17 – 20 of March
Our yearly escape from Valencia’s las Fallas festival takes places in Murcia this year. We will hike in the best spots of the province, like Sierra Espuña, and explore the coast near Cartagena.
| March 17 | Meet at Mestalla stadium at 9:00 |
| Hike Monte de las Cenizas – medium, 9.3km 422m+ | |
| Check-in to our hotel | |
| March 18 | Path of Pedro López (Sierra Espuña) – medium/high, 15km 550m+ |
| Relaxing evening in Cartagena | |
| March 19 | Hike to Murallas de King Kong – easy, 7.5km 335m+ |
| Visit Murcia | |
| March 20 | Easy hike to Castillo de Galeras |
| Visit la Manga del Mar Menor | |
| Return to Valencia around 18:00 |
Sierra Espuña
The Southeast of Spain hides one of the most beautiful natural corners full of history on the entire European continent. It is in the Region of Murcia, a place of unmistakable Mediterranean influences where its dense pine forest has recreated one of the natural settings with the greatest environmental and human wealth. It is the Sierra Espuña Regional Park, one of the most complete ecotourism destinations in the area. Located about 40 kilometers from the city of Murcia and 50 from the Murcian coast, its diversity of landscapes is only the first reason why it is worth visiting.
Pedro López boasts at an altitude of 1,568m, the second highest summit of Sierra Espuña. The position of this route enables walkers to enjoy beautiful views of the valley. The magnificent 360º panoramic view ensures a treat of spectacular sunsets.
Sierra Espuña · Parque Regional | Destino ecoturístico
Murallas de King Kong
Perhaps when you read the name the Walls of King Kong, your mind moves you to Vietnam, the Empire State Building or any other setting from the mythical movie about this gorilla. But these walls are much closer than we think and, although you will not meet any gorillas, you will be able to enjoy an impressive landscape that could well be the setting of a movie.
The King Kong Walls are located in the Valle y Carrascoy Regional Park, in the Murcia region. It’s the enormous limestone walls that stand out within this park and that can be seen from such emblematic places as El Relojero or the Cresta del Gallo (another rock formation, with a dark red color reminiscent of a rooster’s crest). In these mountains you can see rocks with curious shapes. One of them is the one that gives the name to the walls since there are those who see similarities with the face of the gorilla.
Source: MasAlladelBarrio.com
Monte de las Cenizas
Monte de las Cenizas is the name given to a 307-meter hill inside the Regional Park of Calblanque, Monte de las Cenizas and Peña del Águila. The place used to be very important for the defense of Cartagena, which is why in the area you can see military constructions and two impressive 88-tonne Vickers cannons, with a 35-kilometer range. These cannons are identical to those installed in Castillitos, Tiñoso Cape. As legend has it, when the cannons were fired, people in Cartagena would know because of their noise, which sometimes even cause some glasses to shutter to pieces. Trekking to this area is very easy, even for kids, who will love to have pictures taken next to the Vickers cannons and the facilities in general. The trail is lovely because there are wonderful views of the Bay of Portmán, Mar Menor and the entire coast of Calblanque.
Source: AllYouNeedinMurcia.com
La Manga del Mar Menor
La Manga del Mar Menor, 20+ kilometer strip of land separating the Mediterranean Sea from the Mar Menor Salt Lake, from the town of Cabo de Palos (lighthouse) to Las Salinas, in San Pedro del Pinatar. La Manga, with a width ranging from 100 to 1,200 meters, connects with Mar Menor through channels called “golas”, where both bodies of water meet. The central gola (called El Estacio) connecting to the marina, and the Marchamalo gola (to the North), were both widened to favor access. The Ventorrillo and El Charco golas in the weir area, are both natural.
There are a number of volcanic islands on both sides of La Manga: La Perdiguera, Isla Mayor (also known as Isla del Barón), Isla del Ciervo, Isla del Sujeto and Isla Redonda (or Rondella) in the Mar Menor Salt Lake, and Isla Grosa, Islas Hormigas and Islote Farallón in the Mediterranean Sea.
Source: AllYouNeedinMurcia.com
Cartagena
The city of Cartagena is located on five small hills called: Monte de la Concepción, Cerro del Molinete, Monte de San José, Monte Sacro and Cerro de Despeñaperros.
It is a port city open to the Mediterranean Sea through a wide bay. The port of Cartagena currently has two docks. On the one hand, that of Escombreras, where different industries are located, and on the other that of the city itself. Between the two is the closest of our beaches, Cala Cortina, equipped with all the necessary equipment.
The natural port of Cartagena, is delimited by the island of Escombreras (to the east) and the hill of La Torrosa (to the west). Its entrance is guarded by a series of castles and coastal batteries built in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Accommodation – Hotel Los Habaneros
This modern hotel is located in central Cartagena, opposite the tourist office and the ancient city walls. Cartagena´s train and bus stations are within a 3-minute walk.
All rooms at Los Habaneros are air-conditioned and spacious. They have a TV, work desk, safe and free WiFi. The modern private bathrooms come with a hairdryer. Los Habaneros restaurant offers a daily menu, featuring local and international food. There is a terrace where you can enjoy a meal in the sun with views of the city walls and University of Cartagena.
Cartagena´s Roman Theatre, Auditorium El Batel and the marina are just a 10-minute walk from Los Habaneros.
Sign Up
The price of the trip is 241 Euros per person (228 for members / 450 for a couple). 59 euros paid in advance to reserve the spot, balance 5 days prior to the trip. This includes transportation, accommodation, insurance and a professional guide.
The price is for a person sharing a twin room. You can reserve a single room for additional 80 euros. Payments by Bizum or bank transfer are accepted.
You can use the button below to reserve your spot / get more info about the trip or contact us by e-mail to info@valenciamountainenthusiasts.com