Between golden beaches and rugged mountains, Spain's Murcia region is a sun-drenched gem, less well known than its neighbor Andalusia. Its varied landscapes offer many splendid hiking opportunities. From verdant vineyards to Murcia's historic towns, discover a region as beautiful as it is interesting. Murcia invites you to discover an authentic and warm corner of Spain, so why resist? From the beaches of the Costa Cálida to the spas of Lorca, discover without further ado the 15 must-sees and must-dos in the Murcia region.
1. Visit Murcia, the capital of the region of... Murcia
Murcia 's old town immerses you in fabulous historic architecture. One of its finest treasures is undoubtedly Santa María Cathedral. From Gothic to neoclassical, architectural styles are skilfully blended, creating one of the region's most beautiful religious buildings. After your cultural escapade in the heart of the city, relax in the flower-filled spaces of the Paseo del Malecón: a bucolic moment guaranteed! As you stroll along, you'll come across charming bridges over the Segura River, leading you from museums to historical discoveries. A must-see city in Murcia!
2. Hiking in the Calblanque Regional Park
Treat yourself to one of the most beautiful hikes of your stay in the Calblanque Regional Park, with its varied landscapes. From cliff-lined coves to sandy areas, nature offers itself to you in a fairyland of changing colors. Unspoilt deserted beaches stretch as far as the eye can see, with lush green hills in the background. Follow the marked trails between Cabo de Palos and Portmán, to the east of the Sierra de Cartagena. This beautiful hike is accessible to all, since its highest point, the Peña del Águila, is only 387 meters above sea level.
3. Jumilla, from the Wine Route to the historic center
The town of Jumilla has been producing excellent wines and fruit for centuries. The vineyards, particularly those planted with Mourvèdre grapes, produce red, rosé and white wines that are recognized nationally and internationally. Wine lovers, the Murcia Wine Route is waiting for you!
Don't stop there: head for the historic center of Jumilla, rich in monuments, museums and archaeological remains. The region, with its magnificent natural areas such as the Sierra del Carche Regional Park, is also ideal for hiking, cycling, paragliding and even hang-gliding!
4. Scuba diving, between archaeology and aquatic fauna
Are you a fan of scuba diving? Here again, Murcia has a lot to offer. In Cartagena, for example, you can admire Phoenician and Spanish Civil War shipwrecks, amidst colorful marine life. In Cabo de Palos, you can also explore wrecks such as the "Sirio", an Italian ship sunk in 1906, now home to a variety of marine creatures. A magical experience!
Discover the magnificent Mazarron Bay near Cartagena in Murcia, by booking this unique kayak and snorkeling excursion. A whole day of fun!
The magic continues in the Hormigas Islands, declared a marine reserve in 1995. Rich biodiversity flourishes amid historic relics, such as a Vᵉ century Byzantine ship. To dive in Murcia is to swim through the maritime history of the Mediterranean. You won't find anything better!
5. Explore Cartagena, treasure of the Costa Cálida
Located on the Costa Cálida, the port of Cartagena marks the start of an exciting visit. A veritable open-air museum, Cartagena is one of Murcia's most beautiful cities. Built on 5 hills overlooking a vast bay, it offers sumptuous scenery while retaining its historic charm. This authentic charm can be found in both the grand Roman theater and the Palacio Consistorial. More unusual, the Péral submarine, on display at the Cartagena Naval Museum, offers a surprising and instructive visit. Surrounding the city, the beaches of Cabo Tiñoso and the Calblanque regional park are waiting for you to continue your escapade.
Tip: Visit 4 of Cartagena's must-see sites with this combined ticket including the Roman Theater, the Roman Forum Museum, the Panoramic Elevator and the Castel de la Concepción.
6. Follow the Estrecho de la Arboleja itinerary
Located in the town of Aledo, theEstrecho de la Arboleja is some 60 km from the city of Murcia. Imagine walking along vertiginous rock faces... Welcome to the Strait of Agualeja, a splendid natural area in the Murcia region. In the heart of the canyon, you walk along 10-metre-high walls, encountering geological formations as beautiful as they are astonishing. More than just a visit, you'll experience a unique hike, enjoying the beneficial shade of the canyon's damp walls. A real highlight, and one that will leave you with unforgettable memories of your trip to Murcia!
7. Stroll the streets of Lorca, Murcia's historic city
Overlooked by its castle, Lorca invites travelers to stroll its pretty streets, where a pleasant Baroque atmosphere reigns. Designated a Town of Art and History in 1964, it is also known as the "Baroque City". The richness of its heritage can be seen everywhere in the city center, including the recent renovations of its six churches. From the Château de Lorca to the Palacio de Guevara, via the ancient collegiate church of San Patricio, you'll bounce from surprise to wonder. The Lorca Archaeological Museum is another nugget to put on your to-do list!
