Bullas & Salto del Usero: a hidden waterfall between rocks

In the interior of Murcia, near the charming town of Bullas, you will find a piece of cooling that feels like a secret discovery. Salto del Usero is a natural waterfall between jagged rock walls, with a clear blue basin in which you can swim, paddle or just enjoy the peace and quiet.

Murcia is known for its hot summers, and then a place like this is pure magic. Think: rippling water, shadow of the rocks, and the sound of children splashing in the water. The waterfall – with a drop of about three to four meters – is located on the northwestern slope of the Cerro del Castellar, fed by the river Mula. Salto del Usero is a natural swimming pool where locals have been coming for years to cool off – but it is still relatively unknown to tourists. Not so unknown: every year between 23 and 24 June, hundreds of people gather here for the traditional St. John’s Night (“Bajada de la Mora”), when legend has it that the “Moorish Queen” appears by the water – and the puddle on that night is considered “miraculous”.

This is a nice trip for families with children: not too big, adventurous without being dangerous, and easily accessible.

Salto del Usero is located just outside the town of Bullas. You park on the edge of the nature reserve (search for “Salto del Usero Bullas” on Google Maps), and then it is about a 5 to 10 minute walk down. You follow a path that leads you past olive trees and rocks to the water.

In high season (July–August) it can be busy – access is even limited to a fixed number of visitors per day, so arrive early and book your entry online.

• Swimming & cooling off in the natural pool
• Picnic by the water or on one of the higher spots
• Take photos – the waterfall is small but photogenic
• Scramble & play between the rocks
• Relax in the shade

Please note that the water is quite cold (even in summer), but that makes it just as refreshing.

• Bring water shoes (the stones may be slippery)
• Bring a picnic, there are no food stands
• Bring sunscreen & water – there is shade, but it stays warm
• Respect nature: don’t leave any rubbish behind
• For young children: a swimming ring or life jacket can be useful

A few minutes’ drive away is the town of Bullas, which has had an official Denominación de Origen for its wine since 2007 – made mainly from the Monastrell grape, grown at over 600 metres above sea level. The wine tradition here goes back much further: a Roman figurine was even found, known as “the boy with the bunches of grapes”.

So feel free to combine your visit to Salto del Usero with:

• Visiting a local bodega or the Museo del Vino
• Lunch on a cozy terrace
• A short walk through the old town, with the Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora del Rosario and the Torre del Reloj

There are also beautiful routes between the vineyards in the area. Ideal for a quiet afternoon walk or a photo stop with a view.

Whether you come to cool off, to have a picnic or simply to discover a new place in Murcia: Salto del Usero does not disappoint. It’s one of those places where your children can play freely in nature, where you sit with your feet in the water with a sandwich in your hand, and where – if you’re lucky – you’re completely alone for a while with the sound of running water.