Holiday apartment in Campos Del Río – Huerta, Badlands and culture

Campos Del Río presents an unusual contrast of landscapes: the characteristic landscape of Campos del Río combines a network of badlands, also known as a “lunar landscape”, with the green Huerta in the valley of the Río Mula. Here, nature, culture and local traditions exist in close proximity amid earthy formations, irrigated fields and well-preserved townscapes.

Landscape

In the irrigated Huerta on both banks of the Río Mula, peaches, oranges and apricots are cultivated above all. Traditional almond and olive groves also continue to thrive in the dry-farmed areas. This brings agricultural land and the distinctive badlands together within a compact thematic area.

The badlands of Campos del Río contain a local fossil deposit; excavations of fossil bones have also been carried out there. La Mejillonera is a particularly striking geological site: it is a petrified wall where various geological layers are visible.

Various routes are described through the badlands of Campos del Río, allowing visitors to experience them at close range. The landscape can therefore be understood through both its geological formations and its agriculturally shaped Huerta.

Culture

Calle del Rosario stands out in the townscape for its almost uninterrupted sequence of historic residential buildings. It consists almost entirely of mansions from the early 20th century.

The Iglesia de San Juan Bautista has a five-section nave with side chapels. Inside are a statue of the town’s patron saint and a statue of Christ carrying the cross on his shoulders. Both works were created by the sculptor Roque López (1747–1811), a pupil of Francisco Salzillo.

The Puente Geluta is part of the town’s architectural history. It was formerly the access bridge to Campos del Río from the Autovía and has six arches over the Río Mula.

The Torre del Reloj is incorporated into a rectangular residential building at the end of Calle Nuestra Señora del Rosario; its main façade faces Plaza del Rosario. The tower is painted blue and has two bells arranged one above the other, as well as a weather vane in the shape of a rooster.

Another historic link to the local landscape is the Molino de Vitorio. It was the first mill in Campos del Río and is located in the Huerta de La Almazara on the right bank of the Río Mula, at the end of the irrigation channel of the same name. A well-known pine tree serves as a landmark indicating its location.

Routes and squares

The Camino de Levante pilgrimage route passes through Campos del Río. It covers a distance of just under 118 kilometres between Orihuela and Caravaca de la Cruz.

The Mirador del Castillo is an open square offering views of the Huerta and the badlands. The Vega of the Río Mula lies in front of it, while the façade of the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista is behind it.

A 12-kilometre circular route called “Vía Verde del Noroeste–Embalse de los Rodeos” can be started from the railway station in Campos del Río.

Traditions and cuisine

The San Antón tradition takes place on 17 January and includes a communal outdoor meal. The Festival Nacional de Folklore Villa de Campos is also held regularly as part of the patron saint festivities of Campos del Río.

Local dishes from Campos del Río include Gachasmigas. Local food products also include artisanally produced goat’s cheese.

Other places

Further destinations can be discovered via Canteras, El Sabinar, El Espinardo, San Javier, Águilas, Aljucer, San Ginés and Fuente Alamo De Murcia.

For the main travel overview: Murcia.