No.	Activity	Description
1	Cathedral of Murcia	Marvel at the Gothic architecture and Baroque chapel in this historic cathedral.
2	Hidden Courtyards	Explore picturesque private courtyards in historic homes.
3	Hike Natural Parks	Enjoy the landscapes and wildlife in Sierra Espuña and Saladares del Guadalentín.
4	Thermal Bath Spa	Relax in luxurious thermal spas with mineral water pools and treatments.
5	Murcia’s Museums	Discover local history and art, including the Salzillo Museum.
6	Admire the Río Segura	Enjoy activities along Spain’s fifth-largest river.
7	El Valle Wildlife Park	Spot various species in this nature park.
8	Monastery of Santa Clara	See sacred art in this historic monastery.
9	Tapa Hopping	Experience Murcia’s cuisine through tapas bars.
10	Glorieta Beach	Relax on a local beach near the city center.
11	Semana Santa	Participate in Easter processions and celebrations.
12	Market at Verónicas	Shop at a lively outdoor market.
13	Fiestas de Primavera	Enjoy a festival with concerts, food, and art.
14	Day Trip to Cartagena	Explore naval history and architecture in Cartagena.
15	Wine Tour in Jumilla	Sample local wines in the vineyards of Jumilla.

Outdoor enthusiasts will relish Murcia’s stunning landscapes and Mediterranean climate, while city lovers will appreciate its museums, churches, and tapas bars that display the city’s rich artistry and cuisine. From visiting monasteries to relaxing on pristine beaches, here are the top 15 things to do in Murcia, Spain, in 2024.

Marvel at the Cathedral of Murcia

Name and Location: Cathedral of Murcia, Plaza Cardinal Belluga, Murcia, Spain

History and Significance: The Cathedral of Murcia is located in the center of the city and was constructed between the 14th and 18th centuries. It’s one of the most important historical and religious monuments in Murcia. The cathedral combines different architectural styles including Baroque, Renaissance and Neoclassical.

What to Expect: Visitors can explore the ornate interior of the cathedral and see various chapels, the museum with religious artifacts, the choir stalls, and the main altar. The cathedral’s bell tower offers panoramic views over the city.

Visitor Information: The cathedral is open to visitors daily. Guided tours are available. There is no cost to enter the cathedral, but there is a fee to access the museum and tower. Proper attire is required.

At the heart of the city stands the Cathedral of Murcia, construction for which began in 1394. This magnificent Gothic structure features stunning architecture and ornamentation, including elaborately carved stone doorways and the “Capilla de los Vélez,” a Baroque-style chapel adorned with impressive artworks. Guests are sure to be awed by the cathedral’s grand, glossy marble staircase and lofty bell tower soaring nearly 97 meters above the city. Inside, don’t miss figurative choir stalls, gilded altars, and the treasury’s fine collection of religious art and artifacts. This iconic cathedral beautifully showcases Murcia’s enduring Catholic heritage.

Explore Murcia’s Hidden Courtyards

Name and Location: Hidden Courtyards of Murcia, Located throughout the old town area of Murcia, Spain

History and Significance: Murcia is known for its picturesque hidden courtyards tucked away within buildings in the old town. These tranquil courtyards with potted plants, fountains and architectural details offer a glimpse into history and local life. The courtyards have been important social gathering spots and provide a reprieve from the heat.

What to Expect: Wandering the streets of the old town, visitors can discover beautiful courtyards in locations like the Casino and Palacio Almudí. Some organized tours are available to see the best courtyards. Photos are allowed but courtyards are private residences.

Visitor Information: The courtyards can be visited free of charge though organized tours have a cost. They are open during daylight hours but be respectful of residents.

One of Murcia’s unique highlights are the picturesque plazas de las casas, private courtyards concealed behind the doors of historic homes around the city. In 2024, the municipality hopes to open more of these hidden gems to visitors via guided tours or special visiting days. Wandering these shady cloisters lined with arches, ornamental plants, and brightly tiled fountains offers an intimate glimpse into old Murcia. Standouts include the Casa Cerdá patio with its striking blend of Spanish, Gothic, and Baroque details.

Hike Natural Parks Near Murcia

Name and Location: Natural Parks Near Murcia, including Sierra Espuña, El Valle, Carrascoy y El Valle, and Salinas y Arenales de San Pedro del Pinatar

History and Significance: Murcia’s natural parks encompass mountains, forests, wetlands and coastal areas. They showcase the diverse ecosystems and natural beauty of the region. Many parks have been protected areas since the early 20th century.

