The 16 essential things to do in the region of Murcie

What to do in Murcia? Between its beautiful beaches, its landscapes and typical villages... The journey is full of promises. Here are the essentials not to be missed!

Located close to Andalusia, the region of Murcia is much less visited. And yet, it is a particularly authentic and wild place. Visitors come to see her for her beautiful coastline and for her arid sierras.

They sometimes recall the landscapes on the other side of the Mediterranean. De Zaragoza In Cartagena, the towns and villages of Murcia have seen many civilizations pass.

In particular, we feel the Arab print to its traditions or to its toponymity. But what to do in the Murcia region to capture all this wealth? Here are 16 places not to be missed on your trip!

1. Murcia, the capital

If you left to visit the region of Murcia, the eponymous city is an immanquable! Founded in 831 by the Emir of Cordoba , Abd al-Rahman II, Murcie was originally intended to be the capital of the region.

Between Muslim and Catholic influences, its historical heritage has a great wealth. In particular, the old town, its cathedral and museums are full of treasures.

But history lovers will not be the only ones to appreciate the visit... Because the city combines a peaceful atmosphere with a festive atmosphere!

If you are looking for what to do in the Murcie region to plunge you into Spanish culture, you are in the right place.

2. La sierra Espuña

What to do in the region of Murcie to recharge? The Sierra Espuña contains the largest tree mass in the entire region.

This high density is not left to chance. It was Ricardo Codorniú y Stárico, nicknamed the Tree Apostle, who watched his reforestation during the twentieth century.

Here, nature lovers and outdoor sports will be combined. Biodiversity is dense and wild, the grandiose landscapes.

The curious will be able, during a hike, to discover some unusual places. Among them are the walls of Leyvia, the Barrancos lunars of Geba or the 16th century snow wells.

3. The beaches of Bolnuevo and Calnegre

If you are looking for what to do in the Murcie region to admire the unusual landscapes, go to the beaches of Bolnuevo and Calnegre.

Indeed, the latter houses unique geological formations. Tortuous and extravagant, they are nestled in lunar landscapes. In short, all the elements are gathered to give you the impression that you are staying on another planet!

And of course, after admiring these curious rock formations, you can enjoy the Mediterranean Sea... What more?

4. Cartagena

The 3,000-year history of Cartagena is felt all over the city. Tower punic, Roman, Byzantine, wisigothe, Arabic and Catholic... It keeps the marks of the great Mediterranean civilizations.

Discover the time of a weekend! Beyond the beauty of its monuments, it is also the framework that marks the spirits.

Indeed, Cartagena is located in a deep bay surrounded by mountains. It is this privileged situation that has made it a popular port since ancient times!

Its castle, antique theatre and other remains fit perfectly in this still alive city. It has become very touristic and remains a real open-air museum. Not to be missed to visit the region of Murcia.

5. The Abanilla Desert

When you visit the Abanilla desert, it is difficult not to think of the arid landscapes of the Atlas mountains... These are the remains of a missing sea 10 million years ago.

The deltas and coral reefs drew surrealistic reliefs. It is a real pleasure for the eyes and the camera’s objective. If you're looking for what to do in the Murcie area to feel overwhelmed, you're in the right place!

6. El salto del Usero

What to do in the area of Murcie to cool off when you are in the northwest, particularly arid?

Located near the town of Bullas, El Salto del Usero is one of the most beautiful places in the Mula River. Here it pours into the form of a cascade in limestone basins.

The inhabitants come to bathe in this kind of oasis. It is rare to find so much water in this area of southern Spain! The water is a bright blue and the rock of a deep ochre. In short, the landscape is beautiful.

7. Manga del Mar Menor

Both natural curiosity and very tourist resort... The Manga del Mar Menor is a strange destination that will not please everyone. However, it will certainly remain engraved in your mind if you decide to venture into it.

It is a narrow 21-kilometre land language that separates the Mediterranean Sea from the Mar Menor. A former lagoon of salt water, this site was once a true natural paradise.

Today, the landscape is distorted by mass tourism. You can admire this curious show from the lighthouse of Cabo de Palos. But you can also go there.

The northern part is still preserved. It may be an opportunity to admire the most beautiful sunset of your life!

8. Cabo de Palos

Small fishing village, Cabo de Palos allows to escape the time of a day. Preach on its pretty beaches and taste local specialities on the port. Prices are much more accessible than in the area.

But it is especially the lighthouse that deserves the detour. Located on a long peninsula of 400 meters, it offers a 360-degree panorama on the coast.

An opportunity to admire the Manga del Mar Menor in all its amplitude! And to spoil anything, the place is not visited... A small bracket of tranquility welcome on your trip.

9. The Ricote Valley

Visiting the region of Murcie is also a golden opportunity to change. And for that, el Valle de Ricote is an ideal destination!

