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The Region of Murcia has long been a preferred destination for cycling holidays, the varied terrain attracting tourists from all over Europe 12 months a year, and its inclusion on the “EuroVelo 8” route, which runs a massive 7,560 kilometres from Cádiz in the south-west of Spain to Athens and Cyprus, is likely to further cement the reputation of the Costa Cálida in this field.
On its Spanish sections EuroVelo 8 (“the Mediterranean Route”) broadly follows the path of the Via Augusta, the Roman road which linked the most important cities of Hispania to the centre of the Roman Empire 2,000 years ago. This is one of 17 routes which criss-cross the continent and have a total length of over 90,000 kilometres, and pedal power fans can of course dip into each route and ride just one stage as well as tackling entire international routes.
In setting up the EuroVelo scheme the EU’s aim is to promote sustainable, healthy and active tourism, and six stages of EuroVelo 8 lie partly or wholly in the Region of Murcia, accounting for a total distance of 217 kilometres and offering spectacular sea views, short but steep mountain climbs and visits to large towns and cities:
Stage 16: Villaricos - Águilas
Image: SGS Images (Murcia Turística), Playa de los Cocedores
This 27.5-kilometre ride from Villaricos in the province of Almería ends with 6.4 kilometres in the south-west of the Region of Murcia, all of them following the coastline as riders approach the town of Águilas.
This route takes them through the protected area of Cuatro Calas, the beaches of Calarreona and La Cañada del Negro and into the town centre, ending at the tourist office.
Stage 17: Águilas - Puerto de Mazarrón
The following stage covers a distance of 53.2 kilometres and again follows the coastline as far as possible, passing the beach of Playa de las Delicias and then the residential areas of Todosol and Calabardina. From the imposing headland of Cabo Cope riders proceed to the municipality of Lorca in Puntas de Calnegre after veering inland, up and over the mountains, on a road which offers some of the most spectacular views in the Costa Cálida.
Nearing Puerto de Mazarrón, flat terrain returns alongside the long, golden beach of Bolnuevo as the route heads towards the local tourist office and the end of the stage.
Stage 18: Puerto de Mazarrón - Cartagena
For the 37.2-kilometre stage to Cartagena the route leaves the coast at the beach of El Alamillo, skirting the protected area of Cabo Tiñoso and the mountain pass of Cedacero and instead following the RM-332 inland and climbing to an altitude of 352 metres.
The stage takes in small villages such as Tallante and Perín as it reaches the northern part of the La Muela, Cabo Tiñoso and Roldán nature reserve before leading into the historic city and port of Cartagena.
Stage 19: Cartagena - San Pedro del Pinatar
At 58.2 kilometres this is the longest stage of EuroVelo 8 in the Region of Murcia, and after leaving Cartagena it leads through more mountainous terrain - this time, the Sierra Minera – to the old mining town of La Unión, the bay of Portmán and then, in complete contrast, the prestigious golf resort of La Manga Club.
From there the ride flattens out as it follows the inland shore of the Mar Menor through Los Belones, Los Nietos, Los Urrutias, Los Alcázares, San Javier and Santiago de la Ribera to San Pedro del Pinatar, with the Regional Park of its salt flats and dunes and its resident flamingos.
This stage offers a real mix of untamed nature, built-up areas and sea views!
Stage 20: San Pedro del Pinatar - Murcia
Before leaving the Costa Cálida and heading north into Alicante, EuroVelo 8 takes a detour inland from San Pedro del Pinatar and runs through San Javier, Sucina, La Tercia, San José de la Vega, Los Dolores and Los Garres, the 47.6-kilometre stage 20 ending at the Auditorio Víctor Villegas in the city of Murcia.
Stage 21: Murcia – Orihuela
The first 14.6 km of this short, flat stage (just 22.1 kilometres) follow the River Segura as it flows into the province of Alicante through El Raal and Beniel, and riders arrive shortly afterwards in the historic city of Orihuela.
In short, then, something for everyone, in manageable bite-sized stages along the coastline of Murcia – and of course, riders are welcome to explore further inland any time they find their curiosity getting the better of them!