What to Expect: Activities include hiking, cycling, bird watching, water sports, camping and relaxing in nature. Each park offers different landscapes to explore and amenities. Knowledgeable guides available.

Visitor Information: The parks are open year-round and access is free or low cost. Some require permits for certain activities. Visitor centers provide maps and information to help plan your visit.

Outdoors enthusiasts will find paradise in the mountains and coastal wetlands surrounding Murcia. Sierra Espuña Regional Park offers nearly 80,000 acres of pine-dotted slopes, limestone cliffs, and hiking trails with sublime vistas. Birdwatchers should visit the Saladares del Guadalentín wetlands near Mazarrón to spot flamingos and over 150 other avian species. For a challenging climb, take on the summit of Revolcadores peak in Moratalla’s Sierra de Villafuerte. With its wonderful climate and diverse landscapes, the Murcia region is a nature lover’s dream.

Relax at a Thermal Bath Spa

Name and Location: Thermal Baths, Various locations near Murcia, Spain

History and Significance: Murcia has been known since Roman times for its natural hot spring waters found across the region. Thermal baths and spas utilize these mineral-rich waters to provide relaxation and purported health benefits.

What to Expect: Facilities offer thermal pools, hydrotherapy treatments, massages and more. Visitors can relax in the warm waters, receive spa services and enjoy the tranquil ambiance.

Visitor Information: Various thermal spas are located near Murcia. Advance reservations required and fees apply for services. Bathing suits mandatory. Some facilities restrict access for young children.

Recharge from your adventures by spending a relaxing day at one of Murcia’s luxurious thermal spas. Archena is home to several hotel balnearios featuring steaming mineral water pools, hydrotherapy circuits, and pampering massage treatments. Balneario de Archena, Termas Cerdá, and Balneario de Leana provide soothing thermal baths along with excellent dining and lodging options. Nearby Fortuna also has renowned hot springs perfect for unwinding on your Spanish holiday.

Explore History at Murcia’s Museums

Name and Location: Murcia’s Museums, various locations in Murcia, Spain

History and Significance: Murcia has a rich history reflected in its many museums covering archeology, religious art, ethnography, science and local culture. Notable museums include the Salzillo Museum, Archeological Museum, and Science and Water Museum.

What to Expect: Murcia’s museums provide a comprehensive overview of the region’s history through artifacts, exhibits and interactive displays. Expert guided tours may be available.

Visitor Information: Various museums are located in Murcia City as well as the outskirts. Opening days/hours vary. Nominal entrance fees to access the museums and exhibits.

Murcia boasts excellent museums covering subjects from archaeology to religious art. The Murcia Archaeological Museum displays artifacts from the region’s ancient history, including Roman mosaics and Moorish-era pottery and jewelry. Visitors interested in Semana Santa traditions will enjoy the Salzillo Museum’s vast collection of elaborate processional sculptures by famed local artist Francisco Salzillo. Don’t miss the ornate façade of the Episcopal Palace housing the Cathedral Museum with its sacred art and vestments.

Admire the Río Segura

Name and Location: Río Segura, flowing through Murcia City, Spain

History and Significance: The Segura River has been an important life source and transportation route for centuries. The river flows right through the center of Murcia and has shaped the city’s landscape and development.

What to Expect: Walking along the riverbanks offers scenic views of bridges, mills and the cityscape. Boat tours provide a unique vantage point. The riverfront comes to life at night with restaurants and entertainment.

Visitor Information: The river can be visited free of charge. Guided boat tours have a fee. The riverfront has a park, walking paths and seating during the day and lively nightlife.

Spain’s fifth largest river, the Río Segura, flows right through Murcia providing pleasant riverside walking paths. Head to the Glorieta de España to see the river pass under the arching bridges and admire views of the city skyline. Another option is walking or cycling along the Segura River bank from the Contraparada bridge, which connects central Murcia to the Javalí Nuevo neighborhood. From fishing to canoeing, the river presents plenty of activities for enjoying this natural jewel at the heart of Murcia.

Explore El Valle Wildlife Park

Name and Location: El Valle Wildlife Park, Located in the Altiplano region, Murcia, Spain

History and Significance: Founded in 1975, El Valle Wildlife Park covers over 100 hectares and features native and exotic species living in naturalized habitats. It promotes conservation and education.

