 The nearest large city, with a lively, bohemian atmosphere, is about 50 minutes drive from La Manga Club all by motorway. Visit the Cathedral from 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. and meander through the surrounding streets. Murcia is a surprisingly beautiful city with some fascinating buildings which are of baroque ancestry. Have some delicious tapas or a full lunch (ask what the speciality of the day is) at the Restaurante Hispano near the cathedral. Or, if you really want to feel the atmosphere, have a picnic lunch on the grass with the students in front of the ‘Glorieta de España’. Browse around El Corte Ingles, the huge department store in Murcia which, the Spanish claim, is comparable to Harrods. To get there take the ‘Ronda Norte’ exit from the Cartagena-Murcia motorway – El Corte Ingles is in the ‘Avenida de la Libertad’ and has its own underground car park. For the ‘Glorieta de España’ and Cathedral, continue down the ‘Avenida de la Libertad’ on to the ‘Gran Via’ get into the left hand lane and turn left at the traffic lights just before the bridge (not crossing to the other side of the river) - get into the right hand lane and park in the underground car park - the pedestrian exit brings you out at the ‘Glorieta de España’.
 Murcia is anxious to preserve its historical treasures as well as allowing visitors to see them. A variety of museums and exhibition centres have been opened. These include the Belle Artes public gallery or the Archaeological Museum, which holds one of the best collections of Iberian art in the country; the Exhibition gallery in the Church of the Las Veronicas Convent; the Salzillo Museum, containing the beautiful carved religious figures by the famous artist Salzillo; the Cathedral Museum and the Municipal Museums. These include a wide range of themes including the Almudi Palace Art Centre, The Museum of Bullfighting and the Ramon Gaya Art Gallery. Examples of Murcia’s long traditions in pottery, embroidery and the making of carpets and paper mache toys can be seen at the Regional Craft Centre.
Sightseeing trips are available for groups by prior arrangement with the Tourist office.
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What to do 
