Murcia

Reasons to visit Murcia

Murcia is a small, and for the most part, un-discovered region of Spain. It has, along with its neighbouring province Almeria, one of the driest climates in Spain. Its coast is sometimes called the Costa Cálida, meaning the warm coast, and because of its own microclimate, the temperature averages around 5 degrees warmer than the rest of the Mediterranean.

Murcia boasts Europe's largest seawater lagoon, the Mar Menor, its waters reputedly having therapeutic qualities. The Mar Menor also attracts plenty of wildlife too and is home to thousands of flamingos during their migration in the autumn. The main tourist resort in the area is La Manga, a mecca for watersports and golf enthusiasts. A short drive along the coast from La Manga will bring you to the attractive fishing village of Cabo de Palos, with its numerous harbour front restaurants and boats for charter. Other resorts in Murcia include Mazarrón and Aguilas.

The historic city of Murcia lies inland about 45 minutes drive from La Manga, and is worth visiting for its many beautiful buildings and historical treasures. Murcia also has its share of festivals and throughout the year there are fairs, concerts, music festivals and theatrical events. The second largest city in Murcia is the ancient port of Cartagena, a principal naval base of Spain. It was founded by the Carthaginians in the 3rd century BC and the city has done much recently to restore many of its important buildings. There are good museums and parks, and the port area is particularly worth seeing. Cartagena is also well known for its traditional restaurants and good shops, especially fashion and jewellery.

Nature lovers should visit the Sierra Espuña National Park, Murcia's best kept secret. It's a mountainous area covered by pine forests and excellent for walking, climbing and mountain biking. One good place to stay nearby is the village of Gebas, known for its ravines, or barrancos in Spanish, and the unusual rock formations that are to be seen there.