Discover Murcia

Cultural Town Visits

The historic towns near Los Gabrieles offer a glimpse into Spain’s past, each with its own architectural treasures and local character. These compact, walkable centers are ideal for leisurely day trips, letting you explore culture without physical effort.

Just 15 minutes northeast, Jumilla features the Castillo de Jumilla, a 15th-century fortress overlooking the old quarter’s winding streets. The Iglesia de Santiago featrues a stunning Renaissance altar and religious art, while the Jerónimo Molina Archaeological Museum—open Tuesday–Sunday, free entry—displays Iberian, Roman, and Moorish artifacts. Jumilla’s Wednesday market is filled with local cheeses, olives, and crafts, connecting you to the region’s traditions.

A 20-minute drive southeast, Pinoso (Alicante province) offers a quiet charm, known for its marble and wine heritage. The neoclassical Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol and the 18th-century Clock Tower anchor the town, while its Friday market features almonds, olive oil, and handmade goods.

About 25 minutes northwest, Yecla draws visitors with the Basilica de la Purísima, a Baroque masterpiece adorned with intricate details. Its plazas, like Plaza Mayor, are lively with locals enjoying coffee or wine at outdoor cafés—perfect for people-watching. Yecla’s Saturday market offers textiles, pottery, and almonds, and the Yecla Tourism Office has walking maps for exploring its historic core.

Each town has a relaxed pace invites you to linger at cozy cafés, browse unique shops, or admire centuries-old landmarks, all away from the crowds of Spain’s more famous destinations. We can arrange full transportation, ensuring a seamless day of cultural discovery.

Local Markets Near La Buena Vida

The weekly markets of rural Spain provide windows into local life unchanged for centuries. Each town in the region hosts its own market day, where farmers, artisans, and vendors gather to sell everything from farm-fresh produce to handcrafted goods, creating vibrant, sensory-rich environments perfect for morning exploration. Market days transform ordinary town squares into bustling hubs of commerce and socialising. Stalls overflow with seasonal produce – sun-ripened tomatoes, fragrant peaches, and local specialties like Jumilla's famous pears or Cieza's perfect peaches. Farmers proudly display vegetables harvested just hours earlier, often willing to share cooking tips and recipes when they notice visitor interest.

Beyond produce, markets feature regional specialties like honey, saffron, homemade preserves, and cured meats. Cheese vendors offer samples of aged manchego and fresh goat cheeses, while bakers display crusty loaves of traditional bread alongside sweet pastries perfect for breakfast or afternoon snacks. Artisanal products range from practical to decorative – hand-tooled leather goods, traditional espadrilles, ceramics, and textiles create a colourful array of potential souvenirs far more meaningful than mass-produced alternatives found in tourist shops. The market experience extends beyond shopping. Local residents use market day as social occasion, stopping to chat with neighbours at café terraces surrounding the market. Joining them for coffee or a glass of wine provides perfect opportunities for people-watching and absorbing the rhythms of authentic Spanish life.

We can provide transportation to recommended markets and suggestions for the most interesting vendors and specialties to seek out, creating a morning of cultural exploration before rejoining your active companions for afternoon activities.

1. Jumilla

   • Location: Central Jumilla, often in Plaza de la Glorieta or nearby streets in the old town. Northeast of La Buena Vida, ~15 km via RM-422).

   • Day: Wednesdays.

   • Times: Typically runs from morning (around 8:00–9:00 a.m.) to early afternoon (2:00–3:00 p.m.).

   • Details: Jumilla’s market features fresh produce (e.g., olives, tomatoes, almonds), local cheeses, crafts, and regional specialties. It’s a bustling outdoor market, ideal for experiencing local life and gathering picnic items for winery visits.

2. Pinoso

   • Location: Central Pinoso, usually in Plaza de la Constitución or surrounding streets. Alicante province, southeast of La Buena Vida, ~20 km via CV-83

   • Day: Fridays.

   • Times: from morning to early afternoon (typically 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.).

   • Details: Pinoso’s market offers local produce like almonds, olive oil, and marble crafts, reflecting its agricultural and quarrying heritage. It’s smaller but authentic.

3. Yecla

   • Location: Central Yecla, often in Plaza Mayor or adjacent streets. Northwest of La Buena Vida, ~25 km via MU-A16.

   • Day: Saturdays.

   • Times: From morning (around 8:00–9:00 a.m.) to early afternoon (2:00–3:00 p.m.),

   • Details: Yecla’s market is larger and lively, featuring fresh fruits (e.g., peaches), vegetables, textiles, pottery, and almonds. Stalls spread across the historic centre, perfect for people-watching and shopping.

Thermal Spa Day in Fortuna

Since Roman times, the thermal waters of Fortuna have drawn visitors seeking rejuvenation and healing. Today, these natural hot springs offer a perfect counterpoint to the active pursuits enjoyed by other members of your party – a day of complete relaxation and wellness immersion. The thermal complex near Fortuna harnesses waters that emerge naturally at 44°C (111°F), rich in minerals believed to offer therapeutic benefits for various conditions. Modern spa facilities have been built around these ancient springs, creating an experience that honours tradition while providing contemporary comforts.

