Wedged between the popular coastal destinations of Málaga and Alicante, the region of Murcia occupies a stretch of southern Spain too often neglected by international travellers. Sea coves and quiet beaches characterise its 155 miles of sunny coastline, beyond which lie hills, farmlands, dense forests and valleys perfect for hiking. Reliably balmy year-round temperatures make the province a good option for off-season travel - yet even at the height of summer, you're unlikely to see the crowds so often found in other Mediterranean regions.
Murcia has witnessed a varied history - the Romans, Carthaginians and Moors have all left a legacy, which is evident in the area's architecture, agriculture and festivities.
Gateway to this region is the city of the same name - Murcia, a provincial capital with regular flights from the UK that has the energy of a big city thanks to its university, yet remains intimate and walkable. Stroll past baroque cathedrals along cobblestoned streets, or indulge in a tardeo - the afternoon tradition of hanging out with friends, typically with tapas, beer and live music at terrace bars.
DAY ONE SAINTS & CITY STROLLING
Morning
Wander through the narrow alleyways of Murcia's old town, towards the magnificent Catedral de Murcia, which has the second-tallest bell tower in Spain. Audio guides can be hired for a history lesson on the church's eclectic blend of baroque, Renaissance and gothic architecture. Exit through the 'Door of the Apostles', carved wit angels and kings from the Old Testament, to reach Calle Traperi A hub for fabric merchants and silversmiths in the 14th century, it's now peppered with boutique shops. From here, it's an easy wall to the city's 19th-century Romea Theatre. Legend has it that a friar cursed the building, as it stands on the site of a former convent. catedralmurcia.org
Afternoon
This story is from the March 2024 edition of National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2024 edition of National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
HOW I GOT THE SHOT
PHOTOGRAPHER MATT DUTILE ON SNAPPING THE FROZEN CONTINENT'S CHARISMATIC WILDLIFE FOR OUR MAY ISSUE
THE EVOLVING GAP YEAR
FROM ENHANCING A CV TO BENEFITTING A LOCAL COMMUNITY OR TRAVELLING WITH PURPOSE, THE MOTIVES FOR STUDENTS TO TAKE A GAP YEAR ARE INCREASINGLY NUANCED.
VALLETTA
In Malta’s harbour-framed capital, a rich and evolving art scene unfolds among honeyed baroque facades, echoing the global influences that have shaped the city over the centuries
A timeless city
Wander through artistic alleyways and along modern beachfronts in South Korea’s second city — a place where tradition and innovationgo hand in hand.
SANDS OF TIME
COVERING AROUND 800,000 SQUARE MILES, ALGERIA'S SHARE OF THE SAHARA TAKES UP OVER 80% OF THE COUNTRY - THE VOLCANIC PEAKS, CANYONS AND VAST SAND SEAS FORM A STRIKING BACKDROP TO OASIS CITIES AND UNIQUE NORTH AFRICAN CULTURES
Sumitra Acharya
THE HIMALAYAN TREKKING LEADER IS PART OF A NEW GENERATION OF NEPALESE WOMEN CLAIMING THEIR SPACE AMID SOME OF THE WORLD'S HIGHEST PEAKS
WHERE TO STAY ADELAIDE
A clutch of new design-led hotels pays tribute to the South Australian capital's landmarks
MUMBAI
Inventive chefs are sharing their stories through food in India's ever-evolving west coast metropolis, but the city's appetite for street food, thalis and Parsi dishes remains a comforting constant
FLINTSHIRE
Visit this North Wales county to sleep on a former prime minister's country estate, hike mountains and go foraging or wild swimming
Scandi cool
EXPLORE THE NORWEGIAN COASTLINE’S NEW OPENINGS AND CULTURAL EVENTS UNDER THIS SUMMER'S MIDNIGHT SUN