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There are an array of things to do in Spain, with Murcia sharing quite a few of those!
Murcia is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be unveiled.
A sun-kissed city that boasts a cultural tapestry, blending rich history with modern flair.
From plunging into turquoise waters to savouring the local delicacies, Murcia is an adventurer’s paradise.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Murcia:
1. Cathedral of Murcia
The Cathedral of Murcia is a stunning Baroque-style cathedral in the city of Murcia, located in southeastern Spain.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the impressive facade, which features a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements. Inside, the cathedral is even more beautiful, with intricate sculptural work and stunning stained-glass windows.
Don’t miss the Chapel of the Vélez family, which houses the tomb of the cardinal who commissioned the cathedral’s construction.
Don’t miss: The chance to see the cathedral’s bell tower, which is separate from the main building and offers fantastic views of the city.
Be sure to climb the 92 stairs to the top for an unforgettable panoramic vista.
Insider travel tips: Plan to visit the cathedral in the early morning for the best lighting conditions and to avoid crowds. If you’re interested in the history and architecture of the building, consider taking a guided tour.
And don’t forget to dress appropriately; as a religious site, the cathedral requires modest clothing with covered shoulders and knees.
2. Real Casino de Murcia
A stunningly beautiful casino housed in a grand 19th-century building located in the city of Murcia, Spain.
What to see or do: Take a guided tour of the opulent interior to admire its ornate decoration, marble floors, and stained glass windows. Marvel at the plush furnishings, grand staircase, and impressive collection of artwork.
Wander through the charming courtyard garden and enjoy a drink or snack at the outdoor café.
Don’t miss: The Salón de Baile (Ballroom), which features a magnificent crystal chandelier, gilded mirrors, and a parquet dance floor.
The Sala de las Musas (Muses Room), where you can see a collection of paintings by renowned artists such as Velázquez and Rubens.
The Sala de Armas (Weapons Room), which displays ancient and medieval weapons.
Insider travel tips: Book your tour in advance to avoid disappointment as the casino can get busy, especially during peak tourist season. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.
If you’re a fan of classic cinema, look out for the famous Casino scene from “The Skin I Live In,” which was filmed here.
3. Salzillo Museum
The Salzillo Museum in Murcia is a museum showcasing the works of Francisco Salzillo, one of Spain’s most famous sculptors.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore over 500 sculptures, including nativity scenes, saints and virgins, and other religious pieces. The museum also features a collection of paintings, tapestries, and furniture from the 18th century.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the museum is Salzillo’s masterpiece, the Nativity Scene, which is made up of hundreds of figures and is on display year-round.
It is especially popular during the Christmas season.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is located in the city center and can be easily accessed by foot or public transportation.
4. Santuario de la Fuensanta
A sanctuary located in the mountainous area of Murcia.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding countryside and explore the sanctuary, which includes a church, museum, and beautiful gardens.
Take a cable car ride to the top of the mountain for even more stunning views.
Don’t miss: The annual Romería de la Fuensanta, a religious procession that takes place in September and attracts thousands of pilgrims from across Spain.
Insider travel tips: Bring sunscreen and comfortable shoes for hiking around the mountainous terrain. Try the local cuisine in the sanctuary’s restaurants, which features traditional dishes from the region.
5. Plaza Cardenal Belluga
Plaza Cardenal Belluga is a public square located at the heart of Murcia, Spain.
What to see or do: The square is surrounded by stunning architectural landmarks like the Murcia Cathedral, the Episcopal Palace, and the City Hall. Visitors can admire the intricate details of the facades and take pictures of the beautiful buildings.
Don’t miss: Make sure to visit the Murcia Cathedral, a magnificent Baroque church with a magnificent bell tower. The interior of the cathedral houses impressive chapels and a magnificent altarpiece.
Insider travel tips: Head to the square early in the morning to avoid crowds and have a peaceful stroll. If you’re a photography enthusiast, wait until sunset to capture the square’s spectacular golden hour.
Also, consider visiting during the festivities of the Fiestas de Primavera in April, when the square turns into a vibrant hub of activity with music, performances, and street food.
6. Roman Theatre and Museum
An ancient Roman theater dating back to the 1st century AD, now converted into an impressive open-air museum.
What to see or do: Explore the ruins of the Roman theater and admire the magnificent backdrop of the surrounding hills.
The museum complex houses a large collection of Roman artifacts and exhibits, including charming mosaics, sculptures, and signs of daily life in ancient times.
Don’t miss: The restored theater stage where live performances are still held from time to time. The museum’s “Lapidarium” section, a lovely garden filled with restored Roman stonework and ornate carvings.
Insider travel tips: Consider visiting the museum during the summer to attend the popular annual music and dance festival held in the theater. During the day, the sun can be scorching, so take sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
For better appreciation of the museum’s content, join a guided tour led by the museum’s staff, available in several languages.
