Bolnuevo: Gredas, Hiking Trail and Coastal History
Accommodation in Bolnuevo
At the foot of the protected Sierra de las Moreras lies Bolnuevo. Natural formations, a hiking trail through a protected landscape, a historic coastal tower and an annual pilgrimage reveal different sides of the town. These attractions appeal to different travel interests: the Gredas are a geological highlight, the Sendero offers a specific hiking route, the Torre de los Caballos tells the story of the coast, and the pilgrimage is a traditional event held at a set time each year. For planning purposes, it is worth distinguishing between landscape attractions and a recurring annual event.
The Gredas: Geology and Protection
The Gredas de Bolnuevo in MazarrĂłn are protected as a natural monument and are also designated as a site of geological interest. They are considered the most representative example of differential erosion in the Region of Murcia. Their distinctive geomorphological formations reach heights of up to 10 metres. The technical term describes uneven erosion: depending on the material and its resistance, a surface does not wear away uniformly. This helps explain the distinctive geomorphological formations. The figure of up to ten metres is the maximum height, not a uniform height for all the formations. Please do not touch or climb the Gredas, as this could seriously damage them.
Hiking Trail through the Sierra de las Moreras
The Sendero Calas de Bolnuevo is a 7.1-kilometre hiking trail. It runs through the protected area of the Sierra de las Moreras. From the trail, you can see some protected Mediterranean islets. This route offers a different way to experience nature from the Gredas: here, the focus is on the trail through the protected landscape and views of the islets, while the Gredas are characterised above all by their erosional forms and height. The stated distance gives you a concrete figure to help plan if you would like to include the Sendero in your trip.
Torre de los Caballos: Coastal History
The Torre de los Caballos in Bolnuevo was built in the 16th century to monitor the coast against possible incursions by Barbary pirates. The tower is therefore a historic landmark in coastal defence. As part of its conversion into a museum, the exhibition content was updated and brought together, and new interpretive signs were installed. The history of the Torre thus brings together two distinct aspects: its original monitoring function and its presentation as a museum. If you would like to visit the Torre, check the current visiting arrangements in advance; information about the facilities may change.
Pilgrimage: Date and Tradition
The annual pilgrimage runs from the shrine in MazarrĂłn to the hermitage on Bolnuevo beach. It takes place on the Sunday after 17 November. Participants gather on the beach and grill sardines over improvised fires. The calendar is key to planning your trip: whereas the Sendero can be planned around its distance, the pilgrimage takes place on a specific date each year. If you would like to plan your trip around this tradition, check the exact event date and schedule in advance.
Getting There by Bus
There is a bus stop at Playa de Bolnuevo on the Mazarrón–Murcia route. As transport information may change, check the latest timetable before travelling. The stop provides a specific reference point for planning your journey by bus.
Discover more destinations: Villanueva Del RĂo Segura, Isla Plana, Puntas De Calnegre, Sucina, La Escucha, Hoya Hermosa, Santa Cruz, Los Arejos
See the main travel overview: Murcia.
