Murcia is one of the most underrated cities in Spain. And I’ve visited this small, pretty university city numerous times as my family has a holiday home in nearby Alicante. The city also has a large international airport that serves a lot of popular European cities. So, it’s a popular starting point for many holidaymakers in Spain.
One of the best things about Murcia is that it gets an exceptional 330 days of sunshine a year. So, it really is the perfect option for a sunny getaway. It’s aptly nicknamed the Costa Calida or “warm coast,” and the region boasts over 330 km of coastline. Making it an ideal base for beach lovers.
And why, may you ask, am I the best person to tell you about all of Murcia’s top sights? Well, as I said, I have a house close to here, and have visited countless times! So, I’ve done everything on this list and can personally recommend them all!
So, here are my favorite things to do in Murcia.
📌 Murcia fast facts:
- Where to stay: We stayed at Hotel Cetina Murcia – this 3-star, stylish hotel is located in the downtown area and set back on a quiet street.
- How long: We advise spending at least 2-3 days in Murcia.
- Currency: Euros (EUR).
- Airport: Murcia Airport, officially known as Región de Murcia International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional de la Región de Murcia), is located here. It’s about 25 kilometers from the city center. There’s also a larger airport in Alicante, around an hour’s drive away.
- Best month to visit: I would say May or September are good times to visit, when the summer crowds have gone, and the temperatures are still comfortably warm.
- What to pack: The plug type used in Spain is Type C and Type F. And I wore my Teva Hurricane Sandals most of the time here; they are so comfortable and have sturdy soles. And I lived in my Sweaty Betty modal wide leg pants here.
- Tip: It is worth remembering that Murcia closes many of its shops during the siesta period (between 2 pm – and 5 pm).
The Best Things to Do in Murcia
1. Cathedral de Santa Maria
The beautifully artistic and baroque-style Cathedral de Santa Maria in the center of Murcia City is truly a sight to behold. Its interior is Gothic in style and is in contrast to the exterior. The attached bell tower stands 90 meters tall and is the tallest of its kind in all of Spain.
2. Real Casino de Murcia
Hidden away on Traperia Street, the Real Casino de Murcia is an eclectic but grand building. In fact, it was one of our favorite buildings to explore in the region. Many of the casino’s walls are covered with the most beautiful mosaics, and the whole building has a very Moorish vibe.
Spend over an hour here exploring the many beautiful rooms. One of my favorites is the ballroom, which has a spectacular chandelier gifted by the last king of Mexico.
Your €5 entrance fee includes a very educational audio guide.
This private walking tour visits the Casino as well as many other top sights in Murcia, such as the Murcia Cathedral. It’s 3 hours long, and as you walk through this gorgeous city, your local guide will provide commentary on the history and culture of Murcia. It costs from €250 per group of up to 15 people, which works out really reasonably if you’re traveling in a group!
3. Santa Clara Monastery & Museum
A hidden oasis within the city. The Santa Clara Monastery doesn’t look like a whole lot from the outside. But I promise that the inside is worth taking the time to step into. Steeped in history, it displays religious relics with both Arabic and Christian influences.
It also has a fabulous patio with a gorgeous turquoise pool – visitors can’t access the pool. However, you can admire the pool and take photos through the glass.
Entrance is free. Also worth noting is that there are not a lot of English descriptions for the relics and other items displayed within the Santa Clara Monastery. Almost everything is in Spanish, so you may need to use Google Translate.
4. Museo Salzillo
This museum showcases the exquisite works of sculptor Francisco Salzillo, a prominent figure in Spanish Baroque art.
Known for his intricate and emotive religious sculptures, Salzillo’s art is deeply rooted in Spanish religious traditions and is especially celebrated during the Holy Week processions in Murcia. The museum houses an impressive collection of his work, including the famous “Paso de la Cena” and “La Oración en el Huerto”.
5. Stroll through the old town
Don’t miss wandering through the picturesque streets of the old town, where you can indulge in delicious tapas and local specialties like the famous “zarangollo.”
