Located in the South-East of Spain, the Region of Murcia is characterized by its mild, sunny weather. Over here, as if it was a small continent, a great range of landscapes and sceneries coexist, and as a group they provide the visitors with a vast range of possibilities. Beaches, country sides, cities, traditions, folklore, culture, sports and health merge into a dynamic, active set of touristic attractions.
Two crystal-clear, mild seas, the Mar Menor (Minor See) and the Mediterranean sea, surround the Region¿s coast. This area, widely known as la Costa Cálida (The Warm Coast), is famous for the fact that there watersports can be played all year long. The Estación Naútica del Mar Menor (Mar Menor Marine Resort) makes available for visitors all what it takes to take up, improve and enjoy activities such as sailing, canoeing, surfing or kite surfing. Those who prefer plunging into the Mediterranean Sea waters will find some of the best seafloors in Cabo de Palos, Águilas and Mazarrón. There are also beaches for all tastes, ranging from the vast, serene beaches by the Mar Menor to the unchanged natural paradises such as Calblanque, Calnegre or Bolnuevo. Mazarrón and Águilas have the rockiest coast, where both unspoilt coves and large beaches of thin sand can be found.
Murcia, the capital, is thought so that visitors can go all over the city on foot. One can stroll through streets such as Trapería and Platería ¿which reminisce the old guild structure of the city- or through the Malecón, a flood barrier and one of the most emblematic promenades in the city. In addition to the archetypical Catedral de Santa María del Mar (Santa María del Mar Cathedral) and the Palacio Episcopal (Episcopal Palace), the churches and museums of the city are worth a visit. Amongst all those museums and churches the one dedicated to the painter of religious images Francisco Salzillo stands out. The traditional tapeo ¿going around the bars drinking and eating snacks- is a great alternative to get to know and taste traditional Murcian cuisine. This activity can be carried out in any of the numerous terraces spread all over the city¿s squares.
Cartagena, the Roman city, allows us to steep in history through its numerous archaeological remains. The jewels of the city are its Roman Theatre and its Museum, a project led by the architect Ramael Moneo, who has highlighted the value of one of the largest Roman Theatres preserved in Spain. There is no better option to immerse oneself in this city than to go all over its centres Puerto de Culturas, where the Punic, Roman, military and modernist Cartagenas are presented.
La Fortaleza del Sol (the Sun Forstress), formerly a medieval building and now a thematic area, towers over Lorca, the medieval city par excellence. Designated as Historic Artistic Site in 1964, in Lorca the Convento de la Merced (La Merced Convent), the Plaza de España (Spanish Square) and La Ex Colegiata de San Patricio (former Saint Patrick¿s collegiate church) stand out, as well as palaces and former noble homes such as the Palacio Guevara (Guevara Palace).
Caravaca de la Cruz is a pilgrimage place for Christians, since it is one of the five cities in the world that enjoys the privilege of being allowed to celebrate the so-called Permanent Jubilee Year. In Caravaca the cross Santísima y Vera Cruz must be venerated. This cross is stored in the homonymous basilica, and its legend dates back to as far as 1232.
This Region's landscape is also ideal for outdoors activies. El Parque Regional de Sierra Espuña (Sierra Espuña Regional Reserve) very much stands out. This Regional Reserve is a true green lung, a perfect place for rock climbing, hiking or paragliding. The comarca del Noroeste (Northwestern Region), the comarca del Nordeste (Northeastern Region), Cieza and the Valle de Ricote (Ricote Valley) are also noteworthy. The latter stands out for the descent through the Cañón de Almadenes (Almadenes Canyon) and the Cueva del Puerto (Port Cave), being both very popular attractions.
Travellers can recharge their batteries by taking a healthy, nice bath in any of the spas and thalassotherapy centres which spread the length and breadth of the Region. At the same time they can enjoy the best cuisine Murcia has to offer as well as the finest local wines.
Furthermore, Murcia has a list of holidays full of popular celebrations which make this land an ideal place to go out partying, blend in with people and enjoy these cheerful, hospitable people's culture and history.