Life and Leisure in Murcia

Murcia, in South East Spain, has not had the sameof Murcia itself dates back to 825, and has been
publicity, or prosperity, as other regions of Spain, butdescribed as the most beautiful city in Spain. With
improved air services, thanks in part to low costexcellent shopping and dining in tapas bars and
airlines, rail and motorway links, and propertyrestaurants, as well as Moorish architecture, the City of
development, ensure this is set to change. ThisMurcia has lots to offer. The university and student
traditional region is now appealing to visitors who wishpopulation, as well as many festivals and celebrations
to enjoy the real Spain, and Spanish culture such asmean that there is always plenty to do. There are also
food, architecture and the pace of life. No longer docastles and historic buildings to be found in the towns
visitors to Spain want English style pubs near theof Alamha, Mula and Lorca, and the port of Cartagena
beach, or English newspapers available in the localis a popular stopover for cruise ships. San Javier, could
shop. The Mediterranean diet is both cheap andpossibly be the perfect location: near the airport, less
healthy, whether you choose to cook, or to eat out.than half an hour from both Murcia and Cartagena, and
There is plenty to choose from and most of the fruitwithin easy reach of several golf courses.
and vegetables will be grown locally. The "packageThe region of Murcia is traditionally agricultural, and
holiday destination" image that Spain previously had isgrows a lot of olives, citrus fruit and vegetables. With
on the decline.over 100 000 hectares of vineyards, this region has a
The Costa Calida (Warm Coast) runs for over 170kmtradition of winemaking. The wines have not always
and has blue seas and a range of coastal resorts, andbeen of the best quality, but thanks to new technology
traditional Spanish fishing villages. The winterand techniques, the wine is rapidly improving and
temperature of around 11 degrees and a summerbecoming more commercially successful. Why not
temperature of up to 34 degrees give the region ansample some wine while you are there?
average annual temperature of 18 degrees. CombinedNature lovers are well catered for in Murcia, and there
with over 300 sunny days a year, it is not hard to seeare many nature parks that are well worth the visit.
why this region is so tempting. The Costa Calida hasCalblanque, south of Mar Menor has been a protected
something for everyone, from unspoilt beaches andnatural area since 1982, and a nature reserve since
fishing villages, to fine golf courses and excellent water1992. This nature reserve has high dunes, sandy
sports facilities.beaches and many species of birds and plants.
The region is also well known by golfers, and the LaVisitors can enjoy the park on foot, bike and
Manga resort is the most famous golf course inhorseback as well as by car.
Murcia, if not Spain. As well as La Manga, the Club deSan Pedro del Pinatar is home to the regional park of
Golf Altorreal and the Mosa Golf Club are popularSalinas y Arenales, the most important wetlands in the
courses, and there are many other courses beingregion. Flocks of flamingos rest here each year before
developed. Some property developments aretheir journey to North Africa.
designed to appeal to golfers, and are located nearThe Sierra Espuna regional park has amazing scenery
golf courses, and new dedicated golf resorts are beingincluding dramatic peaks, forests and many species of
built.plants. Wild boar, goats, mountain cats and tortoises
At 170km square, the Mar Menor is the Europe'scan all be found here. This park is popular with
largest saltwater lagoon. As well as a fantastic placeorganised walking tours, and the peak of Espuna at
to learn to sail, windsurf, water ski, and jet ski, the high1579m can be seen from miles around.
salt content means that the lagoon is safe to swimThe warm climate and coastal activities usually initially
and paddle, making it popular with families. The Marattract visitors, and once there, they discover there is a
Menor has also become a conservation area andlot more to the region than just beaches and golf.
home to a huge number of different species of birds.From a hike through a national park to a round of golf,
If the beach, water sports and golf don't appeal to you,from a day on the beach to a day sightseeing, Murcia
there are many other reasons to visit Murcia. The citywill appeal to everyone.