THE REGION'S CAPITAL CITY - MURCIA
Wandering around the back streets of the city heading in the direction of the Cathedral you will find many charming lanes with exclusive shops, boutiques, cafes, restaurants and tapas bars. Watch the many street performers and admire the beautiful plazas colourful flower displays.
Admire the fine architecture around the city including Murcia Cathedral. Artistic and historic wealth is on display at the city´s museums, including the Archaeological Museum, Fine Arts Museum and the Salzillo Museum. Throughout various times of the year Murcia hosts great fiestas, one of the most popular fiestas is the Bando de la Huerta on the first Tuesday after Easter.
ANCIENT COASTAL CITY - CARTAGENA
Cartagena is a historic Roman city. The port area has a wide promenade and just a short stroll through the historical buildings leads you into the town centre. The charming lanes and streets are often bustling with local people, except for siesta time when many of the shops close and re-open again in the late afternoon.
The tourist boat that takes you around the docks of Cartagena, describing a circular route that borders the Lighthouses of Curra and Navidad, Algameca Chica and the Isle of Escombreras. Cartagena’s tourist bus takes you to the sights throughout the town, including the Castle of La Concepcion and the Panoramic Lift. The Naval Museum is a must for sea lovers with remains of ship wrecks and Roman ships.
THE POPULAR SEASIDE TOWN - LOS ALCAZARES
Los Alcazares is a seaside town with calm warm waters and sandy beaches. Visit the Playa de los Narejos beach it is one of many Q award winning beaches in the area for its high standards and cleanliness.
The fine sandy stretches for many miles and it is possible to walk from one end of the Los Alcazares to the other along the promenade. The beaches are lined with sun beds & parasols, bars and restaurants and is a great place to spend the day. Just a short walk inland leads you into the town centre area of Los Alcazares with many bars and restaurants for all tastes.
Along the beach you will find water sports centres offering a range of sports including pedalos and jet skis.
THE WORLD'S FIFTH HOLY CITY - CARAVACA DE LA CRUZ
Caravaca is the fifth holiest city in the world, which means the town celebrates an Annus Sanctus every seven years, which is similar to a Jubilee.
An important monument in Caravaca is the Temple of the Holy Cross, where the relic is bathed each year on the 3rd May during the celebration of the popular festivities of The Holy Cross. Another popular fiesta is los Caballos del Vino – Wine horses, were decoratively harnessed horses gallop up the steep slopes to the castle.
There are many interesting 16th century churches to visit including La Soledad now converted into an Archaeological Museum, El Salvador, La Purísima and the Convent of the Carmelites.
SPANISH FISHING VILLAGE - CABO DE PALOS
Visit Cabo de Palos this charming port area situated as you first approach the strip, South of La Manga. Watch the fishermen prepare the boats in this charming location, then later on sample there fresh catch of fish at one of the many restaurants overlooking the sea. The 19th century lighthouse at Cablo de Palos has excellent views over the Mediterranean and the spectacular mountains.
THERAPEUTIC SEASIDE TOWN - SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR
The warm shallow water of the Mar Menor and the sandy beaches stretch from one end of San Pedro del Pinatar through to the next town. There are many children’s play areas and benches to sit and relax and enjoy the wonderful views across the Mar Menor. Various water sports activities and events are held on this end of the Mar Menor including wind surfing and jet skiing. Beaches to visit include Playa El Mojon, Playa de Villananitos and Playa De Las Salinas.
Go bird watching at the Salinas de San Pedro (Salt Lakes) and watch the flamingos and other birds that migrate to the area at certain times of the year. By the Ezequiela’s windmill walk out on the long pier and try the famous therapeutic mud’s, known to help rheumatism and arthritis.
QUAINT SEASIDE TOWN - SANTIAGO DE LA RIBERA
This quaint seaside town is a lovely place for an afternoon wander. Follow the main high street lined with lush plants, trees and browse past the selection of local shops down to the beach front with its newly opened promenade area and wonderful views across the Mar Menor. There are many popular seafood restaurants on the beachfront that attract both local Spanish and tourists to their fine food and location.
THE FAMOUS - LA MANGA
The famous La Manga strip has two seas the Mar Menor one side and the Blue Mediterranean Sea the other side. The famous strip has miles of beaches, harbour areas, numerous restaurants and shops that line the area from one end to the other.
The Mediterranean side has blue waters and a cool breeze ideal for activities – La Manga is well known for water sports activities including scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing and much more. The Islas Hormigas marine reserve is a protected area and is one of Spain’s best diving areas, with water temperatures ranging from 16ºC in winter to 30ºC in the summer. Cala del Pino and Playa de Levante are popular beaches to visit during the summer time.
