Hotels in Murcia

About Murcia

Murcia is one of the regions in Spain that people know little about. Besides the Mar Menor, this province hides many other treasures and reasons to visit, starting with the capital, which boasts many great historic and artistic monuments and a range of leisure activities and restaurants that are bound to impress.

Murcia also has some splendid beaches and idyllic coves. In addition to La Manga del Mar Menor, the coast that extends from Cabo de Palos, passing through Cartagena and Mazarrón and reaching as far as Águilas, is packed with captivating, virgin beaches. In addition, the calm waters of the Mar Menor make it an excellent destination for practising all types of water sports.

As well as the mild climate and superb beaches, another reason to visit Murcia is to discover the local history and cultural legacy, which dates back to Roman times. Don’t pass up the opportunity to visit the city of Cartagena to admire the famous Roman theatre and the Punic Wall.

Other essential destinations in Murcia are Lorca and Caravaca de la Cruz. Lorca, a baroque city par excellence, is bursting with churches and cathedrals, such as the Colegiata de San Patricio or the Guevara Palace, as well as a medieval castle, which offers visitors impressive views. Caravaca de la Cruz, which was declared a holy city in 1998, is an internationally recognised religious and pilgrimage site and its Shrine of La Vera Cruz attracts thousands of visitors each year.

If you want to travel even further back in time, you can admire cave paintings from over seven thousand years ago in different locations around Murcia such as at the Serreta or the Peliciego caves.

However, Murcia is not just a place of great historical heritage, but it also has great natural heritage. It encompasses a wide variety of landscapes, ranging from wild coastlines, fossil dunes and virgin beaches to salt flats, ravines and dense forests. The beaches of the Calblanque National Park and the Cuatro Calas nature reserve are ideal for taking a dip and for hiking and mountain sports, you can choose between Sierra Espuña and the badlands of the Barrancos de Gebas. In addition, the Regional Park of Las Salinas in San Pedro del Pinatar is a famous corner of the province for bird watching and for enjoying the beneficial properties of the mud from the Mar Menor.

All of this makes Murcia an ideal destination for taking part in outdoor activities and active tourism. Escape one day and go rafting on the Segura river or peddle to your own rhythm around one of the province’s many green lanes, designed especially for bicycle tourism. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to admire the famous eroded sandstone shapes along the beach in Bolnuevo.

Murcia also boasts the best agriculture in the country, something which is reflected in its delicious and varied cuisine and the excellent designation of origin wines from Yecla, Jumilla and Bullas. Some of the region’s most famous dishes are the Caldero del Mar Menor (a rice and fish dish), Zarangollo (scrambled eggs with courgette and onion), Michirones (bean stew), Pastel de Carne Murciano (meat pie) and Paparajotes (deep-fried lemon leaves).

But if there is one thing Murcia is famous for, it’s the warmth of its people. Prepare yourself to be surrounded by the joy of the people and their numerous festivities, such as the Bando de la Huerta (Spring festival), Holy Week and the Festival of the Moors and Christians.