All our hotels in Murcia

Tucked into the hills in the province of the same name, Murcia is a city that’s full of charm and surprises. There’s eclectic architecture in the historic centre – bisected by the Segura River – as well as a rich Spanish and Moorish heritage, a lively cultural scene and vibrant nightlife. Less crowded than some other Spanish destinations, Murcia is a pleasure to explore.

Set near the Costa Cálida, Murcia is also an ideal base for getting to know this magnificent, unspoiled region of southern Spain. Take trips into the forested nature reserves on the outskirts of the city, or the orchards and rivers of the Ricote Valley. And to make the most of a stay in Murcia, the ancient ruins and sun-kissed beaches of Cartegna also merit a day's visit. Book your stay in Spain now and reserve one of Accor's modern hotels in Murcia.

The cultural traditions of Murcia reflect the turbulent history of the south of Spain. To see the Moorish influence, walk the ramparts that once wrapped around the city – vestiges of them can be found throughout the old town, Barrio de la Santa Cruz, but La Muralla Visitor Centre on Plaza Santa Eulalia is the place to go for a complete immersion into the medieval city. Bearing witness to the Moorish imprint on the city, the superb monastery of Santa Clara la Real is found inside the Alcázar Menor, the ancient residence of Muslim – and later, Christian – rulers. It's a spectacular melange of Islamic, Gothic and Baroque architecture. As well as ornate interiors and a verdant water garden designed in Moorish style, the monastery is home to the Museo de Santa Clara, which has an outstanding collection of Islamic and Christian exhibits. Other places that mix architectural beauty with historical interest include the 14th-century cathedral, with intricately carved portals, towers and domes, and the Episcopal Palace, a landmark known for the Baroque styling of its distinctive red facade. The Museo Arqueológico de Murcia showcases pottery and sculpture fragments excavated locally and dating from the Paleolithic period to Roman times, while you can see 19th- and 20th-century artwork at Murcia's Fine Arts Museum. Best of all, entry to all these monuments is free – so make the most of them!

About 20 minutes from the city centre, Carrascoy y El Valle Regional Reserve – which you can explore on foot or by bike – is home to rich fauna and flora. Stop off at the visitor centre for maps of footpaths and other useful information before setting off on your adventure. For anyone who loves discovering picturesque villages, the Ricote Valley is about 40 minutes north of Murcia. Climb up into the arid hills to admire the lush gardens irrigated by channels from the Segura River. On your way, make time to visit the charming, rustic towns of Archena, Blanca and Abarán. To get to the sea from your Murcia hotel, head for the Costa Cálida about 50 kilometres away. Take in the Roman theatre in Cartegna, also celebrated for its lovely beaches. Not far from there, pink flamingoes and various other wading bird species can be seen on the coastal lagoon of the Mar Menor, separated from the sea by the La Manga – a stretch of sand some 22 kilometres in length and a paradise for sun worshippers and water-sports fans alike.

Murcia is known for its hinterlands planted with orchards – the Huerta – and its DOC vineyards. To taste the rich produce of the land, take yourself off to the Mercado de Abastos de Verónicas, a vast market hall in the old barrio, or to the open-air markets that take place several times a week around the city. There are a number of inviting tapas bars and restaurants in the Santa Eulalia district, where you can sample regional specialities like the delicious, traditional ensalada murciana of potatoes, tuna and pepper; zarangollo, a local tapas based on scrambled eggs and courgette; or traditional olla gitana, a robust stew made with chickpeas, beans and pumpkin.

After supper, head for the tascas – lively cafés lining the alleys of the historic city centre – to carry on with your evening. Thanks to the student population, there are plenty of late-night bars with live music as well some trendy clubs.

If you visit Murcia during Holy Week, be sure to catch some of the religious processions, world-famous for their colour and splendour. Then there is the annual Murcia Feria, held in early September, when all the city joins in the celebrations. Finally, the Real Casino de Murcia – one of the city's most beautiful landmarks – has a varied year-round programme in a breathtaking setting.

Among the best hotels in Murcia, you'll find modern hotels that offer unbeatable value for money. Reserve a budget hotel in the outskirts of Murcia for decent prices and all the comfort of a modern boutique hotel with a terrace and parking. To be closer to the bustle of city life and the most beautiful landmarks in Murcia, choose a city-centre hotel with a bar, restaurant and garden terrace. Welcome to Murcia!

Flights from airports across the UK arrive at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, about 70 kilometres from Murcia. From there, take the C6 shuttle bus to Alicante Terminal railway station and catch a train to Murcia del Carmen station. The journey takes about 80 minutes. Budget flights from Manchester and London Gatwick fly into Región de Murcia International Airport, which is around 20 minutes by bus from the city centre. Once there, you'll find the city is served by a good public-transport network.