Population:1.2 million(360 000 in Murcia)

Currency:Euro, €1 = 100 cents

Opening hours:Spanish shops are openMonday-Saturday 9.30-13.30, and17.00-20.30. Shopping malls andsupermarkets are open10.00-22.00. Closed on Sundays

Internet:www.murciaciudad.comwww.carm.eswww.spain.info

Newspapers:Diario De VerdadLa Opinion De Murcia

Emergency numbers:112

Tourist information:Murcia’s visitor information islocated at Plaza Julián Romea, 4,tel. +34 902 101 070. Most otherlarge towns in the region alsohave tourist information offices.For more information visitww.murciaturistica.es.

MURCIAPUBLISHING DATE: 2009-12-04 | COUNTRY CODE: ESContents: The City, Do & See, Eating, Cafés, Bars & Nightlife, Shopping,Sleeping, Essential Information, Maps

Copyright © 2007 Fastcheck AB. All rights reserved. For more information visit: www.arrivalguides.com

MURCIAThey all used to come here – from Napoleon III to FrankSinatra. Biarritz used to be the Monte Carlo of the Atlanticcoast. The glamour has faded, but thanks to windsurfing andother water sports, the city has rejuvenated. It is now theperfect destination for a relaxing weekend break, completewith some of the best food

Make your trip start at hoMe | www.arrivalguides.com

THE CITY #THECITY#

Like many other Spanish cities, the Moorsfounded Murcia in the 9th century. Undertheir rule Murcia developed in to a regionalcentre, a position it holds to this day. Theregion stretches from Alicante in the north,to Cartagena and Lorca in the south, andtowards Moratalla in the west. The Moorishinfluence is hard to spot in the city itself.Many of the older neighbourhoods wereestablished in the 18th century when thecity expanded. After centuries of industrialgrowth, Murcia is today home to a largeuniversity and enjoys the lively buzz of aconsiderable student population. Murciastill remains relatively undiscovered bytourism, especially compared to near bycoastal towns. The interior is largelyprovincial farmland. It is also where manynewly built towns have been built, andwhere sun starved foreigners have boughthomes. It is easy to take day trips fromMurcia, either by rental car, train or bus.The villages in the surrounding mountainsare well worth a visit. The coastal region ofCosta Cálida has many interestingdestinations. Lorva’s baroque buildings,the quaint village of Moratalla, theglamorous beach community of La Manga,and the medieval neighbourhoods ofCartagena and Orihuela are a few of them.

DO & SEE #DOANDSEE#

Museo SalzilloSculptor Francisco Salzillo lived in Murcia inthe 18th century. Christianity heavilyinspired his original and colourful work.Each Easter his art is used in thetraditional parade through the city. TheMuzeo Salzillo displays close to 500 of hisworks of art.

Address: 3, Plaza San Agustín, MurciaPhone: +34 968 291893

Cardinal Belluga SquareThis square is flanked by two of the city’smost interesting buildings. Opposite theimpressive cathedral is the 18th centuryPalacio Episcopal. Construction started inthe 14th century and today its impressivetower reaches over 300 feet above theground.

Mar MenorOne of the coast’s natural attractions isMar Menor, the largest saltwater lake inEurope. Nearby is the old fishing village ofCabo de Palos, and the unexploitedbeaches of the Calblanque National Park.

Ricote ValleyThis relatively unknown valley is home toseveral charming small towns includingRicote, Ojós and Abáran. The landscape isdotted with leafy fruit farms, and thesurrounding hills are popular for hiking andmountain biking.

|DESTINATION: MURCIAPUBLISHING DATE: 2009-12-04

Make your trip start at hoMe | www.arrivalguides.com

Address: Calle Traperiá 22, Murcia

Caravaca De La CruzNorthwest of Murcia is the small, historictown Caravaca de la Cruz. In the 16th and17th century, Caravaca was the politicalcentre of a vast territory, governed by theOrder of the Temple and Order ofSantiago. The splendid castle and therenaissaince Salvador church are thetowns´ main attractions.

