You can’t leave Spain without visiting Murcia! Murcia is a region and province in southeastern Spain with beautiful and warm weather all year round. It is also situated along the Mediterranean coastline, the Costa Cálida, which has 250km of beaches! Murcia is way too underrated because there are not a lot of tourists here, yet it is a place that is rich in agriculture–with orchards, olive groves and vineyards growing all over the region, beautiful landscapes such as the beaches and mountains, and historical attractions like medieval castles and villages. Below are some of my favorite top 7 destinations you must visit in Murcia.
1. Ciudad Encantada de Bolnuevo
Along the coast of Bolnuevo, Murcia, you can find these beautiful eroded sandstone formations. The formation of Ciudad Encantada de Bolnuevo was sculpted by a combination of water and wind over thousands of years and has become a popular destination in Murcia. You can also hike up the rocks to the top for a beautiful view of the town and beach.
Bolnuevo is also a small town situated in the bay of Mazarron with beautiful and quiet sheltered beaches. The town is very quiet and peaceful, which suits anyone seeking a peaceful and relaxing holiday without large crowds.
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2. Torre La Mata
While being in Murcia, I stayed at Torre La Mata, which is about an hour’s drive to the city center. The hotels and restaurants here are incredibly affordable, which is also another reason why you should visit Murcia if you want to travel on a budget. I stayed at Lloyds Beach Club Hotel, which is situated right next to La Mata Beach. There is also a gorgeous Italian restaurant next to the hotel called Il Bacio Ristorante & Pizzería Italiana Da Paolo, which has one of the most stunning views of the beach I have ever seen. The food here was absolutely delicious and I also discovered another Lambrusco to be added on to my list of favorite wines.
3. Cala Aguamarina
There is a beautiful beach in Orihuela, Alicante known as Cala Aguamarina which has one of the most stunning crystal views of the beach along with another incredible rock formation. One of the best things about being in Murcia is empty beaches. After visiting a couple of beaches here in Murcia, I can conclude that most beaches are secluded and empty, which is great for people who want to enjoy a quiet and peaceful holiday.
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4. The Pink Lake of Torrevieja
In another area of Murcia known as Torrevieja, you can also find this cool pink lake of the salt lagoon. When you are on the plane, you can also see this beautiful pink lake as the plane starts descending to the ground. Find a parking spot anywhere near the apartment buildings and walk towards the lake. You will have to walk through the empty fields first to find the lake. The color intensity of the lake will also depend on the weather. Some days you may not be able to see a bright red color, but on a good day, you can see a beautiful hue of red and pink.
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5. Parque Regional de Calblanque
Make use of your time in Murcia and take a road trip to Cartagena where you can find El Parque Regional de Calblanque, which offers many scenic mountainous views and hiking trails amid the region’s most ancient rocks. After hiking, you can also visit Playa de Calblaque, which is a stunning and secluded beach. Enjoy a peaceful time sunbathing without a crowd. But beware of snakes here!
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6. Mazarrón
In the same area as La Ciudad Encantada de Bolnuevo, you can also visit Mazarrón, which is a municipality in the autonomous community and province of Murcia. The area has 35 kilometres of fine sandy beaches, many of which have been awarded the blue flag for cleanliness and facilities!
I did find it hard to find reviews and recommendations of restaurants around Murcia, but that is also one of the things I enjoyed about being here where there are not a lot of tourists because I was able to explore this place without expectations. It was fun to visit random places and try new things along the way. I went into a random restaurant and had a Lobster Paella. I also went into a random cafe and had one of the best coffee I ever tasted (even though I’m not a fan of coffee but needed an energy boost that day). So feel free to explore Murcia without expectations and enjoy every moment of your adventure!
7. City Center
Last but not least, the city center! After exploring what nature has to offer in Murcia, head over to the city center where you can find beautiful architectures, cathedrals, shopping centers and restaurants. One of the coolest things I noticed while being in the city was the orange trees that surround the place. When you’re walking here, you can expect to smell oranges and even step on them by accident.
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There is definitely a larger crowd in the city, with heavy traffics and busy streets. But being in Murcia, you get to enjoy the best of both worlds: a city center with buildings and ancient architecture and a scenic view of mountains, beaches, and rock formations. The possibilities and opportunities are endless here, so explore away!
Looking for more things to do in Spain? Check out my Barcelona post here.
