Murcia

Those who intend to come just for a beach holiday or a tour of the major cities, will find there is a lot more to their Spanish holiday, Murcia is rich in natural resources, coastline and historical heritage. Visiting the whole province is impossible given the area it covers. Here are just some of the places you might like to visit.

Cartegena is a lively port and boasts excellent shopping facilities. It is the capital of the region and a very historical port, thanks to its strategic position on the Murcian coast, it has been inhabited by several cultures who have left their mark on its artistic heritage. A tour of the place and its museums will draw us into the history of a city closely tied to the sea. The Sea Wall, was built by Carlos III (18th century), and Isaac Peral’s submarine is displayed on the promenade, it was the first vessel of its kind to be built and was launched in1888, this vessel was propelled by two small 30hp electric engines.
The entrance to the town centre is dominated by the Palacio Consistorial or City Hall, magnificent early 20th century modernist architecture. The Old Cathedral is the oldest church in Cartagena (13th century), whose remains stand on the steps of a Roman Theatre which dates back to the 1st century BC This structure and is one of the most important in Spain. We recommend a stroll along the calle Mayor (Mayor street) the atmosphere is “typical spain” as this is where the locals hang out.

The city of Murcia which is only 15 minutes away, is open and dynamic, and has excellent access to all other cities on Spain´s east coast, its 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".
Visit Verónicas market it is good for Murcian market-garden products, fish and seafood. The most famous commercial streets are :- de las Flores, Trapería, Platería, la Avda, Alfonso X el Sabio. The Paseo del Malecón near the River Segura which divides the city.
The Nueva Condomina is a recently opened shopping mall with some 200 shops, including many U.K high street chains that you will be familiar with. This complex also provides an impressive range of restaurants, 10 pin bowling and a 6 screen cinema.
A new purpose built football stadium has been built next door, Real Murcia are now playing in the Spanish Premier League for the 2007/2008 season, football for some shopping for others a perfect combination for families.
Renown for its wealth of cultural heritage, the city goes back to the year 800 when it was originally founded as part of Cordoba. Famous visiting points for any traveller is the beautiful Baroque The Cathedral de Santa Maria located at the plaza del Cardinal Belluga. Right outside you will find the city hall and the Palacia Episcopal, the residency of the Bishop of Murcia, and the Roman theatre which is still in use.

The main attractions of San Pedro del Pinatar are concentrated around the beach and shore, next to the long promenade facing the Mar Menor are extensive beaches such as La Puntica or Villananitos. This watery setting, combined with the facilities at its marina is a haven for water-sports enthusiasts. The surrounding area contains the Salinas de San Pedro del Pinatar Regional Park, a space where a great many species of migratory birds, like flamingos, herons and many more come to nest each year. You can also benefit from the therapeutic properties of its mud baths giving rise to the elimination of toxic particles, especially suitable for treating bone and skin ailments.

The fishing town of Aguilas, between two bays, a maritime esplanade which skirts the beach and is lined with some beautiful buildings, below it sits the port and its characteristic black-and-white striped lighthouse built on a small peninsula. It houses numerous beaches and deserted coves awaiting the arrival of the bather, the sailor, the diver or the fisherman.
It was a major mining enclave, a reminder of these times is the Hornillo jetty, where iron, lead and silver from the nearby mines were loaded onto ships. It is worth visiting Plaza de España's beautiful gardens full of rubber plants, and at the top of the old town, standing on a promontory the castle-fortress of San Juan de Águilas.

In addition, there are other delightful picturesque fishing villages, like La Azohia or Cabo de Palos where you can lose yourself for a few days. A typical fishing village in a cove of clear waters which has many fantastic fish restaurants. A Sunday market. The sea bed has been designated a Integral Marine Reserve for its exceptional beauty and good state of conservation, considered one of the best scuba diving sites in Spain. Here you will find reefs and corral deep underwater, as well as the remains of shipwrecks. Many small beaches here can be of difficult access so bathers can find a very solitary swim.

The town and port of Mazarrón, offers the visitor a wealth of artistic heritage and an interesting variety of leisure possibilities on the shores of this Mediterranean sheltered bay, 35 kilometres of unspoilt beaches, coves and rocky sea beds make it an ideal place to soak up the sun, try scuba diving or spend a lively evening and enjoy its magnificent gastronomy.
Around the fishing port and fish market, the traveller can get a taste of its seafaring tradition. Very close by are the defensive towers of Cumbre and Caballos, and the unique “The Ciudad Encantada” (enchanted city), sandstone shapes sculpted by water and wind.

Lorca is known as the “baroque city” because of the significant architectural legacy of this style. Quaint cobbled streets flank the Plaza de España. The impressive San Antonio Porch, a gate from the old walled enclosure which guarded the city is a must see.
But it’s not all about culture when it comes to fiestas and traditions, Lorca has its fair share.

Caravaca de la Cruz one of the most interesting villages in the province, folklore and architecture which can be seen by just walking around the town and in more detail in the different museums which wrap up the essence of this land.

San Javier just 20 minutes drive, on the Mar Menor coast it has much to offer including Dos Mares shopping mall, housing a large supermarket, 10 pin bowling, cinema and an extensive food hall for take away or eat in, which I believe is open 364 days of the year.

Archena, famous for its spa baths - the Archena Spa with thermal waters. Cehegín, located in low lying land near the Argos river, this village has beautiful views of the surrounding scenery. Jumilla, and Yecla famous for their vineyards. Moratalla, located in the Moratalla mountain. Totana very close to the Espuña natural park with outstanding scenery. Los Alczares on the Mar Menor coast has a great beach and promenade with restaurants. Torre Pacheco A pleasant town with lots of shops and eating establishments. Belnuevo is a town of great scenic beauty. There are so many more for you to discover.

Other main cities of interest outside of the Murcia region are Alicante (45 minutes away), Almería (2 ½ hours), Granada (3 ½ hours) and Valencia (2 ½ hours) Madrid the capital (4 hours). Are well worth the journey.

If you plan to spend your holidays in and around Murcia, Local transportation by bus or train is available, but if you want to see something of these beautiful places mention, then we recommend car hire.