The cuisine of the many restaurants and Tapas bars in the area are heavily influenced by the Mediterranean and its fish. The best examples come in the rice and fish dishes, augmented by local tomatoes, peppers, beans and cauliflowers. Compliment this with excellent wines produced locally from Jumilla, Yecla and Rioja regions all of which are well worth trying. A dessert of traditional rice pudding made with goats milk lemon rind and cinnamon is followed by coffee and brandy. A truly succulent meal to saviour.
From the high Sierras inland to the shores of the blue Mediterranean lies a vast plain, the warm all year round climate and fertile soil making this famous as the market garden of Spain.