Capital of Murcia. Murcia - a combination of history and beauty

Murcia is a large city with 439,000 inhabitants, ranked seventh in Spain. It is located in the southeast of the country, close to the coast. Consists mainly of city services and an important university campus. Murcia is known for Huerta and for its famous products (fruits and vegetables) exported throughout Spain and Europe, folklore (which is mainly based on Huerta), festivals and several baroque churches. It is the capital of the Murcia region, one of the seventeen autonomous communities into which it is divided.

About the city

The city of Murcia was founded in 831 by Abd-al-Rahman II (Abd-Al-Rahman II) in the center of the Segura river valley. Remnants of this Moorish dominion can be seen in the city wall, still visible, which contrasts sharply with the city's many mostly baroque churches, which have earned the city the nickname "Baroque city in the Levant" (southeastern Spain).

The city of Murcia today is multinational and very convenient for life. There are many safe pedestrian streets, green areas, very kind people, not too quiet and not too busy. Since Murcia is located inland, then, as a rule, everything is calm during the holiday season, when people come to the coast. But during the school year it is lively here - after all, the city is a university campus. You can select and book a hotel in advance at, and you can check if there is a more attractive price anywhere. An alternative option is to rent private apartments, if you are interested in such offers - look like.

Previously, the most famous thing in Murcia was its vegetables, and for this, neighbors from Cartagena called the inhabitants of Murcia "green stomach" (which makes them very angry).

How to get there

By plane

Domestic flights are also available and go to Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca.

Corvera Airport is currently under construction. It will improve Murcia's current connections to Europe because it will offer more flights than San Javier Airport.

Clue:

Murcia - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 1

Kazan 1

Samara 2

Yekaterinburg 3

Novosibirsk 5

Vladivostok 8

When is the season. When is the best time to go

Murcia - monthly weather

Clue:

Murcia - monthly weather

Main attractions. What to see

Cathedral (Baroque exterior, Gothic interior)

The Salzillo Museum (sculpture)

The Palacio del Almudi

The Iglesia de San Esteban

For a comfortable view of Murcia and the surrounding valleys, the best place is El Valle (El Valle) or the sanctuary of La Fuensanta (La Fuensanta), both of which are located outside the city in the mountains. In order to get to them, you need to move in the direction of Cartagena (Cartagena) and in front of the mountains (only 5-10 km from Murcia) turn towards La Alberca (La Alberca) and then everything goes straight (you will see signs - Santuario de La Fuensanta (Santuario de la Fuensanta)). Try to get there before sunset, the view is incredible.

Another place that should not be missed is the Moorish castle on top of Mount Monteagudo, which can be seen from almost anywhere in Murcia. In order to get to it, you should leave Murcia along the old road towards Alicante, which will take you 5 minutes. Continue on the motorway. Stop the car at the foot of the mountain and climb to the top. You can touch the feet and toes of Jesus (they are bigger than soccer balls) and enjoy the view of Murcia and its Huerta.

Beaches. Which is better

Murcia has many beautiful beaches. Some of them are still untouched, such as those between Mazarron and Aguilas, while others are very crowded in summer, such as La Manga, the strip of land that separates Mediterranean Sea from a small inland "shallow sea" (mar menor).

Museums. Which are worth a visit

The museum dedicated to the great sculptor Salzillo is the most famous of the city's museums. Sculptor Salzillo made most of the pasos that are used in Easter Holy Week (Semana Santa). His polychrome wooden bodies of angels, biblical figures and virgins with faces and hands carved in wood look like life! Don't miss Belen de Salzillo , a beautiful reproduction of the story of the birth of Jesus from small sculptures.

How to get there:

From C/San Andres, exit onto Plaza de San Agustin, then leave the motorway bypass and head towards Ronda Norte. At the traffic lights, turn right (San Anton) and move forward. The path will take you to C/San Andres and then you will reach Plaza de San Agustin on the left hand side. On the right is the museum, which is clearly marked.

Food. What to try

Restaurante Via Apostolo (Calle los apostoles, 22. Tel: +34 968 212 379) - is located on the southeast side of the cathedral, on a pedestrian street and is the right place to buy pizza, pasta and good wine or beer. Check opening hours in July and August.

Things to do

Sierra Espuña. If you like walking through pine forests, head to Sierra Espuña.

Directions: Take the motorway towards Andalusia for about 30 km at Alhama de Murcia. Then turn onto Sierra Espuña. You can stay at Hospederia Bajo El Cejo in El Berro, Sierra Espuna, which is an atmospheric refurbished watermill with modern facilities, and Camping Sierra Espuna in El Berro, which has places to relax. It's only a 2-minute walk from here and you're already in the Sierra Espuña Regional Park.

