August shines bright after the heat of July. There’s fabulous fun and cool culture for all family members around the region. Stay informed online at www.costacalidachronicle.com and blog and the relevant Tourist Office websites.
BULLAS
T: 968 652 244 – Market Sat
Sunday 4th August – The El Zacatin Artisan Market will delight you from morning to early afternoon with many craft stalls of local work and produce.
Sunday 4th August – Free Guided Tour (in Spanish) reveals the wine-making history of the town, visiting a number of related properties. 12pm – a visual walk and some guides do speak English. Reserve at Tourist Office and for more information.
The popular inland beach and beauty spot of Salto del Usero, favoured for the icy cold River Mula in the heat of the summer, is being monitored to restrict users to 100 people at a time from 10am-7pm until 8th September for environmental reasons. Book online at Town Hall website or tel 642 291 506 / email
reservassaltousero@bullas.es for more info.
The La Rafa camping park open-air pool is open to the public 11am-8pm daily in August; adults 3€/children 2€.
Wine heritage info: The Casa-Museo Don Pepe Marsilla has authentic interiors. Guided tours (in English) for only 2 persons (5€ pp) or there is an audio guide system in English. The Museo del Vino has a shop with bodega prices. To visit either/info tel 968 657 211 or Tourist Office or email
casamuseodonpepe@bullas.es
CALASPARRA
T: 968 745 325 Market Fri
Support the Royal British Legion established in Calasparra.
Murcia.secretary.rbl@gmail.com
CARAVACA
T: 968 702 424 Market Mon
Sunday 18th August – Free Guided Tour (in Spanish) of the historical quarter and religious significance of the city. 11am from the castle and basilica. 1½ hrs. Leaflets and info boards in English and guides often speak English. It’s a highly visual tour from the castle down through the medieval quarter and finishes in the Plaza del Templete. Wear comfy shoes.
A museum gem explores Caravaca’s history of skilled craftsmanship and remarkable engineering. An amazing collection of miniatures portray these skills, including Caravaca’s manufacture/export of espadrilles. Calle Puentecilla No 3, Bajo, Tel 968 795 620 for open times. Info cards in English for every exhibit and easy access for those with mobility issues.
The Carlos Blanco Fadol Museum of Ethnic Instruments in Barranda, in Calle Pedrera, signposted and easy access for mobility issues. 5% of his 4,000-piece collection rotates in the space available. 3€ (reduced 2€/child 1€). English leaflets and assistants speak English. Check opening times with Tourist Office.
CEHEGÍN
T: 968 723 550 Market Wed
For info on summer events in August in Cehegin telephone 670 558 654.
Thursday 1st to 4th August – The 16th Begastri Lan Party
http://www.begastrilanparty.es with many activities for computer fans at Sala Camelot.
Saturday 3rd August – Free Concert by the Cehegín Musical Society. 10pm outside the San Esteban Convent.
Friday 9thth August – Fiestas in El Chaparral with events and music.
Wednesday 14thth August – Fiestas in Canara in honour of the Virgen de la Peña with fair, concerts and live music.
The Patio de la Sala Camelot Cinema:
Thursday 8th August – Ready Player One – 10.30pm
Friday 16th August – Cavernicola – 10.30pm
Thursday 22nd August – Mamma Mia – 10.30pm
Friday 9th August – Visit The Water Park Aquopolis in Torrevieja 10€. 9.30am at Alpargatero Square.
Saturday 17th August – Free Party @ Municipal Summer Sport Centre with music, entertainment, water games and more. 5pm.
Saturday 24th August – Musical Event and Wine Tasting @ school of wine. 10€. 9pm. Booking essential on 928 723 550
Saturday 31st August – University teacher José Juan López Espín from Cehegín will give a speech in Sala Camelot to herald the start of the major festivals.
The Archaeological See of Begastri is open on Saturdays and Sundays for tours at 9.30am / 10.30am / 11.30am. A video presentation is followed by a guided tour to see the remains of the Iberian culture before the IV century BC. 2€ pp.