Your spa day might begin with a soak in thermal pools of varying temperatures, allowing your body to gradually adjust to the mineral-rich waters. Professional therapists offer specialised treatments that incorporate the thermal waters – from hydromassage sessions to therapeutic mud applications using local clay infused with the springs' minerals. Between treatments, relax in dedicated rest areas with mountain views, perhaps enjoying herbal tea or fresh fruit. Many visitors report a profound sense of relaxation and well-being that continues long after their spa day concludes – the perfect complement to an active vacation.

The thermal spa experience connects visitors to a wellness tradition that has spanned civilisations, from Roman settlers to modern-day health seekers, all while providing a thoroughly enjoyable day of pampering and rejuvenation. [Find out more]

Culinary Experiences

The gastronomic heritage of Murcia and the surrounding regions offers food enthusiasts opportunities to engage with Spanish culture through its most delicious traditions. From hands-on cooking classes to leisurely restaurant experiences, culinary adventures provide delightful alternatives to physical activities.

Cooking classes in the area typically begin at local markets, where instructors help participants select the freshest seasonal ingredients. You'll learn to prepare regional specialties like arroz caldero (a distinctive rice dish with fish), zarangollo (scrambled eggs with zucchini and onions), or paparajotes (lemon leaves dipped in sweet batter and fried). These interactive sessions not only teach techniques but share the stories behind treasured recipes passed through generations.

For those who prefer to enjoy rather than create, arrange a long, leisurely lunch at one of our recommended restaurants. The Spanish tradition of sobremesa – lingering at the table for conversation after the meal – turns lunch into a cultural experience lasting several delightful hours. Many establishments offer tasting menus of regional specialties paired with local wines, allowing you to sample a broad array of flavours in one sitting.

Specialty food producers welcome visitors for educational tastings. From cheese makers to honey producers, these visits provide insight into traditional production methods while satisfying culinary curiosity and appetite alike. The unhurried pace and sociable nature of these culinary experiences offer perfect opportunities to connect with local culture and fellow travellers while indulging in the authentic flavours that define this special corner of Spain.

Olive Mill Tours

The silvery leaves of olive trees have defined Mediterranean landscapes for thousands of years, and nowhere is this heritage more evident than in the ancient groves surrounding La Buena Vida. Visiting local olive mills offers fascinating insights into both historic traditions and modern innovation in one of Spain's most important culinary exports. Traditional mills welcome visitors to witness the complete process of olive oil production. During harvest season (typically November through January), you might see the arrival of just-picked olives and the initial crushing that begins the extraction process. Throughout the year, guided tours explain each step from tree to bottle, often including historic equipment alongside modern machinery.

The most memorable aspect of these visits is the guided tasting. Similar to wine tasting, olive oil sampling teaches visitors to identify the subtle flavours and aromas that distinguish exceptional oils – from grassy freshness to peppery finish. You'll learn to recognise different varieties and qualities, forever changing how you experience this essential ingredient. Many mills maintain small museums displaying artefacts that illustrate the evolution of olive cultivation and processing through centuries. From Roman pressing stones to vintage equipment from the early 20th century, these collections tell the story of olive oil's central role in Mediterranean life and commerce. Mill shops offer opportunities to purchase various oils directly from producers, often including varieties rarely exported or found in standard markets. These make exceptional souvenirs and gifts that capture the essence of your Spanish experience.

Local olive mills that offer tours:

1. Bodegas Silvano García (45 mins away)

   • While primarily a winery, they produce extra virgin olive oil and offer tours that include their olive oil side. The guided visit covers their production facilities, and you can taste their oil alongside wines. Combines your winery interest with olive oil, offering a two-for-one taste of Jumilla’s rural traditions.

2. Almazara Deortegas (30-40 minutes away)

   • This organic olive oil producer in nearby Yecla—another Monastrell wine hub—offers tours of their mill and olive groves. They focus on eco-friendly production, and visits include tastings of their award-winning oils (like their Picual or Cornicabra varieties). It’s a hands-on look at modern olive oil making, from pressing to bottling.
     

     Yoga among olive trees

     Almazara Deortegas offers the opportunity to enjoy a day surrounded by nature. You start the morning practicing yoga in a unique environment, outdoors and surrounded by olive trees , where your senses will open and you will create a special connection with the surrounding environment. At the end of the yoga practice, you will enjoy a healthy lunch with Deortegas Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oils, tasting all the varieties they make. What Makes It Special: Its organic focus and award-winning oils highlight a modern twist on a classic craft.
     

3. Finca El Campillo (near Pinoso, Alicante - 15-20 minutes away)

   • A smaller, family-run operation closer to Pinoso, this finca produces olive oil and sometimes opens for tours by request. It’s less formal than bigger mills—think a rustic grove walk and a peek at their press, plus a tasting. Availability depends on the season (harvest peaks October-December)

   • What Makes It Special: Its intimate, family-run vibe and proximity give it a raw, authentic edge.

4. Museo del Aceite y Almazara (Abarán, 60 minutes away)

   • This olive oil museum and working mill in Abarán offers a historical angle alongside modern production. Tours cover the old presses and current methods, ending with a tasting. It’s a bit farther but gives a broader olive culture experience. The museum aspect weaves in Murcia’s olive history, making it a rich cultural stop.

Practical Notes:

• Timing: Harvest season (fall) is best for seeing mills in action, but tastings run year-round.

• Booking: None of these are walk-in tourist traps—reservations are key, especially for smaller outfits like Finca El Campillo.