Murcia is a unique, lesser-known Spanish destination, perfect for those who enjoy great weather and prefer less crowded spots. Check out my ultimate list of top things to do in Murcia!
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Top Things to Do in Murcia
Is Murcia worth visiting?
Murcia is absolutely worth visiting. It’s one of the coolest destinations for an alternative weekend getaway in Spain, offering great weather and landmarks without the crowds of Barcelona or Southern Spain. It remains relatively undiscovered by international tourists, so you can still experience the authentic Spanish vibe throughout the region. In addition to its impressive historical landmarks, Murcia’s Costa Cálida boasts many off-the-beaten-path beaches. If you’re traveling in the off-season, don’t worry. With more than 300 sunny days per year, Murcia is one of Spain’s top winter sun destinations.
Where is Murcia
Murcia is located in the southeastern part of Spain, near the Mediterranean coast. Both the capital city and the surrounding region are called Murcia. This relatively small autonomous community of Spain borders Andalusia, Castile-La Mancha, and the Valencian Community. Its population is approximately 1.5 million inhabitants.
How to get to Murcia
The nearest local airport is Región de Murcia International Airport (RMU), about 25 km from the city center. Alternatively, Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) is around 70 km away and offers more international flight options. Murcia’s main train station, Murcia del Carmen, provides regular services across Spain. There are direct trains from major cities like Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona. The high-speed connection with Madrid allows travelers to reach Murcia in about 2.5 hours from the Spanish capital. Murcia is well-connected by road to the rest of Spain; the drive from Madrid takes around 4 hours, while from Barcelona, it takes approximately 5 hours and 20 minutes. The coast of the Murcia region, known as the Costa Cálida, is a popular summer destination in Spain.
What is Murcia known for
Murcia is best known in Spain for its agriculture, particularly vegetables, its meat industry, and the unique Mar Menor saltwater lagoon. The region hosts famous national festivals, including the Semana Santa de Lorca and the Caballos del Vino in Caravaca de la Cruz. Murcia is famous for the city of Cartagena, home to impressive Roman ruins.
Notable figures from Murcia include Juan de la Cierva, the inventor of the autogyro, and Isaac Peral, who developed the first electric-powered submarine. Modern celebrities from the region include tennis player Carlos Alcaraz and actor Jaime Lorente, known for his role in Money Heist, one of the most popular Spanish TV shows. Additionally, one of Spain’s top contemporary writers, Arturo Pérez-Reverte, was born in Cartagena, Murcia. If you love vibrant flower fields in Spain, don’t miss the peach trees in Cieza, which bloom around March and are a popular Instagram-worthy sight.

What to eat in Murcia
No list of things to do in Murcia would be complete without mentioning its culinary delights. Some of the local specialties include pastel de carne (a savory meat pie), entierro (a dish combining anchovies, crisps, and olives), arroz caldero (a rich rice dish cooked in a cauldron, typically with fish), and michirones (a hearty stew made with broad beans). Other must-try dishes in Murcia include zarangollo (a vegetable dish made with zucchini, onions, and eggs), marinera (a tapa consisting of a Russian salad served on a breadstick with anchovies), and pipirrana (a fresh salad made with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cucumber). You should also try tocino de cielo, a traditional egg yolk-based dessert, for something sweet.
Top Things to do in Murcia (Region)
1. Murcia City

Murcia city was always conveniently located along the route during my Spanish road trips to Almeria. As a result, my past visits to Murcia were brief lunch stops, and I never had the chance to fully appreciate the city until this trip. While there are many things to do in the Murcia region, exploring any area typically starts with its capital, as this is where you’ll find most of the popular museums, temporary exhibitions, and iconic buildings. While enjoying the sunny city of Murcia, don’t miss the Santa María Cathedral (be sure to go to the top of the bell tower for stunning views), the Salzillo Museum, Monteagudo Castle, Terra Natura Murcia, and the Casino de Murcia.
2. The Roman Ruins of Cartagena


