Parking in Caravaca, and more importantly, where NOT to park.
Where to park in Caravaca de la Cruz
Caravaca de la Cruz is divided into two main areas; the newer quarter which clusters around the foot of the old town and has wide streets with plenty of parking and the old quarter, which winds up around the hill on which the former castle was built and has narriow, winding streets and little on-street parking.
At the weekend and during Holy Years it is highly advisable to avoid attempting to drive into the old quarter at all costs, and only confident drivers are advised to attempt the old quarter at other times.
Motorhomes and high-topped vehicles cannot enter via Plaza del Arco and are not permitted inside the old quarter due to width and height restrictions.
Motorists are therefore strongly advised to park outside of the old quarter and walk in.
Driving into Caravaca de la Cruz, there are 2 main parking areas which give easy access to the old quarter of town.
Personally, we would opt for the first as it is an easy walk DOWN immediately into the old quarter of town.
Option 1, by the Pabellon Multiusos
This is the natural choice if coming in off the motorway, or taking the scenic, twisty route from Moratalla.
Driving along the Autovia del Noroeste, ( from Murcia direction) you will see Caravaca on the right hand side and the natural tendency is to think you've actually missed the turning.
The turning is easily visible due to the presence of an enormous stone cross on the roundabout.
Follow the road into town and the road will fork slightly. Stay left and you'll arrive at a distinctive stone building, the Templete.
Again, stay left and once through the traffic lights, the road climbs upwards and you'll cross the river rambla.
Turn right here, and follow the road up to the car-parking area. This is where all the tourist coaches park, and there is plenty of room. If you're there early enough, you can park on the road right next to the Museum de la Fiesta,( NOT Sundays- see below) and the Tourist Office is immediately in front of you as you walk down the hill, so the first stop is in there for a map.
This map link shows the restaurant Salón Castillo, with calle rambla running alongside it. There is plenty of parking along calle Rambla and then higher up by the restaurant:
Option 2, By the Pabellón Multiusos
This option is for those coming from Cehegin, via the "road of the white trees".
If you come off the motorway a junction earlier, this is the Cehegin turn-off.
From here take the tree-lined road to Caravaca. Once through the trees and into the industrial area, there is a ferreteria on the right hand side.
Follow the road around to the right, and you'll find the entrance to the sports area, with ample parking, and it's easy to walk uphill, bear right and you'll walk into the old quarter.
This route brings you into the Plaza del Arco, the old quarter, through a stone arch which feels as though you're coming into a different world.
The tourist information point is open during Holy Years and major fiestas and is on the right hand side at the far end of the Plaza, first stop-off point for a map.Alternatively, carry on straight and you'll find the main tourist office at the end of the narrow street which heads straight out of the end of Plaza del Arco.
Click here for map, Pabellon Multiusos, Caravaca
WARNING.
At all costs, avoid trying to drive into the old city during the busy months, particularly at weekends. It's a nightmare and you will inevitably get very stressed and upset, so use the parking areas provided.
These old hilltop towns were not built for modern cars, so although most of the roads are drivable, they can be un-nerving if you don't know where you're going and can be a little narrow for comfort.
Under no circumstances should you attempt to park in the places listed below between 11am and 2pm on Saturdays, Sundays and on Festival days, as you will be TOWED AWAY and receive a very large fine:
Plaza del Arco
Plaza Nueva
Cuesta del Castillo( the run up to the castle)
Calle Aurora
Calle Ceyt Abuceyt
Calle Colegio
Calle Las Monjas
In the winter, you'll get away with it, and there is some limited parking within the old city, but it's just not worth the stress, so park in the places recommended.
For those with limited mobility, a tourist train runs from the Plaza del Arco up to the Sanctuary throughout the day, so don't struggle, as its a good uphill walk to the top.
Everything in these old hilltop towns is uphill, so wear flat shoes, this is not a place for heels, and many find a walking stick a great friend, although there are some good strong walking sticks on sale here for virtually no money, which make great souvenirs and practical presents.
Click for more information about the Caravaca de la Cruz municipality
