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Europe is probably not the first destination that comes to mind when you think of a sunny winter getaway. At this time of year, it’s best associated with snow-dusted, cobbled streets and cozy Christmas markets, but there’s always the odd exception to the rule.
If you don’t love ancient culture enough to withstand the freezing cold, we’re glad to report this secret European destination remains somewhat warm in the quiet season, boasting 63 degree-temps, amazing coastal views, and very little rain.
Have we mentioned also the picture-perfect Old Town and the $3 beers? This winter, paradise is a one-stop flight away for most Americans in Murcia, Spain:
Looking For A Mild European Winter? This Is Where You’ll Find It:
We will keep it real with you.
Murcia in winter is far from being as balmy as, hem, somewhere in the Caribbean, but if you are keen on a European getaway this winter, and the jam-packed beaches of Cancun, or Punta Cana’s buzzing resort zone do not cut it, it’s as warm as it gets across the pond.
While most of mainland Europe is either plunged into darkness as early as 3 pm, or faced with heavy precipitation and snow flurries, this sunny southern Spanish city boasts an average high temperature of 63 degrees during the day, dropping to a tolerable 48 later in the evening.
According to TUI, there is a 63% chance of a perfect sunny day in Murcia in the colder months and a 37% chance of seeing some clouds, with limited rain expected––it usually rains between 3 and 4 days in January, one of the wettest months.
It is the perfect weather for sightseeing without being slowed down by the scorching heat.
In fact, we’d go as far as to say Murcia is best experienced in the off-season, when crowding is minimal and it’s not an unpleasant 100 degrees out.
That being said, you might want to refrain from swimming in the Mediterranean this time of year, as the waters are much colder right now, but in all honesty, even in summer, no American in good conscience is flying all the way to Spain for beaches only.
Come For The Weather, Stay For The Fascinating Culture
It’s the ancient appeal, incredible cuisine, and beautiful sights that make their hearts flutter, and Murcia ticks all of those boxes and then some:
It is one of the cultural capitals of Spain, having been established in the year 825 upon the Arab Conquest of the Iberian Peninsula.
Its name derives from the Arabic Mursiyah, and it’s a constant reminder of the city’s Moorish origins, though its minaret-dotted skyline would gradually change as the Christians reconquered the area.
Unlike in Cordoba, where the most monumental mosque in Europe still stands, not much is left of Murcia’s once-rich Arab past; on the other hand, you’ll be met with a plethora of Baroque showpieces, including the towering cathedral and the stately Palacio Episcopal.
Distinguished by its crimson facade, it was built in the 1700s as the seat of the Cartagena diocese––not Colombia’s Cartagena, Spain’s Cartagena––and it is quite possibly the most important monument in town, costing a grand total of $0 to visit.
Yep, it’s free.
Murcia Is Littered With Historical Monuments
Let’s not forget Puente de los Peligros (Bridge of Dangers), a postcard-perfect bridge spanning the River Segura, the Royal Casino, a Neoclassical effort dating back to the 19th-century, and Cerdá House, the proud home of a Vicente Cerdá museum, honoring the renowned architect’s life and work.
Murcia is ancient, and naturally, there are far older structures, including an Arab-built Aloud Palace, a permanent fixture of Murcia’s ever-changing skyline since the High Middle Ages, and now a museum hosting a wide range of exhibitions, and the hilltop Monteagudo Castle.
Of course there’d be one, and it’s particularly scenic. It commands a sweeping panorama of Old Murcia’s mess of winding alleys and busy thoroughfares, the countryside surrounding it, and the Mediterranean Sea.
The La Merced Campus and its cloister, which are part of the University of Murcia, is also a must-see if you’re a History buff like us:
It is the third oldest center of knowledge in Spain, having been founded in the year 1272 AD (and one of the oldest universities in the world).
Don’t Get Us Started On All The Incredible Food You Can Gorge On
A foodie tour of Murcia’s culinary highlights is just as unprecedented an activity as sightseeing, and whether you’re chasing those cheap eats or you don’t mind treating yourself to a three-course dinner every other night, rest assured you’ll be well looked after here.
Murcian cuisine is strongly influenced by its Mediterranean climate and exotic Moorish heritage, with two local favorites being arroz con conejo y caracoles––rice with rabbit and snails, anyone?––and caldero, a cauldron seafood stew prepared with rice and vegetables.
The best rice-based dishes in town can be found in arroceria––if that’s even a word––Arroces El Pillo, while La Niña Guindilla is the darling of seafood lovers; don’t forget Malvón‘s tasty takeout empanadas, and El Pupito‘s varied selection of paellas.
…and here comes the best part: you can get all that amazing food for under $15 when dining out!
According to Numbeo, the average price of a meal in an inexpensive Murcian restaurant is a very-reasonable $14.34, and to all the tipsy beer snobs out there, you’ll be delighted to learn ordering a pint of local beer at a tapas bar will cost you a negligible $3.59 on average.
Only slightly more expensive than the initially-reported $3, but hey, we had to round those decimals for the title!
Hotels in Murcia are equally budget-friendly; not quite as cheap as $3 a night, as this is still Spain, after all, but we’d say $68 for a centrally-located hotel room, within walking distance of all the main sights, is a fair ask.
Long story short, Murcia is affordable, cultural and a great alternative to Barcelona, Valencia and the like, and and it makes for a perfect European getaway this winter.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, 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 within the post.