Holiday homes, Airbnb and villas in Murcia

Visit Murcia, the Spanish answer to Miami Vice!

Bursting with Moorish luxury, casinos and an undeniable laid back vibe around its Mar Menor lagoon, Murcia holds a reputation as Europe's answer to Miami, meaning there is something for everybody in this sun-glazed paradise. You don't need to be an architectural buff to appreciate the striking structures which have towered above this coast for centuries before us, as the region is a maze of daring designs, Moorish, to Gothic, and everything in between. With its timeless city's, unspoiled beaches and flavourful food, there is no greater place to secure a holiday home in Spain than right here in beautiful Murcia.

Murcia is also a favourite among golfers from around the world, who flock to these greens for the ultimate golfing experience. Choose a holiday villa in the El Valle Golf Resort, and wake up in a room with a view of the greens, before you play the game itself in one of the most prestigious sporting locations in Europe.

Secure your dream accommodation through TripAdvisor, Booking, or Airbnb, then get out there, and work your way through the endless opulence and tapas dishes which this historic palm tree-kissed kingdom has to offer.

When to visit

With an average of 300 days of sunshine days every year, you are almost guaranteed to enjoy a pleasant climate, whenever you choose to visit Murcia. If you want to be sure that you can sunbathe, however, choose to visit between early May and late June, and then September, which avoids the peak summer months, and the vast holidaymakers which descend on these shores during the school holidays. Saying that, there are still several festivals which take place exclusively in the height of the season, including the Santiago de la Ribera Summer Carnival in early Autumn, so if this your type of thing, it is worth braving the wave of tourists and enjoying a memorable fiesta in the street!

How to get there

Located on the sweeping Costa Cálida in the south-east of Spain, the quickest and easiest way of reaching Murcia from the UK is to fly on one of the many scheduled flights from airports across the UK. Travel direct from London Gatwick, Edinburgh, Bristol, Nottingham or Edinburgh to Corvera International Airport in around 2 hours and 45 minutes, depending which airport you depart from. Once you arrive at the airport, you can get to the city centre in just over 20 minutes by hopping in a taxi, a pre-arranged transfer, or a rental car. If you would prefer not to fly, then you can still visit Murcia by ferry from Plymouth or Portsmouth to Santander or Bilbao around seven times a week. Travel time to Bilbao and Santander varies, but typically takes approximately 23 hours 30 minutes, then you need to drive for about 8 hours before arriving in Murcia.

Another way you could enjoy the timeless grandeur of Murcia is by visiting the city for a day-trip from another popular Spanish destination. If you are already staying in holiday villa in Benidorm or an apartment in Alicante then you can jump aboard a train for only one hour before arriving in the heart of Murcia, and the splendour which this beautiful destination has to offer.

Where to stay?

Murcia City

As the capital of the region, there is no better place to begin your search for accommodation in Murcia than in Murcia itself! Brimming with architectural wonders from the across the centuries, this city is a picturesque city escape whose electric atmosphere rivals that of the Sunshine State across the pond. Though the vibrant beauty of the town is enough to keep you entertained through your days (and nights), be sure to leave time to take in the natural glory of Mar Menor, a crystal clear lagoon which is tucked just off the coast of the city. Renowned for its exceptional tapas, Murcia is an ideal location to choose a self-catered apartment rental, as you can treat your tastebuds to the very best of these nationally loved dishes.

Cartagena

The port city of Cartagena is the perfect destination to choose a beachfront holiday villa in Murcia, as this coastal art haven is a city and beach retreat rolled into one. Reserve a holiday villa on the Calblanque Beach, to wake up in a bedroom with a view of the sunrise over the Mediterranean, then step back in time and visit the Roman Theatre, before marvelling at the beauty of the Palacio consistorial de Cartagena, whose decorative beauty was influenced by French design in the early twentieth century.

Santiago de la Ribera

The former fishing village of Santiago de la Ribera has evolved into a hive of contemporary Calida experiences, without losing its traditional charm. Stay in a bed and breakfast which is hidden in amongst its narrow streets, and wake up in a room which neighbours quaint boutiques and a fruitful market, which takes over the town every Wednesday. The most popular time to visit Santiago is in the mid-summer when the streets become alive with the Santiago de la Ribera Summer Carnival, whose colours are is a feast of the eyes, though accommodation books up in advance, so don't delay in reserving your place in the Murcia's carnivalesque.

La Manga

If you want to choose a holiday letting in a destination unlike any other, look no further than La Manga, a seaside split which cuts right down into the Mediterranean Sea, separating it from Mar Menor, which is the lagoon in Murcia city. This unique stretch of land has, unsurprisingly, become a utopia for sun-worshippers who want to bathe upon its shores, while also holding a global reputation as a water-sport centre. Reserve a holiday villa with a pool in La Manga, before renting a jet ski and hitting the Mediterranean at a speed which the whole family can enjoy.

Aguilas

The municipality of Águilas is the perfect place to reserve a holiday home in Murcia if you are looking for nothing but a slice of peace and tranquillity. In one of the most relaxing areas in the country, you can dream away your days while laying on the golden shores of Playa Puntas de Calnegre, before taking in the rocky scenery of Playa de Los Cocedores, where you can gaze upon the towns most picturesque natural assets.

Molina de Segura

Though this town may be small, it should not be overlooked by any means, as it is a hive of activity and family-friendly attractions, which are guaranteed to fill your days in Murcia with some sun-kissed fun. Secure a holiday villa which is big enough to house your entire family, then head out to the Terra Natura Murcia, which is home to animals from both the African Savana and the Iberian Peninsula. There is also a waterpark which is open in the summer months, so you can fill your days with animals and watersides which people of all ages can enjoy.

Food and drink in Murcia

When it comes to cuisine in Murcia, there is only one word on everybody's lips… tapas, taps, tapas! Yes, this region holds a reputation for its small plates of Iberian hams, cheeses, seafood and just about any other tasty pieces of Spanish goodness, so if you are a fan of tapas, this region is about to become a pilgrimage for your tastebuds. Among the most distinguished of these bars is Parlamento, which is located in Murcia City Centre, and serves up a range of tapas favourites, along with Marineras, which is an exclusive dish to the Murcian region. As a warning though, once you try tapas here, no tapas will ever taste quite as good in the future! If you are a cocktail lover then don't forget to sample ‘Licor 43' which is famous across the country, but originates from the region, making it the most excellent place to enjoy this sweet liquor, as a shot, in a cocktail, or even in a coffee (known as Cafe Asiatico).

History and Culture in Murcia

The rich history of Murcia is showcased through its ornate and decorative architecture, which dates back through the centuries, from the Phoenician period to the Islamic influence in the Medieval Ages and the beautiful Baroque era, which makes up most of the structures in Murcia city centre, you are guaranteed to be immersed in historic extravagance in this stunning Spanish region. The best of Murcia's culture can be experienced by visiting some of the impressive museums around the area, including the Museo de Bellas Artes de Murcia, which exhibits an array of works from the 19th and 20th century. Then, learn more about the prehistory of this great land by spending an afternoon in the Museo Arqueológico de Murcia, which displays the most impressive finds from across the ages in Murcia.