The city centre is walkable with decent public transport, but to see the beaches, mountains, and white villages, you'll want wheels.
Detailed Answer
No, you don't need a car to visit Murcia city itself. The historic centre is compact and walkable - you can see the cathedral, Plaza de las Flores, and the main sights on foot in a day. The city has a decent bus network that covers most areas tourists need, and taxis are affordable and easy to find.
Where a car becomes useful is if you want to explore beyond the city. The region of Murcia has some of Spain's best beaches (like La Manga and Calblanque), mountain villages in the Sierra Espuna, and the Mar Menor lagoon. Public transport to these places exists but is limited - you'll spend more time waiting for buses than enjoying the views.
Parking in Murcia city centre is a headache. The historic area has limited street parking that's usually full, and underground car parks cost €15-20 per day. If you're staying in the centre and only visiting city attractions, a car will be more trouble than it's worth.
Additional Information
If you're flying into Murcia-San Javier Airport (now called Region de Murcia International Airport), you'll find all the major rental companies there. The airport is about 45 minutes from Murcia city by car. Alicante Airport is also an option - it's larger with more flights, but it's a 1-hour drive to Murcia.
For day trips without a car, consider these options:
Cartagena by train
€Take the regional train from Murcia del Carmen station. It takes about 45 minutes and costs under €10 return. Cartagena has Roman theatres, naval museums, and a nice port area all within walking distance.
Lorca by bus
€Buses run regularly from Murcia's bus station. The journey takes about an hour. Lorca's castle and historic centre are walkable from the bus station.
Special case: If you're visiting in July or August, be prepared for extreme heat. Having a car with air conditioning means you can escape to cooler mountain areas or beaches more easily.
Practical Tips
Instead of renting for your entire stay, consider renting a car only for the days you plan to explore outside the city. Most rental companies have offices in the city centre.
Murcia has colour-coded parking zones. Blue lines mean paid parking (usually €1-2 per hour), yellow lines are for residents only, and white lines are free but hard to find.
Get a Murcia Transport Card if you'll use buses frequently. It gives you discounted fares and you can top it up at tobacco shops (estancos).
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