Faq

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 delicious local gastronomy, revel in the annual fiestas, snap up a bargain at the themed Pilgrims’ Market and the Medieval Market, enjoy 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 takes you inside the walled area around the Castle.

Access for motor vehicles is restricted from the Plaza del Arco and neighbouring streets onwards (except for residents). However, there are times of day when access is opened: every day except those reserved for the annual fiestas, the Medieval Market and other events between 11.30 and 12.00, and on Sundays also in the afternoon from 17.30 to 18.00. The exit is via Calle De las Monjas.

You can also take a taxi up to the Basilica during its opening hours. Telephone numbers:

• 622 936 524
• 649 838 876
• 608 071 631
• 626 484 662
• 646 223 009 ♿

The opening hours of the Basilica are as follows:

• Monday to Saturday 8.00 to 14.00 and 16.00 to 19.00.
• Sundays and public holidays: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.00 to 19.00.

The museums are open at the following times:

• Monday to Friday 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 19.30.
• Saturdays 10.30 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 19.30.
• Sundays and public holidays: 10.30 to 14.00.

Mondays to Saturdays at 8.30 and 12.00, Sundays at 12.00 and 18.00.

Caravaca boasts a rich and varied gastronomic tradition which is certain to satisfy all tastes and dietary needs.

Links:

https://www.turismocaravaca.com/es/donde-comer

Both the Town Hall Department of Tourism and various 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.: 616717 888 - 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 the website: https://lasfuentesdelmarques.com/

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 take part 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 printed version can be acquired 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” on 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 further information visit the website Camino de Caravaca de la Cruz: caminodecaravacadelacruz.es

Yes, in Calle Pabellón: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HNqMQQCgD9zSFZ1R8

Also at the “Apeadero de Autobuses”: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QJPYrYEnozCUMrCs9

The out-of-town parking facility on Camion Mayrena, the road to Las Fuentes del Marqués: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1dhRAPuReM4hHgeu9

Calle Mayrena: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NHmPNWNmcRhwrBH3A

Alongside the Paseo Santa Clara: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CQzmgUv3XF7JQCTQ8

At the “Apeadero”: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JL2XX5uhRaaFdQso8

At the sports complex: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xbP9gm5zoaVzcSuX7

Next to the old railway station: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7iNboNgTNDC55pTWA

Caravaca de la Cruz has a wide range of visitor accommodation to meet your 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/es/via_verde_noroeste/

Vías Verdes de la Región de Murcia (greenways): https://www.turismoregiondemurcia.es/es/vias_verdes/

Yes, an area for 20 of these vehicles has recently been created just a few hundred metres from the city centre.

Bicycle hire is available from the following:

• Bicicletas Guijarro – Tfno.: 968 70 84 53
• Hotel Almunia (C/ Ingeniero Oñate Sánchez, 5): Tfnos.: 968 70 57 37 - 687 451 078 // reservas@hotelruralmurcia.com

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 (Avenida Carretera de Granada, telephone 699 917518) or online at https://www.interbusmurcia.es/rutas-y-horarios/

The tourist train service is provided by a privately-owned company with the focus on hire by privately organized groups. Salones Castillo, telephone 655 918744.

https://salonescastillo.com/tren-turistico/

On occasions the train stops in the Plaza del Arco, enquire to organize a pick-up with the driver.

The climb up to the Basílica can be made by taxi. Contact details:

• 622 936 524
• 649 838 876
• 608 071 631
• 626 484 662
• 646 223 009 ♿