Discover Campos Del Río

Campos Del Río brings together a distinctive landscape, striking landmarks and local traditions. Badlands and the green huerta along the Río Mula provide the setting; manor houses, bridges and the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista complete the townscape. You can plan your trip around the landscape, architecture, routes or cultural events.

Landscape between the badlands and the huerta

The badlands of Campos Del Río are also known as a “lunar landscape.” Facing them is the green huerta in the Río Mula valley. In its irrigated areas along both banks of the river, peaches, oranges and apricots are the main crops. Traditional almond and olive groves remain on dry land; agricultural patterns can change over time.

At the Mirador del Castillo, the view opens out over the huerta and the badlands. The mirador is an open square: the Vega of the Río Mula lies in front, with the façade of the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista behind it. At La Mejillonera, various geological layers are visible in a petrified wall. These features reveal different aspects of the landscape—from the cultivated river valley to the geological formations of the badlands.

There are several routes through the badlands that offer the chance to experience them up close. If you plan to take one, it is advisable to confirm current trail conditions locally. This keeps your route choice suited to the conditions at the time of your visit, without assuming a particular walking time or difficulty level.

Buildings and local history

Calle del Rosario consists almost entirely of manor houses from the early 20th century. Another street with a similar name is Calle Nuestra Señora del Rosario: at its end, the Torre del Reloj is incorporated into a rectangular residential building. Its main façade faces Plaza del Rosario. The tower is painted blue and has two bells arranged one above the other, as well as a weather vane in the shape of a rooster.

Puente Geluta was the former access bridge to Campos Del Río from the autovía. Its six arches span the Río Mula. The structure thus combines a specific former function with a clearly recognizable design. Molino de Vitorio adds to the historic picture of the riverside: it was the first mill in Campos Del Río and is located in the Huerta de La Almazara on the right bank of the Río Mula, at the end of the acequia of the same name. A well-known pine tree serves as a landmark for its location.

In the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista, the central nave is divided into five sections and flanked by side chapels. Inside are a statue of the town’s patron saint and a statue of Christ carrying the cross on his shoulders. Both works are by Roque López (1747–1811), a pupil of Francisco Salzillo. The architecture and sculpture can be considered as distinct aspects of the church.

Routes and recurring events

The Camino de Levante pilgrimage route passes through Campos Del Río and covers just under 118 kilometres between Orihuela and Caravaca de la Cruz. It is distinct from the circular “Vía Verde del Noroeste–Embalse de los Rodeos” route: you can start it at Campos Del Río station, and it is 12 kilometres long. If you plan to take this loop, confirm trail conditions locally.

Traditions can also play a role in planning your trip. The San Antón tradition takes place on 17 January and includes a communal meal outdoors. The Festival Nacional de Folklore Villa de Campos is held regularly as part of the patron saint festivities in Campos Del Río. If an event like this is important to your trip, check local announcements for the specific dates and programme.

Local specialities

Gachasmigas is one of the local dishes of Campos Del Río. Artisan goat’s cheese is also a local food product. If you are interested in regional food culture, both are specific features of the town’s character.

Find hotels in Campos Del Río

If you are looking for a hotel in Campos Del Río, choosing a clear focus for your trip can help: the landscape and badlands, architectural history, the Camino de Levante or a cultural event each raise different planning questions.

Discover more destinations: Lorquí, Alhama De Murcia, Santa Cruz, Lo Pagán, El Moral, Mazarron, Cánovas, Atamaria

For the wider travel overview: Murcia.