Caravaca de la Cruz, a charming town in southeastern Spain‘s Murcia region, has recently been named by National Geographic as the most beautiful European town to visit in May. This lesser known hidden treasure is beautiful and filled with history and cultural significance as one of the only five cities worldwide alongside Rome, Jerusalem, Santiago de Compostela, and Santo Toribio de Liébana where a perpetual Holy Year (Jubileo Perpetuo) can be celebrated, which was granted by Pope John Paul II in 1998. The town is home to a relic of the Holy Cross and from May 1 to 3, it holds a UNESCO-recognised festival honouring the town’s patron saint.

The festival features the renowned Caballos del Vino (Wine Horses) race, where horses adorned in elaborate silk and gold costumes race up a steep. One of the town’s main attractions is the Castle and Basilica of Vera Cruz which overlooks the town. 

Originally a Muslim fortress, it was enlarged in the 15th century by the Knights Templar, before being taken over by the Order of Santiago.

Fourteen towers guard the Sanctuary of the Holy and True Cross, built at its centre in the 17th century.

The sanctuary is believed to house a fragment of the True Cross a relic attributed with miraculous properties, making it a significant pilgrimage site. 

Other notable activites include visiting the Church of El Salvador, the Church of La Soledad, and the Vía Verde nature trail filled with pine forests, and almond groves along the Mula River.

One TripAdvisor user wrote: “Quiet cultural tourism, without crowds, a Sanctuary and a beautiful village, highly recommended.”

Another wrote: “Caravaca is an absolutely beautiful town. We visited on our saga trip and everyone agreed how lovely it was. Nice castle and wonderful old buildings. Plenty of cafes and restaurants as well.”

Margaret from Weymouth also said: “Many historic buildings and the church is beautiful inside. Many buildings have plaques in Spanish and English explaining their history. Easy parking and many restaurants.”