Verdant landscapes and a Mediterranean climate have earned one up-and-coming Spanish city a beautiful nickname: ‘The Garden of Europe.’
Murcia, in southeastern Spain, has been described as Spain’s ‘unknown province’ — even for the Spanish.
But this charming university city looks set to become a hot new city break destination, with the launch of a slate of flight deals and holiday packages to the region.
From moreish tapas to sun-soaked squares, Murcia serves up everything people love about Spain, minus the crowds.
But while many of the country’s most popular destinations are pushing back on tourists, Murcia’s Corvera airport is receiving new flights, meaning this under-the-radar region won’t stay that way for long.
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Starting this month, Jet2 will run routes from Bournemouth to Alicante, before transferring you to a three or four-star hotel as part of the deal.
For four nights in the three-star El Churra in Murcia city in May, expect to pay £506. For something a little bougier, the four-star Hotel Nelva is £100 more. Or, if you prefer to travel independently, flights from the UK start from as little as £18 one-way.
EasyJet has also included Murcia in its latest ‘super sale’. The deal, which is currently active, includes discounts of up to 20% on flights for travel between May 19 and March 22 next year.
And if you’re after a last-minute getaway, Metro found two Ryanair flights for £15 in the next two weeks.
Both are from London Luton, departing at 3:55pm on May 14, and at 4.40pm on May 19.
What’s stopping you? Here’s everything you need to know about Murcia.
Things to do in Murcia
Murcia’s relaxed pace of life is a world away from the hectic streets of nearby Alicante.
And with stunning coastline, world-class local wine and maximalist architecture that rivals Madrid, it’s easy to see the appeal.
The Catedral de Murcia is a must-see for history lovers: the exterior boasts Baroque and Gothic designs, complete with ornate 14th-century carvings.
Whether you stand outside and marvel at its beauty for free or purchase tickets to see inside, there’s no denying its sheer grandeur. A guided tour costs €6 (£5.10).
Close by, the 14th-century St. Clare the Royal is a showstopper. Founded on the ruins of a 13th-century Islamic palace, it’s here that Arab influence is most obvious.
The church operates as a museum, where you’ll find relics of ancient Islamic art and one of the oldest Arabian pools in Spain. Admission is free.
But it’s not all about the past. The new Town Hall building blends perfectly with the city’s historical heritage. Since its completion in 1998, the avant-garde facade has become a symbol of contemporary Murcia.
If it’s plaza culture you’re after, Murcia has it in spades.
In the heart of the city, you’ll find the Plaza de las Flores, which translates to Flower Square in English.
This medieval meeting point is a sight to behold: bright Bougainvillea surround a Baroque fountain, and palm trees sway in the breeze.
Florists set up shop here too, selling bright bouquets. A day is well spent people-watching at one of the cafes around the square.
A foodie heaven
Murcia grub is hearty, rich and varied.
In keeping with its ‘Garden’ reputation, the region’s position and climate allows you to experience the best of Mediterranean cuisine: olive oil, fruit, vegetables, pulses and fish, from Mar Menor saltwater lagoon.
Don’t leave without trying the traditional Marinera, a tapa that combines all all the best produce — vegetables, tuna, potatoes and mayonnaise.
TripAdvisor has plenty of recommendations for where you should eat. Gastrobar La Barra del Quinto Elemento is a standout, with dozens of five-star reviews.
One person raved about the red prawn croquettes and the chef’s special montadito with ‘spectacular sardines’, but warned the prices aren’t cheap.
If you’re after something more affordable, others suggested La Niña Guindilla, where tasty platters range from €3 to €13 (£2.55 to £11).
Beaches for days
The city is charming, but don’t miss out on the 250km stretch of stunning coastline that frames the Murcia region.
Embroidered with sandy beaches and secret coves, popular hotspots include La Llana, Galúa, and Cala del Turco.
If you’re after a more active holiday, head to the Sierra Espuña mountains in the Sierra Espuña Regional Park and follow one of the many hiking trails.
The area has 11 signposted tracks, just make sure you check the difficulty level before setting off.
How to get to Murcia
If you’re not booking a package break, it’s still easy to reach Murcia. And you don’t need to travel via Alicante.
Ryanair flies to Murcia International Airport from London Luton for just £18. The budget airline can also take you from Manchester for as little as £30. From Birmingham, one-way fares start at £50.
The average flight time is 2 hours and 50 minutes.
What’s the weather like in Murcia?
Due to its location on the Segura River, Murcia enjoys a hot semi-arid climate. That means long, hot summers and mild winters.
During the warmer months, temperatures can rise to 34°C, while November, December and January range between 17°C and 21°C. In spring, the weather isn’t as intense, enjoying peaks of 27°C and lows of 21°C.
The shoulder seasons offer the most comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. But really, with shorts and sandals weather all year round, there’s no bad time to visit Murcia.
Jet2 boss Steve Heapy said the city is just one of many new cultural hotspots the company is connecting to the UK.
He said: ‘As the largest operator of European city breaks, we know the announcement will be welcome news to customers looking to enjoy an escape to this Spanish city.’
You can read more Metro coverage of lesser-visited Spanish destinations here.
The sunniest city in Europe is an ‘underrated gem’ — and you can fly there for £50
If you’ve got time in the Murcia region, why not head to Cartagena, dubbed as the ‘sunniest city in Europe.’
Around 40 minutes south of the city, Cartagena boasts an impressive 283 hours of sun per month, with temperatures averaging 19.1°C and reaching a peak of 29°C during the summer months of July and August.
According to Metro’s Jessica Hamilton, there’s plenty to discover here, too. ‘Known for its rich history and beautiful architecture,’ Jessica says Cartagena is often overshadowed by larger cities like Madrid, Barcelona or Seville.
Travellers have frequently hailed it as ‘underrated’ and a ‘hidden gem’ across social media.
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