Paredes de Leiba is one of the best places for rock climbing. It is a large stone wall one and a half kilometers long and 60-80 meters high, full of climbing routes. Some of them are very simple, others are only for experienced people. Every year people discover new routes.

Caravaca and Cehegin - an easy half day trip around the city of Murcia. The Iglesia de Mary Magdalena is a medieval temple in Cehegin with great views. The Castle of Saint Cruz, full name Caravaca de la Cruz, is a large castle that has a cross with healing properties. You will need your own car to get around.

Adventure: outdoor laser tag (laser fight) in the forest

Shopping and shops

The most famous streets in the city of Murcia are Traperia and Plateria. Both are in close proximity to the cathedral. Here you can find the best brands of clothing.

Also Murcia has a large list of shops and entertainment centers, such as Nueva (Nueva, El Tiro (El Tiro) or El Corte Ingles (El Corte Inglés).

The region of Murcia (Regio "n de Murcia) lies in the southeast of Spain, between Valencia and Andalusia. This is one of the hottest regions of the country, often called the "hot pan of Spain." In Murcia, surrounded by mountains on three sides, it is really suffocating in summer it is hot (the average temperature in July is + 28 ° С), however, in winter it is noticeably colder than in the regions lying much to the north (the average January temperature usually stays around + 6 ° С).The situation is aggravated by a clear lack of water (no more than 400 mm of rain), the only source of which is the few rivers of the Segura basin, as well as groundwater.But there are excellent conditions for growing vegetables and fruits, many colorful old cities, and the long sea coast of the region provides excellent conditions for tourism.

The capital of the region - the city lies in the middle reaches of the Segura River, 60 km from the sea.

There are also many interesting places around the capital of the region - the castle Lorca(XII-XIII centuries) near the city of the same name, famous for its churches and old mansions, a castle with a beautiful marble church (XI-XV centuries) in El Carvaca de la Cruz, winding streets of the old town Mortaglia with the castle of the same name, city Seehin(Cehegin) with its austere church Ermite de la Purissima Concepçon (XV-XVI centuries), Archaeological Museum of La Encomenida in Calasparro, statue of Christ (Mirador Corazon de Jesus) near Alledo, rising above the shore of the Gulf of Mazarron, the tower of Santa Elena near La Ansoya, the Mazarron Mining Historical Reserve (San Cristobal y los Perules, the first mines in these hills date back to the 3rd century BC), the Torre de la Caballo towers (XVI century) in Bolnuevo and Torre del Omenahe in Alledo, as well as vast wooded areas of the slopes of the Cordillera Subbetica and the Sierra Espuno. In La Rambla de Morreras (2 km north of Bolnuevo), a vast salt lagoon is protected, which attracts a huge number of migratory birds.

A large city and port lies in a convenient bay on the southern coast of the Palos Peninsula (Murcia).

The resort area of ​​Costa Calida ("Warm Coast") adjacent to the city has a mild climate and beautiful beaches with fine sand. Here is the salt lake Mar Menor ("Little Sea", in fact it is a lagoon with an area of ​​170 sq. km and a depth of no more than 7 meters), connected to the Mediterranean Sea by a channel - a great place for water sports. The weather here is sunny for 315 days a year, and the average air temperature is +18°С. The most significant tourist centers are Santiago de la Ribera, Manga del Mar Menor, Puerto de Mazarron, Bolnuevo, San Pedro del Pinatar, Aguilas and Cartagena itself. The resort areas of Costa Cálida are not as popular as the shores of the Costa Blanca lying to the north, but they have excellent and, importantly, clean beaches, and have also retained much more features of the national cuisine and lifestyle.

TOURIST ANSWERS:

Murcia is a quiet, calm Spanish town where you can relax with the whole family. There are enough interesting and informative sights that you should get to know better.

Cathedral of Murcia / Catedral de Murcia

Murcia, st. Soriano Eujolio - at this address is the temple, which is the main pearl of the city. The construction of the cathedral began in 1395 and continued for many centuries, which markedly affected the architectural style. The fusion of different eras is especially noticeable on the tower of the temple. It was erected neither more nor less - 270 years, so few people are surprised that the lower tiers of the bell tower are built in the Renaissance style, the next ones are in the Baroque style, and the last floors are Rococo. In itself, this grandiose building, 90 meters high, impresses with its beauty and originality. This cathedral is worth seeing. It is also worth listening to the unusually beautiful overflow of bells, one of which was cast in the 15th century and is rightfully considered the oldest in Spain. The interior of the cathedral, made in the Gothic style, looks much more modest than its appearance.

