The Region of Murcia is a beautiful area of Spain. Located between the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca, it has many unspoilt beaches along the Costa Calida. The region boasts 320 days of sunshine per year and temperatures average 17 degrees in the winter and 27 degrees in the summer. Known locally as the ‘Market Garden of Spain’, the combination of rich soil, irrigation techniques and warm climate makes for ideal growing conditions. Salad vegetables, citrus fruits, nuts, rice and grapes are all produced here.
The Region is rich in towns and cities with historic buildings, some dating back to the Romans and before. They also have modern shops, street markets and leisure facilities to offer the visitors. The Spanish combination of Cuisine, Fiestas and Siestas remains unspoiled, as the tourist trade in this area is largely made up of Spanish visitors.

Murcia is one of the smaller regions of Spain. Nowhere is more than about one and a half hours from Murcia Airport (San Javier) which is located on the coast of the Mar Menor. The coastal area of Murcia is known as the Costa Calida or “Warm Coast”. It stretches from the largest lagoon in Europe (the Mar Menor) around the La Manga Strip and along the Mediterranean coast to Aguilas in the south.

The villages around the Mar Menor have been tourist destinations for the Spanish for many years. The beautiful beaches of resorts such as Lo Pagan, Santiago de La Ribera and Los Alcazares (a resort even in Roman times) are on the crystal clear Mar Menor. The Mar Menor is open to the sea at it’s northern end and is quite shallow (maximum depth of 7m), so it is excellent for children as it’s beaches shelve very gently. In the summer, the waters are literally like a warm bath

On the far side of the Mar Menor is the La Manga Strip, unique in Europe as it has sea on both sides. The sunrises over the Mediterranean can be spectacular and the sunsets over the quieter Mar Menor are stunning. The whole area is a Mecca for lovers of watersports - sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing, jet skis, snorkeling, scuba diving or just swimming. There are many marinas in the area and schools for these activities.
The Islas Hormigas underwater preserve is a protected area renowned in diving circles and the diving schools at of Cabo de Palos take trips out to this area. Cabo de Palos is a working fishing village located at the base of the strip and is well known throughout the region for its fine fish restaurants.

                                    Inland Murcia
The regional capital, Murcia City, is known as the “Baroque capital of Spain” for its wealth of fine buildings and is a fantastic place to explore. It is shopping heaven with many up market shops and department stores. Wander through the pedestrianised areas to beautiful squares which are just waiting to be discovered. There is a magnificent cathedral plus a monastery, gardens and parks. South from Murcia is the town of Alhama de Murcia with it’s Moorish castle, Roman spas and beautiful church. Further south is  Totana which again has a beautiful church and an enormous market every Wednesday. Both of these small towns are on the edge of the stunning Sierra Espuna Regional Park. This area is a paradise for walkers with dedicated trails crisscrossing the mountain area which is covered in pine trees.