EATING #EATING#

The narrow alleyways of Murcia’s old townare lined with restaurants. Fortunately theyhaven’t watered down their menus fortourists. Instead they serve genuineSpanish Mediterranean fare with freshproduce, smooth olive oil, delicioussausages, and of course fish and sea food.The region’s rice dishes are well known, asrice is being grown in the nearby village ofCalasparra.

HispanoMany come here for the tapas, but thosewho stay for dinner won’t be disappointed.This rustic restaurant has a well-stockedwine cellar, and bakes its own bread.

Address: Calle Radio Murcia, 3, MurciaPhone: +34 968 216 52

Restaurante Raimundo GonzálezBoth the restaurant and the square it’s onare named after the legendary local chef,Raimundo González. His work is very muchalive at this gourmet eatery with a modern

interior.

Address: Plaza Raimundo González Frutos, 5Phone: +34 968 212 377

Restaurante El ChurraFor a modern take on Murcia cuisine, try ElChurra. It also offers a calm, aestheticallypleasing environment, with white linencloths and beautifully presented dishes.

Address: Calle Obispo SanchoUnderground: Davila, 13, MurciaPhone: +34 968 271 522

Restaurante CubaEvery European city worth its salt has aCuban restaurant these days, and Murcia’sRestaurante Cuba is one of the betterones. The intimate space is relaxed andthe menu. Admittedly it probably has moreItalian than Cuban influences.

Address: Calle Condestable, MurciaPhone: +34 968 294 583

El ChalecoThere are good restaurants in the wholeregion around Murcia. One of the best is ElChaleco in Alhama de Murcia,approximately 12,5 miles south of the city.El Chaleco was the Murcia representativeduring the 1992 Seville World Fair.

Address: Avenida Almirante Bastarreche, 9, MurciaPhone: +34 968 630104

Azul Marino RestauranteAzul Marino is one of many good places todine in the fishing village of Cabo de Palos.Both the interior and menu are distinctlyelegant and nautical. Try the Caldero withrice and seafood. Azul Marino is located inthe port.

Address: Avenida del Puerto, 2, MurciaPhone: +34 968 14 55 65

La Casa Del RelojSan Pedro del Pinatar is a popular smalltown by the coast. It is also home to LaCasa del Reloj. Its Victorian stylearchitecture from the late 19th century is a

|DESTINATION: MURCIAPUBLISHING DATE: 2009-12-04

Make your trip start at hoMe | www.arrivalguides.com

remnant of when this area wasbeingdeveloped as the Spanish equivalent of theFrench Riviera.

Address: Ctra. Nacional 332, San Pedro del PinatarPhone: +34 968 182 406

CAFÉS #CAFES#

Pastelería BonachePlaza de las Flores square has several goodcafés and bars. Pastelería Bonache is oneof the oldest in the city, and servestraditional Spanish pastries and strongcoffee.

Address: Plaza de Las Flores, 8, MurciaPhone: +34 968 212 083

Jota EleJota Ele is a quaint and typically Spanishcafe next to Santa Isabel square. There’salso a restaurant area with good food atreasonable prices.

Address: Plaza Santa Isabel, 6, MurciaPhone: +34 968 220 730

Salzillo Tea & CoffeeThis café specialises in tea and coffee fromaround the world, with over 180 flavours ofthe former, and 20 of the latter. Theknowlegable staff are happy to help youwith your choice.

Address: Gran Vía Escultor Salzillo, 8, MurciaPhone: +34 968 222 863

BARS & NIGHTLIFE #BARSANDNIGHTLIFE#

For its relatively small size, Murcia has avibrant bar and club scene. One reason isthe student population that frequents theneighbourhoods near the university. Theold town also has it´s fair share of popularhot spots.

Barra Del RincónBarra del Rincón serves what are probablythe best cocktails in Murcia. There’s also atapas menu. It is located in a four starhotel, hence its fairly luxurious interior andclientele.

