- EDITIONS:
Spanish News Today
Alicante Today
Andalucia Today
PROPERTY SEARCH
HOME > MURCIA REGION > REGION OF MURCIA
Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia: Comunidad Autónoma de la Región de Murcia
The Region of Murcia is the 9th largest autonomous community in Spain by size, covering an area over half the size of Wales, and the tenth most populated with 1,474,449 inhabitants (national statistics institute, Jan 2013) of whom 22,000 are British.
It is formed by a single province, and governed by the autonomous regional government, based in the Palacio de San Esteban in Murcia City, and the regional Assembly, the regional parliament, in Cartagena.
The region is further broken down into 45 individual municipalities, each with their own municipal government and Mayor. These are then further subdivided into local pedanías, or diputaciones.
There are three major cities in the Region: the capital City of Murcia, with 441,354 inhabitants (Jan 2013), the historic port of Cartagena which is an important naval base and Mediterranean cruise ship destination with a population of 216,655, and Lorca with 92,865 residents.
The economy of the Region has traditionally relied on agriculture: it is often referred to as the market garden of Spain, and is a major exporter of fruit, salad and vegetables to most European countries, including the UK.
In the 20th and 21st century Cartagena has become a major centre for petroleum and energy production with the Repsol refinery and surrounding developments in the valley of Escombreras and its container port.
In the past there were important mineral mines in the Region, and over the centuries significant contributions to the economy have also been made by the furniture industry in Yecla, various traditional crafts such as esparto grass weaving and of course, being a coastal region, fishing (and, in recent times, fish farming).
There are also many new technological parks, notably the one in Fuente Álamo, and in the last twenty years international tourism has begun to develop.
Murcia is a popular Spanish tourist destination but remains largely unknown outside of Spain. UK tourists make up the largest group of foreign visitors to the region, accounting for more than 50% of tourists, however, many of these either own, are renting or visiting, properties on the 6 residential tourism developments built by the Polaris World Promotor and a number of other residential tourism developments including the luxurious La Manga Club, Camposol in Mazarrón, and Hacienda del Álamo in Fuente Álamo.
These are serviced by an airport at San Javier, shared with the Spanish Air Academy, and El Altet at Alicante (about a 1-hour drive from the region), and an opening date is still awaited for the new International airport at Corvera, near to Murcia City.
Murcia enjoys a warm climate, with 300 days of sun and clear skies a year and an average temperature of 21 degrees. The region is fringed by the Mediterranean Sea, its coastal area known as the Costa Cálida, with 250km of coastline. Murcia also has the Mar Menor, technically an inland saltwater lake separated from the Mediterranean by La Manga, a 22km long sandy strip with high density tourist occupation. This has 73km of internal beaches with a maximum depth of just 7 meters in the centre, making it a major focal point for watersports, with no tidal currents or waves, but having salt water, sandy beaches and steady sailing winds.
The region also has hotspring spas, mountainous interior areas, forested areas and stone fruit growing river valleys, offering a wide range of landscapes, and a rich offering of cultural monuments and historical sites.
Municipalities of the Region of Murcia
The municipalities of the Region of Murcia are Abanilla, Abarán, Águilas, Albudeite, Alcantarilla, Los Alcázares, Aledo, Alguazas, Alhama de Murcia, Archena, Beniel, Blanca, Bullas, Calasparra, Campos del Río, Caravaca de la Cruz, Cartagena, Cehegín, Ceutí, Cieza, Fortuna, Fuente Álamo de Murcia, Jumilla, Librilla, Lorca, Lorquí, Mazarrón, Molina de Segura, Moratalla, Mula, Murcia, Ojós, Pliego, Puerto Lumbreras, Ricote, San Javier, San Pedro del Pinatar, Santomera, Torre Pacheco, Las Torres de Cotillas, Totana, Ulea, La Unión, Villanueva del Segura and Yecla.
Where is the Region of Murcia?