Fortress de Monteagudo / Castillo de Monteagudo

Five kilometers from the city is another pride of the locals - the fortress of Monteagudo. Probably, the townspeople were not particularly original, and therefore this fortification was named after the rock on which the fortress stood, and the river flowing nearby.

Judging by its appearance, you can’t say at all that the construction of this strategically important object began in the 12th century, and, despite its venerable age, the fortress was perfectly preserved and very harmoniously merged into the architectural ensemble of Murcia. At the moment, a complex restoration is being carried out on the territory, and at the same time, historians decided to conduct grandiose archaeological excavations, as a result of which burial urns dating back to the Bronze Age, as well as some artifacts belonging to even more ancient cultures, were found.

Episcopal Palace / Palacio Episcopal

Next to the main city cathedral is the palace, where the bishop lived in the 18th century. This building, the clergyman decided to build in the likeness of the magnificent and rich palaces of Rome, thereby emphasizing his greatness. Particularly good are the frescoes on the walls and the so-called imperial staircase. It is also worth taking a closer look at the gates of the central facade, made in the style of the unsurpassed Michelangelo.

Lorca Castle

Lorca Castle is another defensive structure built during the 9th-15th centuries. The dimensions of this fortress (640 X 120 meters) are very impressive even now, in our time, thereby emphasizing the impregnability and hopelessness of the siege of this majestic castle-fortress. For two centuries, the Christians living in this fortification, quite successfully defended themselves from supporters of other faiths. Due to numerous requests from local residents, this fortress was included in the list of attractions of historical and cultural interest.

Royal Club of Murcia / Casino de Murcia

This private club, located on Traperia Street, is a must see! This magnificent building was erected in 1847 by the architect Bolarin. The total area of ​​this grand structure covers 8 square kilometers. Its central façade is a combination of neoclassical and modernist styles, the lobby is decorated in a stunning baroque style. Be sure to take a walk around the courtyard, located in the middle of the building. 20,000 gold plates were used to decorate its interior. In addition to the gaming halls, there are quite a lot of other rooms. You can go to the library, which has more than 25,000 rare copies of books.

Museum of Underwater Archeology ARQUA / Museo Nacional de Arqueologia Subacuatica

When you have free time, go to the city next to Murcia, Cartagena, to visit a very interesting museum located at: Cartagena, Paseo Alfonso XII, 22. Here, in addition to two real ships belonging to the Great Roman Empire, there is also a Phoenician ship, which is the oldest ship ever raised from the depths of the Mediterranean. There are plenty of smaller exhibits here, such as: jewelry, coins, amphorae and silver bars. The price of an entrance ticket for an adult is 3 euros. For children, admission is free.

Terra Natura Murcia

In addition to exploring the city's highlights, do not forget to visit the city zoo, which is rightfully considered the pride of not only local residents, but all Spaniards. Here, in this zoo, more than 50 species of animals have found their residence, most of which are predators. There are also rare and endangered species. All animals (more than 300) are selected so that they represent a separate ecosystem, like the African savannah. The territory of the zoo is one of the favorite places of citizens who spend their free time here with their whole families. Entrance ticket for an adult costs 25 euros, children under 12 - 20 euros, up to four years free.

Here, at this address: Calle del Regidor Cayetano Gago S / N, 30100 Murcia, there is a wonderful water park for children and adults, where for every visitor there is a favorite attraction, whether it be breathtaking water slides or quiet, calm pools. The cost is 26 euros for adults and 21 euros for children, respectively.

If you are not satisfied with such entertainment, then perhaps you should go to the Mar Menor lagoon, located 60 kilometers from Murcia. Very warm sea, clean sandy beaches, which have been awarded the "Blue Flag". At least 200,000 tourists, ardent admirers of sunny and friendly Spain, rest on this small square every year.

Helpful answer?

The Spanish province of Murcia is still undeservedly deprived of the attention of Russian tourists visiting mainly the coasts of Catalonia and Andalusia. But already now, many people vacationing on the Costa Blanca make forays into the neighboring region and are convinced that there is also a lot of interesting things here. In addition to excellent beaches, completely different and unique, Murcia has several ancient cities with an interesting history, balneological resorts and natural parks.

