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Europe is probably not the first destination that comes to mind when you think of a sunny winter holiday. At this time of year it is best associated with snowy, cobbled streets and cozy Christmas markets, but there are always a few exceptions to the rule.
If you don’t love the ancient culture enough to withstand the freezing cold, we are happy to report this secret European destination stays somewhat warm in the quiet season, with temperatures of 63 degrees, great coastal views, and very little rain.
Did we also mention the beautiful Old Town and the $3 beers? This winter, paradise is just a flight away for most Americans Murcia, Spain:
Looking for a mild European winter? This is where you can find it:
We will keep it realistic together with you.
Murcia is not nearly as sultry in winter as somewhere in the Caribbean, but as you Are excited about one European get away from it all this winter, and the crowded beaches of Cancun or the bustling beach town of Punta Cana won’t cut it: it’s as warm as it gets across the pond.
While most of mainland Europe is plunged into darkness as early as 3 p.m., or faces heavy precipitation and snow showers, this sunny southern Spanish city has an average high temperature of 63 degrees during the dayand dropped to an acceptable 48 later in the evening.
According to TUIthere is one 63% chance of a perfect sunny day in Murcia in the colder months and a 37% chance of some cloud cover, with limited rain expected – it usually rains between 3 and 4 days in January, one of the wettest months.
It’s the perfect weather for sightseeing without being slowed down by the scorching heat.
We’d even go so far as to say that Murcia is best experienced in the off-season, when crowds are minimal and it’s not an unpleasant 100 degrees.
That said, you may want to forego swimming in the Mediterranean this time of year the water is much colder nowbut honestly, even in summer, no American flies in good conscience absolutely to Spain for beaches only.
Come for the weather, stay for the fascinating culture
It’s the age-old appeal, incredible cuisine and beautiful sights that make their hearts beat faster, and Murcia ticks all these boxes and Than some:
It is one of the cultural capitals of Spain, founded in the year 825 after the Arab conquest of the Iberian Peninsula.
The name is derived from the Arabic Mursiyah and is a constant reminder of the city’s Moorish origins, although the minarets-studded skyline would gradually change as the Christians reconquered the area.
Unlike Cordoba, where Europe’s most monumental mosque still stands, there is not much left of Murcia’s once rich Arab past; on the other side you will be met an abundance of baroque showpiecesincluding the towering cathedral and stately Palacio Episcopal.
Distinguished by its crimson facade, it was built in the 18th century as the seat of the Diocese of Cartagena – not the Cartagena of Colombia, the Spanish Cartagena – and it is perhaps the most important monument in the city. costs a total of $0 to visit.
Yes, it’s free.
Murcia Is Littered With Historical Monuments
Let’s not forget it Puente de los Peligros (Bridge of Dangers), a perfect bridge over the Segura River, the Royal Casino, a neoclassical work dating back to the 19th century, and Cerdá House, proud home to a Vicente Cerdá Museum, celebrating the life of the famous architect and work.
Murcia is centuries old and of course there are many older structures, including the Arab-built Aloud Palace, a permanent feature of Murcia’s ever-changing skyline since the High Middle Ages, and now a museum with a wide range of exhibitions, and the castle of Monteagudo on the hilltop.
Of course there would be one, and it is extremely picturesque. It offers a sweeping panorama of the warren of winding alleys and busy thoroughfares of old Murcia, the surrounding countryside and the Mediterranean Sea.
So are the La Merced Campus and its monastery, which are part of the University of Murcia a must-see if you’re a history buff like us:
It’s the third eldest knowledge center in Spain, founded in the year 1272 AD (en one of the oldest universities in the world).
Don’t get us started on all the incredible food you can eat
A foodie tour of Murcia’s culinary highlights is as unparalleled an activity as sightseeing, and whether you’re looking for cheap eats or don’t mind treating yourself to a three-course meal every other evening, you can rest assured that you are doing well. taken care of here.
The Murcian cuisine is strongly influenced by the Mediterranean climate and exotic Moorish heritage, with two local favourites arroz conejo y caracoles––rice with rabbit and snails, anyone?––and calderoa seafood cauldron stew prepared with rice and vegetables.
You will find the best rice dishes in the city arroceria––if that’s even a word––Arroces El Pillowhile La Niña Guindilla is the darling of seafood lovers; don’t forget it Malvon‘s tasty take-out empanadas, and El Pupito‘s varied range of paellas.
…and here’s the best part: you can get all that great food for under $15 when you go out to eat!
According to Numbeothe average price of a meal at a cheap Murcian restaurant is a very reasonable $14.34, and for all you tipsy beer snobs out there: you’ll be glad to learn how to order a pint of local beer at a tapas bar it will cost you a negligible $3.59 average.
Only slightly more expensive than the initially reported $3, but hey, we had to round those decimal places for the title!
Hotels in Murcia are just as budget-friendly; not as cheap as $3 a night as this is still Spain after all, but we’d say $68 for one centrally located hotel room, within walking distance of all major attractions, is a reasonable request.
Long story short: Murcia is affordable, cultural and a great alternative to Barcelona, Valencia and the like. perfect European getaway this winter.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
