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Cyclist in Murcia
FIND your perfect trip!
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perfect trip!
Cycling days
Murcia cycling
Murcia cycling
Type :
hybrid :
Duration :
7 days
Comfort :
period:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Code:
ESSB095
Sunny History Cultura
Price in double room from: € 536
Murcia cycling
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Bike Tour: Murcia cycling - 7 days

Cycle into a kaleidoscope of white-washed villages, Moorish towers and colourful orchards where ancient irrigation channels wind through layers of history. Pedal country lanes and peaceful greenways through striking landscapes to historic towns. Daily cycling routes of 25 to 45 km, with an average of 300 m in ascent, mainly on paved roads or cycling trails. Option of choosing shorter or longer routes on 3 days. 

Map cycling routes in Murcia
Route
Day 1: Arrival in Murcia
Day 2: From Bullas to Caravaca de la Cruz (38km / 23,6mill)
Day 3: Circular route via Archivel (45km / 27,9mill)
Day 4: From Caravaca to Calasparra (43km / 26,7mill)
Day 5: From Calasparra to Cieza (45km / 27,9mill)
Day 6: From Cieza to Murcia (58km / 36mill)
Day 7: Circular route from Murcia (18km / 11mill)

Day 1:     Arrival in Murcia

Transfer to Murcia by public bus or private taxi. Settle in at our preferred accommodation, a newly-reformed hotel situated on a quiet square in the town centre which combines vintage decor with a terrific breakfast buffet. At dusk, venture out on an evening stroll in deliciously warm temperatures.

Day 2:    From Bullas to Caravaca de la Cruz (38km / 23,6mill)
38 km

Take a 45-minute transfer to Bullas, try out your bike and make the necessary adjustments. Then set off on the gentle ‘Via Verde del Noroeste’ rails-to-trails bike path. Stretch your legs on a wander through the hilltop village of Cehegin and, if you like, add an optional extra loop on quite country roads passing flower and vegetable farms on the River Argos.

End your day in Caravaca, one of the world’s five Holy Cities along with Rome, Jerusalem, Santiago de Compostela and Santo Toribio de Liebana. The splendid local church, part of an impressive 1617 fortress, confers Eternal Forgiveness to pilgrims who journey here during a Holy Year.

Challenge: 38km / 23,6mill, 300m ascent, 330m descent

Day 3:    Circular route via Archivel (45km / 27,9mill)
45 km

Embark on route among irrigation channels and elm groves, riding fountain to fountain past Roman and Christian sanctuaries and unique settlements from Paleolithic, Argaric, Iberian, Roman and Medieval times. The first section involves a tough ascent to the village of Archivel, then you pick up a way-marked route via tiny villages and farmed fields. Riding downhill to La Encarnación, your day finishes with a short section on an unsurfaced GR track. Back in Caravaca, pause at Plaza del Arco to admire the statues commemorating “Moros y Cristianos”, Moors and Christians.

Challenge: 45km / 27,9mill, 450m ascent, 450m descent

Day 4:    From Caravaca to Calasparra (43km / 26,7mill)
43 km

Today’s ride may look difficult at first glance but take heart, both steep 150-m ascents are on the first half. Then you glide through pleasant terrain mainly downhill, rejoining the greenway (Ruta Verde del Noroeste). Make time for Moratalla, an excellent place to stop for lunch with its steep lanes, 15th-century Christian fortress, “Torre del Homenaje” and 16th-century church of Santa María de la Asunción. Pedalling onward you hit huge olive groves, endless orchards and farmed fields. Wherever you find a tiny bit of water, the almond trees and vegetable gardens magically reappear as do the rice fields near Calasparra.

NOTE: today's hotel is located in an industrial area on the outskirts of Calasparra but it is the only hotel open in this place currently. It is located 1.6km by bike from the center and works with a restaurant about 100m away. For dinners, the hotel can help you to arrange a taxi to go to the town if desired.

Challenge: 43km / 26,7mill, 450m ascent, 740m descent

Day 5:    From Calasparra to Cieza (45km / 27,9mill)
45 km

Optional 13-km loop via the sanctuary dedicated to ‘la Virgen de la Esperanza’, Our Lady of Hope, or time to tour the main monuments in Calasparra. Then take off to cycle a remote area with very few villages, where peaceful country roads and views to the hills lead to the lovely Alfonso XIII Reservoir. Riding toward the River Segura the landscape turns into a patchwork of almond and apricot orchards, a symphony in shades of pink in the spring. The last 6,5km follow a quiet lane along the river to reach lively Cieza.

Challenge: 45km / 27,9mill, 475m ascent, 630m descent

Day 6:    From Cieza to Murcia (58km / 36mill)
58 km

The Segura River and ancient irrigation channels lead to Archena and a complete change of scenery. Ricote Valley is somewhat reminiscent of Palestine with its deep valley, dry slopes, green river and oasis-like orchards studded with palm trees. The white-washed villages of Abarán, Blanca, Ójos and Ulea were Murcia’s last Moorish stronghold, way back in the 15th century. Peaceful inland routes and sections of the Via Verde guide the way as you circle back to Murcia.

