Murcia & the Costa Calida
The region of Murcia is an unspoilt area in the South-East of Spain with 250km of coastline along the shores of two seas: the Mediterranean and the Mar Menor. The area enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year and an annual average temperature of 21° C.
It is a land of contrast. Inland, there are mountains and natural parks like Sierra Espuna. Explore castles steeped in history in Lorca and Caravaca de la Cruz ( one of the World’s 5 Holy Cities and custodian of the Lignum Crucis holy relic). On the Coast, admire the endless beaches of fine white sand and imposing cliffs. Visit quaint fishing villages like Cabo de Palos or enjoy the unique paradise of La Manga with its shores belonging to two seas.
The coastline of the region of Murcia stretches through 6 main areas. From north to south these are:
Mar Menor
Mar Menor is a giant coastal lagoon and its waters are considered therapeutic because of its chemical qualities. Its high salt concentration, the absence of strong waves, shallow depth (max 7m) and of course the exceptional temperature in summer and winter make it unique. The 7km coastline is made up of the following beaches from north to south, some of which have been awarded the EU blue flag: Las Salinas, Los Narejos, Las Palmeras, Espejo, Manzanares, Carrion and La Concha.
These beaches are connected by a magnificent promenade. They are fully equipped with showers, drinking fountains, access for the disabled and also cater for games and sports. The Mar Menor, apart from being the biggest open-air health spa in the world, is also considered one of the best areas to practice regatta and water sports all year round.
La Manga
La Manga is a strip of land measuring approx 24km between Cabo de Palos and La Punta del Mojon. Its width varies between 200m and 1.5km and it separates the Mediterranean Sea and the Mar Menor. It is broken by natural channels which allow water to enter the lagoon from the Mediterranean. It is home to some fabulous stretches of beaches.
Cartagena
The Cartagena coastline has very varied landscapes and beaches.
Mazarron
Mazarron is a natural paradise offering visitors a total of 32 beaches located a short distance from Condado de Alhama. It is a huge open bay covering 35km of coastline. Many of the beaches are hidden beaches that do not appear on the map but certainly exist, nestling among volcanic rock formations in little coves close to the bay. There is plenty of variety to choose from, ranging from the discreet retreats set aside for nudists, to the seemingly endless sandy `blue flag’ beaches.
Lorca
There are 13 beaches that make up this coastline. The main characteristic is their excellent state of natural conservation.
Aguilas
Aguilas has a coastline measuring some 28km and it maintains its maritime traditions.
Places to Visit
Throughout Murcia there are a number of lovely places to vist, apart from the glorious sandy beaches....
Murcia City
Murcia is the Region’s commercial and cultural capital. It is an open and dynamic city with excellent connections to other major cities in the South East of Spain. Its climate and friendliness of its people make it welcoming and this is noticeable in its bustling streets and squares. It has excellent shops both in the city centre and in `out of town’ shopping areas.Murcia has many fine buildings, including the Cathedral which shows off their excellent architecture. It offers an excellent all year round choice of music, theatre, opera exhibitions and cuisine, along with all types of businesses and services.
Cartagena
It is the millennial Port of the Mediterranean, known 2000 years ago as Carthagonova. It is a town of great historical interest with important monuments and archaeological remains. It has a tourist boat that takes you all around the docks of Cartagena, describing a circular route that borders the lighthouses of Curra and Navidad, the Algameca Chica and the Isla de Escombreras. Step on board the tourist bus and visit the most important and interesting sights throughout the town.
Lorca
Wander through the old artisan quarter of this historic town where handicrafts, textiles, pottery and baskets woven from esparto grass are still made using traditional techniques.
Lorca castle is an entertaining day out for the family. Travel back in time and encounter the Roman world
Caravaca de La Cruz
This town is one of the 5 Holy Cities of the World and is custodian of the Lignum Crucis holy relic.
Los Acazares
The town centre is located on the Mar Menor beachfront. It took its name from the Moorish palaces built overlooking the coastline of the Mar Menor in the Middle Ages. The town offers 7km of sandy beaches.
