Murcia in South East Spain has plenty to offer for an exciting and varied holiday. We offer small-group cycling trips to the area, as it is the ideal destination for exploring by bicycle. Here are five reasons to visit Murcia, from its beautiful scenery to its tasty food and drink. Read on to find out more, and maybe Murcia will make its way to the top of your list for your next adventure?
1. The scenery
Murcia is set between Andalucía and Valencia, so you’ll spot a mix of whitewashed villages and Moorish architectural influences. On our
Cycle Southern Spain trip you’ll pass beautiful orchards of peaches and almond, ancient irrigation channels and green valleys. The climate might be hot like the rest of southern Spain, but in Murcia clever irrigation systems mean that region is almost always lush and verdant, rather than arid and dusty.
2. The history
The region is home to a number of historic towns, including Caravaca de la Cruz. This is one of Catholicism’s five holy cities, and many pilgrims flock here during the holy years. The years of Moorish rule have left indelible marks on the surrounding landscapes, which you’ll be able to observe in the many fortresses and archaeological sites along the route.
3. Perfect for cycling
Our Murcia cycling itineraries mainly follow quiet back roads and waymarked paths. Parts of the route are on ‘via verde’ cycle paths, which are converted railway tracks and free from traffic. The region is known as the ‘orchard of Europe’, so you’ll find plenty of shady trees to take a rest under along the way. There’s no wonder Murcia is popular with cyclists, from novice to experienced.
4. The ideal climate
We time our Murcia trips to visit when the climate is ideal for cycling. In contrast to freezing temperatures in the UK, January, February and March here often see sunny skies and the mercury reaching the early twenties. Murcia’s semi-arid climate means mild winters and more than 320 days of sun per year, making it the ideal escape for an active holiday. We avoid the hottest months between June and August, returning in the autumn to take advantage of the late summer sun.
5. Delicious local food and wine
Much of Murcia’s local cuisine is derived from ingredients grown nearby. The area has many rice paddies, so it’s easy to see why plenty of Murcia’s favourite dishes feature the local
arroz. Grilled vegetables grown in the area are also popular and, thanks to the region’s long coastline, seafood is fresh and plentiful.
Have we convinced you? Explore our Murcia trips to find out more and to book your next trip.
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