The Eco Park ‘Coto de las Maravillas’ has family activities which includes zip lines, archery, nature walks and many other organised outdoor activities. They can also host any type of event. Campsite, BBQ area and kiosk-bar offering a great menu – and you can book. Open weekends 10am-5pm; weekdays prior booking. For info/bookings tel 968 069 202 Mon-Fri 9am-3pm, email
info@conexioncultura.es or visit www.cotodelasmaravillas.com
JUMILLA
T: 968 780 237 Market Tues
Sunday 4thth – Annual Fiestas combine the town’s heritage of wine picking and honour the town’s patron Virgen de la Asuncion.
Folk Festival of Moors and Christians, parades and events, including the renowned Cabalgata del Vino where thousands of litres of red wine will engulf the crowds (wear white and expect to get drenched). Contact Tourist Office for full programme.
The Convent of Santa Ana del Monte in the mountains south of Jumilla is worth a visit for the history and stunning views over town and landscape. Open to the public in summer Tues to Sat 10am-1pm and 4pm-6.30pm; Sun 10am-11.30am and 4pm-5.30pm. Follow the RM-714 south-west and signposted – 5km from town centre.
Check out the Archaeological Museum (tel: 968 757 379) and the Ethnography & Natural Sciences Museum (968 780 740) which also offer various workshops for all the family at various times.
Wine buffs can contact a choice of 15 bodegas affiliated to the Ruta del Vino for guided visits for small groups or individuals, and to buy produce. Liaise with bodegas as most will attempt to coordinate groups and provide a relevant language-guide or enquire at Tourist Office.
MORATALLA
T: 968 730 208
Tours to the Rock Art of Moratalla encapsulate prehistoric to medieval styles and worthy of its UNESCO World Heritage status. Several routes/modes of transport – www.turismomoratalla.com or
info@turismomoratalla.com or tel 696 807 037
MULA
T: 968 661 501 Market Sat
Check out the El Cigarralejo museum and the Casa Pinatada which have several new exhibitions – info at the tourist office.
MURCIA
T: 968 358 749
Discover the contemporary arts centre Centro Parraga in the city centre. Tel 968 351410; info@centroparraga.com
Catch the following in August:
Fernando de Retes Exhibition focuses on innovative architecture and design. Espacio 2 from Mon-Fri (until 15th September) 9am-8pm. Free admission.
Exhibition of the way fanzines can be used as a means of feminist emancipation by Murcian artist Gelen Alcantar. Espacio 3. Free entry from Mon-Fri. 9am to 8pm (until 8th September).
History buffs can visit three venues dedicated to the 12th century Moorish ruler Ibn Mardanis, referred to as ‘El Rey Lobo’ (the Wolf King) at the Museo Arqueologico de Murcia, the Museo de Santa Clara and the San Juan de Dios complex (until 1st December).
Exhibition focusing on the palatial gardens and agriculture of this 12th century King of Murcia (until 30th September). Visit the Palacio de San Esteban to see this and an Andalusian garden in the Moorish style, open to the end of 2019. Info from Tourist Office.
Terra Natura Wildlife Park is offering twilight tours (in Spanish) Tues-Sat. 8pm on foot, (suitable for all ages). 15€ to include supper. Bring a torch. 3 hours. Some keepers speak English – info boards in dual languages. Prior booking essential on 968 368 200 or visit www.terranatura.com
The waterpark and wildlife park are open daytime as usual.
YECLA
T: 968 754 104 Market Wed
Visit Deortegas Almazara to learn about their olive oil production and buy. Limited places. 8€ pp includes a blind tasting of various oils, a healthy breakfast and a comprehensive guide to the nutritional benefits, origins, production techniques and much more. English-speaking staff pre-booked on request.
Tel 968 969 644
Email info@deortegas.com
www.deortegas.com