• The digital platform includes essential details about restaurants, accommodation, places to visit and main events integrated into an interactive map of the region   
• Every seven years, the city of Caravaca de la Cruz, in the Region of Murcia, Spain, enters a Jubilee Year which brings celebrations and thousands of pilgrims to the city. 
• The last Jubilee year of the Caravaca de la Cruz in 2017, saw roughly 500,000 pilgrims and travellers gathering in Caravaca. 
• The city is one of the few granted as the Holy City of Catholic Christianity with the distinction of “jubilee in perpetuum” given by the Pope, alongside Rome, Jerusalem, Santiago de Compostela, and Santo Toribio de Liébana, among others. 
• The Camino de Levante, a trail that leads through the Region of Murcia to the Caravaca de la Cruz, offers an alternative pilgrimage route through Spain. 

The Region of Murcia highlights the Camino de Levante as the main route for visitors wanting to do the pilgrimage of the Holy Jubilee of the Caravaca de la Cruz this year. This celebration attracts thousands of visitors from around the world every seven years with a pilgrimage tradition dating back almost eight centuries.   

Given the importance of this celebration for local tourism, the authorities of the Region of Murcia launched a user-friendly digital platform aimed at visitors who are joining the pilgrimage this year. The platform shares key information about the planning of the routes including accommodation details, restaurants, main highlights to see and answering other useful questions about the trip.  

Off the back of a growth in demand for holistic experiences that provide the opportunity for introspection and the revival of religious outdoor walks in Europe as shown in reports by the religious source Catholic World Report, more and more people are looking to embark upon a pilgrimage. Whether it be religious, spiritual or historical reasoning for following the path, the alternative pilgrimage route, Camino de Levante, that leads to Caravaca de la Cruz, sees thousands of walkers arrive to the Region of Murcia each year.  

According to religious history and the Christian faith, the Holy Cross of Caravaca contains a fragment of the Lignum Crucis; that is, the cross on which Jesus Christ died. Along the route, there are inspiring stops, interesting not only to those making the journey for religious reasons but also for hiking enthusiasts. 

The Camino de Levante route follows the River Segura and passes through fields and orchards on a 120km hiking route to Caravaca. Not only do most pilgrims choose to travel the Camino de Levante to celebrate the Jubilee Year, but it is also incredibly popular among holidaymakers wishing to experience the atmosphere of the celebrations non-theistically. The pilgrimage route is full of culture, nature and gastronomic offerings and can be broken down into five sections. The route is as follows: 

1. Orihuela – Murcia: Begin your journey in Alicante, venturing onto Murcia (24km)  

The route starts in the region of Alicante, in Orihuela, where visitors can visit the iconic sights of the city, such as, the Iglesia de las Santas Justa y Rufina, the archaeological museum and the house which was lived in by the great poet Miguel Hernández. The route then crosses into the region of Murcia where the route follows the River Segura. Barceló Murcia Siete Coronas, in Murcia City is priced from £68 per person based on a stay on 13 May. 

2. Murcia - Alguazas: discover the orchards of Murcia (26km)  

This section runs through a large part of the Murcian orchard, where hikers will discover why Murcia is known as the “Europe’s orchard”. Visitors also pass one of the most important sites in Murcia, the Rueda de la Ñora and its aqueduct. The route continues to Molina de Segura, to visit the church of Nuestra Señora de la Consolación, where the place of worship has stood since the 15th century and is still in perfect condition. Stay at the Villasegura hotel which provides traditional regional and national cuisine with modern touches using local produce. Hotel Villasegura in Molina de Segura is priced from £53 per person based on stay on 14 May. 

3. Alguazas – Mula: explore ruins and Barrancos de Gebas (26km)  

This area of Murcia is a rugged landscape home to a plethora of Roman remains, such as the Roman Villa of Los Villaricos, a large agricultural villa in the heart of Murcia, and the 12^th Century Castle of Alcalá. Guests can also stop at the ancient settlement of Campos del Río, with its typical villages and charm or walk through the Barrancos de Gebas, also known as “the Badlands”. Stay at La Casa de los Coy, a hotel that boasts a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a garden. La Casa de los Coy, in Mula, is priced from £105 per person based on stay on 15 May. 

