If you’re looking to catch some sunny rays, you don’t necessarily have to cross an entire continent. Not everywhere in Europe has icicles on their way. One often underrated city just three hours away has €2 pints and 21 degree highs in January.
The Murcia province in southeastern Spain is said to be relatively unknown, even for the Spanish. So if you love Alicante but can’t stand wading through the busy crowds, then look no further for an unspoiled, authentic hidden jewel of the country.
It’s known as “Europe’s orchard” due to its long agricultural tradition and its fruit, vegetable, and flower production. Even a mere bell pepper grown in its fertile soils is incredibly vibrant, and apricots are imported by the ton.
Its capital, also called Murcia, is a fantastically walkable university city. The architecture, including an ornate cathedral and the tallest bell tower in Spain, has a mash-up of styles from Gothic and Renaissance to baroque. It boasts beautiful scenery, local food, rich history, cycling routes and an ideal climate.
A large natural park, the Parque Regional de Carrascoy y el Valle, lies just to the south of the city. The drinks are affordable, with a pint of lager coming to €2 (£1.76).
There are two airports nearby. Murcia-San Javier Airport (MJV) is located on the edge of the Mar Menor close to the town of San Javier, 45 kilometres southeast of Murcia. There is also an airport at the neighboring city of Alicante (ALC) 70 km from Murcia.
The warmest country in Europe in January is Spain, followed by Portugal, Cyprus, Southern Italy and Malta. Murcia isn’t the only sunny winter paradise in Spain. Of course, the Canary Islands are the hottest point, but if a 4.5 hour flight is too long for you then consider Seville. It’s jammed full of tourists in summer, but by January it has mostly emptied, meaning you’ll have its opulent castles and palaces all to yourself.
And if you crave immersing yourself in Moroccan culture but find its sun unbearably stifling in summer, in the cooler months you can enjoy it at a comfortable 23 degrees.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
