Beaches, food and culture in Murcia

Situated in the south-east of Spain, the region of Murcia has much to offer travellers seeking enjoyment and relaxation. Food fanatics, beach bums and culture vultures are likely to have a top time in this area of the southern European country.

A trip to the beach

Those staying at hotels in Murcia get a choice of beaches where they can catch some rays or have a paddle. This area of Spain gets 3,000 hours of sun a year and a annual average of over 18 degrees C, making the Costa Calida a great place to escape the cold of the UK.

Watersports fans will be able to enjoy much on the beaches in the region. Sailing, canoeing, swimming, water-skiing, jet-skiing and windsurfing are all on offer here and places such as the Nautical Resort on the Mar Menor let people hire out equipment and book courses.

Along the coast of the area, travellers staying at hotels in Spain will be able to find numerous beaches and deserted coves as well as some little fishing villages. These include La Azohia or Cabo de Palos.

A bite to eat

Gastronomy in the region has been influenced by many different factors. The Romans introduced preserves and salted fish to the area, while the Arabs brought spices, condiments and aromatic plants as well as guidance on how to grow and cook rice.

There is, of course, the Mediterranean diet, primarily consisting of bread, oil and wine. Examples of what dishes travellers can enjoy include Mar Menor prawns and a hearty stew with rice and vegetables.

As for drinking, the Murcia region has been cultivating grapevines and producing wines ever since Roman times. Jumilla, Yecla, Bullas, Campo de Cartagena and Ricote all produce the tipple. Red, white and rose wines are all on offer to satisfy varying taste buds.

There are plenty of restaurants to choose from as well. La Hacienda Restaurant in Fuente Alamo, for example, has a cellar of wines to select from, while cigars are also on offer. A restaurant named 525, located in Los Alcazares, has fish of the Mar Menor on its menu as well as other local produce.

Something for the culture vultures

For those seeking out historical features, there are a number of remains and archaeological sites in the Murcia region. Here they can find rock-paintings in cave-shelters that date back to the Iberian period, while Arab medinas and Christian castles can also be seen in the area.

Other interesting places that travellers can make their way to in the area include watch towers and churches. There are also a number of temples, civil and military constructions.

There are also a number of festivals with cultural significance that travellers can enjoy. One of these is Holy Week in Cartagena. A number of processions are held over the seven days when the Confraternities of Marrajos and Californios come together to celebrate.

All of this and more is on offer to those that take the trip over to the region looking for things to see in Murcia.

© Copyright