Tucked away in the southeastern corner of Spain, Murcia is a region that often flies under the radar of mainstream tourism as it is located near Alicante and Cartagena.

However, it shouldn’t be overlooked because whether you’re in search of tranquil seaside escapes, cultural exploration, or authentic Spanish cuisine, Murcia ticks all the boxes – ideal for those seeking a holiday off the beaten path.

Where to visit

Sierra Espuña

The Sierra Espuña Regional Park is a must-visit for hikers, birdwatchers and people with a passion for nature. The panoramic views show 7,000 hectares of trees which are planted using seed bombs. For an overview of the flora, fauna and animal species located in the park, take a stop at the visitor’s centre.

This is also a famous route attracting hundreds of mountain cyclists every year as it is the highest road to climb in the Murcia region stretching 26km. While in the park, it is well worth visiting the cylindrical constructions. Some of them have domes that were used during the 17th and 18th centuries to store snow and produce ice known as ‘Snow Well’s’.

This was then used in the hot summer months to preserve food and drinks. They began to be built in Sierra Espuña around the 16th century to store snow so that it could be distributed in the form of ice for hospitals and cities in the Region of Murcia.

Mud paths

In the town of San Pedro del Pinatar, you will discover Las Charcas Mud Baths. Part of Mar Menor, a large 170 square kilometre saltwater lagoon called the “Sea of Health”, this area is known for its shallow depths, high salinity, and healing mud properties. Many tourists with arthritis and joint issues travel to the mud baths as the sediments have a high percentage of cations, calcium, magnesium, potassium and fluoride, as well as sulphate which make them therapeutic. Once you put on the mud, sit back and let it sink into your skin.

Museum of the Roman Theatre of Cartagena

The discovery and excavation of the Roman Theatre in Cartagena in recent years has been one of the most surprising discoveries of the archaeology of the city. The excavation started in October 1988 with the first campaign on the site of the Casa-Palacio de la Condesa Peralta, to house the Regional Craft Centre in Cartagena.

In 1990, they were able to identify even very partial remains of the theat which resulted in the start of the archaeological recovery of the Roman theatre due to a collaboration agreement signed between the Autonomous Community, the City of Cartagena and Cajamurcia founding in 1996.

In the period between 1996 and 2003, the excavation of the entire theatre was complete making it now an easily accessible museum. The cost of entry is €7 for an individual and €3 for a child.

Caravaca de la Cruz

Caravaca de la Cruz is a city in the Murcia province. It is known as a major pilgrimage site that is home to the Basilica Shrine of Vera Cruz, with its distinctive Caravaca Cross and Baroque facade.

One of the main features is the castle that rises above Caravaca’s urban layout. It is of Muslim origin, was extended in the 15th century by the Patronage of the Templars and later belonged to the Order of Saint James. One of the most traditional parts of the city is the Wine Horse Festival also known as Los Caballos del Vino.

The whole city shuts down every year for three days from 1-3 May to celebrate the Santísima y Vera Cruz in Caravaca.

The process involves dressing the horses in extravagant cloaks made from embroidered silk and gold thread. The Wine Horses Museum in Caravaca de la Cruz is well worth visiting as it costs only €3 and it gives an overview of the history and importance of the festival.

La Balcona winery

For any wine enthusiast, a trip to Spain wouldn’t be complete without visiting a family vineyard. There are 35 wineries in the region of Murcia. Located 10km from Bullas, in the Aceniche Valley is La Balcona winery. The current owner’s grandmother, Josefa “la Balcona” built a winery to offer wine to its workers during the Spanish Civil War. Her nickname was Balcona because her house had a balcony. Balcona was an entrepreneur and a widow who built the family winery from the ground up. It is now 60 years old and run by three sisters and four brothers. Sadly in Murcia, low prices are paid for grapes, resulting in some farmers ripping out vineyards and going into other types of agriculture.

Although acidic and fresh, the wines are very strong at 14% alcohol. In the valley, Monastrell grapes are the most common variety. The wine tasting and tour costs €17.

• odegabalcona.com/en

Where to eat

One thing for sure is that you won’t go hungry while holidaying in Murcia, not only is there an endless number of places to eat traditional Spanish food but each restaurant offers a tapas style where the menu is set. Course after course, more food keeps arriving at the table and it doesn’t matter if it is lunch or dinner time, the portion sizes are substantial.

A must try is the fried artichokes and the squid. Being a coastal region, most restaurants center their menu around fish. I would recommend trying the local octopus dish Pulpo a la gallega, or Galician octopus. Don’t worry if you are not a fish eater, there is plenty of beef and other options.

43 Restaurant

For a fine dining experience, the Liquor 43 produced in Murcia have recently opened up a restaurant, located at the harbour in Cartagena. With the cuisine centred around telling stories through traditional flavours, it gives a great sense of taste and elegance.

• uarentaytres.com/en

Where to stay

Cartagena Puerto Hotel

If you are looking for central accommodation, Hotel Cartagena Puerto is located in the historic centre of Cartagena, 200m away from the Roman Theatre. This modern hotel is four stars and has a restaurant on the ground level.

Depending on the time of the year, rates vary from €73 upwards.

•hotelcartagenapuerto.com

Bajo el Cejo

If you rent a car and are looking to stay somewhere with a bit more character, Bajo el Cejo, is a calming place to stay for a peaceful escape. The guest house is located in the district of El Berro, in the heart of the Sierra Espuña Regional Park. Its reconstruction began in 2004 from the old coal miners’ houses that gave rise to the district and the picturesque water mill on the ravine. Connecting the building with nature, the ecotourism rural inn has 12 double rooms, eight rooms in the main building and four in the flour mill. Prices range depending on the time of year with September rooms for €120 per night.

• bajoelcejo.com

Irish Country Living was a guest of the Spanish Tourism Board.