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Of course tourism in the three largest cities of the Region of Murcia (Lorca, Cartagena and the regional capital) depends to a large degree on the wealth of historical and architectural monuments and, to a certain extent, the beaches of the Costa Cálida, but at the same time the importance of “foodie tourism” is increasing all the time and there is a vast range of opportunities to discover the flavours which characterize the cuisine of this part of Spain.
Below are some of the stand-out gastro experiences promoted by the regional tourist board, illustrating the wide range of specialities which are produced and prepared in the Region and explaining how to make the most of them!
City of Murcia
The capital city of Murcia is best enjoyed on foot, exploring the narrow streets of the old centre and the tasty morsels which are billed by the tourist authorities as the “1,001 Flavours of Murcia”!
Discover the art of wine and food pairing at La Diligente: 5 wines and 5 cheeses, all from the Region of Murcia, are prepared by the specialists at La Diligente, alongside the Las Verónicas indoor food market and the River Segura. The wines belong to the three DOP labels of the Region (Bullas, Jumilla and Yecla) while the unique cheeses are all locally sourced. Delicious!
Visit the Estrella de Levante brewery: Estrella de Levante is the best-known beer of Murcia, and has been produced at the factory in Espinardo, on the northern outskirts of the city, since 1963. The tour includes the malt house and the entire brewing process, and ends with a chance to sample different products, accompanied by typical local tapas.
Become a desert truffle producer for a day: Just 20 minutes outside the city in Corvera, close to the Region of Murcia International Airport, is a pioneering venture to introduce the dessert truffle to the already impressive range of vegetables already cultivated in the Region of Murcia. The farm offers a chance to see how the truffles are grown and of course to try various dishes in which they are featured along with other ingredients from Finca Torrecillas Eco Retreat.
Traditional beekeeping and honey production: At La Colmena there is a chance to actually try honey straight from the comb, bringing back the tastes of yesteryear in a unique experience at the Las Verónicas indoor food market alongside the River Segura in the centre of Murcia. Learn about the fascinating life inside beehives and the organization and hierarchy of their inhabitants, sometimes known as “the Angels of Nature”!
Exclusive dinners accompanied by different Estrella de Levante products: Chefs who have earned fame nationwide are contracted by Estrella de Levante to prepare exclusive evening meals for a maximum of 30 guests.
The 1,001 flavours of Espacio Umami: If you enjoy cooking and would like to learn new techniques while having fun, join a “1.001 sabores” workshop at Espacio Umami, on Avenida Príncipe de Asturias in the north of Murcia. Here you can see some of the diversity of the gastronomy of Murcia and the traditional method of preparing some of the tastiest dishes, including “caballitos” (battered prawns), “empanada murciana” (a pisto-filled pasty), arroz caldero (paella with fish stock and garlic mayonnaise) and “paparajotes” (battered lemon leaves)!
Discover the secrets of Murcia’s agriculture: Wild plants, edible flowers, unique flavours and aromas and curious facts about leaf vegetables: this experience at El Huertanico in Rincón de Seca ends with a sample menu of dishes prepared with plants and edible wild flowers as well as tomatoes belonging to strains which are native to the Region of Murcia.
Taste the wines of Jumilla in a different setting: Enjoy a trip on a solar-powered boat on the River Segura as it sails through the centre of Murcia, trying three DOP Jumilla wines as you admire the views of the attractive old city centre. Each wine is accompanied by specially selected snacks, making this a truly unforgettable experience.
See how the artisan beer of Yakka is produced: Over the last few years Yakka has grown into one of the most widely respected small, independent breweries in Spain, and offers the chance to sample a selection of its 30-plus beers from the tap or in bottles and cans. The brewery is located in the “huerta” (crop-crowing countryside) just outside the city, on the old main road to Alicante.
In praise of the traditions of Murcia: Experience the culture, gastronomy and games of Murcia in centuries gone by in the “huertano” setting of the Federación de Peñas Huertanas, on Avenida Primero de Mayo next to the Auditorio Víctor Villegas. The visit also includes insights into the traditional irrigation ditches and other infrastructures which made it possible for the “Huerta” to become such a productive area in the past, some of the water channels dating back to medieval times!
Traditional beekeeping at the “Abeeja” Project in the mountains of Sierra de Carrascoy: Learn all about this ancient occupation in one of the most attractive parts of the Sierra de Carrascoy at Finca Torrecillas.
Cartagena
The cultural variety of the port city with over 3,000 years of history is truly remarkable, and the range of gastro experiences is such there is something for all tastes!
The origins and secrets of Café Asiático at Café Lab: Learn the authentic way to prepare the very best version of Café Asiático, one of the most iconic tastes of Cartagena. Of course, the visit includes a tasting, not only of the coffee but also of asiático frappé and dessert, and the venue is the oldest civic building in the city: the Casas del Rey, in which Miguel de Cervantes once stayed.
Experiencia Licor 43: One of Spain’s most popular liqueurs, Licor 43 was created in Cartagena and the modern factory is located just a few kilometres away, alongside the motorway leading to Cabo de Palos and La Manga del Mar Menor. Guided tours are offered of both the production facilities and the “Experiencia 43” centre, a kind of museum containing fascinating illustrations of the brand’s development since Licor 43 was first produced in 1946. Needless to say, the visit ends with a tasting of this delicious drink, and few will be able to resist the temptations on offer in the on-site shop!
Artisan beers with pairings at Canana Brewpub: Visit this local brewery in La Aljorra and enjoy a beautiful tasting with pairings!
Family farm visits: A fun and educational gastronomic day out the La Yerbera dairy farm in Pozo Estrecho learning all about the production of goat cheese, following the process from milking to the table! Great fun for kiddies and grown-ups alike!
Visit the Sabores de Tallante cheesemakers: Located in Tallante, just a few kilometres from the Mediterranean as the crow flies (but around 20 minutes by car, due to the mountains in between), this cheese production centre boasts products with unique tastes due to the altitude of its pasture land and the sea air. Cheeses are cured in cellars where the air is constantly circulated: to find out more sign up for a visit!
Gastro-botany in the Cartagena countryside: Discover edible wild plants and flowers in the company of biologist Lola Munuera as you visit the village of Galifa, close to the Mediterranean coast in the Natural Park of Sierra de la Muela, Cabo Tiñoso and Roldán (a protected area if great ecological value). The tours end with the preparation and tasting of a salad containing some of the ingredients found on the walk!
Lorca
The magnificent buildings of the old centre of Lorca and the imposing castle above the city attract visitors from all over the world, and the gastronomy of the “City of the Sun” is another aspect well worth exploring!
Discover the local “crespillos” with Repostería Alcazar: Find out how these salty local delights are prepared, enjoy the tasting session and no doubt you will be taking some home with you!
Enjoy the award-winning goat cheeses of El Roano: Visit the production facility of El Roano in Purias, a 15-minute drive from the centre of Lorca, to see how the cheeses are made and enjoy tastings in the trophy room, where your taste buds will demand a visit to the on-site shop!
These are just some of the opportunities which make the Region of Murcia a great place to enjoy using all five senses – what’s your favourite?