Address: Apóstoles, 34, MurciaPhone: +34 968 212 239

Bar WarholThere’s no doubt who the favourite artistis. Bar Warhol is close to the university andattracts the more creatively-inspiredstudents. The bar regularly puts onphotographic exhibitions and live music.

Address: Calle Victorio, 25, Murcia

El Ahorcado FelizA relaxed alternative bar decorated withflea market finds and antiques. A niceplace for an espresso.

Address: Calle Canovasas del Castillo, 35, MurciaPhone: +34-627-012 525

Garaje De La Tía MaríaMurcia’s best location for live music fromSpanish and international rock bands.Open Thursday- Saturday.

|DESTINATION: MURCIAPUBLISHING DATE: 2009-12-04

Make your trip start at hoMe | www.arrivalguides.com

Address: Avenida Miguel de Cervantes, Murcia

La Puerta FalsaThe coolest jazz bar in the city. Onoccasion also a destination for live or DJadministered salsa, bolero, and otherstyles of music. Live and recorded.

Address: Calle San Martín de Porres, 5, MurciaPhone: +34 968 248 651

Discoteca Palacio Del CaribeA popular super disco where people fromall over the region give it their all to thetunes of salsa and Caribbean music.

Address: Calle Molina de Segura, MurciaPhone: +34 968 204 611

Café Del EmbrujoCafé del Embrujo is a haven for lovers ofall things flamenco, rumba and otherhigh-tempo dance styles. The space isdecorated with paintings of proud men andwomen in tight outfits.

Address: Plaza Captesa, MurciaPhone: +34-607-550 41

SHOPPING #SHOPPING#

The narrow alleys of the Old Town, thepedestrian Calle Trapería between theCathedral and Plaza de Santo Domingo,and luxurious Calle Jabonerias are some ofthe city’s main shopping destinations. CalleTraperia is also home to Murcia’s casino,for those who want to try and increasetheir shopping budget. Nearby food marketMercado Veronica is worth a visit as theMurcia region is known for its produce.

Bargains can be had at the souvenir andflea market on Jeronimo de Roda behindthe El Corte Inglés department store. Theolder areas of coastal town Cartagena alsooffer shopping options, as does theluxurious beach town La Manga. TheMurcia region has a large number ofwineries, many of them ecologicallymanaged. Head for the Ricote Valley toexplore some of them.

SLEEPING #SLEEPING#

EXCLUSIVENh Rincon De Pepe HotelMurcia’s most famous four-star hotel offerscomfort and luxury in 148 light and airyrooms. Located on the narrow ApostolesStreet in the Old Town. There is a gourmetrestaurant and a good bar adjacent.

Address: Apostoles 34Phone: +34 968 212 239Internet: www.nh-hotels.com

Hotel Zenit MurciaThis very good three star hotel sitsbetween Plaza de las Flores and thecathedral. It was recently renovated in amodern and sparse style, morecosmopolitan than typically Spanish. Betteror worse? That’s a matter of personaltaste.

Address: Plaza San Pedro, 5 y 6Phone: +34 968 214 742Internet: www.zenithoteles.com

Hotel Casa EmilioHotel Casa Emilio is clean, comfortable,well maintained and good value. The hotel

|DESTINATION: MURCIAPUBLISHING DATE: 2009-12-04

Make your trip start at hoMe | www.arrivalguides.com

is close to Murcia’s large FloridablancaPark.

Address: Alameda de Colón, 9Phone: +34 968 22 06 31Internet: www.hotelcasaemilio.com

Hotel Casa LuzónThe Hotel Casa Luzón winery is outsideMurcia, close to the village of Jumilla. Therooms overlook the wine yards.Recommended.

Address: Ctra. Jumilla-OnturPhone: +34 968 435 489

Hotel Balneario De FortunaBalneario is the oldest hotel in the region,dating back to 1860. Just as they did then,the warm springs still attract visitors toFortuna, the region’s foremost spa resort.