The city of Murcia itself is located 35 km from the coast, on the banks of the Segura River. Due to the fact that the city is surrounded by low mountains from almost all sides, the air temperature in summer is 3-5 degrees higher than on the coast, and in winter it is as much lower.

Murcia bears little resemblance to neighboring Alicante or Torrevieja. There are practically no tourists here, the city focuses on the needs of its residents. Therefore, it is here that you can observe the real Spain, which lives its own life without flirting with visitors.

With a rich historical past, Murcia is rightfully considered the center of culture and education. One of the oldest universities in Spain is located here, the number of students of which reaches 38 thousand people.

So what to see in Murcia? First of all, as in almost any other city, this is the Cathedral and the square in front of it.

The construction of the cathedral began in 1394, and during the construction and reconstruction, it acquired the features of many styles, from Gothic to neoclassical. A 98 meter bell tower adjoins the cathedral. In total there are 25 bells, each of which has its own name.

Most of the other ancient buildings are concentrated around the cathedral. Next to it is the Bishop's Palace, and closer to the river - the City Hall. There are many traditional narrow streets in this area, which are very interesting to walk along.

It is convenient to move around the city by tram, bus or on foot.

The bus schedule in Murcia and the region can be found on the website http://latbus.com

Approaching Murcia, you will certainly see a statue of Jesus Christ, standing on top of a high mountain. When you drive closer, you will notice the remains of an old ruined fortress on the hill. This place has a long history. Its origins go back to Muslim rule. The fortress was built as a defensive structure. The statue of Jesus Christ was created in 1926, but, unfortunately, did not survive the Spanish Revolution. Therefore, in 1951 a copy was made, which we see now. Currently, sluggish restoration work is being carried out here, so not everyone will dare to climb to the statue, as they will have to climb dangerous places with voids and failures. This is highly discouraged due to the dilapidation of the building.

Having touched upon the topic of history and architecture, one cannot fail to mention the city of Lorca, famous for its ancient fortress located on the top of the mountain. The influence of Arab culture is very strongly felt here in the city.

Another little-known city for Russian tourists is Caravaca de la Cruz. The small town has many churches, the most significant of which is the Basilica de la Vera Cruz, located on a hilltop inside the fortress.

Driving through the province, you will often come across the remains of old mountains, on the tops of which the ruins of fortresses that once protected this region have been preserved.

If we decide to explore the region along the sea, the most important point will be the port city of Cartagena. It can be reached both by bus and by rail. It is one of the most significant cities in the country's economy.

The first mention of the city dates back to 200 BC. e. Almost at all times, Cartagena has been an important strategic object and therefore has always been a tasty morsel for conquerors. The rule of various invaders influenced the appearance of the city. In his appearance we see a mixture of Roman. Arabic and Spanish architecture. The city also has a Roman amphitheater and Baroque churches. Very interesting is the park located on the top of the hill next to the embankment. The embankment itself is suitable for walking. There is also a museum of underwater archeology. In addition to it, the city also has many different museums.

But people come to Murcia not only to see the ancient cities and fortresses, but also to relax on the sea. Therefore, the next part of the story will be about interesting places located on the coast.

One of the most noteworthy places is La Manga. This long sandy spit extends into the sea for 22 km and then comes ashore, forming a virtually isolated bay called the Mar Menor or inland sea. The water is always warm and there are no waves. A highway runs along the spit, on both sides of which there are hotels and apartments.

On the mainland side of the Mar Menor there are resort towns that are very popular with families with children because of the shallow and warm sea.

Beyond Cartagena, the coast becomes more severe, rocky cliffs and bays appear. Here is one of the amazing places, almost unknown to tourists - Cape Tiñoso. It is located near the city of Mazarron. To get to it, you need to drive along a narrow mountain serpentine, but it's worth it. Leaving from behind the next turn, you will suddenly see the blue-blue sea and the fortress, located right on the cliff. The place is very interesting. Previously, a military garrison was located here, as evidenced by several huge cannons directed towards the sea. Here, as it were, several fortresses located one after another. On the very edge of the cape there is a lighthouse hidden from prying eyes, which can be reached through a tunnel in the rock. The landscapes that you will see here are very impressive.

If you drive along the coast towards Almeria, you can get to another interesting place. Near the city of Mazarron there is the village of Bolnuevo, in which there are geological formations of a bizarre shape.

We can also observe interesting creations of nature right on the border with Almeria on the beach of Cala Serrada. A picturesque hill, located right by the water, is all cut up by small caves. Here it is very pleasant to meet the sunset and admire the fortress located in the neighboring town of Aguilas.

