Murcia Tourist Attractions

Murcia, the university city in the southeast of Spain, is the gateway into a region that thrives not only on beach holiday tourism alone, but offers plenty of cultural attractions too. Here are a few ideas what to see and do in Murcia:

Guided Bike Tour: Historic Murcia

The 2.5 hour tour includes many highlights of Old Town. Murcia was founded some 1,100 years ago, boasting still a magnificent late 14th century cathedral that overlooks Plaza Cardenal Belluga, the city's main square. Completed in 1465, the cathedral now has an 18th century facade and tower. Also 18th century, the Palacio Episcopal. The tour goes past Segura River parks, takes in historic quarters that are most vibrant today, and shows you Traperia Street, where the Casino is located. Tour starts from Calle AciscloDiaz 5.

Cartagena and the Ancient Romans

Tours of the 3,000-year-old city start at 10.30 am, taking ca 3 hours to complete. The walking tour takes you on the Roman route through Cartagena, which includes many important monuments, e.g. the Roman theatre. Meeting point is in front of Mare Nostrum restaurant, Port of Cartagena, Muelle Alfonso XII.

Horseback Tour of Cartagena

The 2.5 hour tour on horseback leads you through the Regional Park of Calblanque, a protected area filled with interesting flora and fauna, including rich bird-life. Cartagena horseback tours begin with riding mountain trails, until you reach the beach, where your horse can run at its own pace. Only experienced riders at an advanced level will enjoy this tour. Meet your tour guide at Paseo Alfonxo XII near Mare Nostrum restaurant, 8G.

Murcia's Huerta: the Orchard Tour

The Segura River crosses Murcia from west to east, and the city is surrounded by two mountain ranges: the hills of Guadalupe, Espinardo, Cabezo de Torres, Esparragal and Monteagudo to the northern end, and the Cordillera Sur to the south. The Orchards lie in the Segura River Valley, north of Cordillera Sur. Filled with orange and fragrant lemon trees, Murcia's Huerta is a must-see on a trip to the region. Your bike tour guide meets you at Sobikes, Bicicletas Naga Bike Shop at Calle Acisclo Díaz 15 bajo, in Murcia.

Murcia Orchard Electric Bike Tour

While the tour above covers around 40 km, this one only covers 20 km. You cycle along irrigation canals and lanes lined by bitter orange and mulberry trees. Segura River Valley is overlooked by the Cordillera Sur mountains, and represents one of Spain's oldest agricultural landscapes, dating back to the Romans. Meeting point for tours is the same place as above.

Cartagena Fortress of Navidad

If all that cycling has made you a little tired, why not try this cruise the next day? You'll visit the 19th century Fortress of Navidad, built to protect the Bay of Cartagena, and go past the Lighthouse that protects the harbour defences.

Alternatively, try a tour of Murcia's 17th century Castillo de Monteagudo or 17th century Almudi Palace, which houses an art gallery now.