Address: 30620 Los BañosPhone: +34 968 685 011Internet: www.leana.es

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

AirportMurcia-San Javier is a small airport nearMar Menor, a large salt-water lake, 28miles from Murcia. A taxi takes about 30minutes to reach the city. There is also abus service that leaves for Murcia’s busterminal three times per day, at 9.30,17.15, and 20.15.

Internet: www.renfe.es

Public TransportA network of well-maintained roads makesit easy to drive around the region.Highways connect Murcia with coastal

villages Cartegna and La Manga, as well asthe rest of Spain. Trains depart from ElCarmen railway station for Cartegna,Alicante, Albacete, and onwards to Madrid.The local trains (FEVE) connect Cartegna -Los Nietos with Mar Menor. Buses depart toall parts of the region from Murcia’s busstation.

Phone: +34 968 292 211Internet: www.carm.es, www.renfe.es, www. feve.es

TaxiThe two largest taxi companies in the cityare:

Radio Taxi

Phone: +34 620 990 033

Eurotaxi

Phone: +34 620 990 033

PostMurcia’s post office on Plaza Circular.

PharmacyFarmacia Ciudad

Address: Jardin la Paz Lorca 147Phone: +34 968 882 236

Farmacia Esther Lopez Ruiz

Address: Senda De Los Garres 10Phone: +34 968 264 988

DentistJesús Pérez de Vega is an English-speakingdentist.

