What Do You Fancy?
'Two seas on one coastline - the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean - , impressive cliffs, heavenly beaches of endless white sand, lively ports and wild coves with crystal clear water, more than 3,000 hours of sun a year and mild temperatures - even in winter - with a yearly average of more than 18ºC. This is the Costa Cálida, the ideal place to spend some days relaxing both in winter and summer'
Large pond, Small sea, throughout history, the so-called Mar Menor has had different names, all of which coincide in the description of a phenomenon that nature designed as a great coastal lake (originally, an open bay) of 170 km2 of warm saltwater.
Since distant times, the wealth of its water, the kindness of the climate and the beauty of the area as a whole attracted many people. The Iberians and Phoenicians and, later, the Arabs have a part in the history of the Mar Menor. In the Moslem period, it was known as the Mar Chico, and the place known today as Los Alcázares (from the Arabic ¿Al-Ksar¿, literally translated as "place of residence") was chosen for their recreational houses. The continuous skirmishes with pirates from
From the fishing town of
The villages around the Mar Menor have been tourist destinations for the Spanish for many years. The beautiful beaches of resorts such as Lo Pagan, Santiago de La Ribera and Los Alcazares (a resort even in Roman times) are on the crystal clear Mar Menor.
The Mar Menor is open to the sea at it’s northern end and is quite shallow (maximum depth of 7m), so it is excellent for children as it’s beaches shelve very gently. In the summer, the waters are literally like a warm bath.
Like Watersports?
Fans of water sports will find one of the best places in the world for practising sailing, canoeing, swimming, water-skiing, jet-skiing, flysurfing, windsurfing, catamaranning, and every other type of watersport activity in its numerous clubs, ports and sailing schools. The Nautical Resort on the Mar Menor and similar consortiums in Mazarron and Aguilas offer the chance to hire out equipment, and book sailing courses.
Like to Charter a Boat?
Wanna go Sailing, Powerboats, Snorkelling or Fishing? just give Howard a shout and charter one of his boats. Visit his website chartermuffy and have a look at the various options he has to offer. Book early as these trips are very popular!
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Like Diving?
Whether you are learning, sampling or a novice diver there are various diving opportunities based around
La Manga and the Mar Menor. There are diving opportunities in the lagoon or the med. Check out the following links:
La Manga Diving School Adventure Divers
Like a bit of Shopping & Siteseeing?
La Manga Strip
On the far side of the Mar Menor can be found the La Manga Strip which is unique in
This whole area is a
The Islas Hormigas underwater preserve is a protected area that is World renown in diving circles. Several of the diving schools at the
Cartagena
From here the Coastal city of
The waterfront has been completely rebuilt with several restaurants and bars. The city is a working port and also a naval base and is very proud of it’s history. During September there is a major Fiesta where the residents dress as Romans and Carthaginians and party well into the early hours.
A large section of the shopping area has been pedestrianised and there also department stores, streetside cafes, restaurants, bars and 2 large hypermarkets located on the edges of the city.
City of Murcia
The regional capital -
There is a magnificent cathedral, a beautiful monastery, gardens and parks, the list is almost endless. To explore it all would take many months.
South from
With over 200km of sandy beaches stretching from the warm crystal clear waters of the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean beaches of the La Manga Strip, across the craggy cliffs and coves of the Calblanque Natuaral Park and down to the sweeping bays of the Mediterranean resort of Aguilas, the Costa Calida ( warm coast ) has a wealth of beaches. Listed below is a little more information on the beaches of the Costa Calida in the region of Murcia.
Roda Golf Beach Club
For additional leisure activities residents can make use of the exclusive Beach Club where you
will have access to a range of water sports on the shores of the Mediteranian. At 4,600m2, the Beach Club truly is a unique offer and addition to what is already a very luxurious resort. For a small charge there is a minibus which will take you on a short trip to the ferry for a very pleasant 30 minute ride across the Mar Menor to La Manga strip where another mini bus will take you to the beach club. The club offers refreshments, pool and beach area with nearby water sports activities. The beach club is open in the summer and is bookable and payable locally.
