Located in the southeast of Spain, the region of Murcia is characterized by mild temperatures and long hours of daylight. Here, just as in a small continent of its own, a variety of cultural activities and diverse flora and fauna offer endless possibilities to visitors. Beautiful beaches, rural areas, historical cities, rich traditions, enchanting folklore and spirited culture mix together to form a dynamic and attractive tourist environment.
Two seas meet on one coastline - the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean - impressive cliffs, heavenly beaches of endless white sand, lively ports and wild coves with crystal clear water, more than 3,000 hours of sun per year and mild temperatures, even in winter, with a yearly average of more than 18ºC. This is the Costa Cálida, the ideal place to spend some relaxing days both in winter and summer.
From the fishing town of Aguilas to the white dunes of the beach of El Mojon in San Pedro del Pinatar, stretch kilometer after kilometer of beaches and deserted coves awaiting the arrival of bathers, sailors, divers, and fishermen. In addition, there are delightful picturesque small villages, like La Azohia or Cabo de Palos that invite passers-by to linger for a few days; ports like the one in Mazarron where you can spend a lively evening and enjoy its magnificent gastronomy after a day on the beach; heavenly areas of natural beauty, unique in the whole Mediterranean area, at the beaches of Calblanque and Calnegre... and one of the most highly considered tourist complexes in the Mediterranean: La Manga del Mar Menor, a paradise between two seas with infinite beaches, sandy sea beds and crystal clear waters, endowed with an excellent hotel infrastructure.
Furthermore, fans of water sports will find one of the best places in the world for practicing sailing, canoeing, swimming, water-skiing, jet-skiing, fly surfing, windsurfing, catamaranning, and every other type of water sports activity in numerous clubs, ports and sailing schools. The Nautical Resort on the Mar Menor and similar consortiums in Mazarron and Aguilas offer the chance to hire out equipment, book sailing courses and reserve accommodation at interesting rates.
Major Cities
The City of Murcia, the capital of the region, is a perfect place to wander around. You may walk down streets like Trapería and Platería, which have remained of the city's old guild system; or down the Malecón, a flood retaining wall, one of the landmark walkways of Murcia. Besides visiting Santa Maria's Cathedral or the Episcopal Palace, the capital of the region invites its visitors to stroll around its churches and museums, among which the one dedicated to the famous sculptor Francisco Salzillo stands out. Having some tapas outdoors on any of the many terraces scattered across the city is the ideal choice to get to know and enjoy the typical culinary treats of Murcia.
Cartagena, the Roman City, welcomes the visitor to a journey through its numerous archaeological remains. The city's architectural jewel is the Roman Theatre and Museum, one of the largest Roman theatres in Spain, whose restoration project has been carried out by architect Rafael Moneo. The best way to get to know this historic city is to visit the attractions of the Puerto de Culturas, which comprises a walk through Cartagena's Punic, Roman, military, and art nouveau periods.
Overlooked by its ancient medieval castle, the "Fortaleza del Sol", the Baroque town of Lorca was declared an area of 'Historical and Artistic Interest' in 1964. Amongst the most notable sights and buildings, the convent of La Merced, the Plaza de España, the Ex-Collegiate Church of San Patricio, and the Guevara Palace will leave visitors in no doubt as to the reason to visit Lorca.
Caravaca de la Cruz is an important place for Christian pilgrims since it is one of the five cities in the world to celebrate a Perpetual Jubilee Year. Caravaca de la Cruz is also famous for its devotion to the Most Holy and True Cross, whose legend dates back to 1232, and is nowadays guarded by the Basilica with the same name.
Another way of exploring the Region of Murcia is by taking the time to discover its beautiful countryside. Protected natural spaces like Sierra Espuña, the ideal place to go climbing, hiking or paragliding, and other areas of great ecological value in the Northwest and Northeast corners of the Region, as well as in Cieza and the Ricote Valley, offer undreamed-of discovery routes and a wide variety of outdoor activities in an unspoilt rural environment. In Cieza and the Ricote Valley, the descent of the Almadenes Canyon and the visit to the “Cueva del Puerto” are some of the most popular activities.
Visitors will be able to regain strength and relax into the pleasure of a healthy beauty bath at any of the spas, bathing resorts, and thalassotherapy centers that can be found all over the region while afterwards being able to taste the best cuisine and wines.