Luxury hotel holidays to Valencia and Murcia

Luxury holidays to Valencia and Murcia: luxury hotel holidays, touring holidays and special interest holidays

The regions of Valencia and Murcia offer the chance to explore the long stretch of Spain’s eastern coast and the contrasting landscapes found inland. Picturesque villages lie scattered along the shore between larger towns, many of which have been overlooked by mass market tourism and are still beautifully authentic. The inland reaches of these regions vary drastically from fertile groves of oranges, dates and even rice to arid deserts spotted with isolated white buildings and hilltop towns. Valencia is another semi-independent region with its own language, valenciano. The language is derived from Catalan and has many similarities but it’s unwise to comment on this to a local as they are fiercely proud of their unique identity. Alongside valenciano and Castilian Spanish there is also the legacy of the long Arab occupation. On a stunning beach of golden sand is the regional capital of Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city. Visitors to this region must be sure to try a real paella as the famous dish originated here. There are countless combinations of flavours and ingredients to be tried in the restaurants, but the most traditional option is rabbit and chicken in a vibrant saffron rice. Valencia has reinvented itself in recent years with futuristic architecture and a sophisticated port area which contrast with the historic buildings of the atmospheric old town. On the other hand, Murcia is a historic city which is particularly noted for its Baroque cathedral and tapas scene. Between these two locations you will find the bustling town of Denia, launching point for ferries to the Balearic Islands. A historic port founded by the Romans, Denia has a hilltop castle, ancient fishing neighbourhood and beautiful beaches. The regions of Valencia and Murcia are particularly known for their festivals and two of Spain’s most iconic fiestas are held here. The crazy tomato fight of La Tomatina is Bunol is probably not to everyone’s taste, however the spring celebration of Las Fallas is highly recommended – a month filled with fireworks, huge bonfires and giant puppets that are set on fire at the end of the festivities. Booking in advance for this unique festival is essential.

Our bespoke, luxury hotel holidays can be

● Single centre or multi-centre
● Long or short stays
● Combine several different hotels in different regions
● Utilise a variety of transport arrangements to Spain and within Spain, combining flights, hire-car, rail, ferries and private transfers

Our special interest holidays to Valencia and Murcia can be

● Food and wine holidays
● Golf holidays
● Art holidays
● Cultural holidays
● Walking holidays
● Private guided sightseeing
● Spa holidays
● Family holidays

Included in all our holidays

● Concierge service
● Handcrafted helpful hints and local information provided with all our holidays
● Personal service by your sales consultant who looks after all aspects of your holiday

Call us on 01392 441245

Highlights of Valencia and Murcia

The City of Arts and Sciences and the Fine Arts Museum in Valencia. Historic monuments within Valencia including a 15th century silk exchange and a Cathedral, home to a Holy Chalice which is said to be the Holy Grail. Wildlife in the wetlands of the Albufera Natural Park. The lively university city of Murcia with Moorish fortified walls, Baroque cathedral and wealth of tapas bars. The Castell de la Santa Bárbara and Museo Arqueológico Pronvicial, giving the best views over the city of Alicante. The historic port town of Denia with its beautiful beaches, hilltop castle, former fishing neighbourhood or Baix la mar and Moorish influenced distrcit of Les Roques. Walking in Montgó Natural Park. Swimming at the secluded Les Rotes beach and nearby Cova Tallada (reached by boat or on foot). The town of Morella is the northern reaches of Valencia with its medieval fortified town and 13th century aqueduct. The iconic Penon de Ifach rock in the heart of Calpe. The colourful port city of Cartagena with its Roman Theatre, Castillo de la Concepcion and beautiful seafront promenade.

Festivals in Valencia and Murcia

March: Las Fallas festival of fire (Valencia), La Magdalena festivities in Castellon de la Plana. April: Easter celebrations and religious processions, Night of the Drums (Mula), Moor and Christians re-enactment fiesta in Banyeres de Mariola, Spring celebrations in Murcia including the “Burial of the Sardine”. June: Bonfires of San Juan Midsummer’s Eve Festival (Alicante). July: Valencia July Fair. August: La Tomatina tomato throwing festival (Bunol), August Fair in Xativa, the Corda fire festival in Paterna, Sexenni festival in Morella (every 6 years). September: Bull and horse droving in Segorbe, Murcia Fair, Romans and Carthaginians re-enactment in Cartagena.

