You get history, relaxation, and hiking without the crowds of bigger towns. It's a proper local experience.
Overview
Fortuna (for-TOO-nah) is a small village in Murcia known for two things: Roman baths and hot springs. It's not a big tourist destination, which is exactly why I like it.
What makes it special is the combination. You have the archaeological site of the Roman baths (Balneario Romano) right next to modern thermal spas. Plus, the surrounding mountains offer good hiking with views over the valley.
The best time to visit is spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November). Summer is VERY hot here – we're talking 35°C+ regularly. Winter is mild but some hiking trails might be muddy.
This place is perfect for:
- Couples wanting a relaxing weekend
- History buffs interested in Roman sites
- Hikers looking for quiet trails
- Anyone tired of crowded coastal resorts
Top Things to Do
Here's what you should actually do in Fortuna, in order of importance.
Balneario Romano de Fortuna
€€The Roman bath complex from the 1st century AD. You can see the original pools, heating system, and some mosaics. It's small but well-preserved. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-2pm. Entry is €3.
Baños Termales de Fortuna
€€€The modern thermal spa next to the Roman site. Uses the same hot springs the Romans did. They offer day passes for the thermal pools, plus treatments. Day pass is around €25-35 depending on the day.
Hike to Sierra de la Pila
FreeThe mountain range behind Fortuna has marked trails. The PR-MU 65 route is popular – about 10km round trip with good views. Start from the village centre. Bring water – there's no shade.
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario
FreeThe main church in the village square. 18th-century baroque style with a nice interior. Worth a quick look if you're passing by. Usually open during daylight hours.
Mercado Municipal
€The covered market where locals shop. Open mornings except Sunday. Good for fresh fruit, local honey, and seeing daily village life. Not touristy at all.
Do the Roman baths in the morning when it's cooler, then relax at the thermal spa in the afternoon. They're literally next to each other.
Hidden Gems
These are the spots locals know about but tourists often miss.
Fuente de los Cantos: A natural spring about 3km from the village. Locals still fill water bottles here. The water comes out cold and fresh year-round. There's a small picnic area nearby.
Ermita de la Cruz: A small hermitage on a hill overlooking Fortuna. It's a 20-minute walk from the village. The views are better than from the church in town. Go at sunset.
Bar El Rincon: Not in guidebooks. A proper local bar near the market. They do good tapas with your drink. Try the patatas bravas (spicy potatoes) – they make their own sauce.
The olive grove trails: Behind the thermal spa, there are paths through old olive groves. No markers, but easy to follow. Quiet and shady in parts. You might see farmers working the trees.
The thermal water smells slightly sulphurous. That's normal – it's the minerals. The smell disappears once you're in the pools.
Practical Info
Fortuna is about 30 minutes by car from Murcia city. There's no train station. Buses run from Murcia's bus station but are infrequent – check times at www.murciabus.es. Driving is easiest.
Weekends get busier at the thermal spa, especially in spring. Go on a weekday if you can. The Roman baths are rarely crowded.
Parking: Free parking near the Roman baths and thermal spa. In the village centre, look for blue zones – free for 2 hours.
Food: Typical Murcian dishes. Try zarangollo (scrambled eggs with zucchini and onion) or pastel de carne (meat pie). Most restaurants are around the main square.
Opening hours: Spanish schedule applies. Shops close 2-5pm. Restaurants serve lunch 1:30-4pm, dinner from 8:30pm. The Roman baths close for siesta.
Fortuna works well combined with a visit to nearby Cieza (known for fruit blossoms in spring) or the Santuario de la Fuensanta in Murcia.