Murcia is preparing to welcome visitors over the Christmas period with its usual mix of tradition and festivities.

For those keen to try something different this year, flights to the Region of Murcia airport in Corvera continue throughout the winter months from several UK airports. It’s an ideal opportunity to leave the grey skies behind to a region where temperatures remain constant around 18 degrees in December and January and with a huge array of outdoor activities to choose from.

But also waiting for guests are festive events and celebrations throughout the cities in the region, often accompanied by traditional food and drink, including tortas de pascua, tortas de recao, mazapanes and polvorones – all considered as Christmas favourites in Murcia.

Artisan markets, selling a huge selection of handmade crafts can be found for an ideal gift, while there are many street markets to choose from.

Meanwhile, the Belén de Salzillo in Murcia city is a remarkable nativity scene, created in the 18th century with incredible detail at the Salzillo Museum and is a hugely popular visitor attraction throughout December.

Parades are also a prominent part of the calendar, around Plaza Santa Domingo on Christmas Eve and also on Christmas Day as the locals take to the streets to join the fun. The processions also continue into the first few days of the new year with the three wise men parade taking place on January 5 throughout the region, with Cartagena’s version seeing the participants arriving on a boat to the shore.

As always in the region, the coast and the stunning beaches remain a constant attraction – especially welcome when the time comes to walk off some of the Christmas food and drinks.

A seven-night (December 21-28) B&B stay in a double/twin room at the four-star NH Amistad in Murcia City – with easy access to all of the city's events – is just £281 per person.

Visit www.murciaturistica.es/en for more information on the events taking place.

ENDS

About Región de Murcia
The Costa Cálida, Región de Murcia is an ideal leisure and sport destination for UK travelers. The area offers year-round sunshine with an average temperature of 19.4°c and 315 days of sunshine per year.

The picturesque region is just two hours from the UK by plane, in the south-east of Spain. Región de Murcia is in a privileged setting within the Mediterranean basin and includes 252km of coastline, known as the ‘Costa Cálida’ or warm coast. Visitors can take their pick from numerous sandy beaches; a variety of water sports and diving locations; 22 top-quality golf courses, all within easy reach of each other; delicious culinary delights; relaxing spas; and the opportunity to explore the beautiful countryside and regional parks.

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For more information, please visit www.murciaturistica.es/en or look for #VisitMurcia on social media.

For more information on Región de Murcia or for high-resolution images contact Steve Wilson on 01730 711920 or email steve@theazaleagroup.com.