Murcia

Murcia is an ancient region, settled by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Moors. Cartagena - originally Carthago Nova - was founded by the Carthaginians and is still an important port. It has several excellent museums with important pre-Roman and Roman collections.

Murcia’s capital – also Murcia – is inland, set in the fertile plain called the Huevas. An agricultural centre, it is also famous for its candlelit night-time processions in Holy Week.

The region’s Mediterranean coast – La Costa Calida - has wonderful white-sand beaches and a mild climate.

The dry north of the region is perfect vine-growing territory. Murcia produces Jumilla, Ycla and Bulla wines, and the quality is improving all the time from its days as a producer of bulk, cheap reds.

The cuisine features seafood along the coast and is the heart of citric fruit production – oranges, lemons, clementines and tangerines.