Northeast

The Altiplano Region takes us into 'Castilian' Murcia, an area of sprawling fields that betoken the proximity of the plains of La Mancha. This landscape meets the eyes of the visitor with its ubiquitous vineyards (the winegrowing areas of Jumilla and Yecla), towns steeped in history and tradition such as Abanilla, or the generous hot springs of Fortuna. The possibilities offered by this region are plentiful. One curious option is to visit the archaeological sites from the Bronze and Middle Ages, and Roman times, as well as a curious collection of Iberian artefacts. The breeze from the nearby Sierra de El Carche refreshes the heat of Jumilla's vine-covered territory, with its fiestas such as the Vendimia, or Grape Harvest. Yecla too, in the shadow of its emblematic Monte Arabí, is drawn into this festive tradition when in December the town pays homage to the Virgin, or Purísima, amidst the purifying rituals of gunpowder and harquebusades. Everyone is welcome.