Murcia

Welcome to one of the most authentic and safest cities in Spain!

Play Video about Instituto Hispanico de Murcia - Murcia - Video

Come and enjoy Murcia: culture, atmosphere, climate...

Murcia is a vibrant and energetic city, where you can enjoy a wealth of culture and fascinating history. From the cultural heritage to the local atmosphere and excellent gastronomy, Murcia is a place not to be missed. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about our charming city.

Murcia is an authentic city with an impressive cultural heritage. The city boasts a wealth of monuments and historical sites that reflect Murcia’s rich history.

Authenticity

That’s right! Little or no English is spoken. But hey, that’s immersion, right? Dive in head first and live like a local.

Cultural heritage

Discover a wonderful melting pot of cultures: Arab, Christian and Jewish.

Local atmosphere

It’s a small enough city to meet people in no time at all.

Cost of living

Murcia is probably the cheapest city on the Mediterranean coast in terms of daily expenses.

Climate

It is beautiful all year round, and as many people say, it is the “California of Spain”.

Water activities

Wave surfing, paddle surfing, kite surfing, fishing, sailing… the list goes on. There is so much to do.

Most important places in Murcia

But which places shouldn’t you miss when you visit Murcia?

Catedral de Murcia

A historical site not to be missed is the Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Santa María, one of the most emblematic monuments of the city and a must-see for any tourist visiting Murcia.

Built in Gothic and Baroque style, its facade has an impressive 96-metre-high bell tower, the second highest in Spain. Inside you can admire numerous works of art, such as the main altarpiece, considered one of the most important in the world. Undoubtedly, a must-see for any lover of architecture and art.

Real Casino de Murcia

Another of the city’s most impressive venues is the Real Casino de Murcia (Royal Casino of Murcia), with its neo-baroque style ceilings and beautiful meeting rooms. The casino has an impressive library, a reading room, a billiards room and a party room, as well as a stunning terrace overlooking the city.

Teatro Romea

And the Teatro Romea (Romea Theatre), one of the oldest theatres in Spain and a key place in Murcia’s cultural history. If you like modernist architecture you’ll love the impressive building built in the early 20th century which houses some of the city’s best plays, operas and concerts.

Murcia is a city that offers much more than the most popular tourist sites. There are many hidden gems worth exploring. Here are five must-see places you shouldn’t miss on your visit to Murcia.

Museo Salzillo (Salzillo Museum): Francisco Salzillo is one of the most important artists in the region of Murcia. In this museum, housed in a former church, you can admire an impressive collection of sculptures by the artist. The visit includes an exhibition of Semana Santa processions, so you can understand the important role that religion plays in the local culture.
Mercado de Veronicas (Veronicas Market): Markets are always interesting places to visit, and the Mercado de Verónicas in Murcia is no exception. Here you will find all kinds of fresh produce, from fruit and vegetables to fish and meat. There are also several food stalls where you can try typical regional dishes and wash them down with a good local beer.
Parque de Floridablanca (Floridablanca Park): This park is one of the most beautiful parks in Murcia, and is perfect for a relaxing stroll. It has an impressive variety of plants and trees, as well as several fountains and statues. If you are looking for a quiet place to rest, this is the ideal place.
Rio Segura (Segura River): The Segura River is one of Murcia’s main natural attractions. Along its banks you can enjoy beautiful views and landscapes, as well as several historical bridges. In addition, there are several walking and hiking trails in the surrounding area.
The Plaza de Santo Domingo (Santo Domingo Square) is one of the most emblematic squares in the city. Here you will find the church of Santo Domingo, which is an impressive example of baroque architecture. There are also several bars and restaurants around the square where you can enjoy a coffee or a meal.

Other squares worth a visit are the Plaza de las Flores, where you will find a lively flower market, and the Plaza de Belluga, which is the city’s main square. In the Plaza de Belluga you will find the imposing Cathedral of Murcia, as well as the Episcopal Palace and the City Hall.

