bmibaby - Destinations: Murcia

best reason to get wet:
diving in the Coast Cálida
Whether you’re a qualified diver or an enthusiastic snorkeller, the Costa Cálida (The Warm Coast) has some great dive sites, with everything from wrecks and rocks to reefs. You can dive all year round in Murcia, though the water is a bit chilly from December to March! It’s an amazing experience that can be enjoyed by everyone: dive school RiveMar even has specialist instructors who cater for people with disabilities.
Where > RiveMar, Carretera de La Azohia, La Azohia, Murcia, Tel: +34 968 15 00 63. view map
Website > www.rivemar.com

best place to end an evening out (or start the next day):
Churros y Chocolate kiosk
After a night listening to jazz, enjoying cocktails in underground bars (La Muralla) and snacking on tapas, stop off for an energy boost at “Churros y Chocolate”, a great little churros kiosk in Murcia city and a firm favourite amongst revelling Murcianos. Churros are long, thin doughnuts dipped in hot chocolate and are available from midnight to keep you going into the early hours.
Where > “Churros y Chocolate”, Plano San Francisco, Murcia (near the Botanical Gardens). view map

best place to eat a traditional Murcian pie:
Zaher
Squeeze in at the counter of Zaher, a hugely popular pastelería (bakery) and enjoy a Murciano pastel de carne (meat pie) with a glass of cider or red wine. The pies are swooshed along the counter direct from the huge kitchens and sliced in front of you while you jostle for elbow space. The service can be brusque, the décor leaves much to be desired, but the taste of this delicious meat pie will stay with you forever. Enjoy!
Where > Pasteleria Zaher, Riquelme 5, Murcia (just off Plaza de Flores), Tel: +34 968 21 13 85. view map
Website > www.murcianicos.com

best place to watch a free show:
Murcia's beaches
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 Devils 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.
Where > Any of the beaches on the Mar Menor (inland lagoon) particularly around Los Alcázares, Murcia. view map
Website > www.patrullaaguila.com

best place to slow down:
Thalasso Spa
Set in a natural park and overlooking the Mar (which at 170 square kms is the largest saltwater lagoon in the world), Thalasso Spa is the perfect place to take it easy. There are pools, saunas, ice caves and the famous Mar Menor mud treatments. For treatments with a difference try a “Chocolat Massage” (where you wear chocolate, rather than eat it!), an “Extracto de Caviar” (caviar makes you look younger) or a “Ceremonia Gold” (using real gold leaf!). There’s also the “Vinoterapia”, where for the price of 20 good bottles of Casa de la Ermita, you can have a bath in wine. Hmmm, we prefer drinking the stuff!
Where > Thalasso Spa, Avenida del Puerto 327-329, San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, Tel: +34 902 33 43 30. view map
Website > www.thalasia.com

best place to buy designer clothes:
Etxart & Panno
Possibly the best shopping street in Murcia is the Calle Jabonería. Located in the heart of the city, this is where the top designers have their lairs, along with cool Spanish labels like Etxart & Panno. Go window shopping in the lead-up to Christmas and you’ll find the street red carpeted so you don’t scuff your Manolos!
Where > Etxart & Panno, Calle Jabonerías 10, Murcia, Tel: +34 968 21 85 61. view map
Website > www.etxartpanno.com