Friendly and compact, Murcia isn’t just a fine destination for a visit, it’s also relatively easy to navigate by car. Traffic is light except during rush hours, and you’re perfectly situated to get out on the road and see nearby villages or head for the beach.

Several ‘A’ and ‘N’ roads serve Murcia’s centre, with the A-30 running north to south along its western side, while the N-301 and N-340 also connect here. You may want to park up and explore the historic centre of the city on foot, as the roads here are narrow and tight, and many of the sights require you to walk around them. You’ll find numerous car parks close by, while there’s also on-street paid parking in blue zones, although spaces can be quite scarce in the latter.

In Murcia, as in all of Spain and most of mainland Europe, you’ll need to drive on the right and overtake on the left. Speed limits are clearly signposted and range from 50km/h (30mph) inside the city (although occasionally slower) to 120 km/h (74mph) once out on motorways, many of which are tolled in Spain. Most of the driving rules here are common sense – seatbelts must be worn, mobile phone use while driving is illegal and children under 12 cannot sit in the front passenger seat.

Head out of Murcia and you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice as to where to go first. The A-30 will take you south to the coastal city of Cartagena with its wonderful Roman Theatre. Alternatively, seek out the sun and nightlife of both Alicante and Benidorm by taking the A-7 north-east. You’ll pass numerous other tempting coves and bays along the way.

Cathedrals and churches, old universities and spacious plazas – Murcia is the epitome of a classic Spanish city. It’s also largely unspoiled compared to many of the largest Spanish cities, which can give you the feeling that you’re among the first to discover its many fine aspects. Go to eat or go to indulge your cultural side – you’re sure to want to come back.

Calm of the cathedral

Serene on the inside, the Catedral de Santa Maria has a complicated but beautiful exterior. A mosque once stood here, a hangover from Moorish rule, before this Gothic edifice was erected in the 14^th century. There are elements from other eras too, with some baroque elements and even some remains of the 11^th century mosque. Opt for a guided tour of the bell tower and visit the attached museum to get some perspective on this Murcian landmark.

Join the club

A former gentleman’s club that first opened its doors in 1847, the Real Casino de Murcia is not your average city centre casino. The architecture combines modernist and classical elements and there’s a lovely Moorish patio reminiscent of both Seville’s Alcazar and Granada’s Alhambra. A ballroom is glamour personified, while the library is the reading room of many a bibliophile’s dreams.

Top of the tapas tree

The vibrant Murcia eating scene supports a huge number of top notch tapas bars and restaurants. Whether you choose to take a tour or put down roots in one spot, you can’t go far wrong. Eat in the fine surrounds of the Real Casino (see above) and you can sample dishes such as hake cheeks in squid ink sauce and superb Murcian specialties.

Make your next stop La Mejillonera, which specialises in mussels or, head to Los Zagales for fried squid and then Casa Perela for exceptional wild mushrooms. Alternatively, devise your own route – there’s a treat waiting for you in each and every place.

The Roman legacy

For a truly rewarding day trip, head to Cartagena. With its famed harbour, in use for millennia, it’s a place that has been shaped by history, invasions and the shifting landscapes of religion. Here you’ll find Catholic and Islamic buildings next to amazing Roman relics such as the theatre. You can explore a Roman town and villa too, while the Palacio Consistorial may be of a much more recent vintage but still draws visitors in beyond its cool marble façade.

Opt for car hire in Murcia and the whole of the city and the coast is at your fingertips, blessed with a winning combination of sun, culture and cuisine.