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. In Murcia tourist information is available at tourist information centres.

Murcia -The Coast
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. The villages around the Mar Menor have been tourist destinations for the Spanish tourist 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 it’s northern end and is quite shallow (maximum depth of 7m), so it is excellent for children as it’s beaches shelve very gently. In the summer, the waters are literally like a warm bath.

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, snorkling, 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.

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.

Murcia – Inland
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.

The regional capitol - 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 pedestrianised 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. To explore it all would take many months.

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 cris-crossing the mountain area which is covered in pine trees. 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 jeweled mantles, from the fortress to the streets below, an amazing spectacle.

This then is just a taste of what Murcia has to offer. Murcia really does have everything.

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