Murcia is an inland city located along the River Segura and within touching distance of the beautiful Spanish coast. Typically a great cheap holiday destination, you can get a lot for your money, including a lot of sunshine, tasty food, lovely sights and great Murcia hotels.
Located in Spain’s southern area of Costa Calida, Murcia holidays will expose you to some captivating historic sites and impressive architecture. This cosmopolitan resort is an ideal destination for an engaging cultural experience and an active holiday in the sun. The old town is full of grand buildings, informative museums and pretty churches, while to the south-east you’ll be able to access various beautiful beaches.
It is safe to say that holidays in Murcia offer much variety. Pleasing history buffs and beach bums, families and couples – this city is a destination for everyone.
An important university town with rich history and a fruitful Huerta - Murcia’s attractions make for a fantastic city break or week-long holiday. While many holidaymakers tend to flock further south along the coast of Spain, those looking for a slightly different Spanish experience will find a multitude of things to do in Murcia which are specifically unique to this region.
The city boasts some fantastic historic sites, with beautiful baroque churches, a grand palace and an intriguing Moorish castle among some of the most engaging attractions. In addition you’ll enjoy easy access to the beautiful beaches of the Costa Calida, exploration around some stunning natural landscapes and a plethora of outdoor adventure opportunities.
The Murcia region is perhaps most famous for its Huerta – a fertile area that grows fruits and vegetables exported around the world. You can explore this Huerta by visiting some of the farms that produce these fantastic products.
Murcia has various quality restaurants which provide the perfect setting to try some great traditional Spanish cuisine. One of the best places to visit if you’re after some tasty paella is Rincon de Pepe. For diverse tapas you should check out El Jumillano found to the east of the old centre.
If you really want to capture some luxury dining during your trip, look no further than the Michelin-starred restaurant La Cabana. Primarily serving Spanish cuisine, you’ll find creative twists on all the traditional dishes of this country and region.
Families will have a great time tackling the beaches outside of the city, one Murcia attraction found further afield from the historical sites of the city centre. The Blue Flag beaches found at the resort of Torrevieja are perfect for families, with safe waters for the kids to play in, keeping the parents relaxed.
For a different type of water-based fun, head to Aqua Natura to enjoy an afternoon of slipping and zipping along the various slides and splashing around in the relaxing pools – something both the kids and their parents can enjoy.
The water park also boasts a zoo under the same moniker – Terra Natura is home to a number of species for your kids to gawp at, as well as hosting sea lion shows.
There are many adventurous things to do in Murcia and the surrounding region, so you’ll never find yourself standing still during your trip. For those that like walking, exploring the nearby Costa Blanca Mountains is a real treat. Probably the most accessible area from Murcia is the Sierra Espuna, a luscious pine forest area with amazing scenery.
The Casa la Pedrera Outdoor Activity Centre is a great place for people to engage in some outdoor pursuits of varying intensity. The centre caters for both kids and adults, offering activities such as quad biking, fishing, mountain biking, kayaking and archery in an attractive and sun-filled environment.
Along the beaches of the Costa Calida you’ll find a plethora of water sports to indulge in. Jet skiing, water skiing and parasailing are all exciting opportunities for those that can’t keep still on the sand.
The city is within easy reach of a number of great beaches, meaning your Murcia holidays can grab a little bit of sea and sand if the sun is shining. Head to the sandy shores at La Mata, Cura and Locos just 30 km west of Murcia, or alternatively visit the area of San Javier with its many beaches that are also within easy reach.
The beach resort of Torrevieja where there are five Blue Flag beaches to choose from is an ideal location for families pining for beach holidays in Murcia. With a wide range of water sports to choose from, you won’t have any choice but to get your feet wet if you make it down to the coast.
The weather tends to be pretty desirable year-round, particularly in comparison to the British summer. The beaches will fill up around the peak summer months, so paying a visit beforehand in June, or afterwards in September, may be your best bet.
Surrounding Murcia are a number of mountains and hills as well as a flowing, picturesque valley. Visiting one of these peaks will offer you a stunning view of Murcia below, providing particularly impressive sunsets. One of the best places to head to is La Fuensanta Sanctuary which is situated less than 10 km from the city.
Another beautiful place to visit is Sierra Espuna, a beautiful pine forest and mountain area which is fantastic for walking. The surrounding landscape is stunning, especially in the sun when snow is reflected from the towering peaks surrounding the trails.
Huerta de Murcia, which comprises the city and surrounding area, is known as Europe’s orchard. It is an extremely productive fruit, vegetable and flower-producing region, with many of the fruits and vegetables you pick off your local supermarket shelves imported from this area. Paying a visit to some of the fruit or vegetable gardens is a great way to spend an afternoon.
One great way to relax during your trip to Murcia with your partner is to pay a visit to some of the charming towns and villages of the surrounding region. This will allow to you to embrace a slower pace of life in destinations such as Caravaca and Cehegin. Taking to the beaches along the coast will let you to grab a deckchair and chill in the summer sun. Some of the best beaches for this can be found at La Mata, Cura and Locos. For an even more relaxing experience, Murcia is home to Archena Spa Resort. The spa is home to some great relaxing pools and therapies, ensuring that you’ll return home in a top state of relaxation.
The best base to adopt during your Murcia holidays is in and around the historic city centre, and you’ll find a large variation of Murcia hotels awaiting you here, from 5-star options to more affordable accommodation.
Wandering around the historic old town is one of the most interesting things to do in Murcia, allowing you to engage in the city’s cultural and historical ethos. Some of the main sites to visit are the beautiful cathedral with its baroque exterior and gothic interior, the grand Palacio del Almudi and the stunning Iglesia de San Esteban.
The city is also home to a fantastic example of one of Spain’s collection of historic Moorish castles. The remains are of a 13th century castle set upon a hill towering above the city; this is one of the best examples of these castle remains that can be found around the country.
One of the city’s most famous sons is Francisco Salzillo, a famous sculptor. You can visit many of the artist’s pieces at the fantastic Salzillo Museum.
A trip to Murcia would not be complete without a walk around the city’s captivating old town. You’ll find a myriad of attractions dotted around the area including the impressive Cathedral de Santa Maria, San Esteban Church and Almudi Palace.
You should also pay a visit to the 11th century fortress just outside the city on top of the Monteagudo Mountain which is a great example of a Spanish Moorish castle. Back within the city you’ll find a fabulous market, pretty gardens and the intriguing Salzillo Museum, home of many impressive sculptures from the artist of the same name.
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