Mar Menor
This is a Europe’s largest lagoon, which maintains a warm sea temperature in whatever stage of the year (except December and January when only the most hardy Brits will brave the waters!) – with an average of 18 degrees centigrade. The Romans and the Arabs built thermal baths around the coast, and to this day people visit the area for the therapeutic properties of the bathing. There are also pockets of therapeutic ‘mud’ which is sought after (mainly by the Spanish) to cover their bodies and bake in the sunshine, this is very good for skin problems or arthritic conditions.
Its waters are rich in iodine and never get deeper than 7 metres. It is a haven for water sports such as jet skies, kite surfing, sailing boats and fishing. The warm, crystal clear waters, shallow shore lines and beach inflatables also attract many families in the summer months.
Lo Pagan and Santiago de la Ribera
These two stunning beaches on the Mar Menor are ajoining and provide hours of enjoyment for the whole family. There are parks for the children, tapas bars and seafood restaurants on the beach as well as a wealth of water sports including canoeing. And kite surfing. From the yacht club in Santiago you can take the ferry to the Tomas Maestre Marina, on the La Manga strip. This is a very pleasant 30 minute journey, and runs every hour.
Los Alcazares
Los Alcazares has one of the most beautiful Blue Flag beaches on the Costa Calida. It’s palm
lined promenade stretches about four kilometres to Los Narejos and is blue flag beach all the way. Los Alcazares is very popular with the Spanish as they love to ‘promenade’ on a warm summer’s evening. Dotted along the Losa Alcazares and Los Narejos prominade there are several wooden beach bars, so the weary can take a rest, as well as jug of sangria and watch the world go by.
Los Urrutias
Los Urrutias is a relatively new resort, Los Urrutias has almost a mile of golden beach with good facilities, enhanced by an unusual offshore marina in a hexagonal shape. Behind the beach is a modern, spaciously laid out small town with an attractive promenade and public spaces. The coast either side is protected land, preserving the quality of the environment.
Los Nietos
Los Nietos is located on the shores of the Mar Menor on the Costa Calida. Los Nietos is divided into an ‘old town’ just off the coast and a newer resort area with a very good beach, Los Nietos is another Mar Menor town with a popular marina. Big enough to have a life all year round, it is popular with buyers seeking a place to live, as well as holidaymakers. Linked to the city of Cartagena by a narrow gauge (though moodern) rail link, it is especially suitable for those who prefer to travel by public transport.
Mar de Cristal
Mar de Cristal is separated from Los Nietos by a small river and is located on the shores of the Mar Menor in the Costa Calida. Mar de Cristal is a compact and friendly little resort with three good beach areas and a new, pretty promenade with bars and restaurants. A good sized marina adds to the charm as well as it’s proximity to the famous La Manga Golf Resort, which boasts many restaurants and a casino in addition to 3 up market golf courses.
Playa Honda & Playa Paraiso
Playa Honda & Playa Paraiso are located at the very southern end of the Mar Menor on the Costa Calida. Playa Honda and Playa Paraiso are beach areas which have seen quite a bit of expansion in the last few years and have evolved into fully–fledged resorts. They are nestled with the hills of the Calablanque Nature Park behind, the protected Marchamalo salt flats to the side and the whole length of the Mar Menor in front.
La Manga
The La Manga Strip is a narrow strip of land that divides the Mediterranean sea from the Mar Menor. It is the northernmost point of the Costa Calida. As the La Manga Strip is quite narrow, you are never far from the beach. Within a few minutes walk you have the choice of the warm, crystal clear waters of the Mar Menor or the rougher waves and sandier beaches on the Mediterranean shore line. Because of the large expanse of coastline the beaches never get over populated even in the height of the summer. This is a unique location in Europe where else could you see the Sun rise over one sea ( the Mediterranean) and set over another sea ( the Mar Menor) and it is a mecca for watersports enthusiasts with a wide variety of sports available on both seas.
