12-Day Tour Through Uncharted Spain

From historic villages and desert landscapes to the golden beaches of the Costa Cálida

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Experience the authentic flavors of southern Spain

A road trip through Murcia is surprising, adventurous, and wonderfully relaxing. As one of Spain’s best-kept secrets, you can still experience the pure, authentic Spanish way of life here. During this 12-day road trip, you’ll leave the beaten path behind to explore the impressive inland region, hike through lush green valleys, and recharge on the golden-yellow beaches of the Costa Cálida. With your rental car, you’ll travel in complete freedom past vast vineyards, charming mountain villages, and historic towns, before settling into intimate accommodations with breathtaking views.

Highlights

Discover historic cities, Moorish oases, and surprising wine regions
Hike through the rugged wilderness and pine forests of Sierra Espuña
Relax by the pink salt lakes and golden beaches of the Costa Cálida

About This Trip

12 days (Fly & Drive)

Including unique places to stay

Starting at €2,095 per person.

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Itinerary

The itinerary

Day 1–2

Murcia

After arriving at the Alicante airport, it’s time to pick up your rental car. You can do this at the airport itself, or you’ll be taken to the rental company by shuttle bus. Once you’ve picked up your rental car, your tour of Murcia really gets underway. It’s a half-hour drive to the city of Murcia, where you’ll stay at a hotel centrally located in the historic city center. Everything in Murcia is within walking distance. There are various sights and cozy restaurants and (tapas) bars where you can stop for a bite to eat and a drink. Visit the Murcia Cathedral, stroll along the Segura River, and take a look inside the Real Casino.

Day 3–4

Valle de Ricote

After getting to know the region’s capital, it’s time to continue your journey. You’ll drive deeper into the interior to explore the Valle de Ricote oasis, known for its picturesque landscapes. It’s a place teeming with nature, where mountains, cliffs, villages, and orchards alternate. Everything comes together in the valley where the Segura River winds its way through the landscape. Thanks to this river, the entire valley is lush and fertile, teeming with palm trees and other beautiful plants and shrubs. We recommend setting aside a day to drive through the most beautiful villages, from Abaran to Villanueva. Along the way, you can stop at some amazing viewpoints. You’ll notice that the area has many Arab influences.

Day 5

Bullas

Bullas is one of the wine regions where the Monastrell grape is made into a delicious soft wine. And the nice thing about the town and wine region of Bullas is that it is still relatively unknown compared to the wine regions of Jumilla and Yecla. A visit to Bullas naturally involves visiting a winery and tasting a variety of wines. But did you know that the area has even more to offer? Like visiting the important pilgrimage site of Caravaca de la Cruz and the natural water source Salto del Usero.

Days 6–7

Sierra Espuña

The Sierra Espuña Natural Park is one of the best kept secrets and largest forest areas in the Region of Murcia. You can take beautiful walks and bike rides, and for those who love it, it is also good to know that you will find mountain walls that you can climb. Mountain villages like Aledo and El Berro are definitely highlights of the natural park, as is seeing with your own eyes the clear blue reservoir Barrancos de Gebas.

Days 8–9

Cartagena

You’ll leave the inland region—with its natural beauty and charming villages—behind and head toward the coast of Murcia, the Costa Cálida. Along the coastline, you’ll find stunning beaches, cozy coves, vast nature parks, historic cities, and much more. Cartagena is one of Spain’s most important port cities and boasts a fascinating and centuries-old history. Exploring the historic heart of the city and taking a boat tour through the harbor are must-do experiences. You’ll find cozy tapas bars and upscale restaurants there—and of course, we’ll recommend a few to you. Combine your visit to Cartagena with exploring the region’s most beautiful beaches, such as Playa de Calblanque.

Days 10–12

La Manga de Mar Menor

The final stop on the tour is La Manga de Mar Menor. A unique destination in Murcia that you simply must visit. This saltwater lagoon is the largest in Europe and is separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a strip of land called La Manga. It’s the ideal spot to relax on the beach and enjoy lovely sunny days. Around the Mar Menor, you’ll find several villages where you can catch a glimpse of local Spanish life—think, for example, of Santiago de la Ribera or Lo Pagan. But that’s not the only reason this place is a must-visit. Have you ever heard of the Parque Regional de las Salinas y Arenales de San Pedro del Pinatar? There you’ll find mud baths, pink salt lakes with flamingos, and a pristine sandy beach.

