With 300 days of sunshine a year and average temperatures climbing to 23C in April, this hidden gem of southern Spain is about to become hugely popular thanks to an increase in flights from the UK. And with the school holidays almost upon us, this under-the-radar region really comes alive at Easter. 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 colour. Welcome to Murcia! But this lesser-known province is worth a visit any time of year. With a much more relaxed pace than some of the more hectic coastal cities of Malaga, Alicante and Valencia, or the super busy cities of Barcelona and Madrid, Murcia is a real hidden gem in the south-east of Spain.
The appeal of the city of Murcia lies in the ambience of its streets, its cathedral, and its historic quarter. With its compact size and its points of interest very close to one another, Murcia is the ideal city to explore on foot.
According to the Lonely Planet guide, “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 and have openly said they feel there are too many Brits visiting, Murcia’s expanding airport near Corvera is receiving new flights.
If you are simply looking for a “fly and flop” holiday, you could happily spend a couple of weeks in this region, as Murcia boasts plenty of quiet sandy beaches and clear blue waters.
Murcia’s scenic coastline and reliable sunshine make it a great destination for lovers of water sports. Cabo de Palos is the base for some of Europe’s best scuba diving, with numerous World War I and two shipwrecks to explore.
Murcia’s beaches remain gloriously undeveloped, and with a hire car, you can easily find stretches of empty sands to yourself even in the height of summer.
But there is so much more to see, especially if you enjoy culture and sampling different Spanish foods.
Lonely Planet adds: “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.”
Must-sees include the Roman city of Cartagena with its restored Roman theatre or the remains of an entire section of the Roman town at Barrio del Foro Romano.
In Murcia, you can visit the Real Casino, one of the most unique historic attractions in the region. Open to the public, the rooms in this once-exclusive establishment were constructed over many different periods from 1847 to the early 20th century.
“Don’t miss the celestial ladies’ room with its vintage lampshades, mirrors, silks, and lavish ceiling painting of the moon goddess Selene”, reports Lonely Planet.
Local dishes to try include Marineras, a tapa dish with tuna, potato, and usually some vegetables on toasted bread or paparajotes, as well as deep-fried lemon leaves served with ice cream. Peel the batter off the leaf before eating; it has a delicious lemon flavour.
Goat’s cheese is very popular in Murcia. Pair it with local Monastrell red wines, and of course, this being Spain, there are plenty of salted fish dishes to savour.
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.
Easyjet and Ryanair both have regular flights to Murcia from London Luton for £51 return.