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Best inland river beaches to beat the heat in the Region of Murcia
Cooling springs and refreshing pools are now dotted throughout the Region
The Region of Murcia has long been celebrated for its glorious sandy shores and rugged coastline but travel a little further inland and you will discover a wealth of idyllic towns and villages set in unspoiled natural surroundings. But just because you have moved away from the sea breeze doesn’t mean you have to melt in the heat, as the interior of the Region offers an abundance of river beaches and pools, both in the Vega Alta del Segura and in the Northwest.
These spots off the beaten track, while usually a lot less crowded, also provide natural shade and are perfect for anyone looking to bathe and relax.
The Ricote Valley
Here the Segura river offers several stunning options, including El Arenal beach and the Canoeing Club Pier, as well as La Mona beach. This area, whose beauty is “manifested in the enormous diversity and geomorphological, floristic and faunal singularity", according to the local council, is subjected to capacity limitations year round, so it’s never overrun.
It can be accessed directly from the main road (Avenida del Río Segura) or along the riverside promenade, from the Municipal Park.
Cieza
The high summer temperatures often drive visitors to Cieza’s La Presa beach, a time-honoured bathing spot located just 1.5 kilometres from the town centre “where the water temperature is lower, visitors get to know each other and you can interact with nature wonderfully populated by native animal species.”
Some other favoured bathing areas in Cieza, well cared for thanks to the Environmental Volunteer Program, are the beaches of Arenal, La Isla, Argaz, the Pier of La Era (Vereda Puncha), Las Zarzas, Curva del Fatego, Barratera, Puente de Hierro, and Puente de Alambre.
Not to be missed is the Fuente del Gorgotón, located right in front of the Almadenes Canyon Interpretation Centre: clear and warm waters that emerge from the rocks on the shore forming a small pool of crystal clear water, a thermal spring that rises from the Segura.
The Northwest
There are numerous natural resources in the Northwest region to shelter from the heat and take a refreshing dip, chief among these being the different enclaves offered by the waters of the Segura River as it passes through Calasparra.
The Canoeing Club was adapted a few years ago and now offers shade to hundreds of people under its centuries-old trees, in luxury enclaves such as Vega Arrocera. You can also practice various water activities or simply let yourself be carried away by the gentle lapping of the river, in special areas marked off for bathing.
In Moratalla, there are plenty of places to cool down along the Alhárabe River, a tributary of the Segura, particularly in the La Puerta area, where the campsite is located.
A less well-known spot is the Arroyo de Burete, and although it’s a bit more difficult to get to, it’s well worth the trouble to bathe deep within the mountains.
Beyond the Segura
Moving away from the Segura you’ll find Salto del Usero in Bullas, one of the most beautiful enclaves along the Mula River, and El Pasico Ucenda, both of which are very popular with visitors from the Region and neighbouring Alicante at the weekends.
Another of the most popular river resources in the Region is Fuente Caputa, in the district of Yéchar, perfect for enjoying a natural bath.
Last but certainly not least comes Coy in Lorca, where the La Fuente artificial beach has become a hot-spot in the last year thanks to its new facilities, which include barbecues, leisure spaces and even straw umbrellas.
Image: Archive
