It’s close to the Costa Blanca, but it remains a deeply Spanish little city, says Sarah Barrell.

Murcia is only a short drive from the Costa Blanca, yet feels far removed from the tourist crowds.

This compact, quietly confident Spanish city, surrounded by mountains, welcomes its few visitors with an elegant pedestrian centre, 18th-century architecture and superb restaurants serving food straight from the surrounding huerta de Europa (orchard of Europe).

The Telegraph Travel section: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/spain/735418/Rich-pickings-in-the-orchard-of-Europe.html