Gastronomy in Valencia and Murcia

Cuisine in eastern Spain takes inspiration from both central Spain and the Arab influences of its past whilst making use of local ingredients available including seafood, fresh vegetables and game. Valencia and Murcia host many restaurants specialising in shellfish and fish, with fish often cooked in a salt crust or ‘a la espalda’ (lightly fried and baked). Paella, the vibrant rice dish which is known the world over originated in Valencia. Typical dishes include unusual ‘sea and mountain' combinations which use both meat and seafood, ‘Pa amb tomàquet' (bread with tomato, oil and garlic), ‘Fideuá' (a variant of Paella with pasta), ‘Zarzuela' (a seafood stew), ‘Escudella’ (a stew containing vegetables, meat, rice and pasta) and ‘Crema Catalana' (a Catalan version of a Crème Brûlée).

Climate in Valencia and Murcia

Valencia and Murcia enjoy a typical Mediterranean climate, although higher areas are somewhat cooler. Late spring and early autumn are great times to visit coastal areas as the weather is warm with temperatures of around 20 degrees centigrade, although some rainfall can be expected. Mid-summer in the cities can be unbearably hot, but the coastline is cooled by sea breezes. Winter is generally mild with occasional rain and average temperatures of 10-15 degrees, making this a favoured destination for cultural exploration year-round.

Valencia and Murcia travel information

Valencia and Murcia can be reached very easily from the UK by air and can be incorporated into rail itineraries.

By air

British Airways operate flights to Valencia and Alicante airports which give access to these regions. Valencia city centre is then easily accessible by bus or taxi. Murcia airport is also served by low cost carriers such as Easy Jet and may be preferential for those visiting Cartagena and surroundings.

Car hire

It is possible to travel to the region's main cities by train; however, a hire-car is recommended for holidays which visit the smaller towns or countryside.

Rail travel

Rail is a convenient mode of transport to access Valencia and Murcia although it is less practical to explore the region once you are there. The Euromed railway links Barcelona and Valencia along the coastline and is a particularly scenic stretch. Alicante can also be reached by train and links to Madrid. Despite their geographical closeness, it should be noted that there is no direct train link between Murcia/Alicante and Andalusia; connections run via Madrid.

Two centre recommendations

Valencia can be used as a starting point for any holiday in this region. Take a few days to explore the city before moving on to a beach resort, smaller town or perhaps flying on a short service to the Balearic Islands. Driving distances are not too long, allowing visitors to easily travel between places of interest. Valencia and Barcelona make an interesting two-centre cultural holiday by rail.

Our bespoke, luxury hotel holidays can be

● Single centre or multi-centre
● Long or short stays
● Combine several different hotels in different regions
● Utilise a variety of transport arrangements to Spain and within Spain, combining flights, hire-car, rail, ferries and private transfers

Our special interest holidays to Valencia and Murcia can be

● Food and wine holidays
● Golf holidays
● Art holidays
● Cultural holidays
● Walking holidays
● Private guided sightseeing
● Spa holidays
● Family holidays

Included in all our holidays

● Concierge service
● Handcrafted helpful hints and local information provided with all our holidays
● Personal service by your sales consultant who looks after all aspects of your holiday

Call us on 01392 441245

Here you will find a map of Valencia and Murcia showing the locations of the hotels that we offer

Our bespoke, luxury hotel holidays can be

● Single centre or multi-centre
● Long or short stays
● Combine several different hotels in different regions
● Utilise a variety of transport arrangements to Spain and within Spain, combining flights, hire-car, rail, ferries and private transfers

Our special interest holidays to Valencia and Murcia can be

● Food and wine holidays
● Golf holidays
● Art holidays
● Cultural holidays
● Walking holidays
● Private guided sightseeing
● Spa holidays
● Family holidays

Included in all our holidays

● Concierge service
● Handcrafted helpful hints and local information provided with all our holidays
● Personal service by your sales consultant who looks after all aspects of your holiday

Call us on 01392 441245