The region of Murcia lies to the south of Valencia and is thinly populated except in the areas around the rivers. The mountains reach right down to the sea. During the summer months the weather can reach temperatures in the mid to late 30’s yet the winters are mild around 16-18 degrees. The province of Murcia is irrigated by the Rivers Segura, Murdo and Sangonera, which makes ideal conditions for the many orchards of citrus fruit and farming in the region. In contrast the area also has expanses of dry, arid land where olives and vines thrive, then turning to desert-like land covered in cacti and palms.Worthy of a visit are the towns of Alhama with a splendid castle, Mula with a 15th century castle and Lorca, adorned with historical buildings and a rich history. The province has 170km of coastline with wonderful beaches at La Manga and Aguilas. The historical city of Cartagena offers a large naval base and thriving industrial area.
The city of Murcia is described as one of the most beautiful and historic in the country. The city stands on the banks if the river and enjoys all year round sunshine. It has the highest temperatures in the region. There is a great deal of Moorish influence in the city, not least of all the impressive city walls. After the re-conquest, the 20 mosques in the city were turned into churches. The Cathedral is the most highly prized building in the city. The first stone foundation was laid in the year1388 by Bishop Pedrosa, it took four centuries to complete. There are so many different styles and cultures within, including 23 different chapels. As you wander through the city, there is a monumental building on every corner. Many are in pristine condition and those that aren't are being restored to their former glory. One building worthy of a mention is the casino. Here in the 19th century, worthy citizens would sit to be admired like fish in a goldfish bowl. The palatial interior is quite amazing. In all, Murcia has everything to offer the visitor and you can almost certainly guarantee that no matter what time of year you visit, you will be wrapped up in some kind of fiesta or celebration. You will find the people pleasant and friendly towards tourists. Murcia is a University City and as such has a large number of students. The area around the university has a wealth of lively bars and restaurants that are truly vibrant with life.
Mar Menor (Little Sea) is a unique area located on the eastern coast of Spain, within the region of Murcia, just above the city of Cartagena. Few regions have the good fortune to have both a saltwater lake and a Mediterranean shore. The region of Murcia has both and the saltwater lake with an area of 170sq.km is known as Mar Menor, the largest saltwater lake in Europe. Mar Menor is part of the Costa Calida.
The area dates back to prehistoric times but most remains found date from the Roman and Arabic periods. The Romans valued the area highly and developed a valuable salt industry. It was about 1000 years ago that the lake took on the appearance it has today. The Romans called it Belich and referred to it as a port of refuge. It was much deeper in those times so could cope with even the largest of vessels. Over the last hundred years or so, the area has developed into a tourist haven. As well as the natural importance of the area the mud and clay are said to have therapeutic properties, known for centuries.
The average annual temperature here is 17ºC and the average during the summer is above 21ºC. The winters are very mild, very rarely falling below 10ºC. Rain is also rare here. With over 3000 hours of sunshine a year and the mild climate, the water here can reach 30º in August.
The coast of the Mar Menor is flanked by small towns, in the past homes to fishermen and today, tourist enclaves. San Pedro del Pinatar in the north covers 21.7sq.km and has 15,200 inhabitants. This can swell to 60,000 in the summer months. Below this is San Javier with over 20,000 residents.
The area offers manyl golf courses, municipal parks and the famous resort of La Manga. La Manga has more than 40km of beaches and the unique possibility of choosing between two seas with very different water temperatures, one with waves and one practically calm all year long. With so much water here there is no wonder that the area is a haven for water sports. The possibilities here are endless from sailing to diving, windsurfing and jet skiing.
Other places worthy of a visit are Santiago de la Riberera, Los Alcázares and old fishing village and the point at Cabo de Palos with its lighthouse. If history is of interest to you then you must visit nearby Cartagena with its castles, forts and lighthouses.
We hope this has given you a little insight to this wonderful region and I very much look forward to assisting you with your property search.
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