Bike Tour: Murcia cycling - 7 days

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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