Hey it’s July! The height of summer when the great outdoors is calling; but seek out events in the cool of the evening and under cover – so enjoy the choice. Stay informed online with the Chronicle website and blog and the relevant tourist office websites.
BULLAS
www.bullas.es
T: 968 652 244 Market Sat
Sunday 7th July – Free Guided Tour (in Spanish) 10.30am of the Casa-Museo Don Pepe Marsilla which reflects life in 1900, fully furnished and is a visual treat for non-Spanish visitors.
Sunday 7th July – El Zacatin Artisan Market will also delight you from morning to early afternoon.
Sunday 7th July – Free Guided Tour (in Spanish) reveals the wine-making history of the town, visiting a number of related properties. 12pm with a visual walk (some guides do speak English). Reservation and more information at Tourist Office.
Saturday 13th July – Free Guided Tour (in Spanish) to explore the wine-making heritage of the town and includes a number of modernist houses and the clock tower, the Torre del Reloj. Finishes with a wine tasting.
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, Tourist Office or email
casamuseodonpepe@bullas.es
CALASPARRA
www.turismocalasparra.es
T: 968 745 325 Market Fri
Support the Royal British Legion established in Calasparra.
Murcia.secretary.rbl@gmail.com
For action-packed fun: Canon y Canon Multiaventuras – offers bungee jumping, zipline, paintball, rafting, canyoning, hiking and more. Tel: 654 911 510 (English); or go through the Tourist Office.
CARAVACA
www.turismocaravaca.org
T: 968 702 424 Market Fri
Sunday 21st July – Free Guided Tour (in Spanish) of historical quarter and religious significance of the city. 11am from the castle and basilica. Approx. 1.5 hours. 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. Park 15-min walk away outside the old quarter.
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 79 56 20 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 will enthral musos. Calle Pedrera, Barranda. 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
www.turismocehegin.es
T: 968 723 550 Market Wed
For info on summer events in July & August tel 968 740 606.
The first week of July sparks into life with fiestas in honour of St John the Baptist: a fair, concerts and live music acts.
Saturday 27th July – The school of wine hosts a Micro-Concert and wine-tasting of DO Bullas wines. 9pm. 7€ adult and 3€ children. Book at Tourist Office.
The Archaeological See of Begastri is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-2pm. A video presentation is followed by a guided tour to see the remains of the Iberian culture before the IV century BC.
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
www.cotodelasmaravillas.com
JUMILLA
www.jumilla.org
T: 968 780 237 Market Tues
Saturday 20th July – VIII Charity 10km & 6.1km Run
8.30pm start. All proceeds to Dravet Syndrome Foundation. 12€
www.intercrono.es
Saturday 27th July – The annual Free Open-Air Concert 9pm with the Julian Santos outdoor town bands festival in the Plaza de Arriba.
Sunday 28th July – The annual Classical Theatre Festival in the Plaza de Arriba.
Tuesday 30th July – The annual “Ciudad De Jumilla” Folk Music & Dance Festival at Bodegas San Isidro. 9pm
Through to 20th July – seven wineries are hosting Musical Dinner And Wine-Tasting Saturday Evenings: Luzon; Madrid Romero, Bodegas San Isidro or BSI, Bodegas Hacienda del Carche-Casa de la Ermita, Vina Elena, Bodegas Vina Campanero and Bodegas Ribera del Jua. 28€ pp. Contact Tourist Office or bodega direct for information.
The Convent of Santa Ana del Monte in the mountains south of Jumilla are worth a visit for the history and stunning views over town and landscape. Open to the public in summer from Tuesday to Saturday 10am-1pm and 4pm-6.30pm; Sundays 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 (tel 968 780 740) which also offer 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 through Tourist Office.
MORATALLA
www.ayuntamientomoratalla.net
T: 968 730 208 Market Sat
11th – 17th July – Running of the Bulls Fiesta
Full details from Tourist Office nearer the time.
Tours to the Rock Art of Moratalla are available encapsulating prehistoric to medieval styles and worthy of its UNESCO World Heritage status. There are several routes and modes of transport. Details on www.turismomoratalla.com or request information via
info@turismomoratalla.com
Tel 696 807 037
MULA
www.mula.es
T: 968 661 501 – Market Sat
Check out the El Cigarralejo Museum and the Casa Pinatada which have several new exhibitions. Info at Tourist Office.
MURCIA
www.turismodemurcia.es
T: 968 358 749
Until 30th July on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Free Guided Visits to the San Esteban archaeological dig in the city centre, a residential quarter of 12th century Moorish Murcia excavation. Visits approx. 30 mins start at 8pm at the corner of Calle Jeronimo de Roda and Calle Portillo San Antonio; in Spanish. Max 40 people. Reserve via https://www.estrategiamurcia.es/proyectos-estrategicos/san-esteban/visitar-el-yacimiento/
3rd – 7th July – The Malecon Gardens host Open-Air Concerts & Comedy on the north bank of the River Segura. Gates open at 8.30pm for a 10pm start each night. See www.lasnochesdelmalecon.com for events and pricing.
Discover the Contemporary Arts Centre Centro Parraga in Murcia City centre.
Tel 968 351410
info@centroparraga.com
Until 21st July – A Blanca Garcia Exhibition entitled ‘Acme’ – A 21st century medieval fable. Free entry. Mon-Fri. 9am-8pm.
Thursday 4th July–15th September – Fernando de Retes Exhibition focuses on innovative architecture and design. Espacio 2 from Mon-Fri. 9am-8pm. Free admission.
Through to 8th September – Free entry to an exhibition of the way fanzines can be used as a means of feminist emancipation by Murcian Artist Gelen Alcantar. Espacio 3 from Mon-Fri. 9am-8pm.
The Sala Veronicas hosts an exhibition by the Blanca-based Artist, Pedro Cana. Images inspired by the Albanian refugees who crossed the Adriatic to Italy in 1991. Free entry Tue-Sat. 10am-2pm & 5pm-8pm; Sun 10am-2pm.
YECLA
www.turismo.yecla.es
T: 968 754 104 Market Wed
Visit Deortegas Almazara to learn about their olive oil production and buy. Limited places – they will try to fit you in with a group or accommodate your group. 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 has to be pre-booked on request.
Tel 968 969 644
Email info@deortegas.com
www.deortegas.com