With its maze of historic streets and bold Baroque buildings, the university city of Murcia in Spain has plenty of character. In its impressive plazas, bustling restaurants serve an assortment of tapas, while cosy bars stay open late into the night. Thanks to its location in south eastern Spain, Murcia has a mild Mediterranean climate, with over 300 days of sunshine every year. It's also within easy reach of the Costa Cálida, where there are dozens of pretty beaches and coves to discover.
Hostels in Murcia include a historic building in the heart of the old town and a plant-filled casa that’s close to the city’s green spaces. Most hostels have home comforts such as free Wi-Fi, cable TV and air con. Some Murcia hostels have vending machines for refreshments, while others dish up hearty continental breakfasts. Choose a Murcia hostel with an outdoor swimming pool for cooling off and bicycles for exploring the city.
Murcia's atmospheric old town is home to the central square of Plaza de Santo Domingo, as well as the narrow shopping streets of Calle Trapería and Calle Platería. The area around the University of Murcia's La Merced campus is a hub of buzzing student bars and cafés. A short walk south west of the centre leads to the riverside Paseo del Malecón, an elegant 15th-century promenade that's perfect for evening strolls.
Situated in the Plaza del Cardenal Belluga, the Cathedral of Murcia is a fascinating mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Next to it is the blush-coloured Palacio Episcopal, which was built in the 18th century. Watch the world go by in Plaza de las Flores, a pleasant square filled with bars and restaurants. Another good place for people watching is the Jardín De Floridablanca, a peaceful spot with giant ficus trees that provide shade from the sun. For souvenirs, head to the Centro de Artesanía de Murcia, which showcases handicrafts by local artists.
Región de Murcia International Airport is around 27km from the city. From here, you can hop on a bus or take a taxi to the centre. Downtown Murcia is easy to navigate on foot, and walking maps are available in most hostels. The city has two bus companies and a tram network. The main train station, Murcia del Carmen, has connections to other cities in Spain such as Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona.
