A cold, wet and windy weekend is being forecast for the UK – but you could escape to a stunning Spanish city which is expected to be basking in 23C warmth.
At the time of writing, flights from Birmingham to Murcia on Sunday, December 6 are available from just £27.99 with Ryanair.
This means you could leave the winter behind and jet off to sunny southern Spain – where temperatures are expected to peak at 23c on Saturday.
Sunday in the city is expected to be a little cooler – but still gloriously sunny. And there’s plenty to see and do once you get there.
The city of Murcia is a cultural gem. It boasts bustling squares like the picturesque Plaza de las Flores – which is filled with flowers, cafes and restaurants.
There are excellent museums like the Salzillo Museum – which is dedicated to the works of Francisco Salzillo, one of Spain’s most renowned Baroque sculptors.
The museum includes the Iglesia de Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno, a historic church that houses many of Salzillo’s sculptures.
Murcia is also home to a grand cathedral with a beautiful baroque facade.
And it would make a great destination for some Christmas shopping as the city has plenty of traditional markets and modern shopping centres, filled with for artisan goods, crafts ceramics and fashion.
The Murcia region is sometimes referred to as “the garden of Europe” due to its agricultural abundance. Consequently, foodies are also in for a treat – as the city is famous for its tapas, wines and fresh produce.
Local specialities include delicious rice dishes like caldero, which the Murcian take on a seafood paella. Zarangollo — a traditional scrambled egg dish with zucchini and onion — is also a local favourite.
However, nature lovers who want to escape the hustle and bustle are also well-catered for. They can enjoy the nearby Sierra Espuña Natural Park, which is renowned for its hiking and scenic views.
The Embalse de Santomera is also close to Murcia. This picturesque reservoir, surrounded by protected landscapes, is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
This area features diverse habitats – including wetlands, saline steppes, and Mediterranean shrubland. Its ecological significance has earned it designations as a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA) and a Site of Community Importance.
Meanwhile, the Mar Menor Lagoon – Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon – is also within easy reach, on the Mediterranean coast. All of this is less than three hours away from Birmingham on a plane.