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Why one young Brit says you should skip Malaga and Barcelona for this underrated Spanish city
More and more Brits are swapping short holidays for life in Spain—and one TikToker says Murcia is the best-kept secret
As more Brits make the move from holidaymaker to full-time resident in Spain, one young woman from Leicester is encouraging others to explore a different corner of the country—far from the usual tourist hotspots of Malaga or Barcelona.Jade Gartshore, a content creator on TikTok, has become something of an unofficial ambassador for the city of Murcia, which she now calls home. In her videos, she offers a simple message: "Stop travelling to Malaga or Barcelona. Murcia is much better."
The 20-something left the UK to settle in the south-eastern Spanish city, not just for the sunshine, but to fully immerse herself in the local culture and learn the language. “I left the UK to move to Murcia. I’m in love with the city,” she explains.
Calling it a “hidden gem” of Spain, Jade highlights what makes Murcia so special to her—from its striking cathedral and the elegant Royal Casino, to nearby coastal towns like Cartagena and Los Alcázares. She’s also shared clips of the region’s beautiful beaches and relaxed pace of life.
“I can’t believe I live in such a beautiful place,” she says. “One of my favourite things about living in Murcia is that it’s a little-known destination.”
Her enthusiasm seems to resonate with many online, particularly among younger Brits considering life abroad. But it’s not just the younger generation setting up home in Spain—Britons remain the foreign nationality that visits Spain the most, and increasing numbers are choosing to stay for good.
While Malaga and Barcelona may still top the list for sunshine breaks and city escapes, Murcia’s mix of history, charm and slower living is clearly winning fans—at least if Jade’s videos are anything to go by.
For those already enjoying life in Spain, her message may be a familiar one: the real magic often lies beyond the tourist trail.
Image: Alexandre Holbea/Pexels
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