L'Azohia Cove
The beautiful L'Azohia Cove nessles in the foothills of the mountans south of Cartagena. It has a small fishing harbour and a sweeping bay of sand and pebbles. Located on the Costa Calida with crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean it is an excellent location for diving. It is a very relaxing place with a few bars and restaurants overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Just a few kilometres up the road you will find the L’Azohia Cove four star hotel with Spa facilities.
Puerto Mazarron
Puerto Mazarron is located on the Costa Calida south of Catagena. The lovely sandy beaches and promenade lined with restaraunts, make Puerto Mazzaron a very popluar resort with the Spanish and Visitors alike.
Bolnuevo
Bolnuevo is a popular seaside town, just south of Puerto Mazarron on the Costa Calida. It has one of the most recognisable landmarks of Murcia – the weathered sandstone formation that adorns most of the region’s brochures and tourist guides. The long beach has also added sports facilities for beach volleyball etc. Bolnuevo is also home to a Rock festival during the summer.
Aguilas
Aguilas is located at the southernmost point of the Costa Calida and has the benefit of two sandy beaches, a marina and a fishing harbour. Aguilas also has a thriving all year round town with shops, restaurants and bars. In February, Aguilas is also home to one of the largest fiestas in Spain. In the summer months, the parties continue well into the night, in a way that is part of the Spanish holiday culture.
Like a Fiesta?
Fiestas in the Region of Murcia Spain
Every city, town and village in the Region of Murcia has its own special day (Patrimonio Day)
when they hold their Fiesta. Each Fiesta varies form place to place and usually celebrates a Saint (Santa) or Religious festival (Easter is Santa Semana – Holy Week) or a product of the area (such as the Wine Fiesta at Jumilla) or a historical event (such as the Roman Fiesta at Cartagena) In fact they don’t really need an excuse to have a Fiesta!!
The Fiestas are wonderful colourful events which include a fabulous procession, where they carry the Santa though the centre of the town on their shoulders The costumes are splendid and must take all year to make. The floats are covered in flowers and are banners are carried. The whole town is involved, there are marching bands, , local dignitaries, complete families from grand mother to the smallest of babies, who are pushed along in decorated pushchairs – some are Roman Chariots, some are fishing boats!!
The Fiestas usually go on into the night, with music and dancing in the streets, food on every corner and culminating in a spectacular firework display
It is difficult to find out when the Fiestas are being held, very often we have stumbled across them by accident. They usually mark the start of the fiesta with a few loud bangs or fireworks just to let everyone know where the action is. The dates below will indicate when to expect a Fiesta, but it is always best to check in the local press or on local websites.
January
San Pedro del Pinitar
5th January the eve of Los Reyes Magos there is a procession through the streets
Aledo
6th January they celebrate the arrival of the Three Wise men with a procession lead by a young girl who is representing the Star in the East. She leads the neighbours to the birth of Jesus
Totana
7th January (January 7) This is the date on which the people of Totana hold their traditional pilgrimage when the image of 'Santa Eulalia', accompanied by a great procession, is returned to her retreat in the mountains, starts at 9 am
Aguilas
5th January Three Kings Cavalcade procession through the town.
6th January Fiesta in El Garrobillo with presentation of the Three King’s car.
Weekend closest to san Anton. Fiesta in Tebar from 12.00 hrs.
Caravacca
End of January Fiesta de las Cuadrillas de Barranda A lively fiesta of folk singing and dance. The little streets are full of food and wine.
February
Aguillas
Aguilas Carnival, declared to be of National Tourist Interest, with large and impressive street processions and important competitions. The Carnival takes place approximately forty days before Easter.
March
Los Alcazares
Las Incursiones Berberiscas starting in 2000 this fiesta is full of music, dance, games a medieval market and much more.
Easter
Easter - Santa Semana - Holy Week
This is a huge celebration in the Region of Murcia, the Region almost comes to a standstill for this most celebrated time in the Christian calender. The sombre, but colourful processions are held in most towns. Some of the most spectacular can be seen in Lorca, Murcia and Cartagena. The Easter fiesta in Lorca is of particular note, a fabulous procession of Romans, Christians and even Egyptians some on elaborate floats while others are on horseback or in chariots.
