Making memories in Murcia!

La Región de Murcia is a true hidden gem of Spain. Before I went to live there for five months, people would ask me where Murcia was, and why I was going there. A stone's throw from the Valencian resorts of Alicante and Benidorm, it seems as though Murcia is relatively ignored as a great travel destination. Because of the fact it's not as well-known, the prices are really low in Murcia, so it will suit any budget. And of course, the main benefit of living in Murcia is the guarantee of good weather. In the summer months, there is an average of 27 degrees and the coldest temperature is 10 degrees in January. There was just five days of rain in the five months I was there and it was lovely waking up every day knowing that the sun would be there to greet you.

I lived in a small town called Alhama, 40 mins away from Murcia city, which has a relatively small population of just under 450, 000. Although small, the city is full of things to see. Murcia's Cathedral is still one of my favourite buildings in Spain, and a visit to the Casino is a must to admire the ornate architecture inside. The Casa Consistorial is also a sight to behold with beautiful flower gardens.

The region of Murcia also has its own gastronomy. You can find traditional Murcian food in any restaurant and café. One of my favourite dishes was the arroz al caldero, which is a rice dish cooked in a cauldron, served with fish. Another thing to try is the pastel de carne which is a pie-shaped pastry filled with juicy meat, tomato and egg. If you're ever in Murcia, pop into Madre de Dios for the most exquisite tapas you've ever tasted - my top picks are the Queso de Cabra con Mermelada de Tomate (Goats Cheese and Tomato Jam, served with crackers) and the Patatas Bravas with cheese, bacon and fried egg.

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If you like a fiesta, Murcia has also got you covered. In Murcia City, SALA REM is the place to go to bust some moves and there's also a Erasmus bar called Badulake, which offers cheap drinks and language exchange meet-ups through the week.

My favourite thing about the region of Murcia was, without a doubt, the landscape. The region boasts a number of gorgeous beaches, from Mar Menor to Mazarrón to Cartagena. The region is also a dream for outdoors adventures, with lush forests and beautiful mountains with amazing views. I was never tired of looking at the mountains during my car journey to work each morning, and it's one thing I am severely missing now I am back at home in my city. One of my favourite experiences was going hiking in the gorges in Librilla, Murcia. I felt like I was exploring Spain's answer to the Grand Canyon as I walked through rocks shaped by rivers and wind. In Librilla, you can also find the Barranco de Gebas, an incredible expanse of rocks and bright blue water which looks like a lunar landscape. It's amazing what can be found half an hour outside of a sleepy small town.

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Like the rest of Spain, Murcians also love festivals. When I was there, I experienced two. I spent a night dancing in the street and eating churros con chocolate in the sea-side town of Àguilas, then another night in the Festival de Los Mayos in my town, which is a folk festival where the locals dress up in medieval jester costumes and there is a day and night long party where you can eat from a giant paella, watch live music, look at paper maché models of politicians and celebrities and take a mini train ride through the town.

If you're up for adventure, then Murcia is the place for you. I was always doing something different from one weekend to the next and already I am looking for an excuse to go back!