A well-kept secret among locals, Murcia is a region full of unique character, diverse nature and the most amazing food. These are some of the reasons to visit Murcia. Read on to find out why it should be in your bucket list.
Murcia is a secret that the Spanish have kept for themselves for a long time, and not many people outside of Spain have heard of it.
A region known for its beautiful coastline, its delicious Mediterranean food, and its fascinating cities, Murcia has been on my bucket list for a while now.
And there are many more reasons why it should be in yours too. Here are a few reasons to visit Murcia.
Table of Contents
Reasons to Visit Murcia, Spain
Diverse cities with fascinating history
Murcia is a relatively small region, but its diversity is evident in its cities. Its rich history goes as far back as Roman times, it was part of the Caliphate of Cordoba and of Al-Alandalus until the 13th century, when it became part of Christian Spain.
The influences of all these cultures throughout the ages have left their mark in the region, particularly in the cities.
The city that shares the same name as the region, Murcia, also has its share of fascinating sites. Its most famous landmark is the stunning baroque Cathedral located in the Plaza del Cardenal Belluga.
It houses the tomb of King Alfonso X, and its Capilla de los Velez chapel is worth a visit for its impressive Gothic architecture.
The city of Cartagena has an impressive Roman Theatre and Roman Forum, one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in Spain, which was only discovered in the late 1980s.
The Castillo de la Concepción, a medieval castle built over a Roman temple, now houses a historic interpretation centre that is the perfect place to get a good feel for the city through the ages.
Lorca, known as ‘The Baroque City’ is steeped in history. During the 15th century it was home to a large Jewish community and here you can find the Jewish Quarter and the only historic Synagogue in Spain that hasn’t been built over. It’s located within the Lorca Castle complex, another site not to miss.
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Mouthwatering local food and wine
Spanish food is famous around the world, especially in the Mediterranean coast, and Murcia is, of course, no exception. In fact, the region is known as ‘la huerta’ (the market garden) of Spain for its fertile land, which makes local produce truly delicious.
Pastel de carne (meat pie) is a very traditional dish made with meat, tomato and egg. Traditionally Murcian would take a meat pie as a snack to eat at a bullfight, but of course, I won’t be endorsing this. I would, however, love to try the pastel de carne in a more friendly setting.
Murcian rice is also really famous. The area of Calasparra grows a variety rice of the same name that, like bomba rice, is ideal for dishes like paella, and the Murcian specialty arroz caldero (translated as ‘cauldron rice’), which looks really hearty and I’d also love try.
Being in Spain, I can’t not mention tapas, and Murcia has its own local tapas specialties too.
The marinera is a double breadstick topped with ensaladilla rusa (Russian salad) and an anchovy. Perfect to be enjoyed in one of the many terraces in Murcia’s Plaza de las Flores, accompanied by some Murcian wine cheese and a lovely glass of local wine.
If you are a foodie travelling around Spain, you’ll be interested in these two food tours
The Granada Food Tour That Goes Beyond Tapas
Valencia Food Tour – Tapas, Treats and Tiger Nuts
Unique landscapes and nature
Did you know that you can find pink flamingos in Murcia? Yes, that’s right.
The Regional Park of Las Salinas y Arenales of San Pedro de Pinatar is a nature park where you can find salt flats, sand dunes and beaches located between the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean Sea.
It’s the most important wetlands in the region and here you can find flocks of flamingos and other migratory birds, so if you’d like to watch flamingos in the wild, this is the place to go! They tend to arrive towards the end of the summer and stay for the winter.
The salt flats have been around since at least the 14th century and form an otherworldly landscape, with its divided ponds. You can still see two of the windmills that were used to pump out the water into the ponds.
The coastline along Murcia is truly spectacular. As well as popular urban beaches such as the sweeping beach of Las Delicias in the fishing town of Aguilas, you will find hidden coves and beaches with crystal clear water like Playa La Carolina. Just don’t forget your beach essentials!
The magic of Murcia doesn’t end here. One of the places that really caught my eye in the region is La Ciudad Encantada de Bolnuevo (The Enchanted City of Bolnuevo).
Along the beach in the town of Bolnuevo there is an area of mushroom-shaped sandstone formations that has been heavily eroded by wind and water.
If you enjoy strange geological formations, this place is well worth a visit. I know I do, so it’s already on my list!
It’s off the beaten path
Because Murcia is relatively unknown, a lot of visitors to Spain don’t make it to this wonderful region. The sad news is that I think they’re missing out on something special.
On the other hand, the good news is that it will remain unspoiled without the tourist crowds that you find in other areas of Spain.
I enjoy discovering places that have retained their original character, and I get the feeling that Murcia is one of those places.
Unique traditions such as famous local festivals like the Cartagena Festival or the Easter celebrations in Caravaca de la Cruz, the fifth Holy City of Catholic Christianity, are deeply rooted in the character of the region.
Have I convinced you yet? I’ve certainly convinced myself that I really need to make a trip to Murcia soon!
Which of these reasons to visit Murcia has caught your eye the most?
Let me know in the comments!
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Disclosure: This post has been created as a partnership with Costa Cálida – Región de Murcia. As always, all views are my own.