The city of Murcia, the capital of the region of Murcia, is the seventh largest city in Spain. Sitting on the Segura River and dating back more than 1,000 years, this historic and beautiful university city is crammed with gorgeous architecture, cool bars, tempting restaurants and a host of attractions. It's a buzzing place where Spanish hospitality is typically welcoming. Murcia is a great place to stay or a worthwhile day trip if you plan to stay anywhere else in this area, such as on the Costa Calida, or on the nearby Costa Blanca. 

Visitors also flock to the region of Murcia to stay on the seaside spit of La Manga and in Cartagena, the ancient city on the Mediterranean Sea. It's also easy to reach hotels in Torrevieja, which is on the neighbouring Costa Blanca and less than an hour from the city of Murcia. 

In the city of Murcia, hotels can be found all around this sprawling destination, though staying in the historic centre is wise if you want to be within walking distance of the main, central attractions. There are a good number of mid-range hotels in the centre of Murcia, but there's a shortage of top-class, luxury hotels. Chain hotels operating in Murcia include Novotel, NH, Tryp, Ibis and Hesperia. 

Elsewhere in the region, you could consider hotels in La Manga, which is also known as La Manga del Mar Menor. This popular tourist area runs along a narrow 20-kilometre coastal spit and there are many high-rise hotels. They cater for the droves that arrive to take advantage of abundant sunshine, excellent beaches and terrific opportunities for watersports. 

Torrevieja hotels welcome many families, who appreciate the city's friendliness and the safe and clean beaches. 

Hotels in Cartagena are also popular with visiting Brits. The city is more than 2,000 years old and is bursting at the seams with historic sights and monuments to its maritime heritage. 

Car hire is a great idea in Murcia. The region's road network is easy to navigate and driving is a cheap and convenient way to see the best bits of Murcia.

Top five attractions

Real Casino de Murcia
Find out why this is the most visited building in Murcia. There's an incredible façade and a sumptuous and well-preserved interior; it's worth the small entrance fee to explore this remarkable place. 

Cathedral of Murcia
A landmark building of Murcia, the Cathedral Church of Saint Mary is well worth a visit.

Mar Menor
The lagoon of Mar Menor, which is separated from the Mediterranean by La Manga, has high salinity levels, making it perfect for swimming, floating and all kinds of adventures on the water.

Cartagena
There's a delicious history here, with Moorish, Roman and Phoenician heritage to probe. And when you're done with that, tuck into fresh seafood in the lovely restaurants and bars that line the harbour. 

Terra Natura and Aqua Natura
Children love to see the animals at this zoo, which also runs a fun night safari. The neighbouring waterpark of Aqua Natura guarantees family fun in the sun.

There's plenty going on in the city of Murcia throughout the year, though the wider region will tempt you out of the city with a host of exciting events.

Aguilas Carnival; February/March: This spectacular event features a dizzying line up of sequins, over-the-top costumes, dancing, wacky traditions and la cuerva - an energy drink found everywhere during carnival and very much required if you're going to keep up with the spirited participants.

Spring Festival; April: A number of events are held during Spring Festival, with the burial of the sardine - entierro de la sardina - bringing the festive season to a close. Stake your place early to view this rather unusual parade.

Festival of Carthaginians and Romans in Cartagena; September: This lively event sees recreations of some of the most important events of the Second Punic War, which was waged between Cartage and the mighty Roman Republic around 2,200 years ago.