Caravaca de la Cruz has many places to visit, especially sites of great historical and cultural significance. As a city that has witnessed numerous eras and undergone many changes, it preserves remnants of those times that we can explore today. Here are seven unique examples of places to visit in Caravaca:
The Estrecho de las Cuevas de la Encarnación is an impressive gorge shaped by the Quípar River, a natural passage that has served as a communication route between Levante and Upper Andalusia since prehistoric times. This site, declared a Cultural Heritage Site (Bien de Interés Cultural) as a Historic Site, boasts a rich heritage that includes two Roman-era temples, the iconic Ermita de la Virgen de las Cuevas, and two 18th-century hydraulic mills.
One of the most striking caves in the area is the Cueva del Rey Moro. This particular cave combines a natural shelter with a fortification built between the 12th and 13th centuries. It strategically controlled the ancient road connecting Caravaca to Granada.
The structure includes a mortar wall that seals the cave’s natural entrance, situated on a rocky slope within the narrow valley. Also declared a Bien de Interés Cultural, the cave plays a key role in understanding the defensive history of the region.
Located just one kilometer from the pedanía of Barranda, the Paraje de Las Tosquillas offers an idyllic natural landscape nestled between two hills. The site is named after a natural water spring that flows vigorously from a crack in two large rocks, running along a canal downstream and creating an atmosphere of freshness and tranquility.
This spot is steeped in local legends, such as the well-known tale of La Dama del Agua or La Encantá. For more about the legend (in spanish), click here.
The Torre Mata, a square-shaped structure made of rammed earth, stands out for its imposing presence and origin, which some studies trace back to the 12th century, although it was likely built during the Christian era as part of the territorial defense of the Order of Santiago.
Over time, the tower became part of a now-vanished agricultural complex. Recent interventions added an upper section adorned with twin openings and crowned by elements reminiscent of ancient battlements. Declared a Bien de Interés Cultural, this tower is a testament to the region's defensive past.
The Northwest Greenway: From Bullas to Caravaca de la Cruz
The section of the Northwest Greenway connecting Bullas to Caravaca de la Cruz traverses a diverse landscape of pine forests, vineyards, and small orchards along the fertile plains of the Quípar and Argos rivers. While the route crosses mountainous areas, the altitude remains around 500 meters.
One highlight is the passage through the ancient Visigoth city of Begastri before reaching Cehegín. Finally, the trail enters the Argos River valley and ends at the Caravaca de la Cruz station, an ideal spot to start or finish the journey.
Atop a hill, the remains of the Castillo de los Poyos de Celda date back to the Islamic period, with a settlement on the western slope. Some historians associate this fortress with the Castillo de Yayttilla, mentioned in the 11th century by Muslim geographer al-Udri.
After the Christian conquest in the 13th century, the castle came under the Order of Santiago’s control, eventually being abandoned and destroyed in the 16th century. Today, visitors can see the ruins of a rectangular structure with towers and several cisterns inside. Declared a Bien de Interés Cultural, this site offers a glimpse into the region's medieval past.
Fuentes del Marqués
Just over two kilometers from Caravaca de la Cruz lies the natural site of Las Fuentes del Marqués, a protected area designated as a Historic Site. Spanning 17.4 hectares, this vast park sits at the foot of the Sierra del Gavilán and Sierra del Buitre and features a special microclimate due to its abundant water sources.
The area is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, and its springs, popularly known as Las Sartenes, emerge at the end of the park, adding to its unique charm. It is easily accessible by car or on foot via trails that converge at El Molinico.
Discover everything about Las Fuentes del Marqués in this article.