Despite the fact that public transport in Spain is well developed, it is still better to use a car to visit the most interesting places. Several highways pass through the region, and all roads in the region are free. If you need to use rail transport, then you can buy a ticket at http://www.renfe.com.

Summarizing all of the above, in Murcia you can find many interesting sights, both historical and natural. Therefore, if you want to discover another corner of your beloved Spain, visit this region.

Murcia is an autonomous community in the southeast of Spain, located between Andalusia and Valencia from the west and east, as well as Castile-La Mancha and the Mediterranean Sea from the north and south.

Murcia is a region that the Spaniards call the "hot pan of Spain" for its hot and dry summer. At the same time, one of the favorite resorts is located here - La Manga next to the unique natural lagoon - Mar Minor, separated by a thin spit from the Mediterranean Sea. The depth of this "sea" is quite small, so it is always warm and comfortable for a resort holiday.

Lifeless deserts give way to rich orchards, high mountains turn into snow-white beaches, for which hundreds of thousands of tourists and water sports enthusiasts come here. You can watch beautiful landscapes on the video:

The convenient bay of Cartagena made this region interesting for representatives of all Mediterranean civilizations, so the city was regularly besieged.

Murcia also welcomes gourmets - the local cuisine is famous for its delicacies and treats.

People in this region love to celebrate and celebrate, and they do it with feeling. Almost every month, a festival or parade takes place in a city in this province.

After Easter Sunday, residents celebrate the holiday of spring in a big way. For a week, concerts, performances and shows are held in the streets of Murcia. The gardens serve long tables with traditional dishes and desserts.

Photo: Cartagena

At the end of September, Cartagena turns into one continuous historical reconstruction, in which guests and residents are told about how the Carthaginians and Romans lived and fought here, and what came of it.

In mid-November, the same Cartagena is transformed by new sounds - a week-long jazz festival begins. The best jazzmen from all over the world come here. Not to mention the fans of this genre.

Where there are tourists, there are shops, so they know firsthand about sales here. Twice a year, Murcia experiences an influx of lovers to leave honestly earned money in exchange for new goods: at the end of January and until February, and also from the second half of July until the end of August.

The uniqueness of the region

The name Murcia is derived from the Latin word for "mulberry" and is due to the fact that silk production flourished in the region. A third of the population lives in the same name in the capital of the region - Murcia or in Cartagena, which in the past was the capital of Carthaginian Spain, which became the birthplace of the Spanish fleet.

Geographic differences

Photo: Blue Lagoon Mar Menor

In most of the province, the lands are very dry and are fed by a network of aqueducts that were built by the Moors. Thanks to the introduction of plastic greenhouses, modern Murcia has become the main supplier of vegetables to European markets, now the Spaniards have nicknamed it "greenhouse".

In the Murcia autonomy there is a natural miracle - the blue lagoon Mar Menor (Small Sea), which is separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a sandy spit.

Climate

Murcia is characterized by a desert climate, for which it was nicknamed the "hot Spanish frying pan." In summer it is hot (up to +35°C and more), dry, droughts are not uncommon. In winter it is humid and not very cold (average +11°C).

How to get and move around the place

Photo: Map of Murcia

Why go

Murcia is little known outside of Spain, and in the kingdom itself is considered a backward region. Meanwhile, Murcia is fraught with something special: the cities of La Manga and Costa Calida - luxury resorts on a narrow strip of land between the Mediterranean and the Small Sea (Mar Menor).

The remaining parts of the autonomy are not so popular and are significantly removed from tourist places. But if you look deep into the region, you will be rewarded - here is the Sierra Espuña nature reserve, which is called the "Green Lungs of Murcia".

When to come

The best time to visit the Sierra Espuña is from April to November. There is no summer heat here, as in other parts of the autonomy. During the Easter holidays, exciting ceremonies and events take place in different cities of Murcia.

Cultural Features

Photo: Burial of the sardine ceremony

There are fewer festivities in Murcia than in the rest of the kingdom, but here every fiesta is a genuine folk festival. The most spectacular traditionally is Holy Week in the city of Lorca with colorful costumes and spectacular performances in honor of the Virgin Mary.

Fans of extraordinary spectacles should go to Cartagena, where people in pointed hoods gather for Easter. And in the capital of Murcia, during Lent, a unique ceremony “burial of the sardine” takes place.

What to see

- this is an amazing creation of nature, which protected the huge lagoon from the Mediterranean Sea, making it the most popular resort in the entire region. There are beautiful beaches, as well as everything you need for windsurfing.

