Tour de France stars Nairo Quintana and Alejandro Valverde have used the Region of Murcia this spring to help them prepare for the world's most famous race in July and amateurs can enjoy the same cycling experience this summer, with four-night packages available from €297 (approx £248) per person.

Whether you are a road rider or mountain biker, a novice or experienced cyclist, the region provides a stunning setting for a cycling holiday in the sun.

The Sierra Espuña – one of the most acclaimed mountain ranges for cycling in Spain – boasts more than 17,000 hectares of natural landscape and a selection of cycling routes to suit all abilities.

The Bajo El Cejo hotel provides the perfect base to explore the choice of cycle routes and guests booking a three-night break for €297 (approx £248) will receive one night absolutely free.

Cyclists can stay at the Molino del Rio hotel, where a weekend of cycling is combined with a cultural and gastronomical experience in the charming Spanish countryside. Two nights' half-board is available from €185 (approx £155) per person and includes bike rental, insurance and a self-guided eBike tour through the narrow streets and ancient sanctuaries of the holy city of Caravaca.

Aside from cycling, the wide variety of mountain ranges in the region provide the perfect setting for a choice of land-based activities including hiking, climbing and paragliding.

Visitors can also experience an array of water sports with beginners' lessons in surfing, kayaking and scuba diving available in abundance along the coast. For families with younger children, Murcia's Mar Menor offers wide expanses of shallow water with no tide or waves, providing the ideal environment for children to safely splash around or enjoy a variety of water sports.

The region almost guarantees good weather for an activity based holiday with an average temperature of 19.4°C and 315 days sun a year.

For further details on Bajo El Cejo, visit www.bajoelcejo.com or email info@bajoelcejo.com. To book a break at the Molino del Rio hotel, visit www.entretierras.com/en.

To find out more about the Region of Murcia, visit www.murciaturistica.es.

Ends

Issued by The Azalea Group.

For more information on the Region of Murcia or images contact Luke Frary on 01730 711924 or email luke@theazaleagroup.com

INFORMATION FOR JOURNALISTS

The Region of Murcia www.murciaturistica.es is an ideal leisure and sport destination for UK travelers. The area, suitably referred to as 'the Home of Sun', offers year-round sunshine with an average temperature of 19.4°C and 315 days sun a year. The picturesque region is just two hours from the UK by plane.

Located in the south-east of Spain, the Region of Murcia is in a privileged setting within the Mediterranean basin and includes 252km of coastline, known as the 'Costa Cálida' or warm coast. Visitors can take their pick from numerous sandy beaches; a variety of water sports and diving locations; 17 top-quality golf courses, all within easy reach of each other; delicious culinary delights; relaxing spas; and the opportunity to explore the beautiful countryside and regional parks.

The Mar Menor is a saltwater lagoon with warm shallow waters, gentle wind, sheltered coastline and many hotel facilities and sports infrastructures which make it the ideal setting for water sports at any time of year, for all tastes and ages. Here visitors can enjoy kite surfing, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, water skiing and much more. You can also enjoy diving in the marine reserve of Islas Hormigas, settled in Cabo de Palos, which has been recognised as one of the best places for diving anywhere along the Mediterranean and where you can explore everything from historical wrecks to amazing underwater landscapes.

There is always something going on in the region with a host of big events and festivals taking place throughout the year including the international music festival 'SOS 4.8' in Murcia at the beginning of May, or the varied summer festivals including 'La Mar de Músicas' in Cartagena or the International Jazz Festival in San Javier, both in July. Visitors can also enjoy August's 'El Cante de Las Minas Flamenco Festival' in La Unión.

The Region of Murcia is the perfect holiday destination at any time of the year, whatever your passion.