Cities and villages in Murcia

* Cartagena Located on the coast this city has a rich historical heritage and has been strategically important for centuries. Its Roman history can be seen in the the amphitheatre, the Augusteum, the Roman road, the Roman theatre, the Colonnade de la morería baja...all in magnificant surroundings. Castles: The Castillo de la Concepción, Castillos de Galeras, Atalaya, Moros and San Julián, City walls: Bizantina, Púnica, Museums: the City Archeological museum, Carmen Conde, the Underwater Archeological museum, the Naval museum. We recommend a stroll along the calle Mayor (Mayor street) until you get to the seafront, passing on your way the grand Consistorial palace. One option for an enjoyable visit to the city is to stay in one of the hotels near La Manga. We also recommend a marvellous restaurant called Los Churrascos which is located within this area.

* Lorca, another Murcian city with historical significance. Visit: the Castillo de Lorca, other buildings to see are the ancients houses - Casa del Corregidor, Casa de los Guevara and la Casa Consistorial also San Patricio Collegiate church. Museums: the Archeological museum, Bordados de los dos pasos de la semana santa: el blanco y el azul. A Parador is currently being built - there is another one in Murcia on the border with Andalucia - the Parador of Puerto Lumbreras.

Villages in Murcia

Rich in natural resources, coastline and historical heritage. Visiting the whole province is impossible given the area it covers. The best places to visit are the coast, the eje Moratalla- Caravaca-Cehegín

* Alhama de Murcia, near to the Espuña mountain range, the castle is worth a look. Eating: try the El Chaleco restaurant El Chaleco (Tel. 968 630 197) for its wonderful Murcian stews.

* Archena, famous for its spa baths - the Archena Spa with thermal waters.

* Caravaca de la Cruz, one of the most interesting villages in the province. Visit: the medieval neighbourhood, the castel, its churches, the Sanctuary and the museums

* Cehegín, located in low lying land near the Argos river, this village has beautiful views of the surrounding scenery. Visit: the churches, the townhall, the chapel, the convent and the sanctuary.

* Ceutí, well worth a visit. This town is a cultural reference for people in Murcia and beyond, with one of the most interesting art museums in southern Spain.

* Jumilla, famous for its vineyards. Visit: the castle, the convent and the churches.

* Moratalla, located in the Moratalla mountain range and on the border with Andalucia. See the calle Mayor, Benizar and Fortaleza castles, the sanctuary. Stay in Cenaje hotel next to the reservoir.

* Totana, very close to the Espuña natural park - outstanding scenery. Recommended places to see - los Saladares del Guadalentín, El Cerro de la Cabra, Los Pozos de la nieve, El purgatorio, Las Alquerías,

* Yecla, near to Jumilla it too has very good wines. Famous for its low price furniture.