Photo: Mar Menor

Fortress de Monteagudo near Murcia- a majestic building on top of a cliff, which offers a wonderful view of the entire neighborhood. Until now, archaeological excavations are underway here, which bring to light many interesting artifacts.

Photo: Fortress de Monteagudo

Bishop's Palace in Murcia- it is impossible not to notice it due to its very original facade. The exterior matches the rich interior decor, some of which is in the Roman Baroque style.

– it was repeatedly rebuilt, completed and expanded, so the attentive visitor is presented with a building, parts of which are made in the style of Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance and Neoclassicism. It can be used to study the evolution of architectural preferences in Europe.

Photo: Cathedral of Santa Maria in Murcia

– Gambling is inherent in luxury, so it took at least 20 real gold plates to decorate the walls.

Photo: Casino in Murcia

- it was discovered only in the late 1980s, and it is considered the largest. About 10 years ago it was restored, restoring the destroyed parts.

Photo: Roman theater in Cartagena

- lonely columns stand in the very center of the city. There is a legend that says that it was founded by the Apostle James himself. Thus, it is believed that this is the first Christian cathedral in Spain.

Photo: The ruins of the old cathedral of Cartagena

It now houses the mayor's office. The attention of numerous visitors is attracted by luxurious cast decorative elements.

Photo: Palace of Costistry in Cartagena

Submarine Peral in Cartagena- in the center of the embankment there is a real submarine, which was the first to be launched in the Mediterranean Sea at the end of the 19th century.

Photo: Peral's submarine

National Museum of Underwater Archeology in Cartagena- it contains unique exhibits found at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea, which can tell about trade and military relations between cities and countries on its shores. The Art Nouveau building itself is also an attraction.

Photo: National Museum of Underwater Archeology in

Main places and cities of attractions

Murcia

Murcia is the eponymous capital of the autonomy of Murcia and the largest and most populated city. Main attractions:

1. Luxurious Cathedral of St. Mary.
2. Teatro Romea (one of the best in Spain).
3. Aquarium at the University of Murcia (entrance fee).
4. Salzio Museum.
5. Pasarela-Jorge-Manrique and Puente del Hospital bridges.

Other interesting cities:

1. The city of Lorca in 2011, the city was completely destroyed by an earthquake, but the authorities allocated more than 50 million € for the restoration of historical value - the castle of Lorca;
2. The historic city of Cartagena is rich in ancient ruins and modern museums;
3. Sierra Espuña is a kaleidoscope of different natural areas from white limestone mountains and valleys to forests. Here is a unique rich flora and fauna and picturesque panoramas from 20 peaks, the highest of them is Morrón de Espuña, 1583 m.

What to do in Murcia

Photo: Ice houses in the Sierra Espuña

Murcia can be explored for weeks, but if there is no such period at your disposal, then do not despair - we have prepared the top 15 things that you must do during your trip:

1. Try to stand on the board in the Mar Minor area - all conditions are created for this. Well, this is in between sunbathing sessions.
2. Eat ice cream in one of the cafes on the pedestrian street of Murcia - Alfonso X El Sabio street. There are many trees and shade, which is important in such a hot region.
3. Bargain with sellers at the Veronica market in Murcia - here you can buy the freshest vegetables, fruits, fish and meat, as well as scout out all the news and gossip from regular customers.
4. To go to the submarine of Peral - what an engineering thought of a person who was able to create such a type of transport has come to!
5. Wander through the ruins of the old cathedral in Cartagena - is it really the apostle himself who founded this building? That is, you can touch the very foundation of the foundations of modern European civilization.
6. Go to a casino in Murcia and imagine yourself as a rich aristocrat, having fun here day and night, losing fabulous fortunes.
7. Climb up to the fortress de Monteagudo and take in the surrounding hills and plains.
8. Try a local delicacy - boiled perch with rice or salted sea bream.
9. Take a panoramic photo from the height of the lighthouse of Cabo de Palos near the cape on the La Manga spit. From here you have a stunning view of the bay. It is said that he helped defend against pirates.
10. Visit the Bishop's Palace and walk around its halls.
11. Soak up the luxurious resort of La Manga or Costa Calida.
12. Treat yourself to rice with snails and a cocktail in the evening Murcia.
13. Explore Roman and Carthaginian excavations and at the same time visit the "Burial of the Sardine" in the museum city of Cartagena.
14. Travel to the fabulous Sierra Espuña nature reserve and cool off in the "ice houses" (pozos de la nieve).
15. Buy excellent goat cheese with pepper.

