Campervan Hire Murcia — Costa Cálida, Mar Menor, Cartagena and Tips for 2027

Murcia is the capital of one of the sunniest regions in Spain and the starting point for the Costa Cálida, the "warm coast". Within an hour you can be in Cartagena with its Roman theatre, on the wild beaches of Calblanque or on the shores of the Mar Menor, Europe's largest saltwater lagoon. Further south are the coves of Mazarrón and Águilas, and inland the pine forests of Sierra Espuña. Mild winters make the region a favourite with motorhome travellers from October to April. This guide covers routes, overnight stops and the rules that visitors most often run into.

Along the coast

• Cartagena (about 50 km): a port city with a Roman theatre, a Punic wall and Art Nouveau buildings. Leave the campervan outside the old town and explore on foot.
• Calblanque and Cabo de Palos (about 65 km): a regional park of golden dunes, fossil rock and empty beaches, and next to it the lighthouse of Cabo de Palos with a marine reserve known for diving. In summer, car access to Calblanque is limited and a shuttle bus runs from the park entrance.
• Mar Menor and La Manga (about 75 km): a warm, shallow lagoon separated from the sea by a 20 km strip of sand. Water quality in the lagoon has varied in recent years, so check local information before swimming.
• Mazarrón and Bolnuevo (about 65 km): coves, the eroded sandstone formations at Bolnuevo and a long promenade. One of the most popular winter bases for motorhomes.
• Águilas (about 100 km): a fishing town with small coves to the north and south, near the border with Andalusia.

Inland

• Sierra Espuña (about 55 km): a regional park of pine forests and mountain roads, good for walks and cooler air in summer. Roads to the higher areas are narrow and winding.
• Caravaca de la Cruz (about 75 km): a pilgrimage town with a castle and sanctuary, one of the holy cities of the Catholic Church.
• Jumilla and Yecla (about 75–100 km): wine country with bodegas known for Monastrell reds.

Further afield are Alicante (about 80 km), Valencia (about 230 km) and Granada (about 280 km). See our guides to campervan hire in Valencia and campervan hire in Granada.

Where to stay overnight

• Campsites. The coast has many, especially around Mazarrón, Bolnuevo, Águilas and La Manga, often with long-stay prices in winter. From October to March book ahead; the best pitches go early.
• Motorhome areas. Many towns in the region have áreas de autocaravanas with water and waste disposal, some free and some for a small fee. Camping apps show the current list and reviews.
• Parking or camping. In Spain a campervan may park wherever any other car may, but putting out an awning, chairs or levelling blocks counts as camping and is allowed only at campsites and in permitted areas. Overnight stays on beaches and in natural parks are not allowed. More in our guide to overnight parking with a campervan in Spain.

Driving tips

• Motorways. The A-7 and the A-30 to Cartagena are free. Some motorways are tolled, for example the AP-7 between Cartagena and Vera; the free A-7 runs parallel.
• Low-emission zones. Larger Spanish cities, Murcia and Cartagena among them, are introducing low-emission zones (ZBE). Check the current rules and your vehicle's environmental label before driving into the centre.
• Speed limits. On motorways a motorhome up to 3,500 kg may usually drive at up to 120 km/h, a heavier one at up to 90 km/h.
• Heat and storms. Summer inland often passes 40 °C. In autumn, heavy rain can cause sudden flooding (DANA); never drive through a flooded road or dry riverbed (rambla) in a storm.

When to go

Autumn, winter and spring are the best seasons: mild days on the coast, quiet roads and long stays at campsites. From October to April the Costa Cálida is one of Europe's favourite winter destinations for motorhomes. Summer is very hot inland, though the coast is cooler and busy with Spanish holidaymakers, especially in August. Easter week (Semana Santa) and Murcia's spring festival bring crowds to the city.

A campervan in Murcia through Crystalium Booker

We are still building our campervan offer in Murcia. Send us your dates and group size through the contact page and we will look for a vehicle for you, and keep an eye on the campervans in Murcia page for new listings. Do you rent out a campervan in or around Murcia? List it with us.