Abarán and the Return Downriver

Enjoy a leisurely morning with a coffee before heading down the eastern side of the dam toward the Mirador del Azud. More fantastic views await you here, taking in the water and the gorgeous mountains that surround it; this early in the morning, the landscapes remain peaceful and still.

Your next stop is further north on the River Segura in the town of Abarán. Here, you'll find a beautiful park along the riverbank, another spot for a peaceful morning stroll. An ancient Arabic watermill is a highlight, hinting at the area's Moorish past and illustrating just how important this entire valley has been throughout history for several different civilizations.

As you begin the drive back toward Murcia City, there are a few more interesting stops to help you get a handle on the Murcia region as a whole. The first is Laguna Margas Rojas, a dry area of red earth that feels as if you've stepped onto Mars. Take some time to stroll around, admiring the strange landscapes and wide-open skies.
If not Mars, you might feel like you've landed in Outback Australia, or perhaps the deserts of Nevada in the U.S.A. Dry and burnt orange, it's a unique sight in Murcia and one that drives home the importance of the River Segura for towns in the area.

Have a stop and pull off the highway for lunch, where Restaurante Empalme Archena S.L. offers a varied menu of grill dishes and appetizers, including some inventive ones you likely wouldn't have seen anywhere else.

After lunch, a quick detour to the northeast of Lorquí brings you to the beautiful Campotejar Lagoon. This is another underrated gem in the area, a peaceful collection of lagoons surrounded by gorgeous Murcian landscapes and populated with lots of birdlife. Enjoy a stroll around the water, take in some sun, and soak up the quiet before making your way back toward Murcia City.

But before you arrive back in the city, there's one last stop. The MUDEM Museum in Molina de Segura is a cultural highlight of the entire region of Murcia, delving into the region's storied past. You'll learn about the Moorish past of Murcia, its time as a stand-alone Kingdom, and plenty more. The displays are interactive, with videos and sound bites to keep you engaged, but the real highlight is a historic section of the Medieval wall that once surrounded the town, built by the Moors during the Middle Ages.
Opening Hours: For an afternoon visit in line with this itinerary, the MUDEM Museum is only open from Wednesday to Saturday: 17:30 – 20:00.

After your trip to the museum, it's a short 10-minute walk into the town center of Molina de Segura. Next to the main park is the Restaurante El Nuevo Centro, another classic Murcian restaurant with everything from large platters of steak, fries, and grilled pepper to seafood and paellas.
Opening Hours: 08:00 – Midnight daily. Closed on Mondays.

Make your way back to the MUDEM Museum to pick up the car before driving back into the city.