Luxury hotel holidays to Valencia and Murcia

Highlights of Valencia and Murcia

The City of Arts and Sciences and the Fine Arts Museum in Valencia. Historic monuments within Valencia including a 15th century silk exchange and a Cathedral, home to a Holy Chalice which is said to be the Holy Grail. Wildlife in the wetlands of the Albufera Natural Park. The lively university city of Murcia with Moorish fortified walls, Baroque cathedral and wealth of tapas bars. The Castell de la Santa Bárbara and Museo Arqueológico Pronvicial, giving the best views over the city of Alicante. The historic port town of Denia with its beautiful beaches, hilltop castle, former fishing neighbourhood or Baix la mar and Moorish influenced distrcit of Les Roques. Walking in Montgó Natural Park. Swimming at the secluded Les Rotes beach and nearby Cova Tallada (reached by boat or on foot). The town of Morella is the northern reaches of Valencia with its medieval fortified town and 13th century aqueduct. The iconic Penon de Ifach rock in the heart of Calpe. The colourful port city of Cartagena with its Roman Theatre, Castillo de la Concepcion and beautiful seafront promenade.

Festivals in Valencia and Murcia

March: Las Fallas festival of fire (Valencia), La Magdalena festivities in Castellon de la Plana. April: Easter celebrations and religious processions, Night of the Drums (Mula), Moor and Christians re-enactment fiesta in Banyeres de Mariola, Spring celebrations in Murcia including the “Burial of the Sardine”. June: Bonfires of San Juan Midsummer’s Eve Festival (Alicante). July: Valencia July Fair. August: La Tomatina tomato throwing festival (Bunol), August Fair in Xativa, the Corda fire festival in Paterna, Sexenni festival in Morella (every 6 years). September: Bull and horse droving in Segorbe, Murcia Fair, Romans and Carthaginians re-enactment in Cartagena.

Gastronomy in Valencia and Murcia

Cuisine in eastern Spain takes inspiration from both central Spain and the Arab influences of its past whilst making use of local ingredients available including seafood, fresh vegetables and game. Valencia and Murcia host many restaurants specialising in shellfish and fish, with fish often cooked in a salt crust or ‘a la espalda’ (lightly fried and baked). Paella, the vibrant rice dish which is known the world over originated in Valencia. Typical dishes include unusual ‘sea and mountain' combinations which use both meat and seafood, ‘Pa amb tomàquet' (bread with tomato, oil and garlic), ‘Fideuá' (a variant of Paella with pasta), ‘Zarzuela' (a seafood stew), ‘Escudella’ (a stew containing vegetables, meat, rice and pasta) and ‘Crema Catalana' (a Catalan version of a Crème Brûlée).

Climate in Valencia and Murcia

Valencia and Murcia enjoy a typical Mediterranean climate, although higher areas are somewhat cooler. Late spring and early autumn are great times to visit coastal areas as the weather is warm with temperatures of around 20 degrees centigrade, although some rainfall can be expected. Mid-summer in the cities can be unbearably hot, but the coastline is cooled by sea breezes. Winter is generally mild with occasional rain and average temperatures of 10-15 degrees, making this a favoured destination for cultural exploration year-round.