Doña Inés: Hiking Trails, Landscapes and Traditions

The Ruta Circular Cerro Pocico is a 7 km family-friendly circular hiking route in Doña Inés. It starts at Plaza de Doña Inés. From there, the route passes areas where cereals and almonds are grown, as well as Fuente del Pocico and Estanque de Doña Inés. A second circular hike, the Ruta de Senderismo El Tornajo, is 12 km long and is also located near Doña Inés.

Hiking Trails and Mountain Biking Route

For mountain bikers, the Ruta MTB Peña María y Sierra Melgoso follows a 43.5 km circular route near Doña Inés. It ends at Estanque de Doña Inés, where you may occasionally spot a grey heron fishing. The distances make the route lengths easy to compare: the two other circular routes mentioned are hikes, while the 43.5 km route is designated as a mountain biking route. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

Cerro del Tornajo is also on the hiking routes Caminos del Sol and Ruta del Argar, and is an important location on the Camino de Santiago route that begins in Lorca. These route connections add further trail names around the Cerro to the individual circular routes.

Landscape and Nature at Cerro del Tornajo

Cerro del Tornajo near Doña Inés features gypsum-rich steppe areas, volcanic hills and rich biodiversity. Its hydrological importance includes the Ramblas Prado Jerez and Clavijo, the Don Juan Pedro and del Pocico springs, the de la Vareas spring, and the El Tornajo aquifer. The landscape therefore encompasses watercourses, springs and groundwater.

On a hike at Cerro del Tornajo, you can observe thousands of butterflies of various species, especially in spring, provided drought does not prevent this. The opportunity to see them therefore depends on the season and the local drought conditions.

The Ruta MTB Peña María y Sierra Melgoso passes through the Las Vaeras wetland. It is home to diverse and unusual vegetation, including protected flora that is significant because of its rarity and vulnerability. The surrounding area of Doña Inés also has extensive dry-farmed land with vineyards and olive groves.

On 24 February 2025, the City of Lorca announced a municipal initiative to protect a total of 920 hectares of natural area at Cerro del Tornajo, highlighting its ecological, landscape and heritage value.

Hermitage, Festivals and Crafts

The Ermita de San Isidro is dedicated to San Isidro, the patron saint of Doña Inés. The patron saint’s festivals include a Cucaña, a traditional open-air celebration (verbena), processions for San Isidro and the Virgen del Rosario, and performances by Cuadrillas. Dates may vary, so check before your trip if you would like to experience a festival.

Another tradition is the Noche de la Pava, la Vela y el Candil. All the village’s electric lights are switched off, and people spend the night by candlelight and fires, with music and dancing. The timing of this tradition may also vary.

Visitors to Doña Inés can visit craft workshops to learn more about local crafts. Check their availability in advance. Fuente de los Cantos and the area behind the Molino are considered good places to watch the sunset. Access and conditions may vary, so take this into account when planning your visit.

Getting to Doña Inés

Doña Inés is 34 km from Lorca. Access is via the road to Caravaca: after La Paca, take the right-hand turn towards Cehegín; after about 4 km, turn left towards Doña Inés. Check the route using up-to-date navigation before setting off.

Discover more destinations: La Tercia, Isla Plana, Barinas, Archena, Casas Del Aljibe, El Espinardo, Abarán, Águilas.

For the broader travel overview: Murcia.