Indeed, Arab civilization has left still vibrant brands in the region. You will feel them in villages, traditions, agricultural practices... And even in the landscapes, which seem straight to come from the Middle East!

Want beautiful hikes, gastronomic and cultural discoveries, escape? So go to the discovery of the Ricote Valley and its particular cachet.

10. Caravaca de la Cruz

Fifth holy city of the world, Caravaca de la Cruz is one of the must-sees in the region of Murcia. Run by a castle, it is full of heritage treasures.

One thinks of the church of El Salvador and its unique architecture. But don’t miss the church of Santísima y Veracruz. It houses a fragment of the Holy Cross, which has been venerated since the 13th century.

If you have planned to visit the region of Murcia during Holy Week, it is here that you have to go. A popular tradition, Los Caballos de Vino, wants horses to join the castle in the galop. A very impressive show!

11. The flowering of Cieza

What to do in the Murcia area in the spring? Visit the city of Cieza to admire a unique show... Indeed, all orchards are then in flowers. Pruniers, almond trees and apricot trees unfold colors and paradise scents.

Every year, Cieza's flowering festival celebrates this beautiful event. Exhibitions, concerts, hikes, poetry... A cultural program is dedicated to locals and visitors.

12. La sierra de Moratalla

Want to discover the authentic Murcia? The Sierra de Moratalla has remained preserved from tourism. She kept this typical hiding place that attracts the most adventurous travelers.

Because here you leave behind the busy beaches and monuments. In these mountains, you will find villages with a surviving charm, where the elders sit in the sun on the threshold of their door.

Alharabe, Zacatín, Benizar, Mazuza... The name of the streets and rivers betray the great influence that the Moors had on these places. An escape out of time!

13. Lorca

Dominated by the fortress of the Sun, the town of Lorca is in the heart of the Guadalentín valley. Despite the earthquake of 2011, which damaged many monuments, its historic centre preserved its authenticity.

Take its alleys to discover the churches and seigneurial dwellings of the "city with one hundred blasons". Don't miss the visit of the castles overlooking Lorca.

A thematic space is dedicated to them. Very well realized, it offers you a trip in the 13th Spanish century, on the border of Muslim and Christian cultures.

14. La Isla del Fraile

Want to live a day of pure Farniente ? So go to Isla de Fraile, the island of monks in French. Go from the playa Amarilla, which offers a corner of paradise sand.

From there you can reach the small island to swim if the current is not too strong. But the place also allows to admire a superb view of the sea and the port of Aguilas.

The site is difficult to access, but this is what makes it a true hidden treasure!

15. Mount Arabí

At first we could wonder why this little mountain is in this top... Yet, the mysteries of Mount Arabí have to attract visitors!

First, the site has a certain geological interest. Many caves were formed, the most famous of which is the Cueva de la Horadada.

There are very ancient traces of human occupation, in particular cave paintings and petroglyphs. You will have the opportunity to observe them along a marked path.

These are certainly the vestiges that gave the mountain its sacred dimension. Its aura is so special that lovers of magic and esotericism go to the place in the idea of making unusual encounters...

16. The natural park of Calblanque, Monte de Cenizas y Peña del Águila

The natural park of Calblanque, which stretches over 30 kilometers of coast, offers a spectacle of great beauty. It is one of the best preserved areas of the Spanish Mediterranean coast. There are volcanoes that shape the landscape, as well as many endemic species.

It is here that you have to go if you are looking for what to do in the region of Murcia to find paradise beaches. Wild and fishy, they are very popular with diving enthusiasts!

But you can also go to the park’s fauna and flora in the time of a hike or a bike ride.

How to get to Murcia?

By car

Would you like to visit the Murcia area by car? You have the possibility to reach the city of Murcia from Madrid by taking the highway A30 . Or then, from Valencia by taking the highway A7 .

To radiate in the area, you can also take a rental car Murcie. Ideal to travel freely!

By train or bus

By train or by bus, you can quickly reach the cities of Murcia or Cartagena from the following destinations:

• Madrid ;
• Barcelona ;
• Valencia ;
• Alicante ;
• Albacete.

By plane

Would you like to visit the Murcie area by plane? You have a choice between Murcie Airport and Alicante Airport. Both are very well served. To take advantage of the best flight offers, we recommend using our partner’s website Skyscanner . Learn your dates and find flights at the best price in just a few clicks!

Where to stay in Murcia?

It may be the seventh city of Spain, the city of Murcia enjoys a peaceful atmosphere. It is therefore a very interesting ground to visit the region of Murcia! You will find all types of accommodation : luxury hotels, Airbnb , hostels...

Would you like to stay near the sea? Apart from the classic resorts, you will find interesting accommodations in the coastal villages near Manga del Mar Menor . And if you are looking for authenticity, look rather at the side of the beautiful sierra of the region, as la sierra Espuña .

To find the best offers, you can use this Compare hotels . It will select for you the best rated accommodations, at the best price.