After writing a piece for BMI Baby’s website I got excited again about how much there is on offer in Murcia. With something for everyone - from foodies, nature lovers and sun worshippers to students, party people and families - Murcia has it all. Here’s my top 5 list of things to do (let me hear your top 5, or 10!, at Native Spain).
1. The best place to eat a traditional Murcian Pie is at Zaher in Murcia City. Squeeze in at the counter of this hugely popular pastelería and enjoy a Murciano Pastel de Carne with a glass of cider or red wine. Fresh calf meat pies are swooped along the counter direct from the huge kitchens and sliced in front of you whilst you jostle for elbow space. If you don’t fancy a meat pie, try a slice of pizza or, for the sweet-toothed, one of the huge puff pastry and meringue confections. Whilst you’re waiting you’ll see people come in to collect their take-away orders, huge paper wrapped packages to take back to the office or home for dinner. The service can be brusque, the décor leaves much to be desired, but the taste of a delicious meat pie will stay with you forever. Enjoy!
Where: C/ Riquelme 5, just off Plaza de Flores
2. The best place to watch a free show is on the beaches of the Mar Menor. Look up into the endless blue sky while lounging on one of Murcia’s unspoilt beaches and you’re likely to see the Spanish equivalent of the Red Arrows practising their moves. Patrulla Águila (Eagle Patrol) is the aerobatic demonstration team of the Spanish Air Force and they have full access to the airport in Murcia on weekday mornings. Watch them perform manoeuvres, cut their engines and dive, make smoke patterns, criss-crossing over the sky. Great fun for kids of all ages and completely free.
Where: Beaches around Los Alcázares
3. The best place to buy designer clothes is on Calle Jabonería in Murcia city. Possibly the best shopping street in Murcia. Located in the heart of the city this is where the designer names have their lairs. It’s a great place for a stroll and a bit of people watching. Window shop on the lead up to Christmas and you’ll find the street red-carpeted so you don’t scuff your Manolos!
Where: Calle Jaboneria, Murcia City
4. The best place to make new friends is under the Mediterranean. Whether you’re a qualified diver or an enthusiastic snorkeller, the Costa Cálida has some great dive sites. Everything from wrecks and rocks to reefs. 
You can dive all year round here in Murcia, though the water is a bit chilly from December to March! Of particular note is RiveMar who have specialist instructors who cater for people with disabilities. Our first dive of the season (we wait till May hoping the water will warm up) was met with thunderstorms and heavy seas and we still had a wonderful time. Watching raindrops hit the surface of the sea whilst you’re looking up surrounded by hoards of fishes is an experience not to be missed.
Where: RiverMar, La Azohia on the coast - let me know when you’re diving.
5. Best way to end an evening out (or start the next day!) is by eating “Churros y Chocolate” in Murcia City. After a night enjoying jazz, underground bars (La Muralla) and tapas, stop off for an energy boost at this great little Churros kiosk. “Churros y chocolate” is a firm favourite amongst revelling Murcianos. These long, thin doughnuts dipped in hot chocolate are available from midnight to keep you going into the early hours. The crowds gather, waiting hungrily whilst the oil heats up and watch as he “shoulders” the dough into the bubbling pot. 3 minutes later 2 people are rewarded for their patience as the churros is cut and handed over. It takes a long time, but it’s well worth the wait.
Where: At a kiosk on the Plano San Francisco, near the Botanical Gardens in Murcia city.
Till next time, places to go fishes to meet!
Debs
