IN FOCUS MURCIA
The Spanish region offers visitors excellent regional cuisine along with exciting land-based activities, tonnes of water sports, fi ve-star spas, cosmopolitan cities and numerous fabulous beaches
Where Is It? In south-east Spain on what is known as the Mediterranean Arc, Murcia is set between the Mediterranean and a saltwater lagoon called Mar Menor. There are 252 coastal kms – with plenty of sandy beaches – along with 'The ‘Warm Coast’ (or Costa Cálida), as well as a rural interior of sleepy villages, vineyards and mountains. The exciting city of Murcia is the region’s cultural centre.
Top Spots Costa Cálida: The region’s coast is known as the Costa Cálida, or Warm Coast, due to its mild weather, with an average temperature of 19.4ºC and some 315 days of sun a year. Here, visitors can enjoy sun and sand all year round. The coastline is more abrupt in the districts of Mazarrón, Lorca and Águilas, with unspoilt coves alternating with excellent fi ne sandy beaches. The Mar Menor: This protected lagoon Covers an area of 170km2
, and its warm,
shallow waters and gentle wind mean water sports are accessible at any time of year, and for all ages and abilities. La Manga: The narrow spit of land that separates Mar Menor from the Mediterranean has particularly fi ne, long and white sandy beaches. Murcia: A city with a varied culture derived from Moors, Jews and Christians. Top sights include the 15th century Cathedral of Santa Maria, the famous Casino, the castle of Monteagudo and the Market of Veronicas, where stalls sell colourful fruits and vegetables and delicious tapas. There are also many museums and galleries, some dedicated to local artists. Cartagena: One of the world’s oldest cities, once Cartagena was also one of the richest cities of the ancient world. These days the town’s attractions include the magnifi cent Roman Theatre, its bustling harbour and many plazas, parks, cafes and several bars and restaurants.
What To Do Water Sports: The Costa Cálida has more than 30 water sport centres and schools providing facilities for and instruction in scuba diving, canoeing, sailing, windsurfi ng and water skiing, amongst others. The Mar Menor-Cabo de Palos Water Sports Consortium operates along the same lines as a ski resort, providing both sports facilities and accommodation all along the coast of the Mar Menor and La Manga. Gastronomy: A Mediterranean diet is on the menu in Murcia, with stews, salads, baked meat and rice dishes, along with many seafood delicacies from the bountiful coast. The Romans brought preserves and salted fi sh, whilst Arab infl uences mean spices, aromatic herbs and exotic fruit and vegetables. Wellness: Spa and wellness tourism is big business in Murcia, which is renowned for its thermal mineral spas, thalassotherapy centres near the beach
and hotel or resort spas. The waters of Mar Menor have
high levels of salt and are rich in magnesium, calcium, sodium, bromide, iodine and fl uoride, which makes them ideal for treating common conditions like arthritis. Golf: Murcia is now fi rmly established as one of Europe’s top golf destinations. Amateur and professional golfers alike can choose from 20 top-quality courses within a radius of 50km. This convenient cluster of golf
courses – perfect for a golfi ng short break – comes with a huge choice of accommodation on modern golf resorts or in luxury villas with swimming pools.
Information
www.murciaturistica.es www.spain.info
Good for all: The Murcia region is a destination full of contrasts, where
everything is close at hand and easily accessible – so perfect for families who can’t agree on what to do!
Off piste: Got a client that thinks Spain is too 'touristy'? Murcia is Spain
off-the-beaten track, with true rural charm and culture
Sun lovers: Murcia can bank on more than 300 days of sunshine a year
and an average temperature of over 20 degrees
Easter Treats: Book a trip to Murcia during Easter, when the streets
of Cartagena, Murcia and Lorca come alive with magnificent processions
www.shortbreaksholidays.com • July/August 2011 17
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