Caravaca de la Cruz Day Trip: Exploring Murcia’s Holy City
We recently took a little road trip inland to visit Caravaca de la Cruz – we visited back in 2019 when we first moved to Spain and have been wanting to pay another visit since then. Known for its impressive Basilica, fascinating history and legends, and lively festivals, Caravaca is one of those places where you can definitely feel the history you read about.
Here’s some information on how to get to Caravaca de la Cruz and what to do there, as well as some tips if you’re planning your own visit.
Where is Caravaca de la Cruz?
Caravaca de la Cruz is in the Region of Murcia, located inland among the hills and mountains. It’s officially one of Spain’s Holy Cities, making it a major pilgrimage destination, but you don’t need to be religious to visit, it’s still ideal for those (like us) who just love wandering Spanish towns with plenty of history.
If you’re based in the Region of Murcia or in the Alicante Province, it’s an easy drive:
- From Alicante city: around 1 hour 45 minutes by car.
- From Murcia city: about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- From Granada: closer to 3 hours.
Driving is definitely the easiest option as it gives you freedom to explore the surrounding countryside too. We parked on one of the streets in the centre of town and paid less than 1 euro for a day’s parking!
The history & legends of Caravaca de la Cruz
Caravaca has some very ancient roots, with traces of Iberian, Roman, and Moorish settlements, like a lot of places in this area of Spain. The castle that sits on the hill looking over the town was once a Muslim fortress, later taken over by the Knights Templar and then the Order of Santiago.
What makes Caravaca so special is the story of the Cross of Caravaca. According to legend, way back in 1232 a priest was asked to celebrate Mass by the Moorish ruler of the town, but there was no cross to perform the ceremony. Suddenly, two angels appeared carrying a cross, and the miracle cemented Caravaca’s place as a holy site.
The Basilica-Sanctuary of the Vera Cruz, was built into the walls of the old Muslim fortress, and still holds the relic of that cross.
Things to see & do
Even if you just visit for a few hours, there’s plenty to explore in Caravaca. Here are some of our highlights:
- The Castle – Walking up to the sanctuary through the narrow streets is a must. The view over the town and mountains from the top is incredible!
- The Basilica – The Baroque façade of the Basilica is stunning, as is the inside! It’s free to go inside the Basilica so make sure you go in as well as having a wander around outside.
- Parish Church of El Salvador – A beautiful Renaissance church in the old town, well worth a peek inside.
- Museo de la Fiesta – A small museum that showcases costumes, traditions, and the famous Caballos del Vino fiesta. (see more about this fiesta below)
- Stroll through the Old Town – Caravaca is perfect for wandering, there are lots of narrow cobbled streets, pretty squares, and little bars where you can stop for a drink and some tapas.
- Fuentes del Marqués – Just outside the town, is a park with springs and streams – perfect for a picnic or a walk.
Fiestas & Festivals
If you can, try to visit Caravaca during its most famous celebration: the Fiestas de la Santísima y Vera Cruz from 1st – 5th May.
These fiestas combine religious processions, Moros y Cristianos parades, and the unique Caballos del Vino (Horses of Wine) race. Horses are dressed in ornate embroidered mantles and race up the hill to the castle. This fiesta has even been declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest.
You might want to look out for coach trips to the Caballos del Vino as we’ve been told that it’s very difficult to park during the fiesta as most of the town’s roads are closed off, and as you’d expect it gets very busy.
Caravaca also celebrates a Holy Year every 7 years (the next one will be in 2031), which attracts pilgrims from around the world.
Where to eat
Caravaca has plenty of little restaurants and tapas bars, if you wander the streets you’ll find lots of great spots. A few recommendations include:
- La Bodega Gastrobar – creative tapas in a cosy setting.
- El Horno – great local food and good value.
- Plaza Massima – right in the centre, ideal for a casual lunch or dinner.
We stopped in one of the smaller bars in the old town for tapas and a cold drink – sometimes the unplanned choices are the best!
Where to stay
If you want to stay overnight, you’ll find lots of options from small guesthouses to modern hotels. A couple to check out are:
- Hotel Nuestra Señora del Carmen – a charming, central choice.
- El Casón de los Reyes – comfortable and friendly.
There are also rural houses (casas rurales) dotted around the countryside if you prefer something quieter.
Other places to visit nearby
If you fancy making a little road trip through inland Murcia, there are some great places near Caravaca to add to your itinerary:
- Calasparra – Famous for its rice fields and caves, Calasparra is only about 20 minutes drive from Caravaca. You can visit the Santuario de la Virgen de la Esperanza, a beautiful cave sanctuary by the river, or go on a tour of Murcia’s famous Cueva del Puerto.
- Moratalla – Around 20 minutes in the other direction, Moratalla is known for its medieval castle, winding streets, and beautiful surrounding landscapes. In Easter, it’s also home to one of the noisiest tamboradas, or drum festivals.
- Bullas – About half an hour away, Bullas is wine country. You’ll find bodegas to visit, a wine museum, and some great routes through vineyards.
- Cehegín – Just 10 minutes from Caravaca, Cehegín has a lovely old town full of narrow streets and historic buildings, plus a lively Sunday market that’s popular with visitors.
If you have a weekend, you could easily link Caravaca, Calasparra, and Moratalla together for a little roadtrip of inland Murcia.
We really enjoyed our day out in Caravaca de la Cruz. Between the Basilica, the legends to learn about, the winding streets, and the friendly atmosphere, it’s a fantastic spot for a day trip from Alicante or Murcia – or even a stopover if you’re travelling between the coast and Granada.
If you go, make sure to give yourself time to wander the streets, pop into the churches and museums, and of course, enjoy the views from up at the castle.
