Travel information

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Savour some of Spain’s top tapas

Many Iberians reckon that Murcian chefs cook up Spain’s best tapas. The location helps: Murcia is surrounded by famously fertile lands, and is close enough to the Mediterranean to receive daily fresh fish.

All Murcia holidays should involve sampling the town’s celebrated tapas bars, washing everything down with glugs of the local Monastrell red.

Take in historical wonders and waterside views

Murcia’s magnificent cathedral is just one example of its historical bounty, which also includes Moorish city walls and gorgeous convent cloisters. Murcia is a cheap cultural date too: many of its attractions are free or bargain-priced to enter.

In a 300-year-old ritual, Murcianos stroll the riverside Paseo del Malecon at dusk. The Rio Segura’s floodlit footbridges make it desperately romantic.

Keep it cool and contemporary

Murcia’s history does not mean it is stuck in the past. A large student population ensures a pulsating nightlife scene, with bars and restaurants to suit all budgets – great news for those seeking the cheapest packages.

Modern art-lovers are also in luck, thanks to a recent glut of forward-thinking gallery spaces.

Explore the surrounding area

Surrounding Murcia is the vast huerta (garden), known for its superior produce. Alongside its lemon groves and date palms are pine forests, mountain foothills and preposterously pretty hamlets; in short, walking heaven, with the happy bonus of well-waymarked routes.

You’re also within an hour of the Med, and some surprisingly deserted beaches.

When to go

Peak season? There are two here: spring and autumn. It’s when most festivals take place, and when the thermometer averages a comfortable 22C.

Murcia empties in summer as locals retreat to seaside casitas, and students to their parents. However, the sleepiness and temperatures hitting 35C will appeal to serious sun-worshippers, and those wanting to capitalise on the cheapest hotel rates and Murcia packages.

Winter’s another time to snaffle cheap Murcia package holidays, Christmas excepted. The city is beautifully illuminated on never-too-chilly nights. 

Events for your diary

Bando de la Huerta: It’s rare for fortnights to go by in Murcia without some form of festival taking over a street or square – especially during spring. The biggest bash is Bando de la Huerta, when seemingly all of Murcia takes to its streets in fancy dress.

Music festivals: Various music festivals are held from spring to autumn, headlined by Festival SOS 4.8 and Murcia Rock.