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Sink into the cushions at this magical Arabic-style tearoom and bar, where you can choose from more than 80 different infusions – plus wonderful Moroccan pastries.

The peaceful medieval village of Aledo is huddled tightly behind vestiges of ancient walls, on a rocky outcrop that juts out alarmingly over the surrounding valley. Perched at the tip of the village is a watchtower, surrounded by a modern walkway offering beautiful views over the terraced hillsides and distant peaks. Three km (2 miles) away, an elegant 18th-century sanctuary with a richly carved artesonado ceiling houses a much-venerated image of the local patron saint, Santa Eulalia. Aledo sits on the borders of the wonderful Regional Park of the Sierra de Espuña.

There is little to see in the sleepy market town of Archena besides the florid Baroque Church of San Juan Batista and a few neglected aristocratic mansions, but its spa (Balneario de Archena) has been famous since Roman times. Prettily located in a cool palm grove on the banks of the River Segura, the spa has grown into a miniature village, complete with a delightful chapel and 19th-century casino. There are three hotels (see Mountain Retreats), and a whole range of health and beauty treatments are on offer.

Murcia is famous for its beautifully crafted belenes , the figures used to decorate traditional nativity scenes at Christmas. This old-fashioned shop sells a host of figures, from angels and saints to farmers and fishermen.

If you are planning a picnic, stop off at this traditional bakery for some empanadas , the traditional pastries stuffed with all kinds of fillings from tuna to ham. There’s also a vegetarian version made with pisto (like ratatouille).

Calasparra overlooks a lush valley on the banks of the River Segura; settlers have been drawn to this area since neolithic times. During the Middle Ages, it was an important frontier settlement controlled by the Order of the Knights of Malta, who built its 13th-century castle. Now, it’s a serene agricultural town surrounded by a sea of blossom in spring, and golden rice fields in the autumn. Rice dishes feature prominently on local menus (see Rice), along with pungent cured sausages and hams.

This local favourite specializes in mountain stews made with beans and flavoured with cured meat.

Carnival is an excuse to party hard across the region. Águilas really goes to town as parades process riotously through the streets and parties erupt in every bar and square.