THE BEST HOLIDAYS MURCIA, SPAIN
THE BEST HOLIDAYS MURCIA, SPAIN

INTRODUCTION: HOLIDAYS MURCIA
Holidays Murcia: If you are considering a trip to Spain and want to have a more authentic Spanish experience away from the traditional tourist destinations, then you definitely should consider the city and region of Murcia. In this post, I’ll highlight some key features that make Murcia unique, and which will help you get a better understanding of what the area has to offer. As someone who moved to Costa Calida 10 years ago and has extensively explored this region of the Mediterranean, I’m happy to share my insider knowledge of this beautiful Spanish destination.
Murcia is located near the southeastern coast of Spain (Costa Calida) and is often overlooked as a travel destination, in favor of more prominent Spanish destinations. However, those who make their way here are rewarded with a city rich in history, with a vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes. The region benefits from the Mediterranean climate and offers an ideal alternative for visitors seeking to explore and experience a more authentic Spain. (see related post Guide to the Coast of Spain and Lifestyle and Travel Guide to the Mediterranean Coast for more info and helpful tips)
What are the TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN MURCIA?
HOLIDAYS MURCIA: TOP ATTRACTIONS
Murcia Cathedral

This cathedral was built in the 14th century near the Segura river in the downtown of Murcia. The main construction was completed in about 100 years however additions and changes were made over the next several centuries, incorporating various architectural styles. The end result is quite beautiful and is definitely worth visiting. You can even climb to the top of the bell tower where you can get spectacular panoramic views of the city.
Real Casino
The Casino was built in the 19th century and was a hub of activity for the rich and well-to-do of that period and up to the present. A living “museum”, it is still in service today and is used for art exhibitions, conferences, book launches, institutional ceremonies, and business.

Plaza Cardenal Belluga
This is the main historic center of Murcia which includes the Murcia Cathedral and Casino mentioned above. There are restaurants and cafes in this plaza and is a great place for people watching or simply having coffee and watching the world go by.
Wildlife Park: Terra Natura Murcia
This wildlife park has over 300 animals from 50 different species, living in specially created natural habitats. In addition to this, there are special shows featuring birds of prey, elephants, and other animals. Finally, there are adventure activities such as zip lines, rope bridges, and water slides.

Floridablanca Garden
Located in the center of Murcia, Floridablanca garden has many plant species, flowers, herbs, and trees. This offers tourists a quiet place to visit in the middle of the city. The garden also hosts different events such as outdoor concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural events.
DAY TRIPS: HOLIDAYS MURCIA
From the city of Murcia, there are some ideal locations nearby that lend themselves perfectly to day trips.
Wine tasting in Jumilla
Located about 50km north of Murcia is the wine-growing region near the town of Jumilla. The first vineyard began here in 1966, and since then the area has established itself as an important wine-growing region attracting not only Spaniards but foreign visitors from around the world. The wines are based on the Monastrell grape variety which do quite well in the arid conditions of this region. There are several vineyards operating in the area and many offer organized wine tastings and wine tours. Four of these vineyards are located right in Jumilla: Bodegas Silvano Garcia, Bodegas Artesanal Vina Campanero, Bodegas San Isidro, and Bodegas Alceno.

Cartagena
The port city of Cartagena, Spain, is a short train ride away and offers a variety of sites to see including a fully restored Roman Amphitheater, a beautiful port area directly on the Mediterranean sea, and an excellent shopping district. (see related post, “Cartagena” to find out more).