Address: Marcos Redondo 4Phone: +34 968 283 424

TelephoneCountry code: +34

Area code: 968

Electricity220v/50 Hz

#ESSENTIALINFORMATION#

|DESTINATION: MURCIAPUBLISHING DATE: 2009-12-04

E15

E15

N301

N301

3213

412412

A30

A30

3203

3203313

313

N322

3223

3223

3319

N301

N332

N332

N332

N340

N340

N340

N340

865

920

90595

312

A37

A37

A7

A7

3314

602

603

N330

N330

A31

A31

36

850

84

80

83

3213

N344

N344

N344

81

81

N430A35 40

700

71570

70

655

655

412

A7

A92N N342

N340

N341

N332

N332

N302

370

3315

3315

603

327

334

330

330

3211

3211

3214

3314

415

415

Alacant/Alicante

Murcia

Cartagena

Elx/Elche

Lorca

Elda

Orihuela

CalasparraMoratalla

Aguilas

Velez RubioVelez Blanco

Cieza

Mula

CeheginCaravacade la Cruz

Cuevasde Almanzora

Alhamade Murcia

Totana

Hellin

Tobarra

Ojos

La Mangadel Mar Menor

Santa Pola

Alcoi

Pego

Ontinyent

Almansa

VillenaYecla

Petrer

Monover

Novelda

Aspe

Crevillent

Sant Vicentdel Raspeig

La Vila Joiosa

Benidorm

Torrevieja

Callosa de S.Molina

de Segura

Abaran

Archena

La Union

Los Gandias

Santa Bárbara

Huercal Overa

Mar Mediterrano

Costa

Blanca

MarMenor

Golfo de Mazarron

Golf d’AlacantRio Segura

RioSango

nera

Costa

Blanca

Sierra

deAlc

araz

Puertode Maria

Cuevade los

Letreros

Cuevasde las

Estalactias

Cuevas deMinateda

Ruinasde Ilici

Cova deCanalobre

Cueva deEl Arabi

Cueva dePeliciego

30 km0

E15

E15

N301

N301

A7

A7

Murcia

Alcantarilla

Cabezode Torrez

SantoAngel

PuenteTocinos

Sangonerola Verde

El Palmar

Terrealta

Guadalupe

Rincon deLa Seca

Rinconde Seca

La ReyaEra

Churra

LaAlberca

El Espi-nardo

El Puntal

SanRoque

LosDolores

Buenavista

Aljucer

Algezares

LosGarres

JavaliViejo

Ribera deMolina

JavaliNuevo

RioSangonera

RioSangon

era

Rio

Segura

Rio Segura

3 km0

Calle

Mar

Menor

Calle

Sagasta

Montesin

os

ManuN

uevaSan

Anton

Condestable

Batalia de las

Virgen de la

Aposto

les

Barri

onuevo

OliverMolina

Calle

Gloria

Calle

Gloria R

ondeGaray

Ronde

Garay

General Martin de la Carrera

Pintor Pedr

o Flores

Industria

Capuchino

s

SantaUrsul

a

Galdo

Pasea

Marqu

esde

Corvera

Prince

sa

Pab

loNeru

da

Joaq

uinadeVedru

na

Luis d

e Gongora

Avenida Infante

Juan Manuel

Avenida Rio Segura

San Pedro

laCierva

Sierra de

la Pila

Munos de la Pena

dela

Sar

dina

Olof

Palm

e

Pasos

deSan

tiago

SanAnton

San

Anton

Abderramán II

Juan GuererroR u iz

Sierra Espuna

Joaquin Blum

eOb

ispo S

ancho

Jorge

Guillé

n D. Jua

nde

Borbon

Derech

osHuman

os

Calle

Puerta

Nueva

San

Ignaci o

de

Marian

o

Flores

Esperanza

MadreElisea

San

ta

Juan

de

Entierro

Davila A

venida

Leyes

Jaco

bode

las

San

Martin

dePorres

Loyo

la

Doctor JoséTapia Sanz

Gran

Via

Alfo

nso

XEl S

abio

La Merced

Santa Clara

Plateria

Santa Cata

lina

Saav

edraFajar do

Alejandro

Seiquer

Isabel la

Catolica

Carovasdel Castilla

Aven

idaBaro

jaPio

Calle d

el Sauce

CalleTorre

deRom

oCalleCa

rtagena

Camino Hondo

Calle de Orilla de la Via

Calle Greco

Avenida Antonete Galvez

Calle Ceuta

Calle Melilla

Paseo de Garay

Calle

R icardo Gil

Calle Rosal

CalleJurn

illa

Calle S

anAn

tonio

Calle

San J

osé

Calle

Simon

Garcia

Avenida

Victo

ria

Calle

deRecto

rJo sé

Loustau

CalleDoctor

Fleming

Calle

Victorio

Calle

dela

Trap

eria

Avenidade

JuanCarlos

Senda del P

icazo

Calle I

saac A

lbéniz

Calle

deLas N

orias

Calle

Senda de

Enmedi

o

Calle Navarra

Calle

dela O

lma

Calle

Sierra

Nevada

Calle

SanNicolás

Calle Santa Teresa

