REC.ON Project

Planning on heading out hiking in the Sierra María-Los Vélez Natural Park (20 minutes' drive)? Then pack a map, a wide-brimmed hat, some sunscreen and more water than you think you’d need. As well as the spectacular views to be had from the summits, there's a lot of wildlife in these hills, with mountain goats, tortoises and birds of prey being among the most common spots. After strolling through the backstreets of Vélez-Rubio, take a trip to see its twin town, Vélez-Blanco (20 minutes), where there's an impressive hilltop castle to inspect (best admired from afar over an ice-cool drink). Lorca (40 minutes) has a fearsome fortress that's well worth investigating too; there are also museums here on archeology, embroidery and other local Murcian crafts. Seeking sunny southern shores? Beach towns like Calarreona and San Juan de los Terreros are about an hour's drive. Up for something more strenuous than just lounging by the sea? Get onto the folks at Lunar Cable Park (55 minutes), a wet and wild wakeboarding spot – you can also check out their ninja park, kayak hire and live music events.