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Why holiday in the region of Murcia/Costa Calida?
To the Far Southeast of the Province of Murcia, there is a large expanse of
water called the Mar Menor.
An enormous lagoon, approximately 26 kilometres
long and 7 kilometres wide, famous for its warm, tranquil and salty water.
The La Manga Strip, a barrier protecting the Mar Menor from the
Mediterranean Sea, is approximately 18 kilometres long and 900 metres at its
widest point and 50 at its narrowest.
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The La Manga reached its present configuration in the 1600's, emerging from
centuries of sand being pushed by sea currents onto an under-water volcanic
range which stretches up to Cabot Palos.
This formed a long peninsula of
sand dunes which connected the Mar Menor with the Mediterranean through the
golas or canals of El Estacio, El Charco and El Ventorrillo. |
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| The history of La Manga is closely related to fishermen and pirates who, for
centuries operated in the Mediterranean. |
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Within the Mar Menor are five islands. To the South are three small
islands: Isla del Ciervo, Isla Ronda and Isla del Sujeto. At the centre are
two more.
La Isla or Isla del Baron (Baron Island) privately owned with
it's tall watchtower and 200 year old villa, and La Isla Pedrdiguera, 1 kilometre square, previously famous for it's part in the Spanish Civil War
and now famous for it's superb beachfront fish restaurants. |
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Just outside in the Mediterranean (The Mar Menor) are more islands; the
military island of La Grosa, El Farallon reef and Las Islas Hormigas crowned
by a white lighthouse.
These days, beautiful sandy beaches and promenades surround the Mar Menor,
and further inland palm plantations, farmland and volcanic mountains can be
seen.
The surrounding towns and villages host a variety of bars,
restaurants and tourist attractions, with many traditional fiestas
throughout the year.
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Cartagena
The port of Cartagena, in the Mediterranean's Costa Calida, has been prized since Carthaginian times.
Thanks to its strategic position on the Murcia coast, it has been inhabited by several cultures which have left their mark on its artistic heritage.
A tour of the place and its museums will draw us into the history of a city closely tied to the sea.
Port of Cultures initiative allows visitors to enjoy a wide range of options, discovering the cultural wealth and rich history of this town. This is an authentic journey across the centuries that will take you from the town's origins through to the present day.
On the way you will discover its historic vestiges, its most emblematic places and the splendid collections housed in its archaeological museums. |
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Los Alcazares
The Coastal town of Los Alcazares, situated on the Mar Menor, is a privileged enclave, mainly because of its Mediterranean climate-warm and sunny, as well as for its services. 7 kilometres of beaches, are highlighted by La Concha and Los Narejos, with a privileged First Class Sports Centre.
Tourism in Los Alcazares is growing: due to its waters; which contain salt and iodine, its shallowness, calmness and absence waves, and its exceptional temperature converts the Mar Menor into the best therapeutic remedy as well as into the ideal place to enjoy yourselves all year round.
Water Sports include sailing, windsurfing and snorkelling,….and Sport activities; golf, aerobics, volleyball, tennis, squash, basketball and football….
Strolling along the Maritime walkways embrace with Plam tress, enjoying the breath talking views to the Mar Menor, as well as savouring the delicious regional dishes of Murcian gastronomy, such as "El Caldero" and the infamous fresh fish shellfish of the region, is a delight.
Walking or bike riding along the typical green routes like, the "Cabezo Gordo", "Salinas de San Pedro" and "Calblanque"; or going on excursions for a day to cities like Alicante, Murcia and Cartagena, and participating in Local Festivities: Like "La Semana de La Huerta", "La Fiesta de La Mar" and the historical "Incursiones Berberiscas"…..make your time here enjoyable. |
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View Larger Map |
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The Costa Calida boasts itself as the home to the Mar Menor, Europe’s largest salt water lagoon. Beaches of both the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean Sea can be enjoyed on this stretch of coastline. The Mar Menor is calm, gentle and warm (in the summer it can reach temperatures of up to 30º) but if you get too warm there, the beautiful white beaches of the Mediterranean with its cooling breezes are the perfect remedy.
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The World Health Organisation believe the Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida have the healthiest climate in the world – more than 500,000 foreigners seem to agree since it is fast becoming the retirement capital of Europe along with more than 10 million visitors a year. |
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The region of Murcia has the typical Mediterranean semi-arid subtropical climate. |
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In general rain is scarce throughout the Murcia region (approx. 300-350 mm/year), falling mainly in the spring (April) and autumn (October) that’s in contrast to the UK and Ireland where wettest areas can reach up to 4500mm of rainfall per year! |
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Murcia enjoys up to 320 days of sunshine each year; compare that to an average maximum of up to 78 days of sunshine in the UK and Ireland! |
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The annual average temperature in the Murcia region is 18º, with mild winters and hot summers (registering absolute maximum temperatures of 40º) |
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While famous for its tomatoes, almonds, oranges, melons and vegetables Murcia province is also Spain's largest producer of lemons!!! |
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Fishing is the major industry in the area, followed by agriculture and mining. |
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Murcia has the fastest rising house prices in Spain – 170% in the past five years! |
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Murcia has been one of the top 10 performing regions in the EU in the past five years and was listed as the region with the greatest future potential in the European Regions and Cities of the Future 2004-05 competition, making it an attractive area for investors. |
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