This small town punches above its weight with bold red wines, a surprising furniture industry, and festivals that feel genuinely local. It's not polished for tourists, which is exactly why it's worth your time.
Overview
Yecla (YECK-lah) is a town of about 35,000 people in the north of Murcia. It's known for two things: wine and furniture. The wine is serious business here – Yecla has its own DO (Denominacion de Origen) status, mostly for robust reds made from Monastrell grapes. The furniture industry is less obvious but everywhere once you look; many locals work in it, and there are showrooms scattered around.
Best time to visit is spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October). Summer is hot, like Murcia-hot, and many places close in August. Winter is quiet but can be chilly.
Yecla is perfect for wine lovers, anyone interested in Spanish small-town life, and people who want to see something real rather than a tourist trap. It's not a beach destination, so don't come expecting that.
Top Things to Do
Here's what you should do in Yecla, in no particular order. Mix and match based on your interests.
Bodegas Castano
€€The biggest and most famous winery in Yecla. They do tours in English and Spanish, and the tasting includes their flagship Monastrell wines. Book ahead online. It's outside town, so you'll need a car or taxi.
Museo del Vino
FreeSmall but informative museum in the centre about Yecla's wine history. Free entry, takes about 30 minutes. Good context before hitting the wineries.
Furniture showrooms on Calle Mayor
FreeWalk down Calle Mayor and peek into the furniture showrooms. You'll see everything from modern designs to traditional pieces. Most are open to browse, no pressure to buy.
Santuario del Castillo
FreeA 20-minute walk uphill from the centre to this sanctuary. The church itself is simple, but the views over Yecla and the vineyards are worth it. Go early or late to avoid the heat.
Mercado de Abastos
€The covered food market in the centre. Open mornings except Sunday. Buy local cheese, olives, or just wander. It's not huge, but it's authentic.
Bodegas La Purisima
€€A cooperative winery with good value tastings. Less polished than Castano but friendly and local. They focus on organic wines. Call ahead to check tour times.
Hidden Gems
If you want to get off the main track, try these.
Bodegas small producers: Beyond the big names, ask at the tourist office for smaller bodegas that might do tastings by appointment. Places like Bodegas Barahonda or Bodegas Evine are worth the effort.
El Rincon de Pepe: A no-frills bar near the market where locals go for tapas. Try the morcilla (blood sausage) or pimientos de padron (fried peppers). It's cheap and cheerful.
Fiesta de la Virgen: If you're here in early December, the festival for the patron saint involves parades, music, and general chaos. It's not touristy at all – just locals having a good time.
Ruta del Vino self-drive: Pick up a map from the tourist office and drive through the vineyards. Stop at viewpoints and maybe stumble upon a small winery. The landscape is surprisingly dramatic.
Practical Info
Especially at weekends or during festivals. Many require advance booking, even if their website says otherwise. A quick call or email saves disappointment.
Many businesses close for the whole month. If you come then, check opening times carefully. It's also very hot.
Monastrell is the star here – a bold, fruity red. Don't be shy to ask for recommendations in bars. A glass costs €2-4 usually.
Getting there: Yecla is about 1 hour by car from Murcia city, 1.5 hours from Alicante. There are buses from both cities, but they're infrequent. A car is best if you want to visit wineries.
Best times to avoid crowds: Weekdays outside of summer. Yecla doesn't get huge tourist crowds anyway, but weekends can be busy at wineries. Mornings are quieter than afternoons.
Parking: Free parking is easy to find on the edges of the centre. Don't bother trying to park in the narrow streets downtown.
Tourist office: On Calle del Teatro, near the main square. They have maps and can help with winery bookings. Open Monday to Friday, mornings only.