What to Expect: Visitors tour the park on foot or by car to view animals like Iberian wolves, bears, leopards and over 150 bird species. There are shows and feeding times to observe.

Visitor Information: El Valle is open daily year-round except holidays. Admission fee required. Visitor facilities include cafeteria, petting zoo and play area.

Just 20 minutes outside Murcia lies a wonderful wildlife park known as El Valle. Here you can spot wildcats, wolves, deer, reptiles, and over 150 bird species living in large enclosures mimicking their natural habitats. Highlights include feeding times for the park’s resident population of brown bears, talking parrots, and mischievous monkeys. The on-site museum also provides insight into the local flora and fauna. With hiking trails, picnic areas, and educational displays, El Valle makes for an excellent eco-friendly day trip for nature lovers of all ages.

See Sacred Art at the Monastery of Santa Clara

Name and Location: Monastery of Santa Clara la Real, Murcia, Spain

History and Significance: This Gothic and Baroque monastery was built in the 14th century for the Order of Poor Clares. It houses an important museum with sacred art and artifacts.

What to Expect: Visitors can tour the monastery’s church, cloister, museum collection and ornate chapel. Highlights are the intricate stone carvings and 18th century Façade Plateresque.

Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Saturday mornings, plus Sunday mornings. Guided tours available. Admission fee required. Modest attire recommended.

The Monastery of Santa Clara is a historic convent founded in the 14th century, home to the Order of Poor Ladies. Its small museum houses exquisite Flemish religious art dating from the 15th to 18th centuries along with vestments, sculptures, and other sacred artifacts. Guests can explore the Baroque church and tranquil cloisters while learning about the rich history of this monastery and Murcia’s devout Catholic culture. Don’t miss the intricate alabaster altarpiece or adoptive tomb of the royal infanta Maria of Castile.

Enjoy Tapa Hopping Around Murcia

Name and Location: Tapas Hopping, Restaurants and bars around Murcia, Spain

History and Significance: Tapas culture is an integral part of daily Spanish life. Murcia has a buzzing tapas scene centered in the old town streets near the cathedral.

What to Expect: Hop between venues tasting small plates like stuffed peppers, tortilla, seafood and regional specialties. Lively atmosphere and affordable prices.

Visitor Information: Evening tapas tours are available or explore independently. Research must-try restaurants and bars. Expect crowds on weekends.

No visit to Spain is complete without savoring the iconic tapas culture. In Murcia’s city center and Ensanche neighborhoods, excellent tapas bars serve up bite-sized specialties and regional wines perfect for hopping between different venues. Top picks like Bodega Las Tablas, Los Zagales, and La Tape offer creative takes on traditional Spanish tapas with options like sample platters, stuffed peppers, grilled octopus, fried anchovies, and much more. Follow a tapas route for the ultimate way to experience Murcia’s amazing cuisine.

Relax on the Glorieta Beach

Name and Location: Glorieta Beach, Murcia, Spain

History and Significance: This city beach has provided recreation and entertainment for Murcia residents since the late 19th century. The long promenade is popular for strolling.

Just a short bus ride from the city center, Glorieta Beach is Murcia’s favorite neighborhood beach. Its sandy shores offer everything needed for a sun-filled day by the Mediterranean, including lounge chair and sunshade rentals, beachside bars, a seaside promenade excellent for strolling or cycling, and top-notch waterfront dining. Active travelers can also rent equipment for sports like volleyball and stand-up paddleboarding. Glorieta Beach is the perfect complement to sightseeing in historic Murcia.

Celebrate Semana Santa

Name and Location: Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations, Murcia, Spain

History and Significance: Semana Santa is one of Spain’s important religious and cultural events. Murcia’s Holy Week processions date back to the 16th century and are some of the most renowned.

What to Expect: Spectacular processions with hooded penitents, elaborate floats and massive sculptures. Listen for drums and fanfare. Semana Santa is observed in March/April each year.

Visitor Information: Procession routes vary. Arrive early for a good vantage spot. Hotel rates increase during this peak time. Book accommodations well in advance.

One of Spain’s most elaborate Easter celebrations happens in Murcia. During the week leading up to Easter, thousands participate in solemn religious processions, with hooded penitents marching through Murcia’s streets late into the night. But the stars of Semana Santa are the lifelike wood and plaster pasos depicting scenes from Christ’s Passion, crafted by local artist Francisco Salzillo in the 18th century. With its haunting imagery and heralded artwork, experiencing Murcia’s Holy Week celebrations should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

Browse the Weekly Market at Verónicas

Name and Location: Weekly Market at Verónicas, Murcia, Spain

History and Significance: This large weekly open-air market has been running since the 13th century. Today hundreds of vendors sell fresh produce, cheeses, baked goods and more.

