Moving to Murcia an expat guide will help you decide where to go if you want to become an expat in Spain. This post is part of our series of guides about the villages, towns, cities, provinces and regions of Spain. Consequently, it will provide you with lots of useful information about the breathtaking province of Murcia Spain.
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So, let’s crack on with Moving to Murcia an expat guide, and find out why this province is generally one of the best areas of Spain to move to as a British expat.
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Where is the Region of Murcia?
Murcia is a typically Spanish area located in southeastern Spain. Click on the picture above for a Map Guide. It’s one of the country’s most beautiful regions.
Inland, Murcia is an arid desert vista where historic towns are surrounded by orchards, olive groves, plantations and vineyards. Correspondingly, there are also the remains of weather beaten, time ravaged Moorish castles.
All are set to the backdrop of imposing pine-covered mountains which stretch to the coast. Furthermore, along the Costa Cálida there is a selection of divine white sandy beaches stretching almost 170 km. Consequently, this results in Murcia’s coast having luxuriously warm, crystal clear waters and turquoise blue saltwater lagoons like the Mar Menor.
It has it’s own airport called Corvera, which is nearer and relatively new. It took over from San Javier Airport several years ago as the major international hub. Of course, only an hour north is the bigger Alicante Airport which has many more flights from the UK.
Murcia offers a diverse range of living accommodation. You can buy property like charming apartments in the heart of the city center, right to tranquil villas nestled amidst the scenic beauty of the surrounding countryside.
Why moving to Murcia is a great idea
A perfect place for lots of reasons
People here really do live longer and have a more comfortable life. Life here is slow-paced and stress-free. Certainly, the only times anyone stays up to party ’til dawn drinking San Miguel are the times of the local fiestas, like the Burning of the Sardine. This is a night of madness and mayhem and there’s a noisy, colourful procession of floats, guarded by torchbearers. During this fiesta it travels through the streets of Murcia city, throwing toys and sweets out to children and adults alike.
Mazarron and Aguilas are incredibly enchanting places at night. Albeit depending on where you choose to live, most villages and small towns will be cheaper than the cities. Accordingly, essential grocery shopping and meals out are about 16% less than in the Spanish capital, Madrid. When indulging in the delightful flavors of Spanish cuisine, be sure to savor the iconic seafood paella, a delectable dish that perfectly captures the essence of Murcia’s coastal heritage.
Moving to Murcia for Sunny Days
The weather in Murcia is great with year round sunshine thanks to its Mediterranean climate. Moving to Murcia means you will get around 325 sunny days a year. Therefore, as a expat you can expect average temperatures to get slightly above 19 C, and there is very little rain. Consequently, you should plan a removal to Murcia to take advantage of this wonderful weather and the costa calida coastline.
La Manga, Lo Pagan and Cartagena, in the Murcia Region of Spain
The winters are mild and the summers are hot here. Air quality is incredibly good. Because of this, the World Health Organisation has named Murcia’s climate among the best in the world if you suffer from arthritis and asthma.
Healthcare in Murcia Spain
Spain boasts a robust healthcare system that is renowned for its accessibility and quality of care. The public healthcare service in Murcia Spain, often referred to as Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS), provides comprehensive medical services to its residents and registered expatriates. The system is funded through taxes, ensuring that essential healthcare services are available to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. Spanish public hospitals and clinics offer a wide range of medical treatments and services, and residents can access primary care physicians and specialists easily.
On the other hand, private healthcare in Spain is also widely available and offers additional benefits. With private health insurance, individuals have the flexibility to choose their preferred doctors and hospitals, and they often experience shorter waiting times for consultations and elective procedures. Additionally, private healthcare facilities may provide more personalized and luxurious amenities, catering to those seeking a higher level of comfort and exclusivity.
While both public and private healthcare services in Spain deliver high standards of medical care, the key difference lies in the level of convenience and customization. Public healthcare is a reliable option for those seeking quality medical attention without significant financial burden, while private healthcare appeals to individuals who value flexibility, convenience, and personalized services.
It’s important to note that the choice between public and private healthcare ultimately depends on an individual’s personal preferences, financial situation, and specific healthcare needs. If you’re moving to Murcia Spain you should carefully assess their options and choose the system that best suits you.
Popular Cities and Towns in Murcia
Murcia
Tourist Video (4min 14sec)
Murcia city centre is a vibrant place. It is a university city and is home to a mishmash of cultures and an assortment of architectural designs. The city center of Murcia has a diverse community of university students, creating a global environment for learning for all international students, along with cultural exchange in this university city. Additionally, there is also a plethora of colourful traditions and lively fiestas. There are no other big cities in the region of murcia, but Murcia City has all the amenities you would expect, as well as historic charm and an old city area.
It’s a place where nothing is hurried. Culture and history just seem to ooze from every narrow street. There is always an interesting museum, bridge, garden or restaurant to visit.
For example, some things to see and do around Murcia City Centre
Hike to La Marenica Monestary and taste the heavenly Chocolate de La Luz
Experience true passion and an amazing culture at the Bullfighting Museum – rated on Trip Advisor as a real hidden gem
Discover the city center and the delightful mini Aquarium and come face-to-face with baby sharks
The Moors and Christians Festival – One of the most important fiestas in the city, this celebration is truly steeped in history. Therefore it really is a Murcia City theatrical performance not to miss. Colourful groups of Moors and Christians parade through the city, playing music and re-enacting the Re-Conquest. Most of the acts take place in the Medieval Encampment in the San Esteban Garden.
