Dusty Roads and Medieval Gems

The landscapes in this part of Murcia are vast, with rugged hills melting into mountains, dusty roads, and plenty of rocks and scrubs. As you drive southwest, it's these types of mesmerizing landscapes that you'll pass through, with a handful of crumbling castles perched on hilltops.
Castillo de Tebar is one such castle, dating to the 12th century when the Moors would push inland from the coast. This tower was used as a second line of defense for possible raids into Lorca itself, giving the city plenty of warning of any movements against it.
It's a short hike up to the top of the hill, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the region all the way to the Mediterranean. Good walking shoes are required! Parking is to the east of the mountain.

Upon your arrival in Lorca, make your way into the central square, Plaza de España, home to Lorca's stunning medieval buildings. The most eye-catching is the stately church, Colegiata de San Patricio. This is without a doubt one of the most important and beautiful attractions in the whole Murcia region. Make sure to take in the fabulous baroque façade, before entering inside to marvel at the Renaissance interiors.
The church was badly damaged in the 2011 earthquake but came with a silver lining: the damages also revealed previously undiscovered crypts underneath the church filled with artworks.
For visits inside the church, you'll need to buy a ticket at the nearby tourist office that borders one side of Plaza de España.
Opening Hours (tourist information center): 10:00 – 14:00 Sunday – Friday 10:00 – 14:00 & 16:00 – 18:30 Saturdays

After admiring the other impressive buildings around the center, stroll down through the city towards this classic tapas restaurant for lunch. Along the way, you'll pass the impressive Palacio del Guevara and another pretty church, both worthy of a few quick photos.
Opening Hours: 11:00 – 24:00 Tuesday – Sunday

After lunch, it's time to visit Lorca's other most important historic site: the castle. Sitting atop the hill, this fortress was highly sought after during the Middle Ages: it first belonged to the Moors, and then it was captured by the Christian Kingdom of Murcia and acted as the first line of defense against raids from the neighboring Kingdom of Granada.
The castle complex is expansive, with two towers on either side, ramparts to explore, and green gardens. There are also wonderful views over Lorca and the surrounding landscapes.
Opening Hours (September – June): 11:00 – 16:00 Sunday – Friday 11:00 – 18:00 Saturdays
(July – August): 11:00 – 16:00 Sunday – Wednesday 11:00 – 16:00 & 18:00 – 22:30 Thursday – Saturday
Tickets are purchased at the entrance.

After leaving Lorca, you'll begin the drive northeast back to Murcia City, but before you get there, another fantastic castle beckons. This one sits above the town of Alhama, offering more of those beautiful views over the rugged landscapes – are they growing on you yet?
This castle is open by appointment only. Guided tours inside the castle (approximately 90 minutes) can be organized via the contact form on the official Alhama tourism website. Otherwise, it's also nice to drive up to the castle to enjoy the panoramic views across the city and the nearby mountains of the Regional Park of Sierra Espuña.

After your brief explorations of Alhama, it's time to hit the road again and make your way back into Murcia City to end this road trip. But before you get there, enjoy dinner at this local restaurant in the small town of Librilla. With a warm welcome, great local food, and a lively atmosphere, it's a fantatic way to end your trip through the little-visited Murcian region.
Opening Hours: 19:00 – 23:00 Wednesday – Sunday.

You've reached the end of this 3-day road trip through Murcia, and have arrived back in the city. But the journey doesn't end here - the city is filled with things to see and do, an infectious street life, and a food scene that is slowly starting to be recognized around the world. Why not spend a few days exploring? This is a destination that offers a glimpse into a Spain that doesn't dress itself up for visitors.