Murcia is a city found in the South East of Spain, a popular tourist resort with a local sense of culture from their local architecture, parades such as Holy Week processions and pride in their local arts community, such as famous sculptor Francisco Salzillo. Murcia as a city has both activities within its boundaries but also local attractions accessible by car. Murcia’s local airport Murcia San Javier airport means that it is a city accessible by most European countries through many of the cheap airline ticket providers. Murcia offers to its visitors a mix of traditional holiday excursions visiting the local attractions and immersing you in the culture, but couples this with the idea that holiday makers may want to do something more unusual, visit a wildlife park, go kite surfing, visit Mini Hollywood, do some off road excursions, go diving or perhaps experience fishing. A car is possibly a must visiting this city, with the city encouraging local holiday makers, or at least informing them of the activities in the local surrounding areas. Car hire directly from the airport is possible through the car hire companies such as: Do You Spain, Amigos Car hire, Compare Care Hire and Murcia Car Hire.
Murcia Airport information
Murcia-San Javier Airport (MJV) is located 27km south of Murcia and handles about 1.6 million passengers every year. Flights are to destinations within Europe only. MJV functions as both a military and a civilian airport. ATMs and Bureau de change are available in the airport. There are a number of food outlets, including bars and restaurants, available as well as a few shops including a duty-free. In terms of disabled facilities, there are toilets available but you should contact your airline separately if you feel you’ll need further assistance. For cheap car hire in Murcia there is an information desk available in arrivals for further assistance.
Places to visit around Murcia
Those interested in architecture should visit the Plaza Cardenal Belluga. Built in the 14th and 15th centuries, the Cathedral of the Diocese of Cartagena reflects an amalgamation of styles, including Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical. Its tower is particularly impressive. It can be seen throughout the city and is home to 25 magnificent bells. The Bishop’s Palace is another stunning building. Built in the 18th century, it parades two beautiful facades. The Santa Ana is a beautiful convent and, if you’re feeling peckish, the Sisters of the Convent’s Closed Order are known for their cakes which are sold through a grate. On the banks of the Segura River, the Glorieta is an 18th century square in which you can admire the city hall. It’s also a great place to shop or simply sit and relax.
For a more in-depth look at the city, the Salzillo Museum is home to the brightly painted, life sized figures used during the Easter procession. The Archeological Museum, north of the Plaza de Santo Domingo, is also of special interest and houses artifacts dating back to prehistoric times. Strangely enough, the main casino is another prime attraction to discover more about Murcia’s heritage. Inside it features a beautiful Moorish patio: a fantastic example of what you could buy with all your winnings!
A fantastic way to admire the Segura River is to take advantage of the numerous bridges traversing it. The Puente de los Peligros was a stone construction built in the 18th century, whereas the Puente Nuevo is an iron creation made in the 20th century. The Glorieta de Espana is also located close to the river and is a perfect place to take a stroll or relax after a day of sightseeing. The Ayuntamiento, or town hall, is located on the north side of this park.
The city also boasts an extensive coastline stretching around 250km. It’s nicknamed La Costa Calida, which translated means ‘The Hot One’, and with so much sun every year it’s of no surprise. A fantastic way to view it in its entirety and at your own pace is to use a car hire in Murcia. This way you can visit the multitude of beaches. For example, you can enjoy water sports at Las Delicias, sun bathe at Castillicos or paddle at Levante.
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