Ancient castles, coastal plains and bustling urban jungles are among the landmarks of a getaway to Spain – with Brits’ love affair with the southern European country going back many years and spanning the diverse climes of Picos de Europa and the Liebana Valley all the way to the oft-satirised Benidorm resort in Valencia.
The more adventurous of travellers will be always on the lookout for the interesting parts of familiar terrains that lie off the beaten track, however, and the pretty city region of Murcia, just a couple of hours away from Benidorm, is one such spot.
Hidden between Valencia and Andalusia, Murcia ticks every box for a sunsoaked holiday with a splash of novelty, staying on brand with its beautiful landscapes – spanning mountains, valleys and coastlines – and offering something new in the form of a rich culinary history and well-restored ancient architecture.
The region is fondly dubbed ‘Europe’s Orchard’ thanks to its uniquely fertile terrain, believed to produce the very best of Mediterranean cuisine. Staples of the local diet are Zarangollo, a dish made from courgette, onions and scrambled eggs, and Pastel de carne, a traditional bake that combines puff pastry with chorizo, hard-boiled eggs, pancetta and peppers.
History buffs are also sure to get a kick out of the 11th century Castle of Monteagudo, a fortress tucked into the hillside just outside central Murcia. The former stronghold is home to a 14-metre-high sculpture of the Christ of Monteagudo and offers stunning views of the surrounding orchards.
And those thinking with their wallets will be pleased to hear that the city offers pints for as little as €2 (£1.75) – the perfect way to wash down a Zarangollo, worry free.
Its sunny climate isn’t limited to the warmer months, either, with November temperatures averaging the mid to high 20s, giving visitors the chance to take a dip in Mar Menor, Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon, year-round.
Reviews on TripAdvisor praise the region’s “lovely, peaceful vibe”, with “tall, beautiful old trees” adding to the ambience of the Plaza de las Flores.
The Spanish Baroque cathedral in the capital city centre is also described as a “wonderful medieval building” and fresh food market Mercado de Veronicas earns praise for selling “everything and anything you need” from an elaborate modernist-style build designed by architect Pedro Cerdán in the 20th century.
One recent visitor summed their visit up: “Beautiful views and stunning religious architecture abound here (with) delightful tranquillity. Highly recommend.”