Murcia

The province of Murcia lies south of Alicante (Alacant) and stretches inland to Albacete and southwards to Almeria. Known since Moorish times for the fertility of its land, Murcia's agriculture has prospered as its once rich mines have declined. Much of the province is planted with fruit, olives, rice, nuts and vegetables, particularly around its capital, Murcia. Inland lie arid and beautiful mountain ranges, vineyards, historic towns and forgotten villages, where few tourists venture.

The coastline offers a wide variety of scenery, from the shallow waters and flat landscapes of the Mar Menor to the secret coves and empty beaches around Mazarron. This area is popular with holidaying Spaniards, particularly around the Mar Menor, which has the best facilities of Murcia's resorts. From a base here, excursions are possible through undeveloped and little explored valleys, and superb mountain scenery, to hill towns such as Jumilla and Mula.

Founded on the Segura river in the 9th century by the Moors, the city of Murcia soon became an important trading centre, its wealth largely based on the fertility of the outlying market gardens.  By the 1300s it was the regional capital and continued to prosper, its 18th century wealth funding the majority of its finest buildings. Today, it's an agricultural and commercial centre, a delightful and truly Spanish city which makes few concessions to tourism.

It is well worth battling through the modern suburbs to spend time in the historic centre, a largely pedestrianised maze of narrow streets and squares, punctuated by elegant buildings and churches. The major sights, including the magnificent baroque cathedral cluster around the medieval arteries of the Traperia and Plateria, today up market shopping streets. Here you'll find the bizarre 19th century Casino, the Teatro Romea, and a clutch of superb churches. Other fine buildings line the river, where there are shady walkways and peaceful green gardens.

Murcia is well endowed with museums; the Museo Arqueologico  traces the area's history and the Museo Salzillo  celebrates the woodcarving genius of one of its natives. Local pride in traditional artisan work is evident at the Centro Regional de Artesania  and the city has some excellent restaurants specializing in Murcia's vegetable based cooking.