From the first glimpse of Cartagena, I couldn’t help but feel the same way I did in Cádiz. Both are probably the most underrated cities in Spain. The port city of Cartagena is home to remarkable Roman sites that transport you back to the days of the ancient city of Carthago Nova and the peak of the Roman Empire’s glory in Hispania. This city remains one of my favorite stops on the search for impressive Roman ruins in Spain. You can check out my IG Reel on Roman ruins in Cartagena, or read more about my day in the city here.
3. Lorca


Lorca is frequently featured on lists of the most beautiful small towns in Spain. It is renowned for its exceptional Easter week celebrations, charming old town, and the imposing Fortaleza del Sol (Fortress of the Sun), which sits atop a hill offering breathtaking views. Lorca’s Easter processions are particularly famous for their elaborate handmade costumes, which are an integral part of the town’s rich traditions. A hidden gem in Lorca is muBBla, one of Spain’s secret museums, where visitors can admire these stunning costumes up close. The museum is dedicated to preserving the town’s cultural heritage and showcasing the artistry behind the garments worn during the Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations.
4. La Manga del Mar Menor

For decades, La Manga has been a popular summer tourist destination for the Spaniards. La Manga is a 22-kilometer-long spit of land extending from Cabo de Palos, which encloses Mar Menor, a 170-square-kilometer saltwater lagoon – the largest of its kind in Europe. Its stunning and unique natural setting makes it a truly special place. For this trip to Murcia, we rented an apartment in Los Alcázares, a small coastal town with views of La Manga. It was a delight to walk along the tranquil coast in the morning on our way to enjoy breakfast at one of the local cafes. Since the 1960s, the first tourist infrastructure and high-rise buildings were developed in La Manga del Mar Menor. However, ecologists in Spain have raised concerns about the critical environmental situation in the area, largely due to fertilizers used in local agriculture and the impact of tourism. As a result, I am unsure how the situation at La Manga will evolve or whether it will remain open to visitors over the next decade. During our off-season visit to the Murcia region, many hotels and bars at La Manga del Mar Menor were closed, and swimming was not an option. Nevertheless, the landscape was breathtaking, especially at sunrise and sunset.
5. Gredas de Bolnuevo

While Spain is home to many otherworldly landscapes, the distinctive sandstone formations of the Gredas de Bolnuevo are among the most unique in the entire Iberian Peninsula. This site is often referred to as “The Enchanted City of Bolnuevo,” and it rivals another famous Spanish fairytale location, “The Enchanted City of Cuenca.” The extraordinary sandstone formations were shaped by centuries of erosion from wind and water. Today, the landscape is one of the top attractions in the Murcia region that most visitors make sure not to miss.
Day trips from Murcia
If you plan to stay in the Murcia region for more than 2-3 days, consider taking a few interesting day trips to nearby Spanish provinces. Don’t miss:
- Mojacar (read more)
- The Palm Grove of Elche (read more)
- Wild West Theme Parks in Almeria (read more)
More things to do in Murcia Region:
- Parque Natural de Calblanque
- Serra minera de Cartagena-La Unión
- Small towns of Aledo and Moratalla
- Valle de Ricote
- Mazarron mines
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For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.

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I could really use some Spanish sunshine right now 🙂 Murcia indeed seems underrated. Those sand formations of Gredas de Bolnuevo seem manmade.
Murcia indeed seems underrated. Those sand formations of Gredas de Bolnuevo seem manmade.
Love this post! I’ve never visited Murcia but I’m definitely keen to visit, especially Gredas de Bolnuevo! It looks beautiful.
I mean, it makes sense when you think about it – places that don’t have quite so many tourists are less likely to get mad when they see tourists! 😀 I love places like this that are fun, fabulous and somehow didn’t make it onto the most obvious interties for most people.
You had me convinced with just the Roman ruins, but Gredas de Bolnuevo looks amaaazing as well. I will see if we can visit/hike near here next time we go to Spain.
There is so much to learn about Spain from your blog! I think I’d most look forward to visiting Lorca when travelling in Murcia. Thanks so much for sharing!
I’ve never heard of Murcia but I’ve definitely seen photos of this region! What a beautiful area. Thank you for the guide, it sounds amazing!