If we add to this Region a climate with temperatures near to 18�c on average, and nearly 2,800 hours of sun a year and the friendliness of its people we can understand how this place has turned into an ideal place to enjoy leisure time at any age.

Health and beauty

Spending a relaxing time, escaping from the daily hustle and bustle or taking a health bath in its thermal spas, centres of thalassotherapy and spas are other reasons to visit the Region of Murcia.

Set in Ricote Valley is Archena Thermal Spa, one of the most important in Spain because of its mineral-medicinal waters, excellence of its services and the charming spot in which it is located. Equally, Leana Thermal spa a few kilometres from the town of Fortuna, is one of the oldest in the country. Also the town of Mazarr�n has a Thermal Spa which is a stone?s throw away from the sea.

Along the Mar Menor coastline, the thalossatherapy centres are located. Their mineral-medicinal waters produce beneficial results in the treatment of many ailments. In addition to this, different spas can be found in both inland and the coast, where water is used as the main element in their treatments.

Wine Tourism

The Region of Murcia represents a journey of discovery for wine lovers.

In this respect, Murcia is the only Autonomous Community with three different Designation of Origin title wines, Jumilla, Yecla and Bullas. With a tradition dating back to the Romans, nowadays different initiatives link wine with culture, leisure and health, presenting an offer ranging from visits to wine cellars and vineyards to festivals, tasting sessions, museums and wine routes.

Active Tourism

Having a well-balanced landscape contrast, warm temperatures throughout the year and a place where everything is close by, the Region of Murcia becomes an attractive place to enjoy all sorts of adventure activities and active tourism.

Warm and shallow waters, together with mild winds, make Mar Menor the ideal place for adventure. To this end, Estaci�n Na�tica Mar Menor ? Cabo de Palos offers over 30 schools all over the coastline allowing both beginners and advanced learners to practise such sports as sailing, scuba diving, windsurfing, canoeing, stand up paddle or water skiing.

Diving in the Mediterranean Sea is also one of the most popular activities, as we have one of the most stunning sea beds in Europe.

Together with the above, other leisure activities on display are hiking, paragliding, climbing, rafting, horse or bike rides, caving, and many other pastimes where adrenaline is paramount.

Cuisine

One of the most attractive options for tourists has to do with the local cuisine. Indulge yourself in a variety of taste-filled fish and vegetables, cold meats and salted fish and cheese and wine which have been awarded with a certificate of origin.

In order to savour these local specialities and tapas, there exist countless alternatives throughout the Region to get to know the richness of the Mediterranean diet.

Beside the popular ?arroz caldero? and the seafood dishes from Mar Menor, there is a wide range of Murcian delicacies well-known outside our borders. Among them, ?zarangollo?, broad beans omelette, ?michirones?, ?arroz con habichuelas? and meat pie. Also local and delicious desserts such as ?paparajote?, ?tocino de cielo? or ?arrope y calabazate? and many others can be tasted. Have a nice meal!

For further information visit www.murciaturistica.es