Beautiful stays

Murcia

Count of Floridablanca

Step out the door of the Conde de Floridablanca and stroll straight through the charming streets of the El Carmen neighborhood. This elegant hotel is located near the famous Murcia Cathedral and offers a wonderful base among the lively tapas bars.

Bullas

Casa Borrego

In a beautifully restored watermill on the Mula River, you’ll find Murcia’s very first gastronomic hotel. Here, you can spend the night in style while enjoying world-class culinary delights and local Monastrell wines.

Sierra Espuña

Hotel Jardines de La Santa

Tucked away among the mountain ranges of Sierra Espuña, Hotel Jardines de La Santa is housed in a 16th-century monastery. With its serene atmosphere, historic courtyards, and lush gardens, you’ll experience a unique blend of history and nature here.

Cartagena

La Casa de las Flores

End your day in peace and quiet on the cozy rooftop terrace, right in the heart of Cartagena’s historic center. This small-scale boutique hotel exudes Spanish charm, and you’re just steps away from the city’s atmospheric tapas bars and iconic landmarks.

Practical information

This versatile road trip through Murcia is all about carefree enjoyment. We’ll take care of the basics for you—booking your flights, rental car, and stays in charming accommodations—so you can explore this undiscovered Spanish region with complete freedom.

Included

Round-trip flights to Alicante, including carry-on and checked baggage
All-inclusive rental car (including damage and theft coverage)
All overnight stays in centrally located hotels, charming apartments, or cozy accommodations
Daily breakfast included with all stays
A personalized digital travel guide full of insider tips for the most beautiful hiking trails, beaches, and local (tapas) bars

Arrange it yourself

Fuel, tolls, and any parking fees for the rental car
Lunches, dinners, and other meals
Travel and Cancellation Insurance
Optional excursions, admission fees, and wine tastings (unless booked as an add-on)

The months of May, June and September are ideal for planning a road trip through the Murcia region. The weather is generally mild, nice and sunny and with pleasant temperatures between 20-25°C.

The summer months of July and August are also a great time for a road trip. Just keep in mind that temperatures can rise to around 30°C, and sometimes even higher.

During this road trip through Murcia, you'll stay in accommodations full of character. All overnight stays include a delicious daily breakfast, so you can start each day off right. The starting price for this sample itinerary is based on two people sharing a standard double room (room upgrades, beachfront apartments, or extended stays are available upon request)..

Good to know: Our trips are tailor-made and subject to current availability. If one of the suggested accommodations is fully booked for your travel dates, we’ll of course find an equally comfortable and characterful alternative for you. Any local tourist taxes or parking fees are payable directly at the accommodation.

What makes Murcia different from the rest of Spain?

Murcia is one of the country’s best-kept secrets. There, you can enjoy authentic Spanish charm, beautiful nature, and historic cities without the mass tourism found on the other Costas.

What are the roads and driving conditions like in the Murcia region?

The roads in the region are exceptionally well-maintained and generally very quiet. From modern highways to scenic routes through the mountains and mountain villages, driving your rental car here is very relaxing.

Is it possible to experience a combination of nature, culture, and the beach in 12 days?

Yes, absolutely. Because the distances within the Murcia region are relatively short, you’re never in the car for very long. The first part of the trip is more about nature and culture, and the closer you get to the coast, the more your days will be focused on the beach and relaxing. Of course, you can always extend your trip through the Murcia region.

Is the Murcia region also a good destination for wine lovers?

Yes, that's right! Murcia is home to surprising and up-and-coming wine regions like Bullas. During the trip, you'll have plenty of opportunities to visit local wineries and taste the famous Monastrell grape.

Can I still change the trip duration or route?

Absolutely! All our trips are custom-designed. Would you like to stay longer on the beaches of the Costa Cálida or spend a few extra days in nature? We’d be happy to tailor the itinerary to your preferences.

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Your Dream Trip, Worry-Free

A trip that truly suits you starts with listening to your wishes and travel dreams. Together, we’ll map out your ideal route, filled with special places and memorable experiences. We’ll take care of all the practical details, from flights to excursions. Sounds good, right?

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