MURCIA is the perfect getaway for foodies and adventurers alike.
Tucked inland between Alicante and Cartagena, the region has plenty to see and do, easy access to some of Spain’s most dramatic coastlines and, of course, plenty of sunshine in autumn and early winter.
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WHY SHOULD I GO?
THE region is known as the Garden of Europe, with fertile plains, mountains and valleys irrigated by the River Segura and towns surrounded by fruit and citrus orchards.
The centre of the capital city, also called Murcia, is just 20 minutes’ drive from the airport.
But the city also gives easy access to the surrounding dramatic countryside, for its hiking, biking, trekking and kayaking opportunities, as well as lovely coves, beaches and more on the coast.
WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE?
THIS place is like the sun’s permanent VIP lounge, with a pleasant average temperature of 23 degrees throughout the year, and even during the winter, temperatures remain mild, ranging from 15 to 20 degrees.
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STREETS MADE FOR WALKING?
MURCIA is flatter than a tortilla, so exploring on foot is a breeze. In the Plaza Cardenal Belluga, the architecture is a wild mash-up of the old and the bold, with the baroque cathedral in contrast to the contemporary city hall and colourful 18th-century Palacio Episcopal.
Check out Royal Casino — another 19th-century architectural gem that was saved from decay and is now a thriving private members’ club.
For just a fiver you can experience the stunning interiors, while for shopaholics, Calle Jabonerías features quirky boutiques worth a wander.
ANYTHING FOR BUCKET LIST?
THE joy of Murcia is its big-city charm, coupled with easy access to an amazing coastline.
Worth a day trip is Cabo de Palos, a gorgeous peninsula jutting out into the sea, dotted with nooks and crannies sculpted by Mother Nature.
Or rent a boat and be the captain of your own adventure in Mar Menor lagoon, gazing at the breathtaking national park while you sail on that crystal-clear blue water.
For lunch, try Bocana de Palos, a seafront hotspot that does the best fish in town.
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WHERE ELSE CAN I EAT?
FOR food to make your taste buds do a flamenco, try El Secreto in Plaza de las Flores. Its €26 (£22.70) set menu of five dishes plus a coffee includes slow-cooked octopus and burrata salad.
The plaza has a host of other bars and restauarants, and often live music. Pints at the nearby Bar Fenix are just €2 (£1.75).
For a different take on lunch, visit the Plaza de Abastos, or wholesale market, on Saturdays — small canteens will cook the food you buy, from fresh fish and meat to local veg. Best of all, ten beers are €12 (£10.50) — just over a pound a pint!
I FANCY A DRINK, OR TWO . . .
OPPOSITE the Plaza de Abastos, on Plano de San Fransisco, family-run wine shop La Diligente does a great tasting session, with five local wines paired with five local cheeses, all for €32pp (£28).
WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
THE smart, modern Santos Nelva Hotel is ten minutes’ walk from the city’s historic hub and close to the station.
Outside, a lovely pool sits among terraces and manicured gardens. Rooms are bright and colourful. Think contemporary charm meets comfort, with bathrooms featuring hydromassage showers.
GO: MURCIA
GETTING THERE: easyJet flies from Luton and Gatwick up to five days a week starting from £17.99 per person (one way including taxes). Book via easyjet.com
STAYING THERE: Three nights’ room-only at the 4H Santos Nelva in Murcia is from £318pp including flights from Gatwick on November 20 and 23kg of baggage. To book, go to easyjet.com/holidays/en
MORE INFO: turismoregiondemurcia.es/en
