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Off the Beaten Track - Murcia, Spain
This article was commissioned by Traverse Events and Visit Murcia.
When you think of a holiday in Spain, Murcia might not immediately spring to mind, but this city is not to be missed. Whether you’re seeking gastronomy, culture, or an “off the beaten path” slice of Spain, Murcia is the perfect destination.
Officially twinned with Miami, Murcia is a laid-back provincial capital with interesting sights and a pleasant, easily walkable centre. Unlike larger European cities, it’s largely uncrowded with plenty of open spaces, making it perfect for those who prefer calm over chaos.
Much like Valencia, Murcia is famed for its huerta, a zone of market gardens dating back to Moorish times, supplying the city’s restaurants with fresh produce and fueling a thriving tapas scene.
Due to its location, the region stays warm year-round, making Murcia ideal for any season. Culture buffs can enjoy city life, while ‘vitamin sea’ seekers can explore the golden sands of Costa Cálida. A long weekend is enough to see the highlights, though a week or more allows for a leisurely exploration.
How to Get There
It’s easy to fly directly to Murcia Airport or to Alicante, about 30–45 minutes away. Flights operate year-round, including budget airlines like EasyJet and Ryanair. You can also arrange trips through your travel agent or online for good-value breaks.
Getting Around Murcia
Hire a car to explore the region fully; towns and villages are generally easy to navigate on foot. Alternatively, there is a reliable public transport system and taxi provision.
Spain - Travel Tips
Emergency telephone: 112
Currency: Euro
Mealtimes: Breakfast (el Desayuno) 08:00–10:00; Lunch (el Almuerzo/la Comida) 13:00–15:30; Dinner (la Cena) 20:30–23:00
Shopping: Monday–Saturday 09:30–13:30 and 16:30–20:30. Department stores and shopping centres 10:00–22:00. Some Sunday openings in tourist areas.
Essential Spanish
Travelling can be amazing, but language barriers can make communication tricky. Even if English is spoken, a few local phrases go a long way. Try these (or use apps like Duolingo for more):
¡Hola! – Hello
¡Buenos días! – Good morning
¡Buenas tardes! – Good afternoon/evening
¡Buenas noches! – Good night
¿Cómo está? – How are you?
Bien, gracias – I’m fine, thank you
Cómo te llamas? – What’s your name?
Me llamo… – My name is…
Mucho gusto – Nice to meet you
Por favor – Please
Gracias – Thank you
Yo (no) entiendo – I (don’t) understand
¿Habla inglés? – Do you speak English?
Quisiera… – I would like…
¿Dónde está…? – Where is…?
Disculpe – Excuse me
Estoy perdido – I’m lost
Un billete para…, por favor – A ticket to… please
¿Cuánto cuesta? – How much is it?
¿Qué hora es? – What time is it?
Where to Stay
Murcia has plenty of accommodation options. Top recommendations include:
Occidental Murcia Siete Coronas
Hyatt La Manga and Las Lomas Village
Food and Drink Tips
Murcia, known as Europe’s “Vegetable Garden,” produces high-quality fruits and vegetables, along with excellent seafood from its rich coastline. This makes it a top destination for gastronomes.
Must-try dishes include:
Ensalada Murciana
Where to Eat
The old town offers authentic Spanish Mediterranean cuisine. Top restaurants include:
Salzillo
Estrella de Mar
Jota Ele
What to See and Do in Murcia
Murcia's Old Town
The historic Old Town is full of plazas and baroque buildings. Streets are mostly pedestrianised, making it perfect for strolling, exploring, and relaxing at local cafes.
Catedral de Santa Maria
Built in 1394 on the site of a mosque, Murcia’s cathedral features a Gothic base with a Baroque facade added in 1748. Don’t miss the 15th-century Capilla de los Vélez with its intricate fluted details.
Real Casino de Murcia
Originally a gentlemen’s club in 1847, the building now showcases restored grandeur with a Moorish-style patio, English-style library, magnificent ballroom, and a decorated tocador ceiling fresco.
Visit the Wine Museum at Bullas
Learn about the region’s wine history in a 19th-century bodega that belonged to the Melgares de Aguilar family.
Visit Ricote Valley
This fertile, historically Moorish area features charming villages and irrigation remains. Abarán allows visitors to see waterwheels or "ñoras" transporting water for agriculture.
Visit Caravaca de la Cruz
Known for religious significance, Caravaca offers hiking and horse riding, centered around the 15th-century castle commissioned by the Knights Templar.
Visit the Seaside
From Águilas to the dunes of El Mojón, Murcia offers golden sandy beaches, fishing, diving, snorkelling, and seaside bars serving fresh seafood and paella.
Visit Cartagena
Home to 12 museums, historic buildings, and monuments, Cartagena is a must for history enthusiasts, having been inhabited by multiple civilisations over the centuries.
Floridablanca Gardens
Spain’s first public garden, located in El Carmen district, features an avenue leading to the statue of José Moñiño, Count of Floridablanca (1849).
Palacio Episcopal
Next to the cathedral, the rococo facade of the 18th-century bishops' palace is striking. The interior includes a patio, grand staircase, and Baroque chapel.
Puente de los Peligros
Also known as Puente Viejo, this 18th-century bridge over the Segura River features the city’s famous Our Lady of the Hazards. Locals historically performed rituals to prevent flooding.
Museo de Arqueologia
This museum houses Iberian art, including items from El Algar (1900–1400 BC) discovered locally.
Santa Clara Monastery and Museum
Founded in the 14th century on the Islamic-Mudejar palace of Emir Ibn Hud. The Gothic cloister surrounds the main pool; the museum contains Islamic art and works by Francisco Salzillo. Home to the Clarisas Nuns since the 14th century.
Salzillo Museum
Displays nearly 500 works of 18th-century sculptor Francisco Salzillo, whose art is featured in Murcia’s Easter parade.
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