This area is the heart of the city, and it’s an Instagram-worthy blend of narrow winding streets, picturesque plazas, and stunning architecture. This is where you’ll find the Cathedral of Murcia and bustling plazas such as Plaza de las Flores or Plaza Santo Domingo.
We had some great coffee at CafeLab on Calle Apostoles, and we also had an awesome lunch at El Secreto in Plaza de Los Flores.
6. Check out the street art
It’s also worth checking out the colorful street art as you stroll around the city.
Over the years, Murcia has become a canvas for both local and international artists, who’ve transformed some of the back streets into a dynamic outdoor gallery. Festivals like the “Murcia Street Art Project” have further propelled the city’s reputation as a hub for street art.
7. Have a beach day
Murcia is renowned for its great beaches, and I’ll be honest, we spent a big chunk of our time here lazing around on golden sand beaches!
One of our favorites is La Manga del Mar Menor, a unique coastal strip that separates the Mediterranean Sea from the Mar Menor lagoon. There’s plenty of water sports on offer here, and it’s also popular with families thanks to the (mostly) calm waters.
If you’re after a quieter experience, Calblanque Beach in the Calblanque Regional Park offers an untouched natural setting with golden sands and clear waters and another gem is Playa de los Narejos in Los Alcázares, known for its lively promenade, excellent facilities, and a variety of beachfront restaurants.
8. A day trip to the Ricote Valley
The Ricote Valley is the perfect getaway if you’re looking to escape the city for a couple of hours. Start your adventure with a drive through the valley, passing by cute little villages like Archena, Blanca, and Abarán. Each one has its own charm and offers a peek into the area’s Moorish past.
Stroll through the peaceful streets of Ricote, check out the traditional buildings, and pop into the historic Church of San Sebastián.
And if you love hiking, you’re in luck – there are some awesome trails here, so grab your hiking boots and wander through the lush orchards and along the Segura River.
And of course, you’ve got to try the local food! Find a locally-run restaurant to enjoy dishes like migas or arroz de calasparra.
9. Visit the nearby city of Cartagena
Cartagena is a port city with a large naval influence. And it’s located around a 35-minute drive from Murcia.
It’s also one of the most popular day-trips from Alicante, so it can get quite busy here, especially during the summer.
Cartagena is a very easy city to navigate. Everything is within walking distance. And even at the height of the summer school holidays, we found its streets to be relatively crowd-free. There are lots of activities in Cartagena that keep you busy for a couple of hours! Below, I’ve listed my favorites.
Checking out the Roman Theatre in Cartagena is the top thing to do here. It was built between 5 and 1 BC and was actually only uncovered in 1988 by local construction workers. Just recently, in 2008, they opened the museum. And today, you can pay for an audio guide and stroll around the ruins.
Entrance is priced at €6. Which I think is excellent value.
Or you can book this ticket which gives you access to 4 of Cartagena’s top sights, including the Roman Theatre. It costs just €21.
Another must-visit here is the Palacio Consistorial. It’s certainly one of the most beautiful buildings in Cartagena. The Palacio Consistorial is influenced by French design. Built between 1900 and 1907, it is located within the main town hall square. The interior is more modern than the early 20th-century styled exterior.
You can get an English guide upon entry to give you a tour of the interior. A short walk around the interior will give an interesting insight into the history of the palace.
Where to Stay in Murcia
I hugely recommend spending a couple of nights in Murcia, there are lots of great accommodation options here.
We stayed at Hotel Cetina Murcia – this 3-star, stylish hotel is located in the downtown area and set back on a quiet street. Our room had a nice city view.
Another good option is the Doubletree by Hilton La Torre Golf Resort on the Costa Calida. This luxury 5-star hotel is set next to a lake and has a gorgeous infinity pool. It’s a 20-minute drive from the city.
Thanks for reading!
With its vibrant festivals, friendly locals, and a pleasant climate, Murcia is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
While you’re here you may also like reading –
The Ultimate Guide on How to Spend 2 Days in Alicante
How to Spend 3 Days in Alicante, Spain
Is Valencia Worth Visiting? Our Guide to Spain’s Most Underrated City
Last Updated on November 5, 2025 by snaphappytravel