Roman baths at the foot of the castle hill, the Torre del Homenaje in the Castillo and Los Mayos reveal different sides of Alhama de Murcia: ancient use, architectural history and a revived tradition. The landscape is also part of the town’s character. You can weigh up cultural history, festival dates and nature when planning your trip.
Roman Baths and Architectural History
The Las Termas Romanas were built at the foot of the castle hill in the 1st century AD and used until the 4th century. The restored rooms include a frigidarium, a tepidarium, a caldarium and a pool. The Museo Arqueológico Los Baños preserves and protects the archaeological remains of the baths. Together, the details about the rooms and the period of use offer a concrete insight into the long history of this structure.
Another notable landmark is the Castillo de Alhama de Murcia: its Torre del Homenaje is 23 metres high. The Iglesia de San Lázaro Obispo offers a different historical perspective. It was rebuilt in the Baroque style in the first half of the 18th century and classified as a BIC (Bien de Interés Cultural) in 2005. Those interested in architectural history will find different periods and styles in one place—from the Roman baths to the Baroque church.
Los Mayos and Dates Throughout the Year
Los Mayos holds the title of Fiesta de Interés Turístico Nacional, awarded in 2018. Revived in 1982, the festival is celebrated on the first Sunday in May. The displays typically feature extinct occupations characteristic of Alhama, as well as everyday scenes and satirical scenes. Its fixed date on the first Sunday in May makes Los Mayos a useful reference point if you would like to plan your trip around a cultural event.
Two craft markets are held in Alhama de Murcia every year: one during Los Mayos and the other during the Feria de Octubre. They offer natural products, handcrafted goods and antiques; dates and offerings may vary. Tastings and demonstrations of traditional butchering and sausage-making were planned for the XVI Fiesta de la Matanza announced for 2026. This programme relates to the announced 2026 edition and should not be assumed to apply to events in other years.
Landscape and Hiking Trails
The Parque Regional Sierra Espuña lies within the municipal areas of Alhama de Murcia, Totana and Mula. The area has been protected since 1978, classified as a Parque Regional since 1992, and is also protected as a ZEPA and LIC. The park has signposted hiking trails and marked walking routes. Alongside the historical attractions, this offers the option of exploring a landscape with designated routes; trail conditions may be a factor locally.
One specifically named route is the PR-MU 63 Sendero del Pedro López. From the Collado Mangueta car park, it leads to two restored Pozos de Cartagena; one can be visited from the inside. Access and trail conditions may vary seasonally, so check them before setting out. This lets you base your decision to go hiking on the actual conditions, rather than planning solely around the name of a destination.
Getting There and Planning Your Trip
A bus stop in Alhama de Murcia is served by buses heading to Murcia, Lorca or Puerto de Mazarrón. If you plan to use one of these connections, check the timetable before travelling. This helps with planning without assuming a specific route or frequency.
You can choose different priorities when deciding when to travel: Los Mayos takes place on the first Sunday in May, while the Feria de Octubre provides another annual occasion to visit the craft market. If you are mainly interested in architectural history, the Roman baths, castle and Baroque church are the highlights; for a hike, marked trails and seasonal conditions are key. This lets you decide how much weight to give cultural events and nature based on what you would like to experience in Alhama de Murcia.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: El Berro, Sangonera la Verde, La Parra, Aljucer, Beniaján, Yecla, Blanca, Torre-Pacheco.
For the broader travel overview: Murcia.
