British Airways to Open New London-Murcia Route

The popular Region of Murcia, famed for its climate, culture, history and activity breaks, is even more accessible for Home Counties visitors now, following the launch of a new flight route from London Heathrow.

British Airways is now operating a twice-weekly summer service from England’s capital into Murcia-San Javier airport, offering easy access to one of the fastest-growing tourist regions in Spain.

Figures released by the Region of Murcia revealed overseas visitor numbers rose by an amazing 45.3 percent over the winter, compared to last year, with the number of people travelling from the UK increasing by more than 11 percent in January alone.

The region’s strategic location has ensured it retains many of its important historical links: rock-paintings in cave-shelters dating back to the Iberian period; the splendor of Roman antiquity with its urban refinement and penchant for the theatrical; Visigoth cities; Arab medinas; Christian castles, watch-towers, churches and temples; and numerous civil and military buildings.

Although the Region of Murcia has been inhabited for more than 2,000 years, the capital, Murcia, was not founded until 831, when a walled city was built on the banks of the Segura River and turned into the Caliphate of Murcia.

A week in Cartagena will cost from £222.25 per person, based on two people sharing, on a room-only basis, at the four-star Hotel Alfonso XIII hotel, 500m from the old town. Access to Costa Cálida, Región de Murcia, is simple as it is served by Murcia-San Javier airport all year round, while Alicante airport is also nearby. British Airways flights from Heathrow Airport to Murcia-San Javier start from just £80 in June.