8. Enjoy Murcia's spas and thalassotherapy centers
Murcia is also a wellness destination? Yes, we told you: you'll find absolutely everything in this incredible Spanish region! Enjoy the benefits of its three spas:
- Archena,
- Leana in Fortuna,
- Bahía de los Delfines in Mazarrón.
Surrounded by mountains and palm trees, you're immediately immersed in total serenity.
In addition to these major spas dedicated to well-being, Murcia also boasts thalassotherapy centers on the Mediterranean coast offering marine treatments and specialized accommodation. These include the Hotel Puerto Juan Montiel in Águilas and Entremares in La Manga.
Unusual! The Aguas Salinas residence in Lo Pagán offers original marine treatments and body wraps... with chocolate, cherry, wine or pomegranate!
9. What to do in Murcia? Visit Caravaca de la Cruz
Caracava de la Cruz, Murcia's holy city, has been built around its castle since the XVᵉ century. Its emblematic, and most spectacular, building is the Sanctuary of the Vera Cruz, whose luxurious red marble facade is simply stunning. The city hosts various festivities throughout the year, which have made its reputation. From 1ᵉʳ to May 5, it's time for the Santísima Vera Cruz festivities, featuring two major, colorful parades: the "Caballos del Vino" and the "Moros y Cristianos". From October to June, the pilgrims' market is held on the third Sunday of each month. On the program: typical products and crafts.
10. Contemplating the waterfalls of El salto del Usero in Bullas
Nestled in the heart of orange limestone, the El salto waterfalls offer a welcome haven of coolness in Murcia. Over the years, the waterfall itself has carved a grotto into the rock, creating a magical place close to Bullas. Although the path to get there is rough, your efforts will be rewarded. It's the perfect place for a refreshing family outing, in a bucolic setting, not to say a little magical... The lush vegetation surrounding the falls makes the place even more beautiful.
Good to know: not far from the falls, you'll find the ruins of a castle, as well as several mills.
11. Explore the Sierra Espuña Regional Park
Do you like mountain vacations? Good news: the Murcia region of Spain is graced by a host of peaks. Among them, the Bermejo Pass, located in the Sierra Espuña at an altitude of around 1,200 meters. The trees are so dense in this pretty corner of Murcia that you'll be able to hike in the shade most of the time. This splendidly wooded regional park extends over a number of municipalities:
- Mula,
- Pliego,
- Alhama de Murcia,
- Totana,
- Aledo.
The region is also famous for its pottery. There are many pottery artisans along the way, promising to immerse you in local traditions during your excursion.
12. Be amazed at Monte Arabí de Yecla, an unusual site in Murcia
Monte Arabí, located 17 km northwest of Yecla, reaches an altitude of 1065 meters. It attracts locals and curious visitors alike with its amazing geological formations, caves and cave paintings. In March 2016, it was designated a Natural Monument. At a height of 315 metres, it overlooks the surrounding landscape. Would you like to discover its astonishing rock-cut Horadada cave? Follow the PR-MU 91 route for just over 5 km. From geological curiosities to the legends of Mount Arabí, this is a beautiful and unusual discovery to make in Murcia!
13. Wonder in the Calnegre and Cabo Cope Regional Park
Murcia is a generous region, so here's another nature park just for you! The Calnegre and Cabo Cope Regional Park, located southwest of Murcia, covers just over 1,000 hectares between Lorca and Águilas. Here, too, the landscapes are magnificently varied, ranging from mountains to beaches, cliffs, salt marshes and fossil dunes. The site also welcomes scuba diving enthusiasts to its secluded coves , natural guardians of shipwrecks and underwater caves. Interested? Discover some of the most famous diving spots:
- Cabo Cope,
- Isla del Fraile,
- la Catedral.
With its remarkable geological variety, the site offers a landscape as diverse as it is rich in biodiversity.
14. Visit Águilas, the multi-faceted town
Stick around a little longer to discover the pretty town ofÁguilas, home to the famous Calnegre and Cabo Cope Regional Park. Once in the town itself, enjoy its spectacular seascapes, while discovering its rich historical and cultural heritage. In summer, the beaches of Carolina, Higuerica and Les Délices are... pure delight! There's plenty of opportunity for sunbathing and water sports. There are superb vantage points in various parts of the city, before you set off to discover the archaeological, railway and soccer museums, all of which promise interesting and amusing sights. Of course, the Castillo San Juan de las Águilas, the town's castle, is one of the magnificent must-sees in this part of Murcia.
