Murcia Local History

About four centuries ago, Mother Nature decided to do a spot of spring cleaning and rearranging in Murcia, and there followed a powerful series of plagues, earthquakes and floods, which turned the place upside down, but revealed a wealth of minerals and natural springs.

Mankind is persistent, if nothing else, and today the coastal towns are treasure troves of thermal spas, paprika mills, and pottery factories. The abundance of Apricot and Orange trees has earned Murcia the reputation of being Europe's orchard, 'Huerta de Europa'.

Murcia Attractions

Top Attractions

Murcia Parks & Gardens

Jardine Del Salitre - The Museo Taurino located here has displays of bullfighting memorabilia, including a particularly offensive enshrinement of the torn and bloodied shirt worn by the matador, Jose Manuel Calvo Benichon, on the day he was gored to death. (I suppose it really depends on one's point of view, the bull would probably be quite chuffed at the exhibit.)

Parque Natural Sierra Espuna - Located just outside of Murcia, the Rio Espuna runs through the mountainous and rocky Parque Natural Sierra Espuna, wooded with pine trees and sagebrush. Spring is the best time to visit the park, when the wild flowers burst into glorious and riotous bloom .

Murcia Beaches

The beaches of Aguilas are beautiful, and with thirty-five coves and inlets to choose from a visitor is spoilt for choice. Another fabulous beach, possibly the finest in Spain, is located at La Manga Del Mar Menor where windsurfers glory in the calm waters, and sun-seekers repose on sparkling white sands.

Murcia Restaurants and Bars

Murcia Restaurants

Aires de Murcia - Calle Simon Garcia, This restaurant has a tropical ambience due to all the greenery and plants that adorn every nook and cranny, and which the owner cares for diligently. The service is excellent, and the food and wine match. For a night where you are made to feel like royalty, visit Aires de Murcia, you won't regret it.

Las Cocinas del Cardenal - Plaza del Cardenal Belluga 7. Enjoy dishes from the a la carte menu, or tuck into the divine tapas from the bar.

Hispano - Calle Arquitecto Cerdan 7. This excellent restaurant serves regional dishes, their most well known being Caldero Marinero del Mar Menor, a seafood casserole to die for. It also has a good selection of wines.

Murcia Weekend Breaks

Top 10 things to do in Murcia for a weekend.

• Museo de Salzillo
• Museo de Arqueologia
• Hotel Melia 7 Coronas
• Cathedral de Santa Maria
• Rincon de Pepe

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