El Molino del Río Argos

Sleeping in the Argos river canyon

El Molino del Río Argos is in Benablón, a hamlet of Caravaca, on the old Archivel road, tucked into the canyon the Argos river has cut in the rock. The house explains that in its walls you can read a geological evolution of 135 million years. It is secluded: from the centre of Caravaca it is about fifteen minutes by car and, on foot, about 10 km along the paths that leave from the mill itself, the distance the house gives for those who want to walk to the basilica.

The building is a former farmhouse with a mill whose documented origin is the early 16th century, although the house believes it may be earlier. It became a rural guesthouse in 1998 and keeps the structure and decoration of the farmhouses of the time, with today's comforts. The tourist office registers it as a hotel with 30 places.

What there is without leaving the mill

The gardens beside the river are the centre of the house and where celebrations are held. The restaurant works with zero-mile gastronomy: it buys from producers less than 20 km away, preferably organic, and has a seasonal menu and tasting menu. The house brews its own craft beer.

There are introductory yoga workshops, mindfulness sessions and relaxation courses on a regular basis; the website advertises them with posters, without dates or prices in text, so ask what is scheduled for your days. It also organises unconventional weddings, private events and corporate days: a spring or summer weekend may coincide with a wedding in the garden.

What to ask before you go

The website does not detail the room types or how many there are, whether breakfast is included, check-in and check-out times, or whether it admits dogs or has a pool. Ask on 968 433 381, on 692 654 804 or at [email protected] before booking.

Getting around from here

You need a car: without one, the mill is only good if you come to walk. With one, the centre of Caravaca and the Vera Cruz Castle and Basilica are a quarter of an hour away, and the Northwest Greenway, which crosses the Argos river on a viaduct between Caravaca and Cehegín, is good for a morning on foot or by bike. The Fuentes del Marqués, on the other side of the town, round off a day of water and shade.