Avenida de la Libertad

Callede Jeron

imo Roda

Calle Aciscio Diaz

Calle d

e Los Bolos

Calle

deMuralla

Calle Al

menara

Calle

Pintor S

obejano

Avenida

de San Jua

n de la Cr

uz

Paseo de M

alecon

Paseo de Malecon

Avenida Teniente Flomesta

Madre de Dios

Freneria

GranVia

Gen

eralSalzilloR

ondaOeste

Alam

edaColon

Floridablanca

Avenida Gene

ral

Primo de Rive

ra

Avenida Ciudad de Almeria

Calle Ronda de Levante

Calle de Ronda Norte

N-301

De laCiudad

Museo dela Cienciay el Agua

Plazade Toros

MuseoTaurinode Murcia

Arqueologico

Catedral

PalacioEpiscopal

PlazaCruz Roja

Estadio LaCondomina

BellasArtes

PaseoEl Malecon

MuseoSalzillo

Plazade SanAgustin

Plano SanFrancisco

PlazaMartinezTornel

PlazaCastilla

Plaza LaFuensanta

Plaza EmilioDiez deRevenga

Plaza PintorPedro Flores

PlazaGonzálezConde

PlazaJuan XXIII

Plaza SantoDomingo

PlazaSantaIsabel

PlazaCircular

PlazaMayor

PlazaCardenalBelluga

Jardin la Seda

JardinFlorida-blanca

ParqueAtalayas

JardinSan

Esteban

Jardinla Fama

Jardin laConstitucion

JardinEl Salitre

JardinBotanico

0 250 m

DCBA

4

3

2

1

Make your trip start at hoMe | www.arrivalguides.com

|Abderramán II A1 B1Alameda Colon C3Alejandro Seiquer C2Apostoles C3Avenida Antonete G. D1Avenida Baroja Pio D4Avenida Ciudad de . A4 B4Avenida D. Juan de. D1Avenida de Juan Ca. C1Avenida de la Libe. B1 C1Avenida de San Jua. D3 D4Avenida General Pr. B1 C1Avenida Infante Ju. D3Avenida Rio Segura C3Avenida Teniente F. C3Avenida Victoria D1Barrionuevo C2Batalia de las Flo. B1 C1Calle Aciscio Diaz B2Calle Almenara A3 B3Calle Cartagena B4 C4Calle Ceuta D2Calle de Jeronimo . B2 C1Calle de la Olma A2Calle de la Traper. C2Calle de Las Noria. A1Calle de Los Bolos A2 B2Calle de Muralla A2 A3Calle de Orilla de. A4Calle de Rector Jo. D1 D2Calle de Ronda Nor. A1 B1Calle del Sauce D4Calle Doctor Flemi. C2 D2Calle Gloria D2 D3Calle Greco C1 D1Calle Isaac Albéni. B1Calle Jurnilla B3 C3Calle Mar Menor B1Calle Melilla D2Calle Navarra A2 B2Calle Pintor Sobej. B3Calle Puerta Nueva C1Calle Ricardo Gil C3Calle Ronda de Lev. C1 D1Calle Rosal C3Calle Sagasta B2Calle San Antonio C2 D2Calle San José D3Calle San Nicolás B2Calle Santa Teresa B2Calle Senda de Enm. A1 A2Calle Sierra Nevad. A2 B2Calle Simon Garcia C3 D2Calle Torre de Rom. C4Calle Victorio D2Camino Hondo A4Capuchinos C4Carovas del Castil. C3 D2Condestable B1Derechos Humanos D1Doctor José Tapia . C1 D1

Entierro de la Sar. A2 A3Floridablanca C4Freneria C3Galdo C4General Martin de . C4 D4Gran Via Alfonso X. C1 C2Gran Via General S. C2Industria C4Isabel la Catolica D3Jacobo de las Leye. C1 D2Joaquin Blume B1Jorge Guillén C1Juan de la Cierva B2 B3Juan Guererro Ruiz A1 B1La Merced C2Luis de Gongora D3 D4Madre de Dios C2 C3Madre Elisea Olive. B4 C3Manu A1Mariano Montesinos A2Munos de la Pena B2Nueva San Anton A1Obispo Sancho Davi. C1Olof Palme A1Pablo Neruda D3Pasea Marques de C. C4Paseo de Garay D3Paseo de Malecon A3 B3Pasos de Santiago B1 B2Pintor Pedro Flore. C4 D4Plano San Francisc. B3Plateria C2Plaza Cardenal Bel. C2 C3Plaza Castilla A1Plaza Circular C1Plaza de San Agust. B2Plaza Emilio Diez . B1Plaza González Con. C3Plaza La Fuensanta C1Plaza Martinez Tor. C3Plaza Mayor B2Plaza Pintor Pedro. C4Plaza Santa Isabel B2 C2Plaza Santo Doming. C2Princesa C3Ronda Oeste A2Ronde Garay D2 D3Saavedra Fajardo C2San Anton A1 B2San Ignacio de Loy. C1 C2San Martin de Porr. D1 D2San Pedro B2 B3Santa Catalina B2 C2Santa Clara C2Santa Joaquina de . C3 D4Santa Ursula C4Senda del Picazo A1 B1Sierra de la Pila A2Sierra Espuna B1Virgen de la Esper. B1 C1

DESTINATION: MURCIAPUBLISHING DATE: 2009-12-04