Click for map, Region of Murcia
UK bans all meat and cheese from the EUPassengers flying to Britain from Spain will temporarily be stopped bringing certain food items British holidaymakers returning from Spain and elsewhere in the EU are now facing tightened restrictions on bringing meat and dairy products into the country.. 18/04/2025
English to the south, Germans on the islands: where are foreigners buying houses in Spain?Last year, foreign buyers snapped up nearly one in five homes sold in Spain Spain’s real estate market is experiencing a golden moment, driven not only by domestic demand but also by the interest of foreign buyers. While residents face mounting.. 18/04/2025
Easter weekend shopping hours in the Region of Murcia: What's open and what is closedFind out which supermarkets, shopping centres and stores will be closed this April 17 and 18 for the Easter long weekend The Easter holidays are here and for many people in the Region of Murcia, that means a chance to travel, relax or take care of.. 18/04/2025
Five of the Region of Murcia’s most original Holy Week processionsFrom fishermen in yellow coats to the thunder of drums - these lesser-known Semana Santa traditions offer something a little different By mid-Holy Week, the streets of Murcia, Cartagena and Lorca are usually packed with colour and tradition. But..
Easter supermarket hours in Spain: What to expect from Mercadona, Carrefour and LidlMost supermarkets across Spain will adjust their opening hours this April 17, 18 and 21 Holy Week, or Semana Santa, in Spain brings with it more than just processions, holidays and family outings. It also means adjusting everyday routines, especially.. 18/04/2025
Last-minute Easter bookings fill Murcia hotels almost to capacityAccommodation in Murcia city, Cartagena, Lorca and the coast is 90% full There’s no two ways about it – the Region of Murcia does Easter very, very well, so it’s no surprise that thousands of tourists from all over the world jet.. 18/04/2025
Why now is the time to install air conditioning in your Spanish homeTo ensure you stay cool as temperatures rise, Camposol Heating & Maintenance S.L. (CHM) is the name to trust in Murcia While it’s still a bit unsettled at the moment, Spain is undoubtedly heading into another sun-drenched summer. The intense.. 17/04/2025
Murcia sets its sights on the UK, Canada and Mexico in the wake of Trump tariffsThe Region of Murcia is turning to Europe and other emerging markets to export goods usually destined for the US With US tariffs threatening to impact a significant chunk of Murcia’s exports, the regional government is getting ahead of the curve.. 17/04/2025
Mostly dry until Easter Sunday: Murcia weather forecast April 17-20Barring the odd shower, the weather in the Region of Murcia should be mild and dry until the end of the weekend Weather outlook on Easter Sunday, April 20 The Region of Murcia, much like the rest of Spain, is in for a weekend of all seasons.. 17/04/2025
More than 30% of Murcia hospitality workers are foreignThe Region of Murcia is becoming increasingly popular both as a holiday destination and a relocation option Murcia's hospitality sector is becoming increasingly international, with more than 30% of workers in the Region now either foreign nationals.. 16/04/2025
Sunday Best Carvery every week at J6@CONDADOA delicious choice of starters, roasts and sides to make your Sunday special at Condado de Alhama golf resort Make your Sundays extra special with a mouth-watering carvery at J6@CONDADO, right in the heart of Jardín 6 at Condado de Alhama Golf.. 16/04/2025
Spanish schools ban processed food and soft drinksAll schools in Spain must now serve nutritious, healthy meals and snacks The Spanish government has taken a bold step toward healthier school environments by banning soft drinks, processed pastries and overly processed foods in educational centres.. 15/04/2025
Spanish health ministry defends drug reform as industry warns of shortagesSpanish government says new rules will boost access to cheaper medicines, not create supply risks The Ministry of Health in Spain has defended its new medicines bill after facing criticism from parts of the pharmaceutical sector and some.. 15/04/2025
Semana Santa off to a flying start in LorcaTwice as many foreign visitors as last year over the weekend before Easter in Lorca Semana Santa in Lorca, where the festivities have been awarded International Tourist Interest status, has got off to a flying start this year, with visitor numbers at.. 15/04/2025
EU to ban single-use milk and sugar packets in restaurantsComing into effect mid-2026, the law will also ban ketchup sachets and hotel toiletries In an effort to move toward a more sustainable economy, the European Union is pushing ahead with new regulations that will significantly impact the hospitality.. 15/04/2025
Who cares for the carer? Temporary respite breaks for the elderly at the DomusVi residence in MurciaDomusVi Ciudad de Murcia offers a rest for carers and a home from home for those in need of care This is the time of year when for many of us our thoughts begin to turn to holidays, the Easter break whetting our appetite for a well-deserved summer break!..
