When one thinks of the Costa Blanca, one envisions sunny days, beaches and nightlife that flourish. If you are tempted in locating a picture perfect Spanish city, then look no further than Murcia.

Murcia is where many people head to locate a beautiful, historic and bona fide Spanish city while on holiday.  There must be something to this hidden gem to lure them away from the beaches. Majestic mountains in succession of the Sierra de Orihuela and the Cresta de Gallo surround the city. The inhabitants that first populated were the ancient Iberian tribes although an Arab influence exists with an irrigation system linking to the fertile lands around the river Segura.

Murcia is famous for its vegetable growing and, of course, the fresh produce making its way to markets in Spain and all across Europe.

It would take several days to completely tour Murcia. The following sights are just a few of many; each worthy of a visit to Murcia.

-Cathedral de Santa Maria

As with many Spanish cities and villages, the tower of the Cathedral, one of the symbols of the city, reigns supreme as the most impressive monument of Murcia. The first stone was lad by the Arabs as a mosque in 1394. The now famous Cathedral de Santa Maria was completed in the 15th century. Try to spend some time discovering the distinctiveness of the façade. The bell tower to the cathedral is particularly unique when comparing it to other Baroque style architecture. Each of its five levels is hotchpotch of several types of designs, other than Baroque, making it difficult to determine where one style ends and the other begin.

-Museo Salzillo - Salzillo Museum

This museum encompasses more than 500 pieces, dedicated to the works of the Baroque sculptor Francisco Salzillo. As a native of Murcia, he despised travelling and despite that trivia, his uncanny talent caused him fame that spread throughout Spain.

-Archaeology Museum

Housing one of Spain's most complete collections of Iberian archaeological items, a point of interest is archaeological items from 1900-1400 BC were discovered at various sites along the Costa Blanca.

-Science Museum

The newest museum in the Murcia is named "Museo de la Ciencia y del Agua" (Science and Water Museum). Here you will find interesting science expositions and is a wonderful diversion if travelling with children who will adore to partake in the small planetarium.

-Casino Murcia

This building thrives in variety of classical and modernist elements in each room you enter. Now considered a museum with a restaurant, you will find a lovely Louis 15^th style ballroom with paintings abound. The vestibule is Arabic while a Neo-Classical salon is dotted with sculptures.

In all, Murcia has everything to offer those who crave art, historical buildings and authentic Spanish ambiance. Murcia sees to it that no visitor will be disappointed.

How to get to Murcia: Located 75 km south of Alicante, Murcia can be reached via the national road E15 (A-7)