Encompassing the culture-rich cities of Murcia and Cartagena, the Costa Cálida and an inland scattered with rolling hills, medieval towns, olive groves and vineyards – hotels in the Spanish region of Murcia provide a truly special vacation in the south of Spain. With 250 kilometers of coastline to explore, the Costa Cálida glitters with watersport opportunities, 5-star hotels and 300 days of sunshine a year. Whether you’re looking for a beach vacation along the coast or a city break in a delightful Spanish town, hotels in the region of Murcia will provide all the facilities you need for a relaxing escape to the south of Spain.
Thousands of years ago, the region of Murcia was under control of the Carthaginian Empire, in conflict with both the Greeks and Romans over control of the Mediterranean coast. As a result, Murcia’s second-largest city Cartagena bears the scars of its ancient past, and today is the Costa Cálida’s most important port. A grand Roman amphitheater was built directly into the rock here, and the beautiful façade has since been restored to make the site worthy of a visit during any stay with 5-star hotels in the region of Mercia. The city also hosts the exciting Carthaginians and Romans Fiesta each September, which recreates the moment when the Roman Empire finally conquered the city in 209 BC. Since the Romans, the city has been conquered by various civilizations, and you can marvel at every age of the city in the Archeological Museum. More contemporary attractions of Cartagena include its stunning natural harbor and access to the beach. La Manga – offering watersports, golf, resorts and theme parks – is surrounded by water and a great place to keep little ones entertained if they’re not so enthralled by all the history on display in the city.
In Murcia, ornate cathedrals and baroque architecture line the impressive boulevards of this lesser visited gem in the south of Spain. A grand city built on the banks of the Segura River; hotels in Murcia are the perfect base for exploring the region. The 14th century Murcia Cathedral features 25 bells which were historically used to warn the citizens of Murcia of war, celebration and flooding from the river. Stroll along the palm-lined, sun-soaked streets to get a taste of the city, before heading to the Moorish Castle on top of Monteagudo Mountain for sweeping views from above. Murcia is home to a thriving restaurant scene thanks to the surrounding huerta, which supplies the city with fresh local produce and exceptional tapas. For something truly unique to the region, enjoy a day in nearby Abanilla. Only 30-minutes’ from Murcia, this town is famous for its paella and olive oil, which is pressed and produced in the traditional way. For exceptional hiking close to hotels in the Murcia region, the rolling pine forests of the Sierra Espuña are only a short drive from the city center.
When it comes to the beach, hotels in the Murcia region deliver. Compared to the bustling Costa del Sol in Andalusia or Costa Brava in Catalonia, the Costa Cálida is surprisingly peaceful, often overlooked in favor of its famous neighbor, Alicante. Beaches along the Mar Menor (smaller sea) lagoon and Mediterranean provide kilometers of golden sand, beach activities, sun loungers and palm-lined boardwalks. There are several spectacular beaches located all along the coast however, some of which are barely ever busy – even in the height of summer. With dunes, a backdrop of mountains and a delightfully choppy shoreline, Playa de Calblanque (just south of La Manga) provides an excellent spot for fun in the sun, while Playa de la Colonia is ideal for families with a protective bay and plenty of dining establishments lining the palm fringed promenade. Finally, the soft white sand of Playa de Calnegre is a kilometer long with a gentle breeze emanating from offshore, ideal for relaxing, swimming or strolling along with your feet in the surf. From Murcia, the beaches between Mazarron and Aguilas provide an escape from the more popular beaches, but also mean fewer facilities on offer. Hotels in the Murcia region are exceptional whether you want to relax, explore or discover some of Spain’s most historically important cities.