Shopping (What and where to buy)

Photo: Family shopping

Murcia has many shops and shopping streets. We have collected the top 5 most popular souvenirs according to the reviews of tourists:

1. Wine - where without Spanish wine! Choose shops at wineries and wineries: there is more choice and lower prices.
2. Cheese Murcia al vino - from the name it is clear that this drink of the gods did not bypass cheeses. Local wine is used in the process of making this delicious cheese.
3. Salt - yes, sea salt, which is obtained in the process of desalination of sea water. In addition to “ordinary” white salt, salt with various flavors is produced here: spicy with spices, sweet, with tomatoes, and so on.
4. Products with images of double crosses - they are decorated with ceramic plates, mugs and other souvenirs popular with tourists.
5. Jamon is meat cured in a special way. There are two types: Iberico jamon and Serrero jamon.

Cartagena also has a huge number of shopping centers and shops with regular sales.

Every third Sunday from October to June, the Pilgrim Craft Fair takes place in Caravaca de la Cruz. Here you can not only buy traditional products of local craftsmen, but also have fun on the rides.

Where to live

Photo: Room at the Catalonia Conde de Floridablanca

Murcia is a tourist area and there are many hotels in it. We have selected the top 5 most interesting hotels:

1. NH Amistad Murcia (Calle Condestable 1 | San Miguel, 30009 Murcia) is a comfortable hotel near the center. Delicious breakfasts and spacious rooms.
2. AC Hotel Murcia (Avenida Juan Carlos I 39, 30107 Murcia) is a clean hotel and rooms with modern facilities. Within walking distance to the city center.
3. Catalonia Conde de Floridablanca (Calle Princesa 18, 30002 Murcia) - beautifully decorated rooms and quality service. Nearby there are many cafes and restaurants where you can have a delicious dinner.
4. NH Campo Cartagena (Calle Ciudadela 24 | Ensanche, San Gines, 30203 Cartagena) - great rooms with new furniture and large bathrooms.
5. Carlos III Sercotel (Calle Carlos III 49, 30203 Cartagena) - all major attractions within walking distance. For families with children there is an equipped playroom.

Tour plan, tours for 1-3-7 days

The region of Murcia is rich in sights and interesting places for recreation. We have put together a detailed 7 day travel plan that covers the best of the area.

Day	Morning	Dinner	Evening
1	Murcia. Cathedral. Museum at the Cathedral. Catholic Church.	City Hall building. Near the park. Martinez Tornel Square. Bridge to another takes. Monument to the sardine in the water.	The evening can be spent in an atmosphere of excitement and good luck - in the casino. Here you can have dinner.
2	Bishop's Palace.	Archaeological Museum. Museum at the monastery of Santa Clara, where a wonderful courtyard is located.	Iron bridge. Floridablanca garden. For dinner, we recommend visiting Restaurante La Pequeña Taberna (Plaza San Juan, 7), which serves excellent ratatouille and artichokes.
3	In the morning and for the whole day we advise you to go to see the Fortress de Monteagudo. It's a trip until the evening.
4	La Manga. Rest on the beach by the sea.	Lighthouse Faro Cabo de Palos. Great photos of the sea and bay.	Walk in the evening along the seashore. We recommend finishing a pleasant evening at the Gran Torino restaurant (Calle Pez Guitarra, 1), where delicious seafood dishes are prepared.
5	Swimming and relaxing on the beach of La Manga at the Mar Menor.	Drive along the entire bay, stopping at various shores.	Aviation Museum in Los Alcazares. Monument to the fisherman on the embankment. After an eventful day, you can try traditional Spanish dishes at the San Juan Beachbar (Calle Espejo, 10), which is highly praised by visitors.
6	Cartagena. Museum of military history.	Archaeological park with a good observation deck at the top.	Fortress of the Costistories.. After visiting the sights, it is worth going to Restaurante La Catedral (Plaza Condesa de Peralta, 7), where we highly recommend ordering tuna tartare. The highlight of the institution are transparent floors, under which ancient buildings are visible.
7	Roman theater and surrounding streets of the historic center.	Sublok Peral. Maritime Museum.	Arsenal and guns on the embankment. We recommend finishing a pleasant evening at the Bodega la Fuente restaurant (Calle Jara, 27), where there is an excellent selection of tapas for every taste.