We also recommend you to visit the Plaza de San Juan, which is a small but charming square located in the old town of Murcia. Here you will find several bars and restaurants with open-air terraces, where you can enjoy a drink and observe the life of the locals.

All in all, the city of Murcia has many squares that are worth a visit. They are also the ideal place to take a break and enjoy the city’s atmosphere. Don’t miss them!

Reasons to come to Murcia (... although we have more)

Murcia is known for its warm and sunny climate during much of the year, which makes it a perfect destination for those looking to escape from the cold and rain. Murcia is a paradise if you want to enjoy warm climates because it has more than 300 days of sunshine per year, and it is the second sunniest city in all of Spain, ahead of Alicante, Valencia, and Malaga.
The cuisine of Murcia is one of the richest and most varied in Spain. Its typical dishes include zarangollo, rice with rabbit and snails, caldero and michirones, among hundreds of other dishes and tapas. In addition, Murcia is famous for its vegetarian and vegan-friendly tapas.
It is very easy to get around on foot in the historic center of Murcia and its surroundings, and many of the tourist attractions are within reasonable walking distance. Walking around the city is a pleasant way to explore its charming streets and squares. Many of our streets are pedestrianised or have wide and comfortable sidewalks, and the vast majority of the places you need to go - even our host families' homes and our apartments - are in the city center.
Murcia is a safe and peaceful city. According to official statistics, the rate of violent crime is very low, and the city has an efficient and effective security service. Police presence is notable throughout the city, creating a safe and reliable environment. Tourists can enjoy the city with complete peace of mind.
Another aspect that makes Murcia an attractive place to visit is the low cost of living compared to other Spanish cities. The city is known for having affordable prices for housing, transportation, and public services, so you can enjoy a comfortable life without having to spend too much money.
The orchard of Murcia is famous for the quality and variety of its products, such as lemons, oranges, artichokes, and peppers. It is known as the "orchard of Europe". In addition, many of our products have Protected Designation of Origin, such as Calasparra rice, wine cheese, paprika, and wines from Bullas, Jumilla, and Yecla, which guarantees their quality and authenticity.
Murcia has a great musical tradition, and is especially known for its Jazz Festival, held in November, which brings together some of the best jazz musicians in the world.
The festivals of Murcia are a unique and exciting experience that you can't miss. The city celebrates numerous festivities throughout the year, with special emphasis on Semana Santa, Bando de la Huerta, and the September Fair. These celebrations are full of joy, culture, and traditions that reflect the vibrant and welcoming character of the region and its people.
There are numerous possibilities for practicing sports and outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, climbing, rafting, and canoeing. The Carrascoy and El Valle Regional Park are the perfect places, a natural paradise of mountains, forests, and spectacular landscapes. This stunning mountain range offers spectacular panoramic views of the city and is an ideal place for hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities in a dreamy environment.
Murcia has excellent transportation links by road, train, and air, making it an accessible and comfortable destination for all travelers.
Founded by the Arabs in the year 825, Murcia is a melting pot of cultures: Arab, Christian, and Jewish. Historically, Murcia has been a meeting place for different cultures, which is reflected in its archaeological and artistic heritage, as well as its festivities and traditions.
If you're looking for the sea and beaches, Murcia is your place. The Mar Menor is a coastal lagoon located just a few kilometers from Murcia. Its crystal clear and shallow waters are ideal for water sports and enjoying the beach.
Murcia is known as the "City of Gardens" thanks to its impressive parks and gardens. The Serra Espuña Regional Park and the Malecón Garden are just some of the green wonders, perfect places to stroll, relax and enjoy nature. Additionally, if you visit during spring, you can enjoy the impressive almond blossom in Cieza, which tinges the whole landscape of the region with white and pink.
The museums and theaters of Murcia are a must-see attraction if you want to explore the culture and history of the region. The Murcia Fine Arts Museum, the Salzillo Museum, the Romea Theater, the Circo Theater, and the Cathedral Museum are just some of the essential places you should visit. From classical art to innovative theater productions, Murcia has a lot to offer.
The hospitality of Murcia's inhabitants is one of the reasons why many visitors return to the city. The people of Murcia are famous for their kindness, closeness, and sense of humor. Tourists feel welcome and warmly embraced, making their visit even more special.