La Manga del Mar Menor
Located a short distance away from Murcia, La Manga is a beach town built on a 16 km long sandbar on the Mediterranean coast, with the sandbar separating the saltwater sea “Mar Menor ” from the Mediterranean Sea. During the summer months, the weather is extremely hot across the country with temperatures reaching the mid 40’s. As a result, millions of people head to the coast of Spain to enjoy the sunny beaches and relatively cool Mediterranean sea breezes on the Costa Calida.
If you are looking for a less crowded beach experience, I recommend May/June or Sept/Oct where the temperature is still quite hot and beautiful but the crowds have mostly gone away. (see our post on La Manga and also on the Mar Menor, to find out more)

Lorca
Located about 50 km southwest of Murcia, you can visit the town of Lorca, which is known as the “Baroque City” due to its beautiful collection of Baroque architecture. Here you can visit the Lorca Castle which has an incredible panoramic view of the area and showcases its medieval past.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: HOLIDAYS MURCIA
Water Sports
With a river running through the city and being no further than 35km from the Mediterranean coast and close to the Costa Calida’s inland sea “the Mar Menor”, there is a long list of water sports that can be done in and around Murcia.
However, the main destination for water sports is hands down the Mar Menor. This saltwater inland sea is about 20km long by 10km wide and is 7m at its deepest. It is separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a 16km long sand bar. This provides for a very large shallow lake free of large waves, currents, or tides and is relatively warm all year long. The calm waters create an ideal water playground for kite surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing

Hiking and Walking Tours
Regardless of your fitness level, there are a variety of trails to meet every taste. There are coastal trails in the Calblanque Regional Park that offer excellent mountain and sea views (see related post on Hiking in Calblanque). There are also tour companies offering organized hikes in various parks and mountainous areas in the region such as in Sierra Espuña Park or Carrascoy and El Valle Regional Park.

You can also explore Murcia and/or Cartagena with guided tours and explore these cities in more detail with a professional guide. But you can also go it alone and explore the cities on your own at your own pace.
Another excellent place to walk/hike is along the coast in Cabo de Palos where you can walk to the lighthouse, make your way along the escarpment overlooking the Mediterranean, go snorkeling in the crystal clear waters, and finish with a visit to one of the dozens of restaurants and bistros next to the marina. (see our related post on The 10 Best Things To Do In Cabo de Palos)
Cycling Routes
Murcia has a great network of cycling trails and paths that go through the city and the surrounding area. One popular path is the former railway line, Via Verde del Noroeste, which has been repurposed for cycling. It’s a flat safe path that provides a beautiful ride through the countryside. Bicycle rentals and guided tours are readily available, making it easy for visitors to explore the region on two wheels.
Golf
The climate in Murcia and the Costa Calida is ideal for golf all year round. In fact, there are several real estate developments in the Murcia region built around golf courses and set up specifically for golf enthusiasts. Some of the golf courses in the area are world-class such as La Manga Club, Roda Golf, and Hacienda del Alamo Golf Resort. Some of the courses have even been designed by experts such as Jack Nicklaus.
Exploring the beaches in Costa Calida: Best Holidays Murcia
From Murcia, it’s a short drive to the Mediterranean coast where you’ll find some excellent beaches with crystal clear waters and sandy shorelines that seem to go on forever. The La Manga Strip is a major destination for sun seekers during the summer months, attracting over 200,000 people during the high season of July and August.
If you are looking for something a little less busy, the Mediterranean beaches at Calblanque Regional Park are a little more out of the way and are home to a shoreline that is untouched by any commercial or residential development.
All told, Costa Calida Spain has about 250km of coastline with 141 separate beaches.
Adventure Activities on the Costa Calida
For more demanding activities in the Costa Calida there are several options in the area. You can go canyoning in the Almadenes Canyon, where you can hike up through the canyon on guided tours and explore narrow gorges, waterfalls, and natural pools.
For more of an adrenaline rush, you can do some rock climbing on the cliffs of the Sierra Sepuna. And if that’s not enough you can also do some paragliding off the hills overlooking Cartagena, Spain. There are various companies in the area providing equipment, courses, and guided outings.
Local Cuisine: Holidays Murcia
Tapas and Traditional Dishes: Best Holidays Murcia

