Visit the Real Basílica, which houses the famous Cross of Caravaca, complete the Jubilee pilgrimage, admire the impressive array of churches, enjoy the beauty spot of Las Fuentes del Marqués, explore the network of fascinating museums, sample the tasty local gastronomy, revel in the annual fiestas, snap up a bargain at the themed pilgrims’ market and the medieval market, attend the wide range of concerts and exhibitions… the list goes on and on! And to make the most of the attractions of the municipality there is a wide and varied range of accommodation.
The Basilica is in the heart of the historic old centre of Caravaca, at the top of the medieval district, and access is via the walled area around the Castle.
The opening hours of the Basilica are as follows:
The museums are open at the following times:
Every day of the year at 12.00 in the Real Basílica de la Vera Cruz.
Caravaca boasts and rich and varied gastronomic tradition which is certain to satisfy all tastes and dietary needs.
Both the Town Hall Department of Tourism and a range of private guided tour companies offer services of this kind.
https://www.turismoregiondemurcia.es/es/visitas_guiadas/
Guiasmur (Servicios Turísticos de la Región de Murcia): telephone 616717888 – email info@guiasmur.com.
Las Fuentes del Marqués is a natural beauty spot not far from the city centre, dominated by water, which in turn means that it is full of green, leafy vegetation. This is a perfect place to take a relaxed stroll and enjoy nature, and it is regulated by a Sustainable Usage Plan to ensure its preservation.
For the rules and other interesting information consult this website:
The Wine Horses (Caballos del Vino) of Caravaca are the protagonists of a unique annual race which has been recognized by UNESCO as an event of Intangible World Cultural Heritage. The Running of the Wine Horses takes place during the Fiestas of the True Cross, which are held at the beginning of May.
When participating in the fiestas the horses are adorned with exquisitely embroidered shawls featuring various colours of silk as well as gems and silver and gold beading. The animals participate in a competition for the best harnessing and decoration, the race to the castle and the “Caballos a Pelo”, and to understand their significance and the history and development of the fiestas you can visit the museum in the heart of the old city centre.
The papal Plenary Indulgence is awarded at a religious ceremony in the Real Basílica de la Vera Cruz.
There are two kinds of Credentials. One way of achieving them is to download the relevant app directly on your mobile phone, while the other is to acquire them at any of the parish churches along the Caminos de la Cruz pilgrimage routes.
Your credential can be stamped at any church or tourist office along the recognized “Caminos”, and there are also other affiliated establishments which are allowed to provide stamps.
If your accumulated stamps demonstrate a distance covered of at least 50 kilometres, you can collect your “Caravacensis” upon arrival at the Real Basílica de la Vera Cruz. If you haven’t covered the required distance, you can request a special diploma stating that you have visited the Basilica.
For more information visit the website Camino de Caravaca de la Cruz: caminodecaravacadelacruz.es
Yes, in and around the Paseo Santa Clara: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CQzmgUv3XF7JQCTQ8
Also at the Centro de Acogida al Peregrino (the pilgrims’ welcoming centre): https://maps.app.goo.gl/PeziMuqwuLJu1VMu8...
and the municipal sports complex: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xbP9gm5zoaVzcSuX7
Zona Paseo Santa Clara: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CQzmgUv3XF7JQCTQ8
Calle Mayrena: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NHmPNWNmcRhwrBH3A
At the “Apeadero”: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JL2XX5uhRaaFdQso8
Sports complex: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xbP9gm5zoaVzcSuX7
Closeto the railway station: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7iNboNgTNDC55pTWA
Caravaca de la Cruz has a wide range of visitor accommodation to meet a variety of preferences and requirements. See https://www.turismocaravaca.com/es/donde-dormir.
Nature has been especially kind to this part of the Region of Murcia, providing beautiful landscapes and scenery. Exploring the countryside on foot, on two wheels or on horseback provides relaxation and comfort for both body and soul.
Vía Verde del Noroeste (north-west greenway): https://www.turismoregiondemurcia.es/en/via_verde_noroeste/
Vías Verdes de la Región de Murcia (greenways): https://www.turismoregiondemurcia.es/en/vias_verdes/
Yes, an area for 20 of these vehicles has recently been created just a few hundred metres from the city centre.
Some hotels in Caravaca offer cycle hire, and there is also a private company providing the same service (Bicicletas Guijarro, telephone 968 708453).
The tourist office can supply information about a range of activities which are suitable for youngsters, such as gymkhanas, didactic guidebooks, etc).
The timetable of the various bus and coach connections linking Caravaca to other locations can be consulted at the Caravaca de la Cruz bus station:
Avda. Carretera de Granada, telephone699 917518.
The tourist train service is provided by a privately-owned company. Tours set out from Calle Pabellónbetween Monday and Thursday and in the Plaza del Arco from Friday to Sunday.
Salones Castillo, telephone6 55918744.
Yes, from Monday to Friday and on weekends and holidays there is a transportation service for people with reduced mobility. From Monday to Friday the vehicle is located in Plaza del Arco, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and on weekends, from 11am. at 1:30 p.m., it is located at Puente Uribe and Plaza Nueva.
The service is provided by Spanish Red Cross and volunteers of Civil Protection, counting for it with adapted vehicles.
Cruz Roja Caravaca - Tfno.: 968722214 - +34 667 08 40 73. Civil Protection: +34 663 79 47 68.