(Plaza de las Flores. Tel. ) On a delightful square off the Gran Via, the sweet smell from the flower stalls gently perfumes the air. The mesón serves a vast range of tapas, including the delicious Murcian salad.
(48 Torre de Romo. Tel. 968 341 451) Family-owned bar/restaurant offering excellent home-made tapas. The gazpacho (chilled tomato, garlic and cucumber soup) is extremely refreshing on a warm day.
(39 Avenida de la Marina Espanola. Tel. 968 205 100) Head chef Lucio D’Erme produces a variety of wonderful pasta dishes at this Italian restaurant, including seafood fettuccini an tortellini with wild mushrooms. The three-course set menu at lunchtime is reasonably priced.
(18 Calle Princesa . Tel. 968 214 626) A first-class restaurant in the hotel of the same name. Specialities from head chef Jose Reyes include Navarre-style trout stuffed with nuts and onion. The chocolate cake is spectacular.
(Plaza de las Flores . Tel. ) Beautiful tiles, pictures of flamenco dancers and Spanish scenery give this bar an Andalucian feel. Great house wine and tasty tapas, too.
(Muelle de Alfonso XII, Cartagena. Tel. ) This bar plays 60s and 70s music and hosts live acts on selected nights in the lively harbour area of Cartagena.
(Calle Enrique Villar. Tel. ) Not as well known as its big brother Mundaka Club, but still a great spot. Very chilled out, it serves some interesting cocktails and has a great resident DJ.
On the ground
Shop
Nemesis is a small independent store that stocks French and Italian designer gear (12 Calle Jimenez Baeza. Tel. 968 223 289).
Insider Tip
The city museum at Plaza de las Agustinas is housed inside a
beautiful 16th-century palace. Its artefacts trace the history of Murcia.
Key Area
The Plaza Cardinal Belluga is home to two of the city’s landmark buildings: the Bishop’s Palace and Cathedral. After a tour of the sights, find a seat at one of the pavement cafés and admire the architecture.
This month
In a major coup for Murcia, the SOS 4.8 festival takes place in the city from 2-3 May. Top British groups such as James, Kaiser Chiefs and Chemical Brothers are set to appear (www.sos48.com).
Day Tripping
Cartagena
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Murcia’s rival city Cartagena—the great historical sea port that was founded by the Carthaginians 2,500 years ago—is well worth a visit. The Roman amphitheatre is its jewel, and Santa Catalina Castle above the port offers expansive views over this fascinating metropolis. About 40 minutes from Murcia.
No way!
The sheer scale of some of the sculptures in Salzillo Museum beg belief. One of the nativity scenes includes 556 figures.
