Murcia under construction
Murcia [pronounced Murthia] is one of the regions with the most sunny days a year, average of 320, an average annual temperature of 21º C, and 250 km of shoreline along two seas: the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean. It is noted for being a land of contrasts, with mountainous national parks, southern basins with steppe landscapes, and wonderful beaches such as those of La Manga, Mazarrón and Calblanque.
The area has a spectacular
combination of orange groves and sweeping coastline. Murcia City, the
historical and cultural capital of the region is only 15 minutes drive,
and 20 minutes from the sandy, Blue Flag beaches of the Mar Menor.
This region of Murcia is famous for its 250km of beautiful coastline and 320
days of sunshine a year. The coastal area, Costa Calida, means warm coast.
Murcia's coastline is rich and diverse, areas of rough water contrasting
with gentle coves and quiet beaches. Dunes, salt flats, wetlands. The
coastline of Murcia Region contains a considerable number of areas of
indisputable environmental interest, many of them Nature Reserves. Places
where you can still find native flora and fauna such as the Phoenician
juniper (Sabina mora), a native tree variety, and the "fartet" (Aphanius
iberus), a minute and highly unusual fish, the only one of its kind.
The diversity of the landscape, the privileged climate and the cultural
and historical richness make Murcia the perfect region to live in and
enjoy the outdoors, practise water sports in the Mar Menor, explore its
mountains, go hiking, rural tourism... and, of course, play golf.
The Murcia Region is located right in the middle of the Mediterranean arch, between Valencia, Andalusia, and Castilla-La Mancha. It covers an area of 11,317 km2, ranking 9th in size among Spain´s Autonomous Regions.
Murcia, the capital, is open and dynamic, with excellent access to all other cities on Spain´s east coast, and highly interesting commercial activity. Its climate and the good-natured character of its people make it a cosy city, a virtue reflected in the constantly busy streets and plazas of its old quarters, where residents and visitors chat, take walks, savour delicious "tapas", or embark on one of its many cultural routes.
Centuries of history and numerous civilizations provide the Murcia
Region with a rich historical and cultural heritage, with highly
representative buildings such as the Cathedral and the Casino in the
capital, the Roman Theatre in Cartagena, and the medieval castles of
Lorca and Mula.
Over 30 museums, 22 castles, and remains of fortresses spread across the
entire land complete this region's appeal, a land full of history and a
tremendously varied artistic heritage.
Furthermore, today the Murcia Region is experiencing enormous growth,
with new, modern infrastructures, while concurrently sustaining
meticulous respect for the environment. Development that endows it with
a special uniqueness, resulting from a mix between tradition and
modernity, and ranks it as one of the Regions with greater tourist
interest, with an extensive offering of culture, leisure and services.
The villages around the Mar Menor have been tourist destinations for the Spanish for many years. The beautiful beaches of resorts such as Lo Pagan, Santiago de La Ribera and Los Alcazares (a resort even in Roman times) are on the crystal clear Mar Menor.
The Mar Menor is open to the sea at its northern end and is quite shallow (maximum depth of 7m), so it is excellent for children as its beaches shelve very gently. In the summer, the waters are literally like a warm bath.
The inland area of Murcia is one of Spain’s best kept secrets. There is an enormous variety and to list everything would not be possible on this website. We will give you a small taste of what is available
Murcia is one of the smaller regions of Spain and nowhere is more than about one and a half hours from Murcia Airport (San Javier) which is located on the coast of the Mar Menor. The coastal area of Murcia is known as the Costa Calida or “Warm Coast”. It stretches from the largest lagoon in Europe (the Mar Menor) around the La Manga Strip and along the Mediterranean coast to Aguilas in the south.
City of
Murcia Tourist Information
The regional capital - Murcia City, is known as the “Baroque capitol of
Spain” for its wealth of fine buildings and is a fantastic place to
explore. It is shopping heaven with many up market shops and department
stores.
You can wander through the pedestrian areas to beautiful squares which are just waiting to be discovered. There is a magnificent cathedral, a beautiful monastery, gardens and parks, the list is almost endless.
South from Murcia the motorway takes you past the town of Alhama de Murcia with it’s Moorish castle, Roman spas and beautiful church. Continue south to Totana which again has a beautiful church and an enormous market every Wednesday.
Both of these small towns are on the edge of the stunning Sierra Espuna Regional Park. This area is a paradise for walkers with dedicated trails criss-crossing the mountain area which is covered in pine trees.
On the far side of the Mar Menor can be found the La Manga Strip which is unique in Europe, having sea on both sides.
