Holiday apartment in Archena: Thermal baths, culture and paths along the Segura

Archena is closely associated with the thermal springs of the Valle de Ricote. The origins of the Balneario de Archena date back to the use of its thermal springs by Iberian settlers in the 5th century BC. The Balneario de Archena is a thermal spa covering more than 200,000 m² in the natural landscape of the Valle de Ricote and offers thermal pools.

Culture

The Museo de Archena is located on the banks of the Río Segura in a natural setting near Monte Tío Pío. It has four interconnected rooms, a permanent archaeological collection from Archena and a room for temporary exhibitions. The museum also houses archaeological pieces and works of great historical significance that were found in the municipality of Archena.

Notable buildings include the Ermita del Balneario. It was built in 1878 under the patronage of the Virgen de la Salud and is a Neo-Medieval building with Romanesque architectural elements and a vertical design reminiscent of Gothic architecture. The Casa Grande is a Renaissance building constructed in the 15th century. For visitors, its outdoor areas are particularly interesting, as the interior has been converted into offices and service rooms. The Iglesia de San Juan Bautista has a distinctly Baroque spatial composition.

The remains of the Castillo de Archena are classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural. Access to them is restricted because they are located on the grounds of a military residence.

The Palacete de Villa-Rías houses the Museo del Esparto y Antigüedades de Archena. It presents the municipality of Archena’s former esparto-grass and ceramics tradition from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. Historical agricultural tools and handcrafted items made from esparto grass are also on display.

Thermal world and nature

The Balneario de Archena also includes the Hotel Termas, which is particularly known for its dome and its Mozarabic staircase designed by Manuel Castaños. The entire Balneario de Archena complex is subject to comprehensive landscape and environmental protection.

The Río Segura shapes the landscape of the Valle de Ricote and therefore also that of Archena. Its surroundings show contrasts between irrigated orchards, dry areas and nearby limestone mountains. In this regional context, the water-lifting wheel Noria Acebuche de la Algaida is one of the largest in the Región de Murcia.

Paths

The Ruta Vía Romana is 15.5 kilometres long, of moderate difficulty and takes approximately four hours. It begins at the Museo de Archena and follows the paved riverside promenade along the Segura towards the Balneario de Archena. The riverside promenade of Archena along the Segura is seven kilometres long in total.

The Ruta del poeta Vicente Medina also runs along this riverside promenade. It presents poems written on stone monoliths. The Ruta de los Miradores del Monte Ope de Archena is a local route. Hikers can climb into the El Ope mountain area and enjoy views over Archena from its viewpoints.

Traditions

Archena’s patron saint festivals in honour of Corpus Christi and the Virgen de la Salud take place on varying dates between the end of May and June.

Other places

Other local pages in the selection: Villanueva Del Río Segura, Sangonera la Verde, El Albujón, Beniaján, Canteras, Mazarron, Alcantarilla, El Moral.

Before booking, it is worth taking an objective look at the information in the respective offer. In particular, check the included services, price components, and booking and cancellation conditions. This will help you identify which details are fixed and which conditions apply.

For the higher-level travel overview: Murcia.