7. Terra Natura Murcia
A sprawling nature park in Murcia, southern Spain, with over 500 animals from different continents.
What to see or do: Explore different themed areas such as Madagascar, America, and Europe, and see animals like lions, tigers, elephants, and monkeys. Watch captivating animal shows, including bird of prey displays and elephant training sessions.
Don’t miss: The opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the animals in designated areas, including feeding the lemurs or stroking the birds.
Take a splash at the water park and cool down in the pools and slides during the hot summer months.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable walking shoes as the park is vast. Bring sunscreen and protect yourself from the sun during the summer heat.
It’s best to visit in the morning or on weekdays when there are less crowds.
8. Museo Arqueológico de Murcia
Museum of archaeology located in Murcia, Spain.
What to see or do: Explore the exhibits which showcase the history, culture and art of the Murcia region, from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages.
Admire the impressive collection of Roman mosaic floors, which are the highlight of the museum.
The museum also has a significant collection of Islamic art and objects from the Moorish period, as well as collections of pottery, metalwork, and sculptures.
Don’t miss: The Roman mosaics which are beautifully displayed and are considered to be some of the best-preserved Roman mosaics in Spain.
You cannot miss the stunning Peacock Mosaic which is recognized as one of the finest examples of mosaics in the Western Empire.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to check out the temporary exhibitions that showcase different topics such as ancient history, Islamic culture, and contemporary art.
Plan your visit in advance so that you can join a guided tour and gain a deeper insight into the history and culture of Murcia.
The museum is closed on Mondays, and admission is free on Saturdays.
9. Museum of Fine Arts of Murcia
The Museum of Fine Arts of Murcia is a must-visit for art lovers and history enthusiasts in the Southeast of Spain.
What to see or do: The museum boasts a vast collection of mainly Spanish paintings from the 20th and 21st centuries, as well as valuable sculptures and objects.
Don’t miss: The stunning Baroque façade of the building and the beautiful central courtyard, a peaceful oasis in the city center. Also, stand in awe of the museum’s iconic paintings, such as Salzillo’s Immaculate Conception and Velázquez’s The Immaculate Conception.
Insider travel tips: Visit on Saturdays to enter for free.
The building may look small on the outside, but it has several floors, so be sure to allocate enough time to explore each section thoroughly.
Don’t forget to bring your camera for some amazing shots of the building’s impressive architectural details.
10. Castle of Lorca
Castle of Lorca is a medieval fortress located in the town of Lorca, in the southern region of Murcia, Spain. It is considered one of the most important historical and cultural sites in the area.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the castle’s towers, walls, and courtyards, as well as its various rooms and exhibitions. The castle also frequently hosts cultural events, such as concerts and theater performances.
Don’t miss: The castle’s “Sinister Tour” takes visitors through the darker side of the fortress’s history, including tales of torture, executions, and hauntings.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable walking shoes, as there is a lot of ground to cover.
11. Bateria de Castillitos
A historic military site located on a hilltop in Cartagena, Murcia.
What to see or do: Admire the stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea while exploring the well-preserved fortifications and artillery batteries.
Don’t miss: The impressive 381mm Vickers Gun, one of the largest ever built, and the underground tunnels that connect the various parts of the complex.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes, as the site requires some walking and climbing. Try to visit during weekdays to avoid crowds, and bring water and sunscreen, as there is little shade available.
12. La Manga del Mar Menor
A narrow strip of land located in the region of Murcia, Spain, that separates the Mediterranean Sea from the Mar Menor lagoon.
What to see or do: Enjoy the beaches, practice water sports, visit the Calblanque Natural Park or go on a boat tour to observe the marine life.
Don’t miss: The sunset views from the lighthouse of Cabo de Palos and the local cuisine, especially the fresh fish and seafood.
Insider travel tips: Take a bike ride along the strip, explore the nearby fishing villages, and avoid the peak summer months for a more peaceful experience.
13. Mar Menor
Mar Menor is a coastal salty lagoon located in the region of Murcia, Spain.
What to see or do: Swim in the calm and warm waters of Mar Menor.
Don’t miss: The sunset views over the Mar Menor are simply breathtaking. Be sure to catch them from one of the many beachside restaurants or cafes.
Insider travel tips: The best time to visit Mar Menor is during the off-season months of September and October to avoid crowds.
14. Cartagena Roman Theatre
Cartagena Roman Theatre is an ancient Roman theater located in the city of Cartagena in the region of Murcia, Spain.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the ruins of the ancient Roman theater and learn about the history and architecture of the site through informative displays and audio guides.
The theater has been partially restored and visitors can see the stage, orchestra, and seating areas that date back to the 1st century BC.
Don’t miss: The spectacular views of the city and harbor from the theater’s upper section.
Insider travel tips: Visit the theater during the summer months to enjoy live performances that are held in the theater. Also, consider exploring the nearby Roman Forum district to see additional ancient Roman ruins.