| Murcia |
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Charming and romantic Murcia hotels, rural retreats, boutique hotels, luxury hotels, romantic getaways, small hotels, bed & breakfasts
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Choose from our selection of romantic and charming Murcia hotels and accommodation by clicking on the map or list on the right. These will highlight a wide selection of Murcia hotels, including romantic hotels, fincas, cortijos, bed & breakfasts, amongst others. Whatever your taste, we’ll help you find that perfect getaway.
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| Click on hotel icons on map or see all Murcia hotels |
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City Break |
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Luxury Hotel |
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Manor House |
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Mountain Hotel |
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Pousada |
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Riad / Dar |
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Rural |
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Village |
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| All hotels have been personally visited by member of our management. ask our advice |
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Murcia is known mainly for its two hundred or so beaches that can be bathed in almost all year round. The people of this historic Autonomous Community are the direct descendants of local tribes who traded with the Greeks and Phoenicians, hundreds of years before Christ.
The Mediterranean climate – not much rain and mild winters – is a major reason as to why the region is a major supplier of fruit and vegetables for the rest of the country and, indeed, a large part of Europe. Agriculture in Murcia was greatly influenced by the Arabs who left a legacy of irrigation systems.
The capital, Murcia, has a beautiful baroque cathedral with blue ceramic cupolas that are a must see for anyone visiting the area. Cartagena, the second most important city and settled in ancient times by the Carthaginians and Romans, has an interesting archaeological museum and is the most important port of the region.
The cuisine of Murcia is well known for its rice dishes. In fact some people say they are even better than their more famous Valencian counterparts. The menestras, made with the excellent local produce, are a real feast for the taste buds. There is also a great variety of tortillas as well as seafood and fish. |
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Murcia was inhabited in ancient times by Iberian tribes who traded with other Mediterranean cultures, including Greeks, Phoenicians and Romans. The latter made Cartagena – Cartago Nova – their capital and power base in the peninsula.
Then came a series of invaders - Vandals, Byzantines and Visigoths - until the arrival of the Arabs in the 8th century who, under the leadership of Abdelaziz, occupied the region for five centuries. Jaime I later expelled them and the province was absorbed into the Kingdom of Castile.
Cartagena became the lung of the region during the period of the “Austrias”. Trade with Italy reached its peak at this time. Following its decline, though, Murcia became involved in a series of power struggles and eventually ended on the side of the Bourbons, who later rewarded it for its help.
The last few centuries have witnessed the development of its agriculture and mining. In 1982, five years after the establishment of democracy in Spain, Murcia became an Autonomous Region. |
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Fiestas
Carnavales in Murcia (February) is a celebration of colour and fun. It begins with the arrival of the Sardine and ends with its burial! Easter - Semana Santa - is celebrated in Murcia, as indeed in all of Spain, with religious processions. These processions are a spectacle of colour and emotion. The different fraternities, which make up the processions, are dressed as penitents and they wind their way through the streets carrying wooden statues, which represent the Stations of the Cross. Many of the images are the work of Francisco Salzillo. The Feria de Primavera starts on Easter Sunday with the proclamation of the "Bando de la Huerta". There are parades of floats with young people dressed in traditional local dress as well as music and battles of flowers! The Feria de Septiembre takes place in the first fortnight of September.
Handicrafts
There are numerous examples of ancestral handicrafts in Murcia. Here one can find baskets, brooms and alpargatas (a type of sandal), all hand made objects produced by local artisans. Ceramics and pottery for decorative purposes are also popular. The handicraft centres in Murcia, Cartagena and Lorca are the best way of getting to know and acquire unique pieces and understand the work of the artisans such as jewel makers.
Monuments
The original and decorative cathedral is the most representative monument of Murcia. The main facade, which was built between 1736 and 1754, looks onto the Plaza del Cardenal Belluga. The Calle de la Traperia is one of Murcia's most characteristic streets. It is located in a popular pedestrian area in the old quarter of the city. Here you will find the 19th century Casino, decorated in Arab style. The Plaza de Santo Domingo is a pleasant, popular spot where the church of the same name can be found. The facade of this baroque style church looks onto the neighbouring Plaza de Julián Romea where the Teatro Romea is situated. The university is situated beside the Iglesia de la Merced, this former convent contains a beautiful renaissance style patio. |
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| The principal ingredients of local Murcian dishes are the fresh produce of the Huerta: rice, fish and seafood from the nearby Mar Menor and the Mediterranean Sea. Among the wide variety of dishes are: "arroz y conejo" rice with rabbit, "arroz de verduras" rice and vegetables; "arroz y costillejas" rice and ribs; "arroz marinero" seafood rice; "paella huertana" a vegetable paella; "potaje" a rich stew dish; "menestra" a dish of sautéed vegetables; "habas con jamón" ham and broad beans; "caldo Murciano" a local soup dish; "zaragollo"; "chuletas al ajo cabañil" garlic chops; "pescado a la sal" baked fish in salt etc. Excellent choices are the king prawns and the "huevas de mújol" which is a type of caviar. The region also produces fine wines among which the best known are Jumilla and Yecla. |
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A shrine dedicated to the patron saint of Murcia - La Virgen de la Fuensanta - is located 6 km to the south of the city. From here visitors can enjoy splendid views over the Huerta. Continuing on, one arrives at El Valle Natural Park, areas of which have an almost lunar like appearance. The park is of great geological importance. From the panoramic viewpoint, the "Cresta del Gallo" one can enjoy impressive scenery. Following along the road one arrives at another vantage view point "Columbares" which is south facing. As for sports, the area caters for a wide range of activities, not only the established sports such as golf, but also trekking, caving, mountain climbing and biking as well as wind gliding. The coast is also excellent for water based sports.
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