Whether you’re looking for exciting outdoor adventures among beautiful landscapes, exploring cities, or just relaxing on the beach – the Region of Murcia can offer it all. What’s interesting, for some reason tourists have not yet discovered this part of Spain that much. That means it’s less crowded, and more peaceful compared to Andalusia, Catalonia, or Valencian Community. So if you want to get a taste of a bit more chilled Spain, this is the perfect place. Vamos, let us show you the best places to visit in the Region of Murcia in Spain.
In 2023 we spent 5 weeks living in the Murcia Region. Even if the area didn’t make it to our favorite regions in Spain, we enjoyed our time there. During that time we visited quite a large part of this region, without any rushing.
Are you wondering where is the best place to have a home base in the area? We were living in La Manga del Mar Menor, at the very end of it, and it wasn’t the best choice. We’d recommend looking for a place in or just closer to Cartagena if you want to limit the travel distance.
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Region of Murcia FAQ
Region of Murcia is located in the southeastern part of Spain. The region borders Andalusia, Castile La Mancha, and the Valencian Community. The capital city of the region is Murcia City and the Mediterranean coast along it stretches is called Costa Calida.
Murcia Region is best known for being home to countless spectacular landscapes, lovely beaches, a beautiful salt lagoon, cities and towns with rich history, world-renewed celebrations, and many well-preserved Roman ruins.
Region of Murcia enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. The region experiences 300+ days of sunshine per year and very little rain, which makes it a great all-year-round destination. If crowds and temperatures above 30°C don’t bother you – visit during the high season, from June to August. If you prefer quieter times and lower temperatures choose any month in the lower season.
Places to visit in Region of Murcia in Spain
Cartagena
Cartagena, the one in Spain not in Colombia, quickly became one of our favorite places to visit in the Region of Murcia. Thanks to its strategic location on the coast, the area has been praised since Carthaginian times, around 220 B.C.. The city developed most during Roman times, which effects we can observe up to this day. In Cartagena, you’ll find many well-preserved Roman ruins, like a spectacular 1st-century B.C. Roman Theater, Casa de la Fortuna – villa with murals and mosaics, or Punic Wall – interpretation center that houses the remains of a 3rd-century B.C. defensive wall.
Learn more: 15+ Things To Do In Cartagena, Spain
La Manga & Mar Menor Lagoon
Mar Menor is a beautiful coastal saltwater lagoon located in the Region of Murcia. It’s the largest lagoon in Spain with a coastal length of 70km and only 7m deep waters at its lowest point. It’s separated from the Mediterranean Sea by La Manga, a 22km long sandbar. Over the last few dozen years, people inhabited the area and (unfortunately) transformed it into a very popular holiday destination. At the beginning of the La Manga strip, you’ll also find Cabo de Palos, a small village and a nature reserve with a beautiful 51m high lighthouse.
Learn more: Holidays In La Manga del Mar Menor Murcia, Spain
Murcia City
Murcia City is another great place to visit in the Region of Murcia. Even though the city is quite big itself, the 7th largest in Spain, there aren’t too many places to see for the visitors. But don’t let that discourage you! Murcia city center offers more of a small-town vibe, and it’s a great option if you wanna escape the crowds of the famous coastal towns. There you’ll find many lovely streets and squares, impressive Catedral de Murcia and Palacio Episcopal, some interesting street art, and of course renowned gastronomy.
Learn more: 15+ Best Things To Do In Murcia City In Spain
Bateria de Castillitos
Bateria de Castillitos is a unique-looking anti-navy military battery built in the 1930s. It looks more like a medieval-fairytale-style castle put out from a Disney movie than a mighty military base. It’s located on a high mountain, overlooking the bay, sea, and the surroundings. It isn’t very easy to get there, and the road might be a little bumpy, narrow, and stressful but without a doubt it’s very rewarding! Without a doubt, Bateria de Castillitos is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Murcia Region.
Learn more: Bateria De Castillitos Cartagena, A Fairytale-Looking Fortress In Spain
Ciudad Encantada de Bolnuevo & Playa de Bolnuevo
Ciudad Encantada de Bolnuevo, also known as Gredas de Bolnuevo, is a unique-looking mushroom-shaped sandstone formation in the Region of Murcia. It has been shaped by wind and water over thousands of years and today is considered a monument of natural interest. In our opinion, it isn’t as spectacular as it might look in the photos. The place’s biggest disadvantage is the fact that the rocks are located… near the huge parking lot. What we really liked about Bolnuevo is the beautiful, golden-sand Playa Bolnuevo located just across the street.
Lorca
The Baroque city of Lorca is a place full of history and traditions. During Muslim dominion over Spain, the city was a frontier between Christians and Moors and saw many fierce battles and bloodshed which only enriched its history. Currently, it’s best known for its impressive hilltop castle, an old town full of Baroque buildings, the only church in Spain dedicated to Saint Patrick, and colorful Holy Week celebrations.
Learn more: 8 Best Things To Do In Lorca, Spain
More places to visit in Region of Murcia
Still not enough for you? Here are some more suggestions of great places to visit in the Region of Murcia. We haven’t had a chance to explore them, but definitely will next time!
Caravaca De La Cruz
Caravaca De La Cruz is a small town located in the northwest part of the Region of Murcia. The most important points of interest are Castle Caravaca de la Cruz and Basilica of Vera Cruz which supposedly is a house to a fragment of the True Cross. They are located on a high hill, offering stunning views over the town and its surroundings. Interesting fact: Caravaca is the Fifth Holy City, where the Holy Year is celebrated. For sure it’s a key destination for Christian pilgrims.
Aguilas
Aguilas is a small seaside town located on the Mediterranean shores. Beaches, bays, a charming old town full of winding streets, and 18th-century military fortresses with great panoramic views are waiting for you there. The town is also well known for its colorful and vibrant celebrations of carnival.
Great day trips from the Region of Murcia
There are many great places to explore around the borders of the Region of Murcia. From our experience, we can recommend places like Almeria, Cabo De Gata-Nijar Natural Park, Guadix, and Alicante just to name a few.
Best places to visit in Region of Murcia – Summing up
As you can see now, the Region of Murcia is full of great places to visit. Charming towns, impressive monuments, diverse nature, lovely beaches, tasty Mediterranean cuisine… Whatever you might be looking for, chances are high that you’ll find that there. If you know about other places worth visiting in the Region of Murcia share it in the comments below. Have a great trip and enjoy beautiful Spain!
One more tip for the end: traveling by car, without a doubt, is the best and the fastest way of getting to all the mentioned places in the Region of Murcia. So if you’re not traveling by car, we recommend you rent one.
