The region of Murcia is perhaps less well known than Catalonia or Andalusia. However, this region has a very strong potential for travellers who wish to vary the pleasures during their stay. With a strong cultural identity, 300 days of sunshine a year, culinary traditions, mountains, orchards, beautiful cities, and a coastline with a 100% Mediterranean atmosphere, it has everything to become the next blue sky holiday destination. And with its proximity to France, it is worth considering this option if you want a change of scenery at any time of the year.
A destination for sports and nature lovers
With its sunny weather, its geographical location bordering two seas, the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean, its beaches and its green hinterland, Murcia is a perfect territory for active tourism. On the Costa Cálida, lovers of water sports will find one of the best spots in Europe. The Mar Manor, which is quite simply the largest saltwater lagoon on the European continent, is an area where you can enjoy canoeing, sailing, water skiing or windsurfing in complete peace. The protected marine reserves of Cabo de Palos-Islas are a real underwater paradise for diving enthusiasts. And then there is simply the pleasure of relaxing on a beautiful beach, enjoying the sun and a few moments on the sand. For this, we go to Águilas and its long beaches bordered by amazing cliffs or to Mazarrón, where you can watch whales. The Costa Cálida is an excellent sea destination, with urban beaches, eco-beaches and small natural coves
Murcia is also a territory with no less than 19 protected natural parks, where beautiful hikes await walkers from all over the world. It is an opportunity to discover superb landscapes, between beaches and mountains. There are numerous hiking routes in the area, with different levels of difficulty: easy, intermediate, and also long treks such as those in the Calblanque Regional Park, Mont de las Cenizas and Sierra Espuña. You should not miss a major event in the region, the Camino de la Cruz. This is a competition in which participants have to cover 90 kilometres on paths between Murcia and Caravaca de la Cruz in a maximum time of 20 hours
Other possible sporting activities in Murcia include cycling, with a beautiful route along the Via Verde, for a journey of 80 km through the countryside, or crossing the Sierra Espuña by mountain bike. Less strenuous, but just as entertaining: the Costa Calida also offers many greens for a good game of golf.
The region of Murcia for its splendid historical cities
Murcia is located in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula. It is the eponymous capital of the province and is only about 30 km from the Mediterranean coast of the Costa Cálida. As soon as you arrive, you can see its long history through the monuments and remains that have undoubtedly survived the ages. It is pleasant to stroll through its maze of pedestrian streets, interspersed with short breaks in some of its small 19th century squares.
The first thing to do is to go to the picturesque old town to reach its central square, the Plaza Santo Domingo. This is where the sublime cathedral is located. You can visit the Salzillo Museum, dedicated to the sculptor of the same name, and the Archaeological Museum. To relax in a green setting, we can stop in the Floridablanca garden, before joining the Merced district in the evening and its lively atmosphere
We then head to the sea and stop in Cartagena, which has over 3,000 years of history. Situated in a deep bay framed by promontories defended by forts, the city is dominated by the hill where the Concepción castle was built. From the nearby park there is an incredible view of one of the city's treasures: the ancient theatre, built between 5 and 1 B.C. Masterpieces such as the Muralla del Mar campus, the gateway to the arsenal and the church of Santo Domingo are also worth seeing to appreciate the diversity of Cartagena. All this richness has earned the city a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List
Then there is the unique atmosphere and history of Caravaca de la Cruz. It is considered one of the five holy cities of the world and is the arrival point for many pilgrims and travellers looking for a different destination. The city also celebrates Los Caballos del Vino, a unique festival in the world that takes place during Holy Week, where richly harnessed horses are traditionally seen galloping up the slopes of the castle
Wine tourism and gastronomy
Wine has been cultivated in Murcia since Roman times. With its varied soils and favourable climate, different ranges of red, white and rosé wines with controlled appellations are produced here. To discover these fine beverages, there are three routes: the Yecla wine route, the Jumilla route and the Bullas route. During a walk through the region of Murcia, one has the opportunity to visit wineries, participate in tastings and even attend oenology courses. The region of Murcia also offers a very rich and varied gastronomy. The valley through which the river Segura flows in and around the city of Murcia is called Huerta de Murcia. It is not by chance that the region of Murcia is called "the Huerta of Europe" (the orchard of Europe). No matter where you stop in the region, you are sure to find a great gastronomy, made of good products. Meat is important with pig, hare and Segureño lamb, a local breed often used in the preparation of dishes such as stews and rice dishes. Everything is cooked with vegetables such as tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines, peas, lettuce, artichokes and cauliflower, which are often mixed with fruit such as lemons and oranges. Yes, in Murcia they even put lemon in the soup! And then there are the fish and seafood that make up an important part of the local gastronomy. The sea bream of the Mar Menor, the mullet or the lobsters of the Mar Menor are typical species of the region. To make your mouth water, we need only mention a few emblematic dishes: garlic prawns, lamb chops with cabañil garlic, fried rabbit with tomatoes, Murcian ratatouille and salt-cured sea bream are all dishes that will delight your taste buds on a holiday in the area. To celebrate this great wealth, the city of Murcia is the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy in 2020, an award given by the Spanish Federation of the Hotel Industry (FEHR) and the Spanish Federation of Tourism Journalists and Writers (FEPET). Throughout this year, the city is offering a special programme of activities aimed at highlighting and promoting local cuisine.
Cultural moments
Like all regions with a strong heritage and ancient history, Murcia has a large number of cultural events throughout the year. In Murcia, the celebration of the Bando de la Huerta on the first Tuesday after Holy Week, an important moment in the Spring Festivities, comes to mind. Bullock carts are paraded and the participants, who are on stands, throw food to the spectators. After the floral offering to the Virgen de la Fuensanta, this procession begins in the streets, accompanied by the folk groups of the peñas. There are also the two music festivals of WAM and Murcia Tres Culturas
In Cartagena, the Holy Week in April gives rise to processions, often at night and at dawn. The floral decorations and illuminations are splendid and the quasi-military parades impressive. Not forgetting the Fiestas de Carthagineses y Romanos, declared to be of International Tourist Interest, which offer a plunge into the city's ancient history and a chance to relive the Roman era. Cartagena is also alive with music, especially in the summer, with several festivals: El Cabo Pop Festival, La Mar de Músicas and Welcome Summer.
Useful information
Where to go? The region of Murcia is located in the south-east of Spain, so the rainfall is low and the sunshine is very generous. From November to January, it is possible to enjoy spring-like temperatures. However, it is best to avoid the height of summer, as it can be very hot. April-May and October-November are the best times
Getting there. There are flights between Paris and the international airport of the Murcia region in Murcia. Some direct flights take only two hours. Also possible by car for the more patient.
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