The Region of Murcia is Spain’s sunny south-east. With around 1.6 million people, it stretches from the Costa Cálida on the Mediterranean to dry mountains and fertile orchards inland – the famous huerta that supplies much of Europe’s fruit and vegetables.
Why visit the Region of Murcia
It is one of the sunniest places in Europe, with warm water in the Mar Menor lagoon, protected beaches at Calblanque, Roman and Carthaginian history in Cartagena and a relaxed, inexpensive way of life far from the big crowds of other coasts.
Top places in the Region of Murcia
Murcia
The capital has a cathedral with a spectacular baroque façade, the ornate Real Casino and lively squares for tapas, surrounded by the orchards of the huerta.
Cartagena
A naval port founded by the Carthaginians, with a superb Roman Theatre, modernist buildings and Civil War shelters.
The Mar Menor and La Manga
The Mar Menor is a large, shallow saltwater lagoon with calm, warm water, separated from the sea by La Manga, a narrow strip of sand around 20 km long.
Calblanque
A regional park of unspoilt golden beaches, dunes and cliffs between Cartagena and La Manga – one of the wildest stretches of the Spanish Mediterranean.
Caravaca de la Cruz
A holy city of the Catholic Church, with a castle-sanctuary that holds a relic of the True Cross and a jubilee year every seven years.
Lorca and Sierra Espuña
Lorca has a vast medieval castle and famous Easter processions; Sierra Espuña offers pine forests and hiking trails.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are perfect. Summer is very hot inland, though the coast is cooled by the sea. Winter is mild and sunny on the coast.
Getting to and around the Region of Murcia
The Región de Murcia International Airport is at Corvera, about 25 km south of Murcia; many visitors also fly to Alicante–Elche, around an hour away. Trains link Murcia with Cartagena, Lorca and Madrid. A car is the easiest way to explore the coast and the inland towns.
What to eat in the Region of Murcia
Zarangollo (courgette and egg), pastel de carne (meat pie), caldero (rice cooked in fish stock) from the Mar Menor, the marinera tapa, paparajotes (fried lemon leaves) and red wines from Jumilla, Yecla and Bullas.
Region of Murcia FAQ
Is the Mar Menor good for families?
Yes: its water is shallow, calm and warm, which makes it popular with families and for water sports.
What is the Costa Cálida?
It is the name of the Murcian coast, from the Mar Menor to Águilas, meaning “warm coast”.
