Murcia gives a taste for life

Nov 4 2008 by Helen Hunt, Liverpool Echo

YOU expect to do a bit of wine tasting on holiday, but water testing! I was in Murcia in Spain – one of the driest territories in the whole of Europe – in a restaurant called AQVA.

This establishment houses more than 110 different mineral waters from around the world, including rainwater bottled in the Austrian mountains – said to be a favourite of Louis XIV – and a very expensive bottle of water called “Bling”, priced at 50 euros (£39.89).

The elixir of life was passed around as the waiter gave advice on which water works best with different foods. Previously, I’d been happy enough with white wine is for fish and chicken, and red for red meats.

The next morning, water was again the theme for the day.

A rafting challenge had been set, down the River Segura which wouldn't have been that bad if a) we were 10 years younger and b) we'd all stuck to just water the night before.

But it was character building.

Our prize was the beautiful riverside town of Blanca and a lovely meal at the neoclassical dining room at Hotel Conde de la Vallesa, now restored to its former 19th century glory.

The hotel is both stunning and understated with a pretty courtyard and white walls.

It was vastly different from the Mar Menor Intercontinental – our home for the weekend – which has 50 deluxe rooms and seven suites, three restaurants, four bars, a spa, an indoor and outdoor pool, a nine hole golf course which is part of the Nicklaus Golf trail and more.

Like many other plush hotels the Mar Manor is a bit anonymous but it does do quality very well..

After a quick change at the hotel, we got ready for dinner in old Murcia.

Breathtakingly beautiful architecture awaited us as we stepped off the coach, in particular the stunning baroque facade of Murcia's cathedral.

Murcia enjoys a good climate all year round and it was warm enough to wander around at our own pace.

And even at 10pm there were many bars and restaurants still open and doing a thriving trade.

The food and the drink at Restaurant Hispano based in the old quarter was good and the waiters were attentive.

Also worth a visit is the coastal city of Cartagena, a famous naval port which is steeped in history.

Visitors can get a panoramic view of Cartagena and its Roman amphitheatre at the Conception Centre. There are also a number of museums where you can find out more about its past.

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