Where To Eat In Murcia

Spain is well known for its many tasty contributions to the global cookbook. Among the traditional epicurean delights available to those enjoying luxury holidays in Spain are paella, chorizo, Manchego cheese, olives, empanadas, turron, paprika, patatas bravas, rioja wine and of course lots of seafood.

Those who have been on family holidays to Murcia will already be aware that the cuisine in this region of Spain is second to none – however, they may not be aware that much of what they have eaten in Murcia has strong associations with the south-eastern region of Spain.

Paprika, capers, cheese, rice and apricots all have a distinct link with Murcia – Market Uno notes that capers have been a crucial part of Murcian cooking since the 16th century. Those who wish to try out the tantalising flavours of Murcian fare while they are on a villa holiday in Spain may wish to visit some of the following Murcia eateries.

A great thing about eating in Murcia is that much of the food is grown locally, so you can look forward to fat juicy red tomatoes in your salad. A great cafe to visit if you would like a view while you dine is Cafeteria Catedral in the city centre. Described as “lovely” by Viva Murcia, you can enjoy your typically Spanish lunch while observing the daily comings and goings of life in the square outside the entrance to the cathedral.

However – Spanish food is not all that is on offer in Murcia, with the Italian-style Il Caffe Di Roma serving up Mediterranean cuisine from both Spain and Italy. Family holidays in Spain would hardly be complete without some traditional tapas meals and those on family holidays in Murcia are all the more fortunate in this sense.

“Spanish chefs in the know acknowledge that Murcia is home to Spain’s best tapas, a result of the city’s location between some of the country’s richest arable land and the Mediterranean,” the Guardian recently claimed. The publication made note of the mussels at La Mejillonera, opposite the Episcopal palace, which come with cumin and chilli “like you’d find in Morocco” and a “lovely” lemon sauce.

Other tapas restaurants that are likely to tickle your tastebuds in the best possible way in Murcia include Los Zagales – which, according to the newspaper, not only serves a tasty crunchy Russian salad but comes complete with friendly locals. If you want to eat in typical Spanish style then make a night of your evening meal and hop from bar to bar trying a different plate of tapas at each one.

Recommended bars in Murcia include Plaza de las Flores, El Bolito, La Tapa, Las Viandas, Las Mulas, Pepico del Tio Gines and Casa Perela – which serves wild mushrooms sauteed in olive oil and garlic shoots, suckling pig and of course paella. However, if moving around between courses is not your style and you wish to eat at one restaurant, then Murcia has many beautiful bistros to choose from.

For quick service, the Spanish Airport Guide recommends Rincon de Pepe, famous for its Paparajotes dessert – made with the leaves of lemon trees. If you are enjoying a luxury holiday in Spain then the guide suggests a trip to the 17th century wine bodega turned restaurant Palacete Rural La Seda for a modern meal made with local ingredients.

Finally, Murcia is famous for its regional wine and so do make sure to try some during your Spanish holiday. The Airport Guide notes that Restaurante El Sordo in the Murcian valley of Ricote offers traditional and creative cuisine served in “very generous” portions, which can be washed down with locally made house wine.

Life And Leisure in Murcia,Spain

Murcia, in South East Spain, has not had the same publicity, or prosperity, as other regions of Spain, but improved air services, thanks in part to low cost airlines, rail and motorway links, and property development, ensure this is set to change. This traditional region is now appealing to visitors who wish to enjoy the real Spain, and Spanish culture such as food, architecture and the pace of life. No longer do visitors to Spain want English style pubs near the beach, or English newspapers available in the local shop. The Mediterranean diet is both cheap and healthy, whether you choose to cook, or to eat out. There is plenty to choose from and most of the fruit and vegetables will be grown locally. The “package holiday destination” image that Spain previously had is on the decline.

The Costa Calida (Warm Coast) runs for over 170km and has blue seas and a range of coastal resorts, and traditional Spanish fishing villages. The winter temperature of around 11 degrees and a summer temperature of up to 34 degrees give the region an average annual temperature of 18 degrees. Combined with over 300 sunny days a year, it is not hard to see why this region is so tempting. The Costa Calida has something for everyone, from unspoilt beaches and fishing villages, to fine golf courses and excellent water sports facilities.

The region is also well known by golfers, and the La Manga resort is the most famous golf course in Murcia, if not Spain. As well as La Manga, the Club de Golf Altorreal and the Mosa Golf Club are popular courses, and there are many other courses being developed. Some property developments are designed to appeal to golfers, and are located near golf courses, and new dedicated golf resorts are being built.

At 170km square, the Mar Menor is the Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon. As well as a fantastic place to learn to sail, windsurf, water ski, and jet ski, the high salt content means that the lagoon is safe to swim and paddle, making it popular with families. The Mar Menor has also become a conservation area and home to a huge number of different species of birds.

If the beach, water sports and golf don’t appeal to you, there are many other reasons to visit Murcia. The city of Murcia itself dates back to 825, and has been described as the most beautiful city in Spain. With excellent shopping and dining in tapas bars and restaurants, as well as Moorish architecture, the City of Murcia has lots to offer. The university and student population, as well as many festivals and celebrations mean that there is always plenty to do. There are also castles and historic buildings to be found in the towns of Alamha, Mula and Lorca, and the port of Cartagena is a popular stopover for cruise ships. San Javier, could possibly be the perfect location: near the airport, less than half an hour from both Murcia and Cartagena, and within easy reach of several golf courses.

The region of Murcia is traditionally agricultural, and grows a lot of olives, citrus fruit and vegetables. With over 100 000 hectares of vineyards, this region has a tradition of winemaking. The wines have not always been of the best quality, but thanks to new technology and techniques, the wine is rapidly improving and becoming more commercially successful. Why not sample some wine while you are there?

Nature lovers are well catered for in Murcia, and there are many nature parks that are well worth the visit. Calblanque, south of Mar Menor has been a protected natural area since 1982, and a nature reserve since 1992. This nature reserve has high dunes, sandy beaches and many species of birds and plants. Visitors can enjoy the park on foot, bike and horseback as well as by car.

San Pedro del Pinatar is home to the regional park of Salinas y Arenales, the most important wetlands in the region. Flocks of flamingos rest here each year before their journey to North Africa.

The Sierra Espuna regional park has amazing scenery including dramatic peaks, forests and many species of plants. Wild boar, goats, mountain cats and tortoises can all be found here. This park is popular with organised walking tours, and the peak of Espuna at 1579m can be seen from miles around.

The warm climate and coastal activities usually initially attract visitors, and once there, they discover there is a lot more to the region than just beaches and golf. From a hike through a national park to a round of golf, from a day on the beach to a day sightseeing, Murcia will appeal to everyone.