Murcia is an excellent city to experience the Spanish tradition of “Tapas” where you can try out small plates of different types of local delicacies while socializing with friends and family. Specific to Murcia is “zarangollo” ( a scrambled egg dish with zucchini and onions) and “huevos a la flamenco” (eggs baked with vegetables and chorizo), made from locally cultivated produce.
Other Murcia delicacies to try out are Espinacas con Garbanzos (spinach and chickpeas seasoned with paprika and garlic), Caldero Rice (rice dish cooked with fish, garlic, saffron, and other spices), and Michirones (stewed beans with pork and chorizo).
Seafood Specialties
Being so close to the Mediterranean, there is always a wide selection of seafood dishes available such as Mar Menor Prawns, Caldero de Pescado (a fish stew made with local fish, potatoes, peppers, and saffron), and Grilled Octopus (seasoned with paprika and olive oil).
Wines and Desserts

The Jumilla wine region is located north of the city of Murcia and is home to several vineyards producing red wine from the Monastrell grapes. These grapes do extremely well in the warm and arid conditions of this area. The resulting red wine is full-bodied with “notes” of dark fruits, spices, and earthiness. As mentioned earlier, there are wine tastings and tours that can be booked at the various vineyards of Jumilla.
Make sure to try some of the local Murcian desserts that include the Pastel de Carne (sweet cake filled with nuts, dried fruits, and spices), Paparajotes (a crispy pastry made from lemon tree leaves, coated in batter, fried and then dusted with sugar), and Arrope (a syrupy dessert made from grape juice, honey, and spices).
TRAVEL TIPS: BEST HOLIDAYS MURCIA
Best Time to Visit
When planning a trip to Murcia, do yourself a favor and plan around the spring or fall, and avoid the hot summer months. In particular, July and August are extremely hot with temperatures easily reaching the mid-30s to low 40s C. Spring and fall in comparison are relatively cooler, less crowded, and are often the times that the various communities hold their street fairs and festivals.
Car Rental
Public transportation in the Murcia region is quite good. However, if you rent a car, you will be able to visit many more out-of-the-way places inland and along the Mediterranean coast, and have the luxury of taking your time and traveling at your own pace on your own timetable.
Accomodations
For accommodations, there is a large selection available in this Mediterranean coastal area. Whether it’s in the city directly or in one of the smaller towns in the surrounding area there is a lot to choose from. However, if you are interested in immersing yourself in the Spanish culture, renting accommodations in the smaller towns in the Costa Calida will provide you with a more authentic Spanish experience.
Local Delicacies
With an ideal Mediterranean climate for year-round agriculture, the city is often referred to as the “Garden of Europe” due to its impressive agricultural output. This is evident when visiting the local restaurants and tapas bars. Make sure to try Murcia’s signature dishes, such as zarangollo (a zucchini and egg scramble) and paparajotes (lemon leaves fried in batter and dusted with sugar).
“Gracias”
Final tip, take a little time before your trip and learn a few Spanish phrases to add to your experience. You can get by with English in most places, but a few “Gracias” and “Por Favor(s)” can go a long way just the same.

Location
Murcia is approximately 35 km inland from the Mediterranean coast (40 km northeast from Cartagena, and 70 km southwest from Alicante). It can be easily reached by road, rail, or air.
Air: Murcia can be reached via two airports. The nearest one, called Murcia International Airport is located about 20 km from the city, and the second airport is in Alicante located about 60 km away.
Train: There is a train station in Murcia, connecting the city to all other destinations in Spain, including a fast train direct to Madrid.
Bus: Finally it can also be reached by bus from most cities and towns in the area.
FINAL THOUGHTS: HOLIDAYS MURCIA
Murcia is a beautiful Spanish city that distinguishes itself from the busier tourist destinations in Spain. It has a rich history, a vibrant local culture, and mouthwatering cuisine, in a region with stunning natural landscapes. The Mediterranean climate, friendly locals, and relatively affordable costs make this city on the Costa Calida an ideal destination for both short visits and extended stays.
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Reg Auge
Reg holds an MBA, is a former Captain in the Canadian military and has worked as a consultant in industry for over 20 years. From his home in Spain, he has spent the last 10 years traveling throughout the Mediterranean, exploring the various countries and regions. He also regularly runs, windsurfs, and kite surfs, maintaining a healthy and active way of life. Captivated by this Mediterranean lifestyle, he began a Blog last year to inspire like-minded souls to learn about and discover this unique region for themselves.