Details

Alhama de Murcia is o­ne of the historic towns located next to the N-340, which runs from Murcia to Granada and, before the construction of the dual carriageway, was the old road that ran near the Mediterranean. Alhama lies near the base of the Sierra Espuña at 176 meters above sea level and has a population of 18,000 inhabitants.

Although there is evidence of prehistoric life, the real history of the town started during the Roman Empire, when a tower was built as a lookout over the valleys of the Guadalentín and Sangonera rivers.  The Arabs took advantage of the remainders of that tower and its foundation to raise an impressive fortress, from which it was possible to see for a radius of many kilometres.  There is no doubt that the fortress, reinforced and surrounded by strong walls, imposed respect.

In front of the town spreads an extensive cultivated plain featuring vineyards of table grapes.  This fertile land is made full use of.  Apart from the vineyards there are orchards of citrus trees, along with almond and olive groves.

Peppers, cereals and melons are also grown.  Cattle and pigs are reared and
slaughtered to produce the famous Spanish sausages.  Near these plantations and farms the warehouses for this produce and other industries are to be found.  The fact that this is a practical location near the dual carriageway that has links throughout Spain, has no doubt been o­ne of the reasons for the construction of “Las Salinas” Industrial Park, where footwear and pharmaceutical industries are also to be found. 

The fast train between Lorca and Barcelona also stops at the station here, vital for commuters and businessmen.  To the north and west the orchards extend to the very slopes of the Regional Park of the Sierra Espuña, authentic green lung of the province of Murcia.

Only a short drive from all this activity of the modern world and you reach the Park.  Here, the tops of the mountains rise to 1.585 metres and a diversity of outdoor activities can be enjoyed - from handgliding from the bare summits to hiking along the pine clad slopes.  Alhama de Murcia is o­nly about 30 km from the capital of the province, the same distance from the important town of Lorca, and 50 km from the port of Cartagena near to which lies the coastal resort of Mazarrón.

Back down in the town you can visit the old Roman and Moorish thermal baths, mention of which is made in various chronicles from the 12^th Century o­nwards, or stroll through the old streets and see the Castle, churches and stately houses then perhaps enjoy some tapas and relish the Murcian gastronomy.

The processions of Easter Week in Alhama de Murcia are declared to be of Cultural Interest and there are also the Fiestas in May to be experienced.