The sunrises over the Mediterranean can be spectacular and the sunsets over the quieter Mar Menor are stunning. This whole area is a Mecca for lovers of watersports of all kinds, sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, jetskis, snorkelling, scuba diving or just swimming. There are many marinas in the area and several schools for these activities.
The Islas Hormigas underwater preserve is a protected area that is World renown in diving circles. Several of the diving schools at the village of Cabo de Palos take trips out to this area. Cabo de Palos is a working fishing village located at the base of the strip and is well known throughout the region for its collection of fine fish restaurants.
Further south is the Calblanque Regional Park which is a protected area where mountains plunge into the Mediterranean. Here can be found the best beaches in the area – totally unspoilt. Activities here include hiking, horse riding and even mountain climbing. Adjacent to this area is the World famous La Manga Club, 3 golf courses, football and tennis academies and a 5 star Hyatt hotel.
From here the Coastal city of Cartagena is a short ride. The city was founded in pre Roman times and has several archaeological remains even a Roman amphitheatre. The port city has a large marina and a great deal of money is being invested restoring the beautiful buildings. The waterfront has been completely rebuilt with several restaurants and bars. The city is a working port and also a naval base and is very proud of it’s history. During September there is a major Fiesta where the residents dress as Romans and Carthaginians and party well into the early hours. A large section of the shopping area has been pedestrianised and there also department stores, streetside cafes, restaurants, bars and 2 large hypermarkets located on the edges of the city.
Aguillas, Spain - Tourist Information
Further south, the small fishing village of La Azohia used to rely on
tuna but now is a base for divers. It is a quiet, beautiful spot nestled
beneath the hills with views south along the coast. The coast road leads
next to the town of Puerto Mazarron.
A lot of money is being spent in this area with new marinas and
promenades and the beach at Bolnuevo is one of the best. Finally we
reach Aguilas, dominated by it’s castle on the headland. This town
almost marks the border with Andalucia and again has marinas and
promenades.
The coast of Murcia has a great deal of variety to offer.
Totana,
Spain – Tourist information
On the southern edge of the Sierra Espuna about 7km out of Totana is the
sleepy medieval village of Aledo with it’s Moorish tower and church on a
rocky promontory. Between Aledo and Totana is the La Santa monastery
which has been restored and turned into a hotel. The church here is
stunning with almost every inch painted with scenes from the bible and
the gardens are a fantastic place just to relax. Further south on the
motorway we arrive at Lorca. This is a large town with a lot of history.
It has been fought over several times in the wars between the Christians
and the Moors. It has an excellent shopping area but is most famous for
it’s large fortress which dominates the town. It is possible to tour the
fortress with an English speaking guide.
Returning to Murcia and taking the motorways inland (Westward) we discover the Ricote Valley. This region is famous for it’s unspoiled scenery with apricot and plum orchards, vineyards, olives, cereal crops and even rice growing in the fields between the mountains. This is a great area to explore all of the small villages and towns and there are some real gems here.
From Murcia city westward we fist arrive at Archena which is a beautiful small town with large church on the central hill. However it is most famous for it’s hot springs which have been in use since Roman times.
The small town of Mula with it’s narrow streets is nestled beneath the castle and has some beautiful churches. The villages of Bullas and Jumilla are famous for the excellent wine from this region and contain some lovely old buildings.
Further west we come to Calasparra which is famous throughout Spain for the rice that is produced nearby (reputed to be the best in Spain). The narrow streets in this small town have been pedestrianised and there are several cafes and restaurants to while away the hours. During September there is a fiesta here where the bulls are run through the streets (as at Pamplona).
On the edge of Calasparra is the Sanctuary, (Santuario de Nuestra Senora de la Esperanza) which is a church and monastery built into the cliff above the Rio Segura. Typical of this area, this beautiful spot is not on the “tourist trail”, neither is the nearby Cenajo lake where mountains drop into a lake of vivid turquoise colour (comparable to the Canadian Rockies). Westward still, we come across the typical village of Cehegin with it’s beautiful church dominating the houses below.
Closeby and almost on the border is the town of Caravacca de la Cruz. This is one of the World’s 5 holy cities (this includes locations such as Jerusalem and Rome). It is dominated by a fortress on a hill which now guards the large church at it’s centre. In 1232 a Christian prisoner here, converted the reigning Moorish sultan following the appearance of angels bearing a cross. The cross was lost during the recent civil war and has been replaced by one from Rome, which has inside it a remnant of the original wooden cross. This town therefore is a site of pilgrimage. It is also famous for it’s week long wine horse fiesta held in May with events culminating in the racing of horses, with magnificent jewelled mantles, from the fortress to the streets below, an amazing spectacle.
