From the wild dunes of Calblanque to the blossom fields of Cieza in March and the green silence of Valle de Ricote: Murcia is surprisingly rich in nature, as long as you leave the tourist path for a while. Don’t expect landscaped parks, but landscape in its purest form – hills, river valleys and hiking trails where you are often all alone.

The Costa Cálida offers a rugged, quieter coastline than many other Spanish regions: small bays, natural beaches, little mass tourism. From the pristine dunes of Calblanque to the calm, shallow waters of the Mar Menor – here you will find the right beach for every member of the family.

Murcia is surprisingly great for hikers: deserted paths, dry riverbeds, hills and mountainous landscapes, viewpoints where you’re often completely alone. This isn’t a region of manicured promenade walks, but of real nature.

From Spain’s last Moorish enclave in Valle de Ricote to the holy cross relic of Caravaca and the rock paintings of Moratalla: Murcia carries thousands of years of history, often hidden in a small village or a cave where you wouldn’t expect it.

Murcia is all taste. From tapas bars in Cartagena and Murcia city to the lively weekly markets that you can find somewhere in the region almost every day – fresh vegetables, local cheeses and stalls where you can walk in without a plan.

In the north, around Jumilla and Yecla, you can also taste the wine culture of the region. Food here is never excessive, but always genuine.

The calm, shallow waters of the Mar Menor make Murcia one of the easiest regions to travel with children. Beaches such as Mar de Cristal or Playa de la Llana (with free mud baths) are all child-friendly, without strong currents or crowds. Our son plays here for hours in the shallow water, and also at the golf resort where we stay there is always a swimming pool nearby for those who prefer not to go to the sea every day.

Bathe in the same thermal springs that have drawn people to Murcia since ancient times, or treat yourself to a free mud bath at the salt flats of San Pedro. This region is not only active to experience — sometimes doing nothing is just as good here.

From local craft shops and spice shops in Cartagena to the vineyards of Bullas and Jumilla, shopping in Murcia is not about big shopping malls, but about small, authentic finds. Something to take home that reminds you of the region.

Because we are in Murcia so often, we also have our own holiday apartment here: La Terraza Azul. Check availability via Booking

Also recommended: my parents’ more luxurious, closer-to-sea apartment – ideal for those who like to combine nature with beach days. View this apartment via Booking

You can reach the region via two airports: Murcia-Corvera (closest, with Ryanair, TuiFly and easyJet, among others) or Alicante (a little further away, more airlines and often cheaper tickets – including Vueling).

Check flights with Vueling

For those who really want to discover Murcia, a rental car is highly recommended. Many nature reserves and beaches are scattered and not accessible by public transport. We also use this ourselves during our stays.

Car rental & price comparison

From a tour of Cartagena’s Roman Theatre to a boat trip along the coast, there’s more to the region than you can discover on your own. We prefer to book these kinds of trips in advance, especially in high season.

Book tours

Don’t feel like looking for a SIM card on the spot?

We always arrange our connectivity in advance with an e-SIM – immediately accessible from landing, without the hassle at a counter.

Arrange in advance