What to Expect: A lively scene with vendors shouting deals on quality fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and local goods. Wander the stalls and snack on skewers of traditional offerings.

Visitor Information: Takes place every Wednesday morning. Get there early for the best selection. Bring cash for purchases. Bargaining may be appropriate.

For local flavor, don’t miss browsing the bustling Verónicas outdoor market held every Thursday in Murcia. Here hundreds of vendors sell fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, cured meats, baked goods, and local crafts ranging from textiles to espadrilles. Stock up on picnic provisions or just admire the expansive displays of fruits, vegetables, and flowers grown in the region’s rich agricultural fields. Finish by having lunch at one of the excellent tapas bars facing the market. It encapsulates Murcian daily life.

Party at Fiestas de Primavera

Name and Location: Fiestas de Primavera, Murcia, Spain

History and Significance: Murcia’s Spring Festival is a vibrant, week-long celebration welcoming warmer weather with concerts, parades, competitions and street parties.

What to Expect: Lively street fairs overflowing with food, drinks, music and dancing all day and night. Parades feature elaborate costumes and floats. Festivities held in late May.

Visitor Information: Events are spread throughout the city. Check schedules and walking between venues. Book hotels months ahead since the city fills up.

Each spring, Murcians celebrate the coming of warmer weather with the massive Fiestas de Primavera. This weeklong festival brings concerts, food stalls, bullfights, art shows, religious processions, fireworks displays, and nonstop revelry to city streets and plazas. Highlights include the floral Bando de la Huerta parade and crowning of the festival queen. In 2024, the city hopes to revive popular events like MultiCulti music fest and the Granpa Carrera 10K following pandemic interruptions. It’s one big vibrant party perfectly capturing Spanish fiesta spirit.

Make a Day Trip to Cartagena

Name and Location: Day trip to Cartagena, Spain

History and Significance: The port city of Cartagena has fascinating historical sights and museums providing a nice complement to Murcia City just 45 minutes away.

What to Expect: Top sights include the Roman Theater, thriving harbor, bullring, Naval Museum and Modernist architecture. Enjoy tapas and shopping.

Visitor Information: Driving or train/bus day trips easily connect the cities. Purchase required tickets for historical complexes in advance.

Just a 45-minute drive from Murcia is the coastal city of Cartagena, brimming with naval history and striking Modernista architecture. Must-see sights include the fascinating Naval Museum with ancient vessels and military artifacts, as well as Cartagena’s ornate city hall and grand opera house displaying flourishes of Catalan art nouveau style. Travelers can also tour the archaeology museum, roman amphitheater ruins, and Punic Wall before enjoying waterfront dining and sunset strolls along Cartagena’s palm-lined promenade.

Take a Wine Tour in Jumilla

Name and Location: Jumilla wine region, Murcia, Spain

History and Significance: Jumilla has a centuries-long winemaking tradition producing robust reds from Monastrell grapes. Bodegas offer tours and tastings.

What to Expect: Winery visits to tour facilities and taste wines paired with tapas. Exploring the vines and countryside. Staying overnight at a vineyard hotel.

Visitor Information: Many bodegas are open for tours/tastings. Driving provides the most flexibility. Taste responsibly and arrange transportation.

No trip to Murcia is complete without indulging in the region’s famous Monastrell wines from the vineyards of Jumilla. Local wineries like Bodegas Luzón, Bodegas Juan Gil, and Bodegas Silvano Garcia offer tours, tasting rooms, and restaurants that pair their robust reds and rosés with gourmet cuisine. Many wineries provide breathtaking views of the rugged Sierra del Carche mountains dotted with grapevines. With its excellent wine culture, the Jumilla wine route promises an unforgettable day tasting Spain’s food and drink.

In Conclusion

In 2024, Murcia’s enviable location between mountains and the Mediterranean Sea will continue offering travelers excellent conditions for recreation, sumptuous cuisine, cultural immersion, and sightseeing day trips. Whether you seek beach relaxation, outdoor adventures, or a taste of Spanish tradition at Murcia’s Holy Week processions and lively fiestas, Murcia provides the ingredients for an idyllic Mediterranean holiday.