April
Totana
April 25th The Fiesta de San Marco - This festival takes place in the town of Totana with the day traditionally being spent in the countryside and people enjoy the typical dish of 'garabazos'.
May
Caravacca de la Cruz
The first week in May sees the Fiestas de la Santísima y Vera Cruz in Caravacca. A week of festivities, the most famous being the wine horse fiesta where the horses are dresses in bejewelled costumes and raced through the narrow streets.
Torre Pacheco
Procession of the Santa Cruz
July
San Javier
The month of July celebrates with a Jazz Festival at San Javier. Top Musicians from all over the world take part in this fast growing event more details can be found HERE
Cartagena
16th July, local sailors honour their patroness La Virgen del Carmen. Celebrations are centred in the port area where a stage is erected & a feast held. The evening finishes with the launching of decorated boats.
August
Aguilas
The whole month of August is a fiesta in Aguilas, with a fair, various competitions, regattas, sports tournaments, games, cultural events, theatre and exhibitions, etc.
First Sunday of the month, is Tourist Day.
Second Sunday of the month "Encuentro de Cuadrillas".
14th August at 10 p.m. Firework Display over the Levante Bay with view from the Port.
15th August, the highlight of the season with a celebration of the"Asuncion de la Virgen" (Assumption of the Virgin).
Los Alcazares
In the middle of August the Semana Internacional de la Huerta is held in Los Alcazares. This week long Fiesta has folk music, bands and handicrafts
Jumilla
A week in the middle of August the Fiestas de la Vendimia
This town is famous through out Europe for it’s wine. The fiesta celebrates the wine production with the crushing of grapes, wine tastings and ending with a parade of Moors and Christians
La Union
Early August Festival del Cante de las Minas. A week of flamenco competitions, makes this little mining town come alive with sing dance and music.
September
Cartagena
Late September (please check date). The Carthaginians & Romans Fiesta is one of the largest and most spectacular Fiestas in the Region, which last 4 days. Roman campsites are set up on the outskirts of the city and events are organised though out the week. The site of hundreds of Roman soldiers, barbarians and cartaginians marching through Cartagena is a sight to behold
Calasparra
Second week in September the Romería de la Santísima Virgen de la Esperanza is held in Calasparra. Famous for it’s rice this small town comes alive with singing and dancing into the night. Speciality food Mijas is served to passers by.
December
Totana
December 8, 9 and 10 – Fiestas in honour of Saint Eulalia These festivals begin with a pilgrimage in which the image of 'Santa Eulalia' is taken from the retreat in the mountain to that of 'San Roque'. Later, the image is taken to the church of 'Santiago' (Saint James), when a procession also takes place.
15th and 16th December Fiestas de San Roque Religious acts take place at this time of year which culminate in the procession of the Saint. There are also cultural and traditional celebrations such as the popular open-air parties which create a highly festive atmosphere.
Aguilas
8th December, Fiesta in El Garrobillo from 12,00hrs, to commemorate the Immaculate Conception
25th December, Traditional Christmas Fiesta in La Cuesta de Gos from 12,00hrs
28th December, Fiesta in El Garrobillo from 12,00hrs to commemorate the day of "Los Inocentes"
A little recent history…
For years the region of Murcia did not have the easy access of the other regions. However, in recent years the Region of Murcia has gained grants from the EU which have been wisely spent on a system of new roads. Also in the past few years Murcia airport (San Javier) has become increasingly popular with low cost airlines from the UK. Murcia has looked at the Costa del Sol to the South and the southern Costa Blanca to the North and has learned much from the overbuilding in those areas. Murcia therefore, has very strict planning laws that are aimed at protecting the beauty of the region and it has established several natural parks.
Yes there is development here, but the majority of this is on World class golf resorts and also beachfront property on the La Manga Strip. Apart from the La Manga Strip, No High-Rise properties are allowed and parks and green areas have to be left within developments. Murcia is a region that is growing – fast, but remains a challenge to explore. Come and see for yourself.
