Food and wine lovers are being offered the chance to experience some of southern Spain's finest cuisine with fantastic gourmet breaks on offer in the Region of Murcia.  

Foodies can indulge in local cuisine crafted from fresh Mediterranean produce sourced from the region's fertile farmlands.  Chefs have a wide array of fresh fruit and vegetables readily available including lemons, oranges, tomatoes, lettuce, artichokes, broccoli and watermelons.

Cuisine is an essential part of the Region of Murcia's culture and there is always a friendly buzz in the numerous restaurants. The sociable atmosphere is complemented by an almost endless choice of tapas – modern interpretations of traditional dishes can be shared between friends and family.

Visitors should also not miss the chance to try the popular 'Caldero' – a local broth where rice is cooked in a cauldron with dried pepper and rock fish sourced from the Mar Menor.

To complement the local food, Murcia boasts three of Spain's protected wine regions: Yecla, Bullas and Jumilla. Robust and fruity red wines made from the Monastrell grape are often the most celebrated but the region also produces delicious white, rosé and dessert wines to tickle the taste buds.

Visitors can enjoy some of the best cuisine on offer with a gastronomy package at Hotel Monreal in Jumilla. Two people can enjoy a three-night, double-room package – including a wine tour and a chance to taste some of best local dishes – for just €210 (approx £173).

In addition, guests can choose from a large number of gourmet restaurants – all serving their own adaptations of the local food.  The popular San Agustin restaurant offers a wide variety of unique and interesting tapas dishes as well as a delicious range of fresh fish. 

When not enjoying the restaurants, visitors may wish to explore Murcia's Costa Calida, or warm coast, which has 252 kilometres of coastline, with 30 beaches boasting the acclaimed 'Q' Flag tourist quality mark and 26 beaches certified by the Blue Flag - more than any other region in Spain.

With an enviable sun record of more than 300 days' sunshine a year and an average summer temperature of 26°C, the Region is one of the finest places in Europe for a couple to unwind.

For more information or to make a reservation at Hotel Monreal, please visit www.hotelmonreal.net.

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

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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 19.4ºC 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.