Tucked away between the popular destinations of Valencia and Andalusia, the oft overlooked region of Murcia is an Instagrammer’s paradise. Fill your feed with the art nouveau buildings that line every street, the never-ending cafes in the pretty squares and the national parks – that provide the perfect backdrop for the ultimate panoramic selfie. Renowned for its incredible tapas, you’ll always have somewhere to snack while you snap when you visit Murcia. For envy-worthy pics, follow our guide to Murcia's 11 Insta-perfect spots.
Wander into the heart of the Old Town and you will come across the plaza of flowers. Given its name due to the numerous florist shops lining the square, this is the ultimate location for that traditional Spanish shot. Have a coffee alfresco from one of the many cafes and take in the ambiance of the pedestrianised square. Featuring a fountain in the centre, this is also home to one of the best tapas restaurants in the city, La Tapa. Enjoy their expansive menu and relax at one of their outdoor tables.
One walk through the city’s streets and you can’t fail to notice the remarkable houses scattered around the town. Inspired by Catalan modernism and the works of eclectic artist Gaudi, the sublime architecture and wrought iron balconies make these buildings picture-perfect. Make sure to visit Edifico de Tejidos Abad, arguably the prettiest of the lot with its white square bay windows.
No Instagram guide would be complete without a trendy café thrown into the mix. This cosmopolitan spot is in the ideal location right next to Murcia’s cathedral. Serving specialty fair trade coffee, coffee bread and an infamous Ferrero Lab chocolatey shake, this place definitely oozes the right aesthetic to spark up your feed.
Spend a day at the lighthouse for stunning views, secluded beaches and Europe’s largest salt water lake. Sitting on top of a small peninsula which formed as a result of volcanic eruptions, this attraction doubles as a feature for your photo as well as a view point. Walk up the hill and take in the magnificent surrounding countryside. Indulge in ice cream and take a stroll around the Marina for the ultimate seaside experience.
Still posing as a private gentlemen’s club, the casino offers group tours which are well worth investing in. From the get go, this place is interior goals with its eclectic design and plush finishing. Start your photo shoot in the billiard room and marvel at its coffered, geometric ceiling which is matched in the courtyard. Next, the ballroom features lavish rococo design and ceiling frescos. Who wouldn’t love a glimpse into past aristocratic grandeur!
Welcome to the city’s architectural showpiece! Boasting the Cathedral, Palacio Episcopal and the modern tourist office, this plaza has a rare mix of architectural styles unlike anything else you’ve ever seen. The large open space is regularly used by the city for processions and public displays and pretty much holds most of Murcia’s must see monuments. Contrasting the modern architecture of the new town hall with the burnt orange panelling and art deco of the palacio, the surroundings of Plaza del Cardenal Belluga makes for a spectacular shot.
The garden, taking on the form of a long avenue, epitomises the 19th century romantic style and is the oldest park in the city. Take cover from the blistering heat of the summer in this little oasis and use the line of buttress-rooted old fiscus trees to frame another fabulous Insta post.
Just six kilometres from the city’s southern outskirts, lies the best panoramic selfie you’ve ever taken. Murcia’s largest national park has an abundance of mountainous scenery as part of the Betic mountain range and city views to die for. Also be sure to visit the twin whitewashed baroque towers that dominate the natural skyline of the area. Grab your guide from the visitors centre and get hiking!
Nicknamed ‘fortress of the sun’, this medieval landmark was a stronghold for Murcia during the Moorish Christian clashes in the Middle Ages. Nowadays, head to the sight for dramatized tours, falconry displays and a rare 15th century synagogue discovered inside the fortress’ walls.
Located inside Parque Regional de Calblanque, this beach is one of the best preserved natural landscapes on the coast. Secluded and a welcome escape from the constant buzz of city life, the unspoilt stretch of golden beach is your next must see Instagram setting. Explore the secret coves, fossil dunes and salt flats of the area and make the most of the seaside’s serenity by spending the day relaxing on the sand and dipping in the ocean.
A massive bronze sculpture, this poignant landmark is dedicated in honour of terrorism victims anywhere. The work of art is unmissable and depicts a man burying his head and hugging his knees to his chest.
Planning a trip to Murcia soon? Make sure to tag us in your photos you took from our Instagrammer’s guide to Murcia, Spain using the hashtag #ryanairstories, for a chance to be featured on Ryanair’s social media feed.
Flights to Murcia
- Lucy Norris
Check out the Try Somewhere New podcast to discover more things to do in Murcia
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