sun, sangria & spanish magic in murcia

When people think of a holiday in Spain, Murcia might not immediately spring to mind, but that's part of its charm. One of the most attractive areas is La Manga del Mar Menor, a stunning strip of coastline perfect for relaxing, playing golf and enjoying the sea. With 3,000+ hours of sunshine each year, Murcia offers an authentic, off-the-beaten-path slice of Spanish life, without all the crowds. A long weekend is enough to hit the highlights, though a longer visit allows you explore at a leisurely pace.

ACCOMMODATION:

I stayed at the Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa, about a 35-min drive away from the Región de Murcia International Airport (RMU). The hotel is located within the wider La Manga Club, a premier gated 1,400-acre luxury sports resort. Whether you want to completely unwind or stay active, the Grand Hyatt has what you need with golf courses, tennis and padel facilities, several restaurants and bars, an Arabian-inspired spa, and multiple pools to enjoy under the Murcian sun.

DO:

Decompress at a spa: Mar Menor is renowned for its hyper-saline waters and mineral-rich therapeutic mud, which have made the region a hub for wellness and beauty retreats. Staying at Grand Hyatt gives you the perfect excuse to indulge in some pampering at Alma's Spa, a serene escape offering soothing treatments, thermal facilities and tranquil spaces designed to help you unwind.

Explore Cartegena: About a 30-min drive from the hotel, you'll find the port of Cartagena, a prized city since Carthaginian times. Due to its strategic position on the Murcia coast, it has been inhabited by several cultures which have left their mark on its artistic heritage.

When I visited, it happened to coincide with Las Cruces de Mayo (the Crosses of May), a vibrant spring fiesta held on 3rd May, when flower-decorated crosses are displayed throughout the historic city center. The celebration blends religious traditions with lively street festivities, filling the city with music, dancing and an infectious atmosphere. This was the second time I’ve unexpectedly stumbled upon a Spanish festival on a weekend away (the first being Las Fallas in Valencia).

Visit the seaside: The Grand Hyatt is located roughly 10-miles from the main tourist area of La Manga del Mar Menor. Driving to the start of the 13-mile peninsula (near Cabo de Palos) typically takes around 15–20 minutes. Once there, you can enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many waterside restaurants, stroll along the rugged coastline, admire the iconic Cabo de Palos Lighthouse, dip your feet in the sea, or sip a piña colada at one of the laid-back beach bars overlooking the Mediterranean.

CONSUME:

I didn’t come across any particular restaurants that completely blew me away, but everything we ate and drank was consistently very good. Murcia is widely recognized as “Europe’s Vegetable Garden”, a nickname earned thanks to its incredibly fertile land, more than 300 days of sunshine each year and its role as one of Europe’s major suppliers of fresh produce.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

• Getting Around: Ride-sharing apps, like Uber, are not available. Transport is typically via taxis, pre-booked car services or private hire vehicles. Credit cards are generally accepted.

• Tipping: Not mandatory nor expected, as service staff are paid a living wage. It is treated as a reward for exceptional service rather than an obligation. Rounding up to the nearest euro is common, while 5–10% is generous for good service

• Weather: Known as one of Europe's warmest and driest regions. July/August are often very hot, making the coast more appealing. Spring/autumn offer ideal temperatures for sightseeing. Winter months are mild and can be suitable for off-season travel.

• Currency: Euro (€).