4. Mula – Bullas: stroll through vineyards and landscapes (21km)  

Hikers will walk close to the Sierra Espuña Regional Park, the first area in the Region of Murcia endorsed by the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (CETS). Following the Northwest greenways, walkers will arrive at Bullas, the land of vineyards and wine and can schedule a stop at Cristo Carrascalejo, or the Museo del Vino (Wine Museum). Stay at Hotel SG, home to a restaurant and winery that serve features Mediterranean cuisine and local wines of Bullas. Hotel SG, in Bullas, is priced from £72 per person based on a stay on 16 May 

5. Bullas – Caravaca de la Cruz: finishing the route in style (21km)  

The last stage of the route is the hardest with a 500m ascension. Hikers will pass through an old railway line before arriving at the Taibilla canal, allowing them to explore the pine forests and vineyards before arriving at their final destination: Caravaca de la Cruz, to see the Basílica-Santuario de la Vera Cruz. Stay at the Hotel Almunia, set in the Medieval heart of Caravaca de la Cruz, just a short walk from the central Plaza del Arco. Hotel Almunia, Caravaca de la Cruz, is priced from £73 per person based on a stay on 17 May  

Other accommodation options in Caravaca include: 

• Hotel La Vera Cruz, offers great city views, a terrace bar and every room has a balcony. It is priced from £69 per person based on stay on 16 May. 
• Círculo Artistico, is just 200 metres from the Sanctuary of Vera Cruz. It is priced from £62 per person based on stay on 13 May. 
• Nuestra Señora del Carmen is a restored 16th-century monastery just a ten-minute stroll from Santísima Cruz Sanctuary. It is priced from £60 per person based on a stay on 15 May. 

THE GRAND CELEBRATIONS – 2 MAY 

On the morning of 2 May, Caravaca celebrates the Caballos del Vino (The Wine Horses celebration), the most significant day of the fiestas. Everyone, including visitors, takes to the street dressed in a white shirt with a red shawl to watch a legendary horse race. Each horse is accompanied by four runners and races to the top of the hill that finishes at the open area of the Castle. This race relives an incredible event that happened 700 years ago, when, according to legend, the castle of the sacred city was sieged, and all the drinking water was poisoned. A group of templar knights were able to break the siege and distributed wine to drink from horseback to prevent the population from drinking the poisoned water that had contaminated the tanks. 

The Region of Murcia is well connected to the UK, with frequent departures from 10 airports to Murcia International. Easyjet offers direct flights from London Gatwick to Murcia International Airport starting from £35.99 (single fare). 

For more information about the Caravaca de la Cruz visit here.  

With December around the corner, the UK is preparing to celebrate Christmas. In Spain, Christmas Day is important, but perhaps even more important is el Día de Reyes, celebrated annually on 6^th January. The 12^th night after Christmas, Three Kings Day (or, as it is known in the UK, Epiphany) is celebrated across the Spanish-speaking world to honour the Three Wise Men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus.  

On 5^th – 6^th January, Spanish people celebrate el Día de Reyes with colourful costumes, vibrant street parades and a special round cake …with a hidden surprise! On the evening of 5^th January, floats pass through streets carrying effigies of the Three Kings or, in some areas, actors dress up in extravagant costumes taking on the role of ‘los Reyes’. As the parade passes, the crowd is often showered with sweets. That night, children put out a shoe, into which gifts are left by the Three Kings, similar to Father Christmas traditions across the world. On 6^th January, presents are unwrapped, and families join to enjoy the Roscón de Reyes, a traditional and brightly decorated cake containing a tiny king or queen figure: the lucky diner who finds a statue in their slice then receives special attention throughout the day. Some cakes also include a fava bean, with the unlucky finder having to pay for the cake! 

Across Spain, cities, towns and villages come together to participate in the festival, and visitors to Spain during January are warmly welcomed to join in. Here are six of the best parades on 5^th January. 

MADRID 

It’s no surprise that the Spanish capital’s el Día de Reyes parade is spectacular: the Three Kings parade on decorated floats for 2.5 hours through the streets of Madrid, surrounded by dancers, acrobats and musicians. The parade ends with a traditional speech of well-wishing from ‘los Reyes’ before a magnificent fireworks spectacle lights up the city at Plaza de Cibeles. Visit here for more information. 

