Murcian Cuisine:
Murcia offers some of the most interesting tapas in the whole of Spain. There are a large number of bars and taverns with truly great tapas. The most popular are in the area around the Plaza de Flores (Square of the Flowers) and the University area called Santa Eulalia. Rice dishes such as arroz caldero, fish and seafood from the Mar Menor such as lobster are an absolutely essential dining experience. There are many other Murcian dishes that have become popular throughout Spain. The zarangollo, bean omelette, the michirones, the olla gitana and the arroz with habichuelas, rabbit, potatoes in garlic known as al ajo cabañil; the list is exhaustive. For desserts, try the exellent paparajotes - lemon leaves fried in crispy batter and dusted in sugar and cinammon - leche frita (fried milk) or a fig sorbet, a true adventure in food.
About the Area
Murcia is one of Spain's least known regions, even among Spaniards themselves, and first-time visitors are often surprised by the diversity of this small region and the friendliness of its people.
The community of euroresidents living in this region has grown in recent years, drawn by Murcia's attractive mountain villages, the beautiful coastline, Costa Calida, low prices (compared to more expensive Spanish resorts) and one of the best climates in Spain all year round. However, despite its growing popularity, the region remains relatively unspoilt compared to the more crowded Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca. Fruits and market-garden products are important to the Murcian economy, and are exported all over Europe.
Attractions
Casino de Murcia - This palatial establishment was originally a gentlemen's club in the 19th and 20th Centuries, with rooms furnished in themes, such as the Versailles Ballroom, or the Arabic Patio.
Museo de Murcia - One of Spain's finest museums, the Museo de Auqueologia records the history of the area with displays and exhibits that date back to prehistoric times.
Lorca - An hour´s drive from Murcia is Lorca and its diverse, sometimes crumbling, architectural leftovers from different eras and cultures. Baroque magnificence, Renaissance beauty, and medieval ghettos, all speak of the centuries of human habitation of the town and its surrounding areas.
Aguilas - About one and a half hours drive from Murcia is the delightful fortified medieval town of Aguilas. This is a tourist haven with lovely beaches and coves to explore, ancient structures and the pier on the Bay of Hornillo.
Jardine Del Salitre - The Museo Taurino located here has displays of bullfighting memorabilia, including an enshrinement of the torn and bloodied shirt worn by the matador, Jose Manuel Calvo Benichon, on the day he was gored to death.
Parque Natural Sierra Espuna - Located just outside of Murcia, the Rio Espuna runs through the mountainous and rocky Parque Natural Sierra Espuna, wooded with pine trees and sagebrush. Spring is the best time to visit the park, when the wild flowers burst into glorious and riotous bloom.
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Murcia 
Murcia 
Murcia