One more reason is our Spanish courses!

Sale! Select options
General
Intensive 20 Spanish course
123,00 € – 139,00 € Select options
Sale! Select options
General
Standard Spanish course 10
71,00 € – 79,00 € Select options
Sale! Select options
Standard Spanish courses
Long-term Spanish course
1.439,00 € – 1.579,00 € Select options
Sale! Select options
General
ERASMUS Spanish course
247,00 € – 769,00 € Select options

Feel free to visit Murcia and enjoy everything this wonderful city has to offer!

And, where is our school located in Murcia?

Festivals and Traditions

Murcia is also famous for its traditional and popular festivals.

Semana Santa in Murcia

Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Murcia is one of the most impressive in Spain, with numerous processions and parades that attract visitors from all over the world. It was declared of International Tourist Interest in 2005 due to the great cultural, artistic and religious importance of the processions and parallel celebrations.

During Semana Santa, the city becomes a popular tourist destination for those looking to experience the tradition and religiosity of the celebrations. The processions are spectacular, with impressive pasos and banners, and attract visitors from all over the world, making Murcia a popular tourist destination during this time of year.

Murcia also has some illustrious figures who have left their mark on the city. One of them is the sculptor Francisco Salzillo, who created some of the most impressive sculptures of Murcia’s Semana Santa. You can also visit the Museo Salzillo (Salzillo Museum), which contains an impressive collection of his works.

Furthermore, Easter is not only a religious celebration, but also a time of cultural, musical and gastronomic events that attract tourists and locals alike. It is a time when the city is full of life and activity, and where you can enjoy the true essence of Murcian culture and tradition.

If you have the opportunity to visit Murcia during this time of the year, you can’t miss it.

Popular festivals

And just after Easter, we enjoy the Fiestas de Primavera, one of the most popular celebrations in the city, where you can enjoy the Bando de la Huerta and the Entierro de la Sardina. For a week, Murcia turns into a huge amusement park, full of stalls and food and drink stands.

During the week, visitors can enjoy live music, dancing, fairground attractions and a wide variety of food and drink typical of the region. The Feria de Primavera is a very popular celebration among Murcians and visitors, and is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the culture, gastronomy and joy of the city.

Another popular festival is the Feria de Septiembre, a week-long celebration in honour of the city’s patron saint, the Virgen de la Fuensanta. The fair includes fairground rides, concerts, dancing and, of course, plenty of food and drink.

We cannot talk about Murcia without mentioning its delicious gastronomy. The city is famous for its excellent food, especially for its rich variety of vegetarian dishes. From the typical calderos to rice dishes, Murcia is a paradise for lovers of good food. If you want to sample the local food, be sure to visit the Mercado de Verónicas, where you’ll find a wide variety of fresh, local produce.

Miles and miles of coastline

Another nearby destination not to be missed is the coast. With more than 250 km of coastline, Murcia has some of the most beautiful and least crowded beaches in Spain. From the wild and natural beaches of the Parque Regional de Calblanque to the more urban and touristy beaches of La Manga, there is something for everyone. In addition, most of the beaches offer a wide range of water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing and paddle surfing.

If you prefer something quieter, you can visit the many coastal towns in the region, such as Cartagena or Mazarrón, which have a rich historical and cultural heritage, as well as some of the best gastronomic offerings in the area.

Finally, if you are a wine lover, you must visit the region of Jumilla and Bullas, just a few kilometres from Murcia. Here you will find some of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in Spain, as well as a wide variety of high-quality wines.

If you are looking for an authentic and welcoming destination in Spain, you can’t miss Murcia.

We look forward to seeing you!

Enjoy our most popular exciting fun entertaining activities

Guided tours

Cathedral, museums, old town, markets, theatres, aquarium...

