Murcia’s regional capital’s famous for the extravagance of its cathedral and soaring bell tower. But, those who know this gracious city a little better are just as happy to sing the praises of tapas (the best in Spain according to some), museums and eclectic architecture. Take to the streets and go exploring, leave plenty of time to linger on dozens of extravagant plazas, sidestep into ancient and intriguing alleys and don’t leave until you’ve amply admired the river and its fine collection of bridges.

• The Moors founded Murcia in the 9^th century and the historic heart of the city’s traced everywhere with their influence.
• The foundations for Murcia’s cathedral were laid in 1388 but it wasn’t finished until the 18^thWell worth the wait, it’s considered to be one of the finest churches in Spain.
• The city has dozens of plazas from glorious Plaza del Cardenal Belluga and captivating Plaza de las Flores to bustling Plaza de Santo Domingo and ‘best for tapas’ Plaza San Juan.
• Don’t miss: Santa Clara la Real Convent; riverside Paseo del Maleçon; Gran Via Alfonso X; Cienca y el Agua Museum; Museo Salzilla; Manrique and Maleçon Bridges (especially floodlit at night); views from the top of the city’s 90m high bell tower.

First time visitors to Cartagena should do nothing before hopping on the cable car up to Castillo de la Concepción. The 13^th century castle stares imperiously across the entire city and nowhere has a better perspective on its grandeur and impressive history. From here you can see traces of the Phoenicians down by the harbour, admire ancient Rome’s contribution, check the historic Islamic influences and see the startling Modernist architecture: unsung for decades and now rightfully recognised as some of the finest examples of the legendary 19^th century movement.

• Cartagena’s Roman Theatre was discovered less than three decades ago. Today it’s part of a magnificent complex which includes the Museo del Teatro Romano designed by leading Spanish architect, Rafael Moneo.
• The city’s lovely harbour and waterfront are classic southern Spain by the sea, belying a trading legacy which stretches back thousands of years and still defines Cartagena as one of Europe’s most historically significant ports.
• Cartagena’s famous city beach, Cala Cortina, is a perfect Mediterranean cove and loved by families for its kids play areas, sheltered waters and pretty sands.
• Don’t miss: Modernist Casas like Clara and Llagostera; the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology; the historic quarter and 18^th century Muralla del Mar; Cartagena Cathedral and Crypt.

From nature reserves to gorgeous beaches and dramatic rock formations, Murcia’s coast is awe-inspiring from end to end. But no feature is quite as distinctive as the narrow ribbon of land which stretches for 24km across the Mediterranean enclosing the calm Mar Menor Lagoon. La Manga dominates this geological anomaly. One of the liveliest resorts in the region it’s a great holiday base for families, water sport mad kids and hard to impress teenagers.

• Several of Murcia’s best hotels are in La Manga and the purpose-built resort’s popular with visitors all year round.
• Good choice for sailing schools, diving and water sports.
• Famous for a seemingly endless variety of cute chiringuitos and seafood restaurants.

Mazarrón’s precious minerals and metals have long been coveted. By the time the lode finally ran out in the early 20^th century, every culture from the Phoenicians and ancient Romans to Muslims and conquering Christians had mined here. Traces of invading influences are still seen all over the area. But today it’s the charms of the bustling harbours and Costa Calida beaches, pretty resorts and laid-back holiday atmosphere that attracts most attention.

• Mazarrón is where to find iconic Playa de Bolnuevo and the Erosiones de Bolnuevo rock formations.
• Resorts strung along the 35km coastline are good for beachy hotels, holiday apartments and family camping.
• Mazarrón old town’s eclectic mix of architecture and rich history makes it one of the most interesting in the region.