10 plans to truly discover Murcia

Murcia

Murcia might not always feature on the most-visited lists in Spain, but that’s exactly part of its charm. It’s one of those destinations that wins you over through exploration—the more you see, the more you will like it. Its rich history, delicious cuisine and stunning landscapes make it a must for any traveller looking for something authentic.

The best way to explore Murcia and its surroundings is with complete freedom. While public transport connects some key spots, hiring a car in Murcia through comparison sites like DoYouSpain is a convenient and cheap option that lets you enjoy each experience at your own pace, without being tied to timetables.

If you’re planning your trip, here are 10 things to do in Murcia to make the most of your getaway:

1. Wander through Murcia’s historic centre

If there’s one place that captures the essence of Murcia, it’s the old town. Here, among narrow streets and historic squares, the city unveils its best version. Start your stroll at the Cathedral of Santa Maria, an architecture that mixes different styles: Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, crowned by a 93-metre tower.

Just a few steps away, the Plaza del Cardenal Belluga brings together some of the city’s most iconic buildings, including the Episcopal Palace.

The bustling Traperia and Plateria streets invite you to get lost among traditional shops, characterful cafés and corners that preserve the flavour of a bygone era. A walk through this area isn’t just essential—it’s the perfect starting point to understand why Murcia surprises so many of its visitors.

2. Visit the Real Casino of Murcia

Just metres from the Cathedral lies the Real Casino de Murcia, one of the city’s most unique landmarks. Founded in the 19th century as a social club, it’s still active today, though many of its rooms are open to the public and well worth a visit.

What makes it truly special is its mix of architectural styles. From the Moorish courtyard to the English-inspired library and the ballroom adorned with Murano glass chandeliers, every corner impresses with its detail and elegance.

3. Stroll along the Segura River and its bridges

The River Segura runs through the heart of the city, and along its banks you’ll find pedestrian walkways perfect for a stroll. This river offers a more peaceful side of Murcia to enjoy.

The bridges are part of the charm too. The most iconic bridge in Murcia is the 18th-century Puente Viejo (Old Bridge), while the Iron Bridge and the more contemporary Calatrava Bridge showcase the city’s evolution. At sunset, the light reflecting off the water makes this walk both relaxing and wonderfully photogenic.

4. Explore Murcia’s countryside and cuisine

Murcia is often called the “orchard of Europe” thanks to its fertile land and the River Segura, which has irrigated the region for centuries. Just minutes from the city centre, you’ll find agricultural landscapes dotted with irrigation channels, waterwheels and cultivated fields.

But the real treat is at the table. Don’t leave without trying local dishes like zarangollo (a scramble of courgette, egg and onion), caldero from the Mar Menor, marineras (crispy bread rings), or the famous Murcian meat pie.

Many restaurants in the city serve traditional fare, but if you hire a car at Murcia Airport , you can venture out to nearby villages where the culinary experience feels even more authentic.

5. Discover Murcia’s museums

Murcia has many museums, with some of them being a must-visit. The most renowned is the Salzillo Museum, dedicated to the Baroque sculptor Francisco Salzillo, whose works feature prominently in the city’s famous Easter processions.

Another highlight is the Museum of Fine Arts of Murcia (MUBAM), which brings together collections from the 15th to the 20th century. And if you’re travelling with children, the Science and Water Museum offers a fun and educational stop for the youngest ones.

6. Day trip to Cartagena from Murcia

Just a 45-minute drive from the capital, Cartagena is one of the Murcia’s top destinations. Its Roman heritage is revealed in the Roman Theatre—one of the best-preserved in Spain.

Cartagena’s historic centre, the harbour and the ancient city walls make for an unforgettable walk. Cartagena also boasts fascinating museums, such as the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology (ARQVA).

Hiring a car to travel from Murcia to Cartagena is a comfortable option, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace and make the most of your day.

7. Enjoy Costa Calida

The Region of Murcia boasts over 250 kilometres of coastline, known as the Costa Calida. Here you’ll find the Mar Menor, the largest saltwater lagoon in Europe—perfect for water sports or simply tanning on its sandy beaches.

If you prefer enjoying the Mediterranean in a less crowded place, head to unspoilt coves like those in Calblanque, a protected natural paradise where you can enjoy the sea in a wild, untouched setting. Hiring a car in Murcia is an excellent idea because you can easily explore several coastal spots in a single day.

8. Nature trails near Murcia

The Sierra Espuña Regional Park is a favourite among hikers, offering trails of varying difficulty through pine forests and viewpoints.

Another great option is the Calblanque Regional Park, where you can walk through mountains, dunes and beaches. Monte de las Cenizas is also worth a visit, with historic military ruins and sweeping views of the Mediterranean.

Having a car is essential for reaching these spots, as many are not well served by public transport.

9. Murcian festivals and traditions you can’t miss

If you’re lucky enough to visit in spring, you’ll experience the Bando de la Huerta—a festival of International Tourist Interest where the city comes alive with parades, traditional costumes and local cuisine.

Murcia’s Holy Week, featuring the processions of Salzillo, is another major cultural and religious event. In September, the Murcia Fair fills the streets with activities, concerts and a lively atmosphere.

10. Benefits of hiring a car in Murcia with DoYouSpain

Exploring Murcia on foot is ideal for discovering the city centre, but if you want to uncover the wider region, hiring a car is your best bet . With DoYouSpain, you can easily compare prices across different suppliers and find the cheapest option to suit your needs.

A hire car gives you:

• Freedom to travel at your own pace
• Access to beaches and nature parks that are hard to reach by public transport
• Access to day trips to Cartagena, Lorca or Aguilas

Plus, booking in advance through DoYouSpain ensures competitive prices with no hidden surprises.

Experience Murcia at your own pace

The best way to enjoy it all is with complete freedom. That’s why hiring a car in Murcia with DoYouSpain is the most convenient and affordable way to explore the region on your own terms.

Don’t forget: with DoYouSpain, hiring a car isn’t just about reaching more beaches—it’s about embracing the experience of discovering the province at your own rhythm, without limits. And if you ever need assistance during your booking, our Customer Service team is available online, by phone at +34 964 830 995, or via our virtual assistant .