ALCOY, ALICANTE, COMUNITAT VALENCIANA 

The oldest parade in Spain, Alcoy’s celebration has been held since 1885 and, in November 2001, it was declared a Festival of National Interest. This charming festival starts on the Sunday before 6^th January with a parade of children dressed as shepherds, known as ‘les Pastoretes’. On the following days, the town prepares for the main parade: on 4^th January, a messenger announces the Kings’ upcoming arrival, and the town is lit up with watch fires on the hill of Sant Cristòfol. On 5^th January, the main parade takes place, with actors dressed as the Kings parading through the town. Visit here for more information. 

BARCELONA, CATALONIA 

Catalonia is known for doing things differently, and Barcelona’s Día de los Reyes celebrations are no exception. La Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos – the Three Kings Parade – starts by boat, with the Kings arriving on the Santa Eulàlia schooner before being greeted by the mayor. From there, the Kings process through Barcelona’s streets on extravagant floats, with helpers throwing out sweets and treats to the eager crowd. Visit here for more information. 

MÁLAGA, ANDALUCÍA 

One of Spain’s largest parades, the Málaga parade can contain up to 20,000 kg of sweets, distributed throughout the parade by the Three Kings and their helpers. Around 14 floats process through the streets; in 2024, the Kings themselves will spend the previous night at the Alcazaba Fortress, previously a royal residence. The parade comes to a close with the Kings making an offering to the Nativity at the doors of Málaga Cathedral. Visit here for more information. 

SEVILLE, ANDALUCÍA 

The Three Kings Parade in Andalucía’s historic capital, Seville, is one of the longest, and liveliest, throughout Spain. On their six-hour-long journey, the Three Kings are surrounded by carriages, floats, musicians and crowds, all extravagantly decorated to create an astounding spectacle. Visitors to this spectacle need stamina, as its length and excitement makes for a long party! Visit here for more information. 

MALLORCA, THE BALEARIC ISLANDS 

Residents and visitors on Spain’s islands do not miss out from the fun, with Mallorca’s celebration being a particularly special affair. Parades take place throughout the island, filling Mallorca with a carnival atmosphere that is infectiously exciting. Palma, the capital city of the island, has the largest celebrations, with one parade at the port area of S’Arenal consisting of tractors carrying the Kings along the coast. Christmas markets across Mallorca are also open during the lead-up to el Día de Reyes, with gifts for the occasion being just as, if not more, important as at Christmas. Visit here for more information. 

141 years since construction began in 1882, the four main towers of La Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s spectacular basilica church and Barcelona’s most famous landmark, are complete. Each tower represents one of the four evangelists – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – with each evangelist represented by an animal.

A beloved sight on the Barcelona skyline for years, most locals and visitors are used to their view of the majestic church being impeded by scaffolding, but this is set to change with an end to construction work finally in sight. The scaffolding on the four towers will be taken down shortly, bringing a new era to Sagrada Família, which is also the final resting place of its famous architect.

The team behind the UNESCO-listed site are now looking ahead to completing the central tower, representing Christ; this tower is to be topped with a statue of Jesus, making Sagrada Família one of the tallest churches in the world.

La Basílica de la Sagrada Família is famous for being incomplete, and construction has been hampered by the fact that Gaudí himself did not leave full plans for the cathedral. However, it is hoped that the church will be finished in its entirety within the next three years, with an anticipated completion date of 2026 (to coincide with the 100^th anniversary of Gaudí’s death).

The General Secretariat of Tourism of the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade, has awarded 26 celebrations with the distinction of Festivals of International Interest. As well as Seville, those declared of interest are those of Malaga and Granada in Andalusia; Zaragoza and Teruel, in Aragon; Crevillente and Orihuela in Alicante, Cáceres, Badajoz and Mérida in Extremadura; Ferrol and Viveiro in Galicia; Cartagena, Jumilla, Lorca and Murcia in Murcia; León, Cuenca, Hellín, Toledo, Valladolid, Zamora, Salamanca, Medina de Rioseco, Medina del Campo, Palencia and Ávila in Castilla-La Mancha and Castilla y León.

As well as the iconic Semana Santa processions of Seville and Malaga, there are many lesser-known Easter celebrations that have been awarded this title in Spain that are waiting to be discovered. 

SEE PASSIONATE PARADES, BIBLICAL EMBROIDERY AND HORSE-DRAWN CHARIOTS FROM THE PARADOR DE LORCA

Listed as an area of artistic and historical importance in 1964, Lorca, is a city that lies within the region of Murcia in south-eastern Spain, an area strongly influenced by Roman, Christian and Islamic civilisations. Murcia is particularly famous for its flamboyant religious parades at Easter, and there is no better way to see them than taking to its streets in Lorca. Here, travellers can catch a glimpse of easter-themed silk and golden embroideries, a 100-year-old tradition where stories of biblical tales are handwoven into the banners, capes and chariots that illuminate the city’s parades.