Workshops and games

Tapas, paella, cheese and wine, pottery, flamenco, salsa, cinema, cultural meetings, volunteering, radio, contests, photographic and cultural competitions, karaoke, treasure hunts...

Sports

Rafting, diving, basketball, windsurfing, karting, rowing, hiking...

Excursions

Beaches, mountains, Cehegín, Ricote, Caravaca, Cartagena, Madrid, Granada, Córdoba, Málaga, Sevilla, Valencia...

5 important cities in the Region that you must visit

The region of Murcia is a place full of charm and with many interesting cities to visit. Here are some of the most important cities that you should not miss on your trip to our beautiful region.

Cartagena: This port city is one of the most important in the region. Here you can visit the impressive Teatro Romano (Roman Theatre) and a set of military fortifications dating back to Roman times. You can also take a stroll through the old town, where you will find numerous historic buildings and charming squares.

Lorca: Lorca is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage. Here you can visit the Castillo de Lorca, which is an impressive fortress dating back to the Middle Ages. In addition, there are several interesting museums, such as the Municipal Archaeological Museum and the Paso Blanco Embroidery Museum.

Caravaca de la Cruz: This city is an important religious centre in the region. Here you will find the Basilica de la Vera Cruz, which is a place of pilgrimage for many Catholics. There are also several interesting museums, such as the Museo de la Fiesta de la Cruz.

Águilas: This coastal town is an ideal place to enjoy the beaches and the Mediterranean Sea. Here you can visit the Castillo de San Juan de las Águilas, which is an impressive castle built in the 18th century. There are also several beaches and coves nearby where you can relax and enjoy the sun.

Cieza: It is located in the valley of the river Segura and is known for its beautiful natural landscapes and its rich cultural history. Its archaeological heritage, such as the Serreta cave, and its festivals of tourist interest, such as Easter Week and the pilgrimage of the Virgen del Buen Suceso, stand out. It is also famous for its agricultural products, especially peach production and the famous flowering of its fruit orchards in spring.

These are just a few. Each has its own history and charm, and is well worth spending time with during your trip to this beautiful region of Spain.

And what should I eat in Murcia?

The gastronomy of our region is very varied and has a great variety of typical dishes that reflect its rich history and culture. Here are some of the most representative dishes of our gastronomy. And there are many more:

One of the best known dishes is zarangollo, which is a kind of scrambled eggs, onion and courgette. It is a simple dish, but very tasty and healthy.

Another typical dish is rice with rabbit and snails, which is a paella made with rice, rabbit, snails, vegetables and spices. It is a very tasty and hearty dish, ideal for rice lovers.

Also very popular are michirones, a stew made with beans, chorizo, bacon and other meats. It is a hearty and very tasty dish that is usually eaten in winter.

Finally, we have to mention the meat pie, which is a very popular dish in the region. It is a kind of pie filled with minced meat, tomato, onion and other vegetables. It is a very tasty dish that is usually eaten as an appetiser or starter.

In addition to these dishes, we have a wide variety of high quality gastronomic products, such as Jumilla wines, Murcia wine cheeses, sausages and typical sweets, such as paparajotes and pestiños.

In short, the gastronomy of the region of Murcia is very rich and varied, and has a large number of high quality dishes and products that are well worth trying. If you are a lover of good food, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the gastronomy of our beautiful region.

FAQs about Murcia

What are the main tourist activities in Murcia?

Murcia has a rich cultural heritage and offers monuments and places of interest, such as the Cathedral of Murcia, the Royal Casino of Murcia, the Salzillo Museum, and the Malecón Garden, among others.

When are the fiestas in Murcia?

The most important festivals are the Murcia Fair, which is held in September, and the Murcia festivals, known as the “Fiestas de Primavera” or “Bando de la Huerta”, which are held during the last week of April, coinciding with Easter, in honour of the Virgen de la Fuensanta, patron saint of the city.

What Spanish courses can I find in Murcia?

You can find courses for all levels, with intensive programmes, language immersion programmes, individual classes, among others.