Nestled between the regions of Andalusia and Valencia, the Region of Murcia in Spain has somehow managed to stay under the radar to international tourists, when compared to the hoards of tourists that visit nearby Alicante or Granada. But, that doesn’t mean it has less to offer, it just means it is lesser-visited – and for those of us who enjoy our travels without the crowds, the Region of Murcia provides an attractive destination.
With a capital city of the same name, people can sometimes be confused that Murcia is just one spectacular city when it is, in fact, a region. A region which offers all of the best of Spain in close proximity. The seemingly never-ending beaches along the Costa Cálida coastline, the fascinating Roman history and ruins in Cartagena, the incredible value tapas and wine routes – everything you would want from a Spanish vacation can be found right here. With the launch of new direct flight routes last year to the region’s airport, it’s also much easier to access than ever before.
So whether you want to relax in an all-inclusive, or head off on an intrepid road trip to the most arid-corners of the Murcia landscape, here are just some of the best reasons to visit Murcia Region, and best of all, you could even combine them all into a road trip. Find my easy to follow highlight itinerary at the bottom of this post.
1. Be amazed at roman history in Cartagena
While Murcia is the capital of the region, the city that most impressed me was the port-city of Cartagena.
There is a lot of history to indulge in here, which isn’t surprising as it dates back to 220 BC, with countless Roman ruins and attractions to admire which span hundreds of years.
Of particular note are the restored Roman Theatre, an amazing structure which incredibly I managed to book an apartment with a balcony basically overhanging it, and the Roman Forum, one of the largest city-centre Roman excavation site in Spain. For history buffs, there are countless museums here, from nautical to murals, covering anything from defensive rules to recently found roman artefacts – it could easily be a city break in its own right.

The Roman Theatre in Cartagena
2. Relax on more than 250km of Costa Cálida coastline
The region of Murcia is renowned for its Costa Cálida, 250km of sunny coastline, which offers wide beaches with all-inclusive resorts, to smaller coves and caves with hardly any visitors.
The coastline isn’t just all about relaxing and sunbathing, although it certainly can be. Alongside plenty of water sport options, there are a few unique attractions along the coast.
Just over the border towards Alicante sits Torrevieja, where a bright pink lake can be found. In the Salinas y Arenales Park you’ll also find salt pans, and pink waters, alongside windmills. Following along the coast you’ll reach the unique looking Batería de Castillitos, a 1930s military battery which presents as a castle on the rocks. Continue to Bolnuevo beach, home to some fascinating rock formations, carved out over hundreds of years from sandstone.
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