A first-time guide to Spain's Murcia region

“Murcia is the unknown province, even for the Spanish!” This was my first introduction to this up-and-coming region in the southeast of Spain, delivered with an enthusiastic smile by my tour guide and native Murciano, Carlos Reis.

He wasn't wrong. Before visiting, the main thing I knew about Murcia was that it was “south of Valencia.” In fact, this under-the-radar Spanish region is closer to the sometimes hectic coastal resorts of Alicante, but Murcia's relaxed pace of life couldn’t be further from this crowded scene.

Instead, the Murcia region serves up everything people love about Spain, but without the crowds – from excellent regional tapas and local wine to historical sites that span the centuries from Roman times to the Moorish period. Add in local fiestas that run throughout the year and a stunning coastline for outdoor enthusiasts and it's easy to see the appeal!

While some of Spain’s most popular destinations are looking to limit tourism numbers, Murcia's expanding airport near Corvera is receiving new flights, meaning this jewel of a region won't remain “unknown” for very much longer. Here's a guide to planning your first trip to Murcia.

When should I go to the Murcia region?

Murcia makes a great winter sun destination. The region sees more than 300 days of sunshine a year, and even autumn and spring can be agreeably warm, with average temperatures climbing as high as 26ºC (79ºF) in October and May. Summer can be too hot for people to fully enjoy, with temperatures reaching 34ºC (93ºF); if you are visiting from June to August, aim to spend a lot of time on the breezy coast.

Easter week can be a wonderful time for festivities in Murcia city. Religious processions weave through the streets, each with a different theme and identity. The first Tuesday after Easter sees a grand parade for Bando de la Huerta, one of the biggest festivals in the city, celebrating spring in the countryside. People in traditional dress fill the streets, regional food specialties are available everywhere and the city showcases folkloric music and dances creating a riot of color.

With this being Spain, many towns and cities across Murcia have their own fiesta days, so there are plenty of opportunities throughout the year to join in the celebrations.

How long should I spend in the Murcia region?

If you’re looking for a relaxing "fly-and-flop" holiday – or just want to incorporate some chill-out time into your Spanish itinerary – you could happily spend two weeks in Murcia dozing on quiet beaches, paddling in crystalline waters and lingering over late tapas and vino.

If culture is more your scene, Murcia city makes for a relaxing city break all by itself, with regular direct flights to Región de Murcia International Airport. And you could tack on a visit to other highlights of the region in four or five days, but why rush?

Is it easy to get in and around the Murcia region?

The Murcia region is served by its own airport, receiving regular direct flights from London, Birmingham, Manchester, Dublin, Barcelona and Madrid, to name just a few destinations. Busy Alicante airport is also an option; it's just a 50-minute drive from Murcia city, with plenty of rental cars available on arrival.

The compact nature of the Murcia region means it’s easy to see a lot in a relatively short time – you can drive the length of the region in a little over two hours. There are regular bus and train services between larger cities and towns, but you will see a lot more if you have your own set of wheels.

Top things to do in the Murcia region

To get you primed for the Murcia region, here are some of the best things to see and do.

1. Visit historic Cartagena

The Murcia region is a glorious mishmash of historical influences, with loads of ancient relics to explore. You'll find plenty of well-preserved Roman history, particularly in the town of Cartagena. Throughout the year, you can visit a wonderfully restored Roman theater at the Museo del Teatro Romano or the remains of an entire section of the Roman town at Barrio del Foro Romano.

One of the highlights of the Cartagena calendar is the Festival of Carthaginians and Romans in late September. For two weeks, the town is full of thousands of locals in full period garb, taking part in battle re-enactments, lavish marriage ceremonies, races and firework displays.

2. Explore Murcia city's Real Casino

In Murcia city, be sure to visit the Real Casino, one of the most unique historic attractions in the region. Now open to the public, the rooms in this once-exclusive establishment were constructed over many different periods from 1847 to the early 20th century.

Each room is a delightful homage to the architectural and design styles of its time, from the sumptuous Arabic court, decorated in gold leaf, to the lavish ballroom, inspired by French neo-Baroque design. Don't miss the celestial ladies' room with its vintage lampshades, mirrors, silks, and lavish ceiling painting of the moon goddess Selene.

3. Get out on (and into) the water

Murcia’s scenic coastline and reliable sunshine make it a great destination for lovers of water sports, especially when you need to cool off during the hotter months. Cabo de Palos is the base for some of Europe’s best scuba diving, with numerous shipwrecks to explore, many of them sent to the depths during the First and Second World Wars. Snorkeling is also enormously popular here if you don't dive.

For swimmers, Murcia's beaches remain gloriously undeveloped. With a hire car and a little patience, you can even find mostly empty stretches of sand in the height of summer – something not always easy on the Spanish coast.

What to eat in the Murcia region (and where to find it)

Like all of Spain’s regions, Murcia has a rich and unique culinary culture to explore. Local cooks draw on a huge variety of locally-grown vegetables and plenty of fresh seafood courtesy of the Murcian coastline. El Secreto in Murcia city is a good spot to try traditional regional tapas dishes – look out for some of these specialties while visiting:

• Marineras: A tapas dish with tuna, potato and usually some vegetables on toasted bread.

• Paparajotes: Deep-fried lemon leaves served with ice cream. Peel the batter off the leaf before eating, it has a delicious lemon flavor.
  

• Arroz caldero: Literally translated as "rice cauldron." It's served in a huge pot, usually mixed with fish, but should not be confused with paella – you will be corrected! Cabo de Palos' Bocana de Palos serves up a delicious version with a sea view. 

• Pastel de carne: A puff pastry meat dish filled with egg, chorizo and various spices.

• Murcia al Vino: Goat’s cheese is very popular in Murcia and this variation is cured in red wine. Pair it with local Monastrell red wines – Murcia city's La Diligente offers recommended wine and cheese tastings.

• Salt-baked fish: Not unique to this region but an excellent way to enjoy the many varieties of fish caught along the Murcian coast. Sea bream and sea bass are two popular versions; try it at Alviento in Cartagena.

Where to stay in the Murcia region

The Murcia region has a broad range of accommodation options, from traditional pensions to an abundance of quality hotels. Prices remain reasonable by Spanish standards, particularly in Murcia city. I stayed at the four-star Occidental Murcia Agalia where appealing rooms start from just €60 a night.

For something more luxurious, the stylishly renovated Grand Hyatt La Manga Club east of Cartagena is a destination in and of itself. It’s most famous for golf, with three courses suitable for a variety of skill levels, but the resort is also celebrated for its 11 restaurants, including La Cala, serving fresh seafood in a stylish setting overlooking the Mediterranean. If you’re not staying here but want to treat yourself, you can book in for an epic Sunday brunch spread for €90 (€50 for children).

Along the coast, there are plenty of self-catering villas you can rent if you're traveling in a big group or with family. Many of these are the second homes of local residents, so you’ll find a lot more availability outside of the summer months, when these homes are in use by their owners.

How much money do I need for the Murcia region?

Murica is excellent value for money for visitors compared with many better-known parts of Spain. Here's a guide to some of the key costs. 

• Hostel room: €20–25

• Standard hotel room for two: €60–130

• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): €60–150

• Local public transport ticket: €1.85 (single tram ticket for Murcia city)

• Coffee: €1.50–2.00

• Tapas dish: €2.50–5

• Dinner for two: €30–50

• Caña (small beer) at a bar: €1.50–2

• Glass of wine at a bar: €2.50–5
  

AnneMarie traveled to Murcia courtesy of Lotus PR and Turismo Región de Murcia. Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in return for positive coverage.