Friday, April 25, 2014 www.eastbourneherald.co.uk EASTBOURNE HERALD 87 TRAVEL FEATURE : a world away from the boozy Brits of Benidorm

Adam Skinner samples a city break in Murcia Cathedral the south eastern corner of

MURCIA FEATURE descend on the area like a taking it in somehow feels like Mediterranean Lourdes. a religious experience. By adam skinner Locked in the mountains is Construction of the Ca- e-mail [email protected] twitter adamskinner11 Archena, where the striking thedral began in 1388, taking landscapes are accompanied over 300 years to complete. Preconceptions of weekend by various hotels - the per- Built over the remains of a breaks to Spain, especially fect place to unwind. mosque, in a city which saw ones that start with a flight But perhaps the historic Islamic rule overthrown in the to Alicante, might conjure up centre of the region’s capital, 1400’s, means an eclectic ar- Murcia City, is the perfect way chitectural influence of Goth- images of rowdy stag nights, to start your trip. ic, Renaissance and Baroque tacky karaoke evenings, Irish The area is equally perfect is evident, a recurring theme pubs on every corner and for a weekend getaway as it throughout the city. packs of drunken Brits roam- is for a longer holiday. While Inside the choir stalls and ing palm tree-laden streets. Murcia moves slowly, you will the flamboyant Gothic Vélez never be short of things to do. chapel are equally compelling, On firstarri ving at Gatwick Much of the city centre is Murcia is also home to Murcia beach these initial fears seemed to like a maze, with warrens of some of the best tapas that have been confirmed. bustling side streets packed Spain has to offer. You’ll be While I was greeted by with tapas bars, museums and spoilt for choice as far as cof- groups of cross-dressing lads, markets that stock luscious fee shops and restaurants go, readying themselves for their fruit and vegetables from the but these are best visited at weekend of booze fertile valley that night. Instead, for lunch, take with more booze A quaint, tranquil surrounds the a five minute walk along the from the airports province of the town. North Bank of the river resident wether- Strolling from where you’ll findth e local food spoons, as well as Spanish mainland, square to square, market. rows of I heart Be- etched in culture taking in the Here you can pick up an ar- nidorm T-shirts , and history town’s 16th cen- ray of fresh meats, fruits, veg- I was pleasantly tury Baroque ar- etables and homemade tapas. surprised to see that we were chitecture under the shade of Rabbit is a favourite among headed in different directions trees which line each street is locals and an on-site chef will after we touched down. a lovely way to spend a sunny cook up anything that takes North of Alicante you’ll afternoon. your fancy. find all that any archetypal Eventually you’ll stumble The pretty squares make Brit abroad could lust for. If upon the city’s main square for perfect outdoor drinking two-euro fry-ups are your and it’s difficult not to feel too. Though Murcia’s nightlife thing or you’d simply like to overwhelmed as the Cathe- doesn’t really get going until go and pay homage to your dral presents itself. Much 11pm you won’t be short of res- favourite Saturday night TV like Salisbury Cathedral in our taurant options before hitting show, then you’re in luck. own fair land, religious or not, the town Sampling the local vino However, if you’re looking “La Tapa” offers unique for more from a break that is regional dishes all prepared only a two-hour flight away, How to get there with the best local ingredi- just 50 clicks south lays the re- ents. Pigs cheek was deli- gion of Murcia. A quaint, tran- and where to go cious and you have to try local quil Province of the Spanish delicacy, the Marinera, with a mainland, etched in culture Flights: large glass of red made from and history with smatter- RETURN TO ALICANTE FROM GAT- the local grape. ings of gourmet restaurants, WICK START AT £53 WITH MONARCH The bars will be starting to upmarket hotels and a whole Hotels: fillup by the time you’ve fin- host of interesting and unique CARTAGENA: NH-HOTELS.COM; ished eating and the tables activities for even the most ex- MURCIA CITY: NOVOTEL.COM ; that sit outside all of the bars, perienced traveller. ARCHENA: BALNEARIODEARCHENA. brimming with locals. Cartagena’s port is beau- COM/EN/ Be prepared for a hangover tiful and the views of the La Restaurants the next day, but rest assured Manga strip are stunning. CARTAGENA:RESTAURANTMIRAMAR. it won’t be half as bad as your Golfers couldn’t wish for more COM ; MURCIA CITY: FACEBOOK. British counterpart who has perfect conditions , while the COM/LASFLORESQUALITYTAPAS ; spent their night listening to healing powers of the natu- ARCHENA: BAR EL CARRIL karaoke and guzzling watered ral mud sees tourists murciaturistica.es/en/home/ down lager in Benidorm. Hotel Thermas