car hire murcia
Pick up your hire car at Murcia airport and head for Spain's sunniest city. Book car hire murcia airport now
the 60-second guide to Murcia
in its own head
"We're the Spanish city that even the Spanish haven't discovered yet. We've got stunning architecture and are surrounded by big, impressive mountains."
but more realistically
Murcia city is indeed a gem, but the region itself - with its great beaches and hot climate - is fast becoming a tourist haven. Go now and beat the rush.
the vibe
There's a friendly atmosphere, thanks mainly to the surrounding area being so totally gorgeous to look at. And the pleasant weather, of course.
the natives
A warm, sociable, fiesta-loving bunch. There's a thriving student population, giving the place a vibrant, youthful feel.
the weather
Known as the City of Sun, Murcia enjoys over three hundred days of sunshine every year, with temperatures soaring up to 36 degrees in summer.
the local speciality
Murcia produces its own caviar, called huevas de mujol. You'll find it in most supermarkets.
the celebrity
X Factor fans will know all about bosomy rock chick Ruth Lorenzo. Murcia is her home city.
did you know?
Every May, Murcia hosts the Three Cultures International Festival, celebrating the fact local Christians, Jews and Muslims live happily side by side.
they say
"The only place Adam would recognise if he returned to Earth." - English writer and raconteur Augustus Hare
5 to see in town...
- 1. Cathedral de Santa Maria
- 2. Castle of Monteagudo
- 3: Jardin Botanical del Malecon
- 4: Gran Casino
- 5: Museo de la Ciencia y el Agua
This impressive building started life as a mosque back in the 14th century. Since then it's had more makeovers than Madonna and now consists of a hotchpotch of architectural styles - from the Baroque facade to the Gothic interior.
where to park?
There's a public car park just a short walk away, in front of the Town Hall, which costs €0.50 an hour.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Cathedral de Santa Maria
- 2. Castle of Monteagudo
- 3: Jardin Botanical del Malecon
- 4: Gran Casino
- 5: Museo de la Ciencia y el Agua
On the outskirts of the city, sitting atop a hill, is this magnificent monument to the days when cities needed castles. And it's seen a lot of action - archeologists have found remains dating from Roman times back to the Bronze age.
where to park?
You'll have no problem parking your hire car for free on the streets surrounding the castle.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Cathedral de Santa Maria
- 2. Castle of Monteagudo
- 3: Jardin Botanical del Malecon
- 4: Gran Casino
- 5: Museo de la Ciencia y el Agua
With its date palms and Mediterranean pines, Murcia's botanical garden offers shady walkways lined with benches that are perfect for a quiet stroll away from the heat of the sun.
where to park?
There's a free car park on on Paseo del Malecon, just behind the garden.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Cathedral de Santa Maria
- 2. Castle of Monteagudo
- 3: Jardin Botanical del Malecon
- 4: Gran Casino
- 5: Museo de la Ciencia y el Agua
This is how casinos should be: cool, classy and glamorous. Losing money here is almost a pleasure.
where to park?
You can park in the streets surrounding the casino for about €0.50 an hour.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Cathedral de Santa Maria
- 2. Castle of Monteagudo
- 3: Jardin Botanical del Malecon
- 4: Gran Casino
- 5: Museo de la Ciencia y el Agua
This museum of science and water is one for the kids - there's loads of buttons to press, knobs to twirl and stuff to play with.
where to park?
Head for the car park on Glorieta de Espana, which costs €1.65 an hour.
and 4 to drive to...
- 1: Balneario de Archena
- 2: Ricote Valley
- 3: Santuario de la Virgen Esperanza
- 4: La Manga del Mar Menor
Laze about in a thermal pool of natural spring water with reported medicinal qualities and enjoy a range of spa treatments.
how to get there?
Head north out of Murcia on the A30, then take exit 121A towards Archena. It's a 17-mile journey.
and 4 to drive to...
- 1: Balneario de Archena
- 2: Ricote Valley
- 3: Santuario de la Virgen Esperanza
- 4: La Manga del Mar Menor
Explore the region's Arab heritage in the fertile plains along the River Segura, where history meets stunning scenery.
how to get there?
Take the A30 north and come off at exit 116 where, via Ulea, you head towards Ricote. It's a 40-minute drive.
and 4 to drive to...
- 1: Balneario de Archena
- 2: Ricote Valley
- 3: Santuario de la Virgen Esperanza
- 4: La Manga del Mar Menor
Cut out of a sheer rock face at the bottom of the valley of the River Segura, this shrine is a great place to visit on an off-the-beaten-track day trip, where you can picnic in beautiful mountain scenery along with in-the-know locals.
how to get there?
Head north on the A30 to exit 91, where you follow signs to Calasparra and then to the Santuario itself, a few miles to the north. It's about an hour's journey.
and 4 to drive to...
- 1: Balneario de Archena
- 2: Ricote Valley
- 3: Santuario de la Virgen Esperanza
- 4: La Manga del Mar Menor
This sandy strip is where you'll find the region's most popular beaches, along with plenty of shops, bars and restaurants.
how to get there?
Follow the A30 south onto the AP-7 and then the MU-312. La Manga is about an hour and 15 minutes' drive from Murcia.
ask a Murcia cabbie!
Local taxi driver Silverio Gonzalez on car hire in Murcia: "The traffic in Murcia is normally pretty smooth, but the frequent roadworks on the main streets make driving round the centre of town a crazy adventure - I'd avoid it if you can. There are some free parking areas available around the city, so you can park in one of those and then walk to the areas you want to see."