That means it's a major pilgrimage site with a perpetual Jubilee every seven years. The next one is in 2024, so plan ahead.
Introduction
Caravaca de la Cruz (pronounced kah-rah-VAH-kah day lah krooth) is a town in northwest Murcia that punches way above its weight. It's not just another pretty Spanish town – it's one of the five Holy Cities in the world, alongside Rome, Jerusalem, Santiago de Compostela, and Santo Toribio de Liébana.
Why does that matter? Because it has a relic – the Vera Cruz (True Cross) – that draws pilgrims and visitors from all over. But even if you're not religious, Caravaca has a charm that's hard to beat, with its castle, old town, and festivals that are pure local flavour.
What to See and Do
Start at the castle. It's not just any castle – it's the Basilica-Sanctuary of the Vera Cruz, where the famous cross is kept. You can visit the museum inside and see the cross itself (it's in a chapel). The views from up there are worth the climb.
Basilica-Sanctuary of the Vera Cruz
€3The heart of Caravaca. Visit the chapel with the cross, see the museum, and walk the ramparts. Open daily, but check times for mass if you want to avoid crowds.
Wander the old town. The streets around the castle are narrow and full of character. Look for the Templete, a small baroque building where the cross is said to have appeared. It's a quick stop but photogenic.
Don't miss the Wine Horses festival in May. It's wild – horses dressed in embroidered cloths race up the hill to the castle, and people run alongside. Book accommodation early if you're coming then.
Museo de la Fiesta
FreeA small museum dedicated to the Wine Horses festival. See the costumes and learn about the traditions. Good for a rainy day or if you miss the actual event.
Eat like a local. Try migas (fried breadcrumbs with meat or fruit – sounds weird, tastes great) and arroz con conejo (rice with rabbit). For something sweet, yemas (egg yolk sweets) are the thing here.
Mesón El Castillo
€€Right near the castle, this place does solid Murcian dishes. Get the migas or arroz con conejo. Book ahead in peak season.
Practical stuff: Caravaca is about an hour's drive from Murcia city. There are buses, but a car gives you flexibility to explore the surrounding countryside. Parking can be tight in the old town – use the public lots on the outskirts.
Tips
The Wine Horses festival (first week of May) is the best time to see Caravaca alive. But book everything months in advance – it gets packed.
The next perpetual Jubilee is in 2024. If you're planning a pilgrimage or just want to avoid huge crowds, look up the exact dates online before you go.
There's a fountain near the Templete with agua de la cruz (water of the cross). Locals drink it for blessings. It's just tap water, but it's a fun tradition.