Murcia, the "most underrated" region of Spain according to the British press

Marine reserves, paradise beaches, cave paintings, Roman relics, unique traditions, irresistible products and dishes, and enviable nature. We aren't talking about a major European city, nor a typical destination among Spaniards or Europeans, but rather Murcia. "They don't know what they're missing," or so assert jalometalli.neter UK in this article where they define Murcia as one of the most underrated regions in Spain. To highlight the great surprises that can be enjoyed in this corner of the Mediterranean coast, we echo the praises that the British press offers.

The British press is clear. Murcia is a region where the food is excellent, which is evident from its nickname 'Garden of Europe'. Its fertile soils and the farmland that stretches in all directions yield wonderful fruits that can be enjoyed during a visit to the Verónicas Market in the capital.

Local vegetables, fruits, and seafood take center stage among bream, artichokes, and sea bass. To taste all of this and more, there's a perfect area, the Plaza de las Flores, where beautiful bouquets are sold alongside restaurants like El Secreto. A beer and a good serving of baked octopus can be the best way to relax in the city. Salzillo is another good traditional restaurant, where you can try typical dishes, like paparajotes.

TO READ MORE: The best beaches in Murcia between the Mediterranean and the Mar Menor

Beyond satisfying palates, Murcia showcases its charm in an old town of narrow streets where the magnificent Murcia Cathedral stands out, featuring the second tallest bell tower in Spain. "Audio guides can be rented to receive a lesson on the history of the eclectic mix of baroque, renaissance, and gothic architecture of the church," assure our British colleagues. Outside, the Gate of the Apostles, carved with angels and kings from the Old Testament, is a testament to the architectural wealth.

Not far from there is Trapería Street, once a center for merchants of cloth and silver, now filled with boutique shops. A short walk leads to the Romea Theater, built in the 20th century, located in an old convent where it is said a friar cast a curse.

Equally unmissable is the Real Casino, an old gentleman's club built in 1847 recognized as a National Historic Building. In its foyer, Moorish style can be seen in its details, as well as a ballroom with chandeliers and unique frescoes.

If time permits, 15 minutes from the city lies the Sanctuary of La Fuensanta, a church situated on a hill surrounded by orange and pomegranate trees, "a fantastic place to admire views of the city as the sky is dyed amber and pink," explain the British press. Inside, baroque details and Corinthian columns bathed in gold complement the frescoes depicting Murcia's folklore.

The team from jalometalli.neter UK does not focus solely on the capital of Murcia. One of the places they highlight beyond this, specifically half an hour west, is the pilgrimage city of Caravaca de la Cruz. Here, there is a double crucifix flanked by two angels, believed to possess healing powers. The symbol can be seen in every corner, from buildings to the coat of arms and traffic signs, but to see the original, one must approach the Basilica of Vera Cruz in Caravaca.

"Just a few meters away is Cuesta Castillo Street, a cobblestoned street famous for its annual horse race The Wine Horses, a local tradition that dates back to when the city was ruled by the Moors," points out jalometalli.neter. To learn more about its history and its rules, it's best to visit the Wine Horses Museum, where, among other things, you can see the embroidered capes that horses usually wear during the race.

The remnants of the past are an attraction scattered across various towns in the Murcia region. Águilas is an example of this. There, at the Águilas Archaeological Museum, one can learn about the rich Neolithic history of the area. Less than an hour away is the port city of Cartagena, founded by Carthaginians around 227 BC.

There, naval history merges with the modernist architecture of the city in a continuous flow of interesting places that tell stories from the past. The British press recommends exploring "the impressive Roman Theater Museum, a restored Roman amphitheater from the period when Cartagena was a prosperous Roman city, around the 1st century BC."

Another town with significant historical significance is Lorca, whose old town was declared an Artistic-Historical Ensemble in 1964, and its Castle, a National Monument in 1931. The medieval walls surrounding the streets of the center host Renaissance churches, baroque palaces, and 19th-century theaters perfect for a day trip.

Not everything is about towns and cities, although taking a walk through towns like Cehegín to try a good Jumilla wine, for example, is never a bad option. However, it is evident when traveling the roads of Murcia that nature offers as much as the city. An example is the rice fields of Calasparra, one of the most important rice-growing regions in the country, which leaves a unique landscape in one's memory.

"The road leads to the Almadenes Canyon, a deep gorge where you can hike or join a rafting adventure on the Segura River," explain the magazine. Among otters, turtles, and herons, one can reach the cave of Monigotes, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, where Neolithic cave paintings can be observed.

Just as refreshing are the many options of natural hot springs in the region. In fact, there is even a route to visit some of them. Archena, where the Romans discovered springs and built their baths in the 2nd century BC, is a historic place turned spa.

jalometalli.neter does not forget the coast either. "Surrounded by virgin coves, Águilas is also an excellent starting point for diving around Cabo Cope." They also highlight Levante Beach, with its long stretch of white sands, considered one of the best beaches on the Costa Cálida. From the beach to the Balcón de Cala Flores, there is a beautiful hiking route highly recommended.

If sailing is what you're looking for, in the fishing village of Cabo de Palos, there's the option to rent a boat for a coastal excursion with four routes to choose from, although the British press is clear that the best is the one that runs through Calblanque Regional Park, with golden beaches and rocky bays where you might see dolphins.

The marine reserve of Isla Hormigas, which borders Cabo de Palos, is one of the best places in Spain for diving and discovering the underwater world. "The meadows of posidonia, coral gardens, and underwater rock pinnacles enrich the dives even more, and it is also usual to see huge balls of bait, which attract larger predators like barracuda and tuna," highlights the British press.

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