As
one of the most secluded regions
of Spain due to the surrounding
mountain ranges of Andalucia, Castilla
and Valencia, the Costa Calida
is quickly being discovered as
investors come south from the Costa
Blanca in search of larger properties
and a more authentically Spanish
way of life. Murcia, the province's
capital, has become a popular location
for property buyers, as are the
areas around the Mar Menor and
Aguilas. To the North where Costa
Calida borders the Costa Blanca,
Torrevieja continues to attract
investors. The Puerto de Mazarrón
that has been under development
boasts beautiful beaches, bars,
shops and restaurants. The port
area offers excellent opportunities
for purchasing a holiday home or
investment property.
Located
between the Costa del Sol in Andalucia
and the Costa del Azahar in Alicante,
the Costa Cálida (Warm Coast)
is the coastline of the province
of Murcia. Murcia is a small and
perhaps one of the less known regions
of Spain as it is surrounded inland
by the mountain ranges of Andalucia,
Castilla and Valencia. While citrus,
almond and olive groves have been
found here for centuries, the combination
of mines, fertile lands, mountains
and pine forests offer a sharp
contrast to its two neighboring
coasts. The region is also known
for its unique Mar Menor lagoon
along the coastline, while the
castles of the inland valleys are
clear history of the strategic
importance of this region.
The last Moorish stronghold in
Spain, the province’s capital
of Murcia is a fine example of
history blended perfectly with
new commercial and shopping areas.
Wherever your interests lie, the
Murcia Coast will provide you with
charming fishing towns, such as
La Azohía or Cabo de Palos,
as well as a selection of resorts
for all your watersport activities.
The Mar Menor, the near-landlocked
salt-water lagoon of 170 square
kilometers, is almost entirely
closed off by a natural breakwater
made up of sandy deposits. Puerto
de Mazarrón, boasting beautiful
beaches, shops and restaurants
and the Port is now undergoing
development. Make the visit on
foot to the old part of Cartagena,
only 8 kms away after leaving La
Unión. Finally, don’t
miss Aguilas with its 28 kilometers
of coastline offering many unspoilt,
beautiful and secluded beaches.
It is a paradise for diving lovers,
and caters for all types of aquatic
sports.
With the influence
of the Renaissance,
Murcia became one of the capitals
of Baroque art, so magnificently
represented in the entire region
and best personified by the work
of Salzillo, an artist of Italian
origin. Throughout the year there
are festivities which are worthy
of the traveller's visit. During
the first two weeks of September,
the Romería of La Fuensanta
(pilgrimage), the International
Folklore Festival and the Fiestas
of Moors and Christians are held
in Murcia. These festivities include
a variety of activities. La Unión
holds its festivities in October
(from the 6th to the 12th).
For the gourmet in the group,
the caldero (fish and rice dish)
of the Mar Menor is not to be missed
and deserves a place of honour.
It originated as a fishermen's
rice dish cooked in large iron
pots. The wines of Jumilla, Yecla,
Bullos, Aledo and Campo de Cartagena
are recommended for those who like
strong, dry and fruity wines. |
The region
is also serviced by three international
airports, and can be reached from
Alicante and Valencia airports
with daily flights; and Murcia
(south of Alicante) used by a smaller
number of British operators. The
Airport of San Javier is located
near the Mar Menor and has regular
daily air service with Madrid in
addition to some charter flights.
Just over two hours flying time
from the UK, Ryanair flies to Murcia
from multiple destinations including
London Luton, Stansted, the East
Midlands, Dublin and Glasgow Prestwick.
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