Murcia and Granada

Posted by Martha (California) on 04/17/22 12:38 AM

My husband and I and our 11 year old son will be in Spain in August. Part of our trip will be a road trip from Valencia to Malaga, and we plan on stopping for two nights in Murcia and two night in Granada. I prefer hotels or B&Bs for short stays rather than vacation rentals, but we are trying to keep it inexpensive--no more than $150/night, and cheaper is better as this is a bit of a budget trip, and we prefer to spend money for experiences rather than sleeping. We do need air conditioning, a private bathroom, and internet connection.

Also, since Rick does not cover Murcia, we would love to have any sightseeing recommendations and also to know the best neighborhood to stay in.

Opinions about whether or not Murcia needs two nights or if one night would be sufficient and/or alternate itinerary suggestions would be very welcome. We know we want to see Granada for sure, but if there is another point between Valencia and Granada or between Valencia and Malaga that may be more interesting/beautiful/fun than Murcia, please do tell!

Thanks so much!

Posted by jaimeelsabio

Mid-Atlantic area

04/17/22 01:31 AM

8132 posts

I hope Nick in Cartagena will chime in. Here’s an amended version of another of my posts. I can’t help with lodging since we only spent a few hours in Murcia city before moving on.

Murcia Region or city? That region of Span has no “must see/wow” sights like other regions of Spain. To me both Murcia city and Cartagena were worth maybe a half day each. If you want to visit both cities, then two nights in Murcia City would be fine. There is a castle at Lorca and another nearby one in Vélez-Blanco. For an outdoors location there’s the nature preserve Salto del Usero. Northeast of Murcia City is El Palmerar in Elche. My wife and I like castles and there are additional castles in Biar and Alcalá de Júcar. The castle at Lorca had activities geared for children certain times of the year, but that was pre-Covid and you’d have to check its website to see what it currently offers.

If you wanted to be by the water, we enjoyed Mojácar and stayed at the Parador (free parking). We also enjoyed Almería and its Alcazaba. Other than the Alcazaba, there isn’t a lot to do in Almería either, but we liked it more than Murcia City. In Almería we stayed at Hotel AC Almería (paid parking). Both hotels were nice. Most of the towns on the inland route are very small and lodging may be limited.

Posted by Martha OP

California

04/19/22 10:49 PM

9 posts

Thanks for the replies. I was talking about Murcia the city, so all the advice about the city and surrounding towns is really helpful. I think I will cut it to one night and spend an extra night in Granada. Thanks!

Posted by wayner

stevens point, wi, usa

04/25/22 07:13 PM

1195 posts

Hello from Wisconsin,
This came up in a different post. Double counting of days.

Are you ready for a downer? Well here goes. You arrive in a city on day 1, you can't check in until 14:00. That assumes your arrival can be made that early. And you leave on day 2 with check out at 11:00. So do we have a two day stay or the hours from 4:30 on Day 1 to when you go to bed? Day 2 starts with check out at 11:00 and trying get to the next stay by 14:00. Can the transfer be accomplished in 3 hours? What with waiting for mass transit or trying to find parking. Or do you pack up early and check out before 11:00.

A 'two day stay' turns out to be the afternoon of one day.

The fewer moves between locations you make, the more time you will have to enjoy your location.

Tour agencies are experts at getting you in and out of cities. You don't wait for the bus, it drops you at the next doorstep.

wayne inWI