y Peña del Águila protects undeveloped beaches, fossil dunes and coves about 4 km from the southern end of La Manga.

Playa Larga is the best known beach, with quieter coves such as Negrete and Parreño to the west. A short walk from the main car park to the Mirador de Punta Negra takes about 50 minutes.

For a bigger view, climb Monte de las Cenizas, a 6 km round trip with about 155 metres of ascent from near Playa del Lastre, close to Portmán. At the top is the Batería de las Cenizas, a coastal battery built between 1930 and 1934, whose two huge Vickers guns are still in place.

In summer, private car access to the beaches is regulated and visitors may need to use authorised transport. The Las Cobaticas visitor centre has the latest information.

What other walks are worth the drive?

A few more are worth a day out once you have explored the two big parks.

Cañón de Almadenes, near Cieza. The River Segura has carved a canyon with walls up to about 100 metres high. A circular route of about 10 km follows the GR-127, and the area is also known for rafting and rock art.

Puentes Colgantes de Ojós. An easy 5.5 km walk with hanging footbridges over the Segura, popular with families and grandchildren.

Fuentes del Marqués, Caravaca de la Cruz. A gentle 2 km walk to springs and gardens below the town, easily combined with a visit to the old town.

Salto del Usero, Bullas. A natural pool and waterfall near Bullas. Summer access is by timed slots booked in advance, and it pairs well with a visit to Bullas's bodegas.

With children or grandchildren. The easiest walks are the 2.2 km Ricardo Codorníu loop in Sierra Espuña, the hanging bridges at Ojós and the Fuentes del Marqués in Caravaca. At Calblanque, the short walk to the Punta Negra viewpoint suits most ages, with a beach at the end as a reward.

When is the best time to walk in Murcia?

October to May is the best season. Daytime highs are typically 17 to 26°C, the light is clear and spring brings wild flowers to the hills.

In summer, walk early in the morning or not at all. Temperatures can pass 35°C, there is little shade on the coast, and fire restrictions sometimes apply in the mountains.

Each season has its own appeal. Winter brings the clearest air and long views from Sierra Espuña, and occasionally a dusting of snow on the tops. Spring is the greenest time, with almond blossom early in the year and wild flowers into April. Autumn, after the first rains, is quiet and mild, and the coast at Calblanque is at its most peaceful.

Whatever the season, take plenty of water, sun protection and proper footwear, and tell someone your route. Mobile coverage can be patchy in the sierra.

We arrange and accompany viewing trips across the resorts, and if you love walking we're happy to show you where the trails start, so you can see how the countryside fits into everyday life here.

FAQ

Where is the best hiking near Murcia?

Sierra Espuña, a 17,800-hectare regional park near Alhama de Murcia and Totana, with 11 marked trails and peaks around 1,583 metres.

How long are the walks in Sierra Espuña?

They range from about 45 minutes (the 2.2 km Ricardo Codorníu loop) to around 5 hours (the 16 km Pedro López route).

Can you drive to Calblanque beach?

Outside summer, yes, on a dirt road from the RM-12. In summer, car access is restricted and visitors may need authorised transport.

What are the Pozos de la Nieve?

They are 25 snow wells from the 16th century at about 1,400 metres in Sierra Espuña, used to store winter snow as ice for the towns.

When is the best time to go walking in Murcia?

October to May, when highs are typically 17 to 26°C. In summer, walk early in the morning.

If you'd like to see some great new homes and how close they are to Sierra Espuña and Calblanque, we should talk. Message me on WhatsApp on +44 7424 864 684 or send an enquiry and I'll get straight back to you.

About the author — Lee Doherty is the founder of MedSol Real Estate. He spent two years researching the region before buying here himself, and now helps UK and international buyers find golf-resort homes across the Region of Murcia.