Murcia Tourist Information

The tiny Autonomous Community of Murcia sits nestled between Granada, Alicante and Almeria. Murcia City is the capital of the region which enjoys a Mediterranean climate.

Murcia lies in the fertile alluvial plains or Huertas which are fertile valleys of the Segura River and its tributaries. It is often referred to as the ‘market garden’ due to the rich vegetable and agricultural products from the fertile valleys. The history of Murcia goes a thousand years back. Abd. Ar Rahman, the Emir of Al Andalus, wanted a walled city to be built on the banks of the river Segura. Thus, Murcia was founded in 831, and some sections of the old wall are still to be found in today’s city.
The region really prospered in the 18th century when industries such as silk manufacturing provided it commerce and world wide fame as one of the best producers of silk.

It has remained overshadowed by its more famous and large neighbours. Up until a few years back the region was not so much a tourist destination. Its cultural riches and beauties were undiscovered by the tourists who flocked to the other popular destinations and coasts.

Murcia City

The interior of Murcia is thinly populated and the coasts are the places where most if the local as well as tourist populations are to be found. The famous Mar Menor and the La Manga resort are very well known among the tourists. But this is a very inadequate description of the region. Much of its natural beauty and heritage remains unseen by most of the tourists. Inland, there is less natural beauty and lush greenery as compared to Andalucia or Almeria. But in some parts in the north of the region, the countryside is endowed with green valleys, pine groves, and farmlands.  

The World Health Organisation has named Murcia Province the cleanest in Spain – with the least industrial pollution.

The temperatures in summers can go up to 40°C and it can be very warm. The winters though are very mild with the temperatures hardly ever dropping below 10°C. But its proximity to the Mediterranean Ocean ensures a pleasant climate most of the time of the year.
Many travellers are of the opinion that Murcia is the place where you will get an authentic taste of Spain. The masses of concrete structures have not made their appearance. The landscape is beautiful and still has an authentic Spanish feel to it.

Murcia City is predominantly Baroque. The historical quarter of the city especially so. The ancient churches, palaces, its famous cathedral, lend a charming appeal to the city.   It is also a university city, and thus is lively and gay. The countryside is richly endowed with green valleys, pine groves, and farmlands.

The city has a rich collection of ancient monuments and palaces. They are beautiful and grand, and today stand testimony to the region’s glorious past.

Monuments in Murcia

There are also a lot of museums in the city which house interesting collections about the region’s history and culture. These museums are the document the history of the region and the lives of famous people. The one important thing about this city is that it is relatively unexplored. You will not find hordes of tourists flocking its streets and beaches. There is a quiet and calm atmosphere wherever you go. Therefore, you can enjoy its many natural beauties and architectural wonders in peace. But it is all changing as more and more people are becoming aware of the region.

Museums in Murcia

Murcia is a cosmopolitan city with its roots firm in its rich past. Its historic quarter has superb display of ancient structures- the Cathedral being the most important.

The Murcians are a relaxed people, welcoming and warm.

The economy is chiefly based on agriculture. But with increasing awareness about the region as a holiday destination, tourism will play an important role in shaping the regions economy.