Located in the city’s castle grounds, Parador de Lorca  shares its space with medieval remains and archaeological sites, enabling guests to continue their journey into the region’s unique historic and cultural heritage. Highlights include a tour of the historic remains of a 15th century synagogue preserved within the Parador’s walls and panoramic views of the parade from its modern, outdoor terrace.

CHECK IN TO THE PARADOR DE SALAMANCA FOR A UNIVERSITY EASTER RITUAL

Salamanca, just west of Madrid, is home to a UNESCO listed city centre and prestigious 12^th century university, which makes for an emblematic backdrop to take in the city’s Easter celebrations. Quirky street performers and traditional food stalls flood the city’s central square, and its Maundy Thursday service is particularly unique to Salamanca. Professors dress in academic robes and pass under a crystal urn swinging from a 10th century archway. Attendees are treated to traditional cakes and chocolates to mark the occasion.

Situated on the left bank of the river Tormes, strategically located opposite the historic city centre, lies the Parador de Salamanca. It’s a modern and elegant building that provides easy access and an exceptional viewpoint from which to watch Salamanca’s most iconic buildings come to life at Easter. Guests can take in the sights while swimming in the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool, relaxing in the garden or lounging in its large, spacious bedrooms through its elegant, large windows.

UNCOVER A NAUTICAL SIDE TO EASTER WITH PARADOR DE FERROL

Easter in Ferrol, a coastal city located in Galicia, northern Spain, is closely linked to its nautical heritage, having been a major naval port since the 18th century. The most unique event takes place on Good Friday and is characterised by a parade of military and naval representations, including sailors, marines, and soldiers. They carry religious figures and a 130-year-old urn made of rosewood and glass, that has been carefully preserved by the local religious community, through the heart of the city centre.

Housed within a typical Galician mansion, Parador de Ferrol enables guests to soak up the distinctly maritime atmosphere that Ferrol brings to Eastertime. Nautical elements, including world maps and navigation tools, flood the hotel’s hallways, whilst traditional and locally sourced dishes such as Galician scallops and octopus are available for tasting in the Parador’s seafood restaurant.

Nochebuena – Christmas Eve in Spanish is Nochebuena, a time for families to come together to enjoy the most elaborate meal of the Christmas period. The basic rule of thumb is to eat ‘well’ and the meal will start late (around 10pm) and often run on until well after midnight. Although some Spaniards enjoy ‘pavo trufado de Navidad’ (Christmas Turkey stuffed with mushroom truffles), seafood and roasts such as lamb or suckling pig are also popular. The meal will have a number of courses starting with tapas or appetisers and will often include an abundance of Spanish meats, cheeses and pâtés. Dessert will almost always include turrón, a sweet nougat of Moorish origins made of toasted almonds and washed down with strong coffee or a small glass of Spanish brandy.

Although Father Christmas does pay a visit, he will probably leave one gift as the main presents are brought by the Three Kings on 6th January.

NocheVieja – News Year’s Eve in Spain is called NocheVieja and again families will often join together to enjoy another big feast. The cities and towns are decked with colour and Christmas decorations, creating a magical atmosphere. At midnight, families and friends will head to the streets to take part in the tradition of eating 12 grapes, one on each of the 12 chimes as the clock strikes midnight. Legend has it that a year of good luck and prosperity will be granted to those who manage to eat all the grapes before the last chime.

One of the most atmospheric places to enjoy New Year’s Eve is the Puerta del Sol plaza in Madrid. Thousands of people gather here to watch the clock strike midnight and the head to the many bars and nightclubs to celebrate the New Year into the early hours of the morning.

Los Reyes Magos – On 6th January, Spain celebrates the Feast of the Epiphany when the Three Kings arrived in Bethlehem. For Spanish children this is the most exciting day of the year when they wake up to find that Los Reyes Magos (the Three Kings/Wise Men) have left gifts for them. The Three Kings parade through the streets of cities, towns and villages handing out sweets and small gifts to children, accompanied by colourful floats and music. Alcoi in Alicante holds one of the most impressive parades and is known as the oldest in Spain.