15. Relax on the beaches of Costa Cálida
Spain is known as one of the best beach destinations around France, and Murcia is no exception. Set your sights on the Costa Cálida, Murcia's natural paradise between land and sea. With its 250 kilometers of coastline, it promises pleasant swimming-tanning-diving sessions. As we've just mentioned, the town ofÁguilas boasts some very fine beaches. However, there are many other little Mediterranean paradises awaiting you.
The Beaches of Calblanque in Cartagena
The wildness of these beautiful orange beaches, surrounded and dotted with rocks, is a real invitation to escape. The fine golden sand invites you to relax, dive or try your hand at sailing.
La Llana Beach
North of the Minor Sea, nearAlicante, you'll find this amazing stretch of sand in the small town of San Pedro del Pinatar. The town is famous for its salt marshes, which serve as a natural border to the Minor Sea.
Bolnuevo Beach
Do you like warm, calm, crystal-clear waters? Head for Mazarrón, whose small gulf is an open-air paradise for lovers of seaside zen. What makes it special? Being surrounded byastonishing geological formations resembling enormous yellow mushrooms, creating a truly unusual environment. A must-see on your trip!
Galúa Beach
Located in the heart of La Manga, this pretty 980-meter-long family beach is supervised in season and offers every comfort at your fingertips. It's also an ideal spot for water sports enthusiasts.
Did you know? One of Europe's most beautiful beaches, Cabo de Gata, nestles in the neighbouring region of Andalusia.
What beautiful villages can you visit in Murcia?
Why is the Murcia region so little known, when it's so full of treasures? Let's find out!
Aledo, Murcia's treasure
Your visit to Aledo takes you straight to La Calahorra, the town's ancient fortified castle, of which the keep remains. Your visit to this pretty village nestled in the heart of the Sierra Espuña continues at the sanctuary of Santa Eulalia.
Extraordinary: during the month of August, Aledo is plunged into darkness, lit only by candles. The village comes alive with dances and other artistic performances during the Noche en Vela.
Mula, an impressive historical heritage
Dominated by the Castell de los Velez, the village of Mula invites you to take a lazy stroll through its winding streets, towards the beautiful Renaissance and Baroque Santo Domingo church. It's also here that you'll find the exceptional Monasterio Real de la Encarnación, renowned for the quality of its architecture. A short visit to the Museo de Arte Iberico de Cigarralejo, a museum retracing the Iron Age, and your visit will be complete!
Bullas, between wine and cultural heritage
Along with the town of Jumilla, Bullas is one of Murcia's leading wine-growing regions. After an oenological tasting, your discovery walk takes you to the Plaza de España, the Plaza Vieja and the Plaza del Castillo. Then let your steps lead you to the Palacio de los Melgares and the church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario.
To remember : follow the tapas and wine route, a much-anticipated event held every year in Bullas.
Archena, from thermal baths to mountains
Surrounded by mountains that invite discovery, the village of Archena is best known for its thermal waters. Between wellness treatments, be sure to visit San Juan Bautista church and Ricote castle.
Calasparra and its troglodyte church
If the area's natural heritage is rich, as witnessed by the Cañon de Almadenes, the village of Calasparra also attracts visitors for its astonishing architectural heritage. The Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza, a troglodyte edifice, is a must-see.
Moratalla, nature and festivities
Moratalla has an air of tranquility about it... well, apart from the many festivities that take place here! From the San Miguel Fair, to the Fiesta del Santísimo Cristo del Rayo, to the Holy Week drums in Moratalla, there's never a dull moment! The village is also surrounded by natural parks, a real invitation to hike.
Want to go further afield? Discover the most beautiful villages to visit in Spain.
Petit Futé tip
To get to the Costa Cálida, and the Murcia region in general, it's advisable to have your own car so you can move around freely. If the journey seems too long from France, opt for the train, then the bus or rent a car. There is an airport at Alicante-Elche, but it doesn't serve many international flights.
The good thing about Murcia is that there's something for everyone! Music lovers themselves love it, not least for its La Mar de Músicas festival, Spain's must-see festival on the theme of world music. Like France, it's a multi-faceted country, with landscapes that easily change from one region to the next. Our 21 must-sees in Spain will guide you through this maze of landscapes between land and sea, where culture, history and nature share the land in an enchanting setting.
Tempted by this selection? Take a look at our airfares and book now!