What and where is

Photo: Rice with snails

The traditional cuisine in Murcia differs from the cuisines of other Spanish regions. Here they eat a lot of meat, as well as salted fish. It is even added to salads. Almost all dishes with a large addition of spices and seasonings. We advise you to try these 5 dishes that will not leave you indifferent:

1. Ensalada murciana - vegetable salad of boiled eggs, tomatoes, chopped onions, olives with the addition of tuna or cod meat. All this is poured abundantly with olive oil with a drop of vinegar or lemon juice.
2. Pisto Murciano is the Spanish version of the French ratatouille. These are tomatoes, eggplants, sweet peppers fried in oil. It is served most often cold in clay pots.
3. Michirones is a rather spicy dish with red peppers. These are boiled red beans and beans stewed with chorizo ​​sausages and Spanish jamon.
4. Sarangollo is an ordinary omelet, in which pieces of zucchini and onions are placed. Some towns add pumpkin or potatoes.
5. Rice with snails is a very common dish on the coast. Most often served immediately in a pan.

Kitchen

In this part of Spain legumes are respected and spices are used very actively. Traditional dishes: michirones - a dish of beans and haba, paparachotes - pies from lemon leaves with cinnamon, migas ruleras - a kind of couscous, rice with snails and various sausages. The tapas here are the cheapest in Spain.

The best tours by reviews

Not all sights can be visited on your own, so we have chosen the top 5 most interesting and unusual excursions in Murcia:

1. Scuba diving near La Manga - a professional instructor will give a detailed explanation of what is possible and what is not, how to communicate underwater, and what is interesting for the participants of the underwater trip.
2. Wine tour - an experienced guide will take you to the best vineyards where fine wine is made. Some brands can be tasted.
3. Overview of the city of Murcia - only a connoisseur of the city will show and tell what is not in any, even the most complete, guidebook. The people who once lived in these houses made this city what it became.
4. The maritime greatness of the Spanish Empire - the city of Cartagena became the starting point for the formation of Spain as a great maritime power, which was able to quickly colonize vast territories around the world.
5. Roman Cartagena - it's amazing how many buildings and structures from the time of the Roman Empire have been preserved in excellent condition.

You can see what they eat in Murcia in this video:

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Murcia is famous for its clean sandy beaches, huge orchards, contrasting landscapes, interesting sights, rich history. Spain can rightly be proud of this wonderful resort, also called the country's big greenhouse. Comfortable hotels here side by side with luxurious gardens and medieval ruins. Murcia is an autonomous region located in the southeast of the state between Valencia, Andalusia and

In the south of the province, up to Cape Palos, mountains stretch to the sea, forming rocky shores. In the northern part you can find the Mar Menor lagoon with islands of volcanic origin - these are the most beautiful places that impress all travelers of Murcia. Spain is a major supplier of fruits and vegetables in Europe. This autonomous region has the largest number in the country, and many flowers are grown. And this despite the fact that the rains here fall only in the mountains, and even then rarely. Local residents solved this problem by installing stations for processing sea water into fresh water.

Thanks to the preserved ancient sources, it is known that in 825 Murcia was founded by the Arabs on the site of a Roman settlement. Spain receives positive reviews from visiting tourists due to interesting historical and Murcia has acquired a rich Arab heritage. The city reached its peak in the 18th century, which is why so many architectural monuments have survived to the present day. Small courtyards, winding narrow streets, ruins of fortress walls and the Castillo de Monteagudo fortress, built in the 11th century, have survived to this day.

The gothic-style cathedral is an iconic place in the city of Murcia. Spain is famous for many amazing masterpieces of architecture and this is one of them. The cathedral was built on the foundation of a Muslim mosque in the XIV-XVI centuries. The facade of the building is made in the Baroque style, and the 92-meter tower is in the spirit of the Renaissance. It is also worth visiting the city of Cartagena, which has an ancient history, convenient parking for ships and an amazingly beautiful bay. This trading port at different times was of great interest to Muslims, Romans, Byzantines, Visigoths, Castilians and just pirates. In Cartagena, the first submarine sailing in the Mediterranean Sea was installed on a pedestal.

Sunny and warm weather, amazing sandy beaches will be remembered by the tourists of Murcia. Spain is a resort country, so there is everything for a comfortable stay. Many travelers like to relax on La Manga - a long sandy spit that separates the Mar Menor lagoon from the sea. Since the depth of the bay is less than 2 m, the water here is always warm, and even has a high concentration of iodine and salt. La Manga is ideal for treatment, family and outdoor activities.

Costa Calida is also very proud of the city of Murcia (Spain). It is on this coast that the popular resort of La Manga del Mar Menor, as well as the Mar Menor, is located. This place attracts lovers of water sports. Holidays in Murcia will be remembered for a long time with sunny days and fun entertainment.