Cycling in Caravaca: an easy route for families in and around the historic city

Enjoy monuments in the centre of Caravaca and the natural beauty spot of Las Fuentes del Marqués!

This 14-kilometre circular cycling route, taking you to many of the most iconic locations in the holy city of Caravaca de la Cruz, is a very easy one and is suitable for practically all members of the family other than the very youngest!

The most natural starting and finishing point of the route is the Plaza del Arco, in the historic centre, where you can see the Town Hall (dating from 1737 and including the majestic archway which gives the square its name). The route then takes you the Templete, where the ceremony of the Bathing of the Cross takes place every year on 3^rd May during the annual Fiestas. This has been a central point for the townspeople since it was built in 1762 on the same location as a former chapel – it stands above a water fountain which has been the scene of a ritual act of blessing the waters of the city and the outlying agricultural areas since at least 1384!

From there, it’s a short ride out of town to the beauty spot and park of Las Fuentes del Marqués, an ideal place to escape the milling crowds and enjoy the great outdoors. So treasured is the site that a special management team is charged with ensuring that it does not become overcrowded or spoilt and that the natural surroundings are fully respected, and within the park is the Torreón de los Templarios, a name evoking the age of the Knights Templar, although the building that we see today was actually part of a residential complex belonging to the estates of the noble family, the Marquises de Uribe.

After a ride around the verdant park, it’s back to the centre of Caravaca along the Green Belt route which has recently been created by the Town Hall. All in all, this is a ride which, accompanied by children, will probably take you no more than 90 minutes.

A great way to embark on new adventures with family or friends - enjoy it!

For more local events, news and visiting information contact the local tourist office (telephone 968 702424) or go to the home page of Caravaca Today.