Lorca
No expat guide to moving to Murcia would be complete without mentioning Lorca. It is a city which goes by many names: – City of the Sun, The City of One Hundred Shields, even The Baroque City. Each name reflects how magnificent and spectacular the city actually is.
History really does just seems to ooze from every corner of Lorca. Consequently, centuries old craft traditions like embroidery, iron forging and pottery are still practiced. Local artisan craftspeople be found at the medieval Thursday market, which still runs to this day.
Lorca will always be famous for its legacy of archaeological sites and historic buildings. Chiefly, it has a rich culture & traditions, particularly it’s spectacular Easter Week celebrations. Consequently, it has even been shortlisted for the European Destinations of Excellence program, in recognition of its sustainable tourism.
For Example:- Things to see and do around Lorca City
Experience an atmosphere like no other as you uncover Jewish history beneath the Parador Hotel, which once was an impressive castle.
Back in the city, lose yourself in the charm of the old city, where historical architecture and narrow streets create an enchanting ambiance.
Immerse yourself in the surroundings of Lorca by taking a leisurely 10 km trek through the Cejo de los Enamorados
Find out exactly what the artisans of the city have to offer and grab a bargain at the Centro de Artesania de Lorca
For instance, some of the must visit restaurant in Murcia
Casa Candido on Calle Santo Domingo – A rustic restaurant which makes delicious home cooked meals. What’s more, it’s found in a 16th Century building with its own underground caves. The meat is heavenly.
Taberna El Camino on Calle Santo Domingo – A cozy pub with a big heart. Traditional food is served generously inside its cool stone walls.
Aguilas
Aguilas is a bustling, flamboyant port town, with a wonderful carnival and beautiful beaches on the costa cálida. Consequently, the town is a very popular tourist destination for both the Spanish and the British.
That being the case, Aguilas isn’t as quiet as the other places we’ve mentioned, but it still oozes charm. Famous for its rich seafaring traditions and Roman history, the town adores culture and architecture. This generally evident from its funky concert hall, plus its comparative abundance of interesting museums and magnificent churches.
Dotted around its spacious streets and large plazas, expats living in Murcia will find traces of Roman history, beautiful gardens, exotic rubber trees, white windmills and medieval structures.
Furthermore, down on the golden, sandy beaches, expats can discover delicious seafood and can even give scuba diving, sailing and other marine activities a try. Therefore, for anyone who doesn’t like to keep still and who enjoys experiencing different things, Aguilas is the perfect place to lay down their roots.
Restaurants in Aguilas you should try
- Zoco del Mar near Castle Esplanade –
- Meson del Willy on Calle Ciclista Julian Hernandez Zaragoza
Mazarron
Mazarron is a historic port town, set around a glorious bay on costa cálida which is surrounded by outstanding geological rock formations, breathtaking scenery and stunning beaches. This really is the place to just laze around and relax. Indeed, spacious, palm tree-lined plazas let expats meander around the town’s monuments and ancient buildings.
Not known for its nightlife, Mazarron is more famous for its Roman and Phoenician history, seafood, nudist beaches and mining.
For example some of the things to see and do around Mazarron
– Walk up the gentle slopes of Mirador del Cabezo del Gavilan
For instance, some of the must visit restaurants in Mazarron
- El Palenque on Avenida del Mediterraneo
La Manga del Mar Menor
Video La Manga (1min 28sec)
Lastly, we have La Manga, which is an upscale beach resort on a strip of land which separates the Mediterranean sea from Europe’s largest saltwater lake.
Here expats can enjoy the finer things in life, like golfing, playing tennis, eating delicious, healthy foods and boutique shopping. Furthermore, they can relax and immerse themselves in culture, whilst benefitting from bathing in Mar Menor’s salt waters.
As a luxurious beach resort the town is clean and spacious. Every Sunday there is a bustling market, the Mercadillo de Cabo. Above all, it is like a car boot or flea market, but on a grander scale.
On the whole, La Manga is relatively peaceful, but it does become particularly lively during the summer thanks to tourism on the costa cálida . Consequently, from June until September, living in Murcia becomes even more exciting and the beautiful beaches become packed with bathers.
For example, some of the things to see and do around La Manga
- Take the kids or grandkids to Peke Park,
- Visit the lighthouse at El Faro de Cabo Palos
For instance, some of the must visit restaurants in La Manga
Restaurante El Mosqui - on Carrer Subida al Faro
Pizzería di Mare – on Calle Embalse de Sichar
El Pez Rojo – on Calle Los Palangres
There are loads of things to see and do in Murcia, including river rafting on the Rio Segura River and seeing the exquisite countryside by hot air balloon
With the region of Murcia being so beautiful, healthy and such a wonderful place to relax and unwind, it’s undoubtedly the best location for any expat wanting to get away from it all and thoroughly enjoy living in Murcia in their Spanish casa. Ahh, true bliss!
Learn Spanish to enhance your experience and connect with the locals on a deeper level in your daily lfe.
Utilize the city’s efficient public transport system to explore every nook and corner of Murcia, Spain conveniently. Living in Murcia allows expats to immerse themselves in the richness of Spanish culture, from savoring traditional tapas to witnessing vibrant flamenco performances.
So there you have it, Moving to Murcia an expat guide. We hope you enjoyed it and if you’ve found this article useful. If you want to live abroad and find out more about removals from the UK to Spain contact us now for help with your removal from the UK to Murcia in Spain.
