Murcia and the Costa Calida
Located in the south-east of Spain, the region of Murcia enjoys mild weather all year round, has picturesque scenery, paradise beaches, vibrant culture and a rich past.
By James Stone
Murcia has more than 170km of coastline, with sandy beaches, lagoons, salt flats, coves and cliffs offering a wealth of delights to tourists. To book your perfect beach holiday, search on UK Net Guide's Holiday Search!
Ideal for walkers, paths can be trekked through the scenic Revolcadores massif and smaller mountain ranges, large pine forests and along the picturesque coastline, stopping at idyllic medieval towns.
Wine lovers should take a trip to the Altiplano, a high plateau in the north east of the region that is home to some of Murcia's best vineyards.
Murcia, capital of the region, is home to around half a million people and dates back to around 825AD. Founded by Arabs, it has a variety of architectural styles on show, including the Baroque Cathedral, Almudi Palace and the castle of Monteagudo.
Historic Cartagena is the region's most important port and has the best museums and heritage sites, many of which are linked to the Romans and Carthaginians. A visit to Caravaca de la Cruz, the Holy Town, is worthwhile if time permits, exploring its rich history and folklore through the museums and churches.
Along the Costa Calida lie pretty fishing villages, lively ports, such as Mazarron, and charming resorts with excellent beaches, crystal clear sea and restaurants serving fresh, local seafood.
The salt-water lagoon Mar Menor and the tourist resort of La Manga del Mar Menor provide the perfect place to bathe in two seas, enjoying the white sand beaches and clear waters.
Murcia also offers some of the best water sports conditions in Spain and opportunities exist all along the Costa Calida for water skiing, diving, surfing, sailing canoeing and windsurfing. Meanwhile, golfers should grab their clubs and head for one of the many pretty courses.
There are many excellent hotels and places to stay in Murcia, both along the coast and in its towns and cities. Restaurants tend to be independently owned, serving excellent local dishes of fish, stew, roasted meat, rice and salads, while the region's wine is famous.
The resorts, towns and cities of Murcia offer some good shopping experiences, from boutiques and high street stores in Murcia to good local markets and small shops selling brightly coloured handicrafts in clay, metal and wood.
Summers in Murcia are hot and winters mild, with many sunny days and beautiful balmy springs. Try and time a trip to coincide with one of the many flamboyant festivals that take place across the region throughout the year.
With large areas of its interior and coastline remaining unspoilt and far less built up that other regions of Spain, British tourists and property buyers are starting to discover the wealth of delights the region has to offer.
Murcia offers excellent value for money, breathtaking scenery, idyllic beaches and an interesting history, with a culture heavily influenced by its Moorish past.
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