Challenge: 58km / 36mill, 200m ascent, 340m descent

Day 7:    Circular route from Murcia (18km / 11mill)
18 km

Book an extra day in Murcia to rest and relax, do some shopping or tour the gardens south of the city. Test your legs on an optional ascent to the ridgetop sanctuary at Fuensanta, home to Murcia’s patron saint. The 1694 Baroque church is a national monument complete with café serving tasty snacks with fab views.

Challenge: 18km / 11mill, 90m ascent, 90m descent

Accommodation

The hotels on this trip have been carefully selected for their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite. Some of the hotels we work with appear here. If a certain hotel is unable to confirm due to lack of availability, we will request a similar one and inform you about the alternative booked. 

Extra nights: Extra nights can be booked at any of the accommodations along the way.

Hotel Cetina - Murcia
Hotel Cetina*** (Murcia)

Comfortable rooms designed for true urbanites. City lovers will feel at right home with the hotel's avant-garde design and modern flair.

www.hotelcetina.com

Hospedería Rural Almunia  - Caravaca de la Cruz
Hospedería Rural Almunia (Caravaca)

Each room is unique, so much so that you'll feel right at home. Details with our own personal stamp, to make your stay something special.

www.hotelruralmurcia.com

Hotel Primavera - Calasparra
Hotel Primavera (Calasparra)

Newly built hotel with facilities that ensure a good rest. It also has a cafeteria and a pub where guests can relax after a walk.

CLARIFICATION:  this hotel is located in an industrial area on the outskirts of Calasparra but it is the only hotel open in this place currently. It is located 1.6km by bike from the center and works with a restaurant about 100m away. For dinners, the hotel can help you to arrange a taxi to go to town if desired.

www.hotelprimavera.es

Hospedería San Sebastián - Cieza
Hospedería San Sebastián (Cieza)

Centrally-situated in the historic town of Cieza. New building with modern facilities combining classic style with a modern touch.

www.sansebastianhospederia.com

Bikes
  • Bike Model: Bergamont Horizon 6.0 Amsterdam 2017
  • Bike type: Hybrid
  • Frame: 28" trekking AL-6061
  • Forks: Suntour NEX D-HLO, 1 1/8", 63mm, coil, hydraulic lockout
  • Gears: 27
  • Shifters: Shimano SL-M2000, 3x9-speed, rapidfire plus-shifter
  • Brakes: Shimano BR-M315, hydraulic disc 
  • Tyres: Schwalbe Road Cruiser
  • Suspension: Front
  • Weight: 17.2kg
  • Sizes: 48, 53

      

                 Bergamont Horizon 6.0 Amsterdam 2017

  • Model: Mihatra eVera
  • Type: Electric bike
  • Wheels: 26" 
  • Gears: 7 gears
  • Brakes: V-brake
  • Battery: 15 mAh - 65km (eco mode)
  • Sizes: S-M (Unisex)

       

                                    Mihatra eVera

  • Model: Ecobike Elegance Plus
  • Type: Electric Bike
  • Wheels: 29"  
  • Gears: 7 gears
  • Brakes: V-brake
  • Battery: 15 mAh - 75km (eco mode)
  • Size: M-L

      

                              Ecobike Elegance Plus

 

 

Bike rental includes repair kit, lock, pump, front and back cycle bags and map carrier. Helmet is not included

Practical info

6 nights accommodation

4 charming, quality rural hotels

5 breakfast

Digital detailed route notes and maps in English

 

Optional bike rental

Luggage transport on Days 2, 4, 5 & 6 

Acces to the trip on our navigation app

Single Supplement
Solo Traveller Supplement

Transfers to and from airport / train station / bus station can be arranged through SBT

Not included

  • Lunches and dinners
  • Breakfast in Cieza
  • Transport to first and from last accommodation
  • Helmet & Bicycle hire (may be booked separately)
  • Personal expenses such as drinks, tips, etc.

Extras

  • Bike rental
  • Transfers to and from airport / train station / bus station.
  • Extra nights at any hotel along the way
  • Shipment of printed documents to the frist accommodation
prices & dates
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE

Nearest airports to fly to are Alicante (ALC)Murcia (MJV) and Valencia (VLC)

Arrival in Murcia

From Alicante airport (ALC) to Murcia

By Bus: You can get a bus direct from Alicante airport to the city of Murcia. There are several departures a day. You can buy your ticket on the bus. Travel time is one hour. This service is run by ALSA. For further details, please go to ALSA online at www.alsa.es

By Taxi: From the bus station in Murcia, it’s just a short taxi ride to your hotel. 

From Murcia airport (MJV) to city of Murcia

For information on Murcia airport (MJV), please go to: www.aena.es/en/murcia-san-javier-airport/index.html

By Taxi: On arrival at Murcia airport, you get a taxi to your hotel in the city centre.

From Valencia airport (VLC) to Murcia

For information on Valencia airport (VLC), please go to: www.aena.es/en/valencia-airport/index.html

By Bus: You can get a bus from Valencia (or Valencia airport) to the city of Murcia. These services are run by ALSA. There are several departures a day from the city centre and at least 2 a day from the airport. A single ticket Valencia-Murcia is about 18,00€ and travel time is 3 to 5 hours, depending on the type of bus you take. For further details, please go to www.alsa.es 

 

Departure from Murcia

See relevant information under arrival above

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