Day trips
A day in Murcia
A cathedral with a Baroque façade and one of the tallest church towers in Spain, a 19th-century casino and tapas on a square full of flowers. A 50-minute drive.
The regional capital
Murcia, capital of the region of the same name, lies on the river Segura, about 56 kilometres from the penthouse. The old town is flat and compact: from the market hall by the river to the Museo Salzillo, you walk from one square to the next.
Come in the morning if you can, especially in summer, when the Museo Salzillo only opens in the morning. In July and August, Murcia averages 34 °C in the daytime, almost five degrees warmer than the coast.
Itinerary
What your day looks like
A sample itinerary for spring and autumn. Opening hours and prices were checked in October 2026 and may change: check the official website before you go.
- 1
09:15
Drive to Murcia
Via the AP-7 and the RM-19 you reach Murcia in about 45 to 50 minutes. Park in the underground car park at Glorieta de España, next to the town hall and the river, a few minutes’ walk from the cathedral.
Open in Google Maps - 2
10:15
Mercado de Verónicas
The modernist market hall on the Segura, designed by Pedro Cerdán, dates from the early 20th century. Fish and seafood downstairs, fruit, vegetables and meat upstairs. A renovation of the façade and roof was approved in 2024, so check that the hall is open.
Open in Google Maps - 3
10:45
Glorieta and Puente de los Peligros
Past the town hall on Glorieta de España you reach the city’s oldest surviving bridge, the Puente de los Peligros of 1742. It is named after the statue of the Virgin in the niche beside it.
Open in Google Maps - 4
11:15
The cathedral
The Catedral de Santa María was begun in 1394 on the site of the old mosque. Inside, the highlight is the 15th-century Capilla de los Vélez with its star-shaped vault; outside, Jaime Bort’s Baroque main façade. The bell tower, about 90 metres tall, can only be climbed on a guided tour.
Open in Google Maps - 5
12:30
Real Casino
The Real Casino on Calle Trapería was founded in 1847. Behind its eclectic 1902 façade lies a monumental ground floor that you visit with an audio guide.
Open in Google Maps - 6
13:30
Santo Domingo and lunch on Plaza de las Flores
Via Plaza de Santo Domingo, with its giant ficus planted in 1893, you reach Plaza de las Flores: a car-free square with a fountain, florists and bars where you eat tapas outdoors.
Open in Google Maps - 7
15:30
Museo Salzillo
The museum is devoted to the Baroque sculptor Francisco Salzillo. You see the sculpture groups carried through the city at Easter, and a 556-figure Nativity scene commissioned in 1776.
Open in Google Maps - 8
17:00
Back to Pilar
In about 50 minutes you are back at the penthouse.
Calendar
Festivals and events
Holy Week
On the morning of Good Friday, Salzillo’s sculpture groups are carried through the streets.
Bando de la Huerta
On the Tuesday after Easter, a parade in traditional farmers’ dress fills the city; of International Tourist Interest.
Entierro de la Sardina
On the following Saturday: a night parade of floats ending with the burning of the sardine.
Frequently asked questions
Can you climb Murcia Cathedral’s tower?
Is the Real Casino open on Sundays?
Is the Museo Salzillo open at weekends in summer?
How far is Murcia from Pilar de la Horadada?
More day trips
Another day out?
- ± 35 min
- Not on Mondays
Cartagena
Roman theatre, a castle with a panoramic lift and modernist façades. All on foot from the harbour.
See the day
- ± 65 min
- AP-7 toll
Alicante and Tabarca
A free castle above the city, the Explanada and, if you like, the boat to Tabarca.
See the day
- ± 50 min
- UNESCO
Elche
Thousands of palms, the Huerto del Cura and the basilica of the Misteri d’Elx.
See the day
Your base on the Costa Blanca
After a day out, the roof terrace is waiting. See when the penthouse is available.