If you like sports, there are activities such as sailing, windsurfing and kayaking at its Marine Resort, available all year-round thanks to the warm temperatures in the region. Alternatively you may wish to enjoy the waters of the newly restored ancient spa.
Santiago de la Ribera is on the Mar Menor, on the coast of Murcia. This old fishing village has 4 kilometres of beach, with fine, golden sand. Its Mediterranean waters are ideal to enjoy sun, sea and water sports all year round. It has an attractive, palm-lined promenade that runs the length of the beach. the non tidal shallow waters of the Mar Menor and is the largest salt water lagoon in Europe.
The waters of this 'lagoon' have an average depth of 3.5 metres with a maximum of 6.5 metres. It is a magnificent natural swimming pool with temperatures which are maintained by the sun of approximately 30°C in the Summer months.
Aqua Natura water park
Aqua Natura is an amazing new water park located close to Murcia University. It is a new addition to the Terra Natura, a wildlife park boasting 1,500 animals. Just a few of the attractions include:
·10 water chutes
·Separate children's area with pool, bouncy castles, trampolines
·Family pool with relaxing water jets and solarium
·Zoo with over 200 species and shows including Sea Lion Show.
Directions: Take Salida 136 off the A30 Cartagena to Murcia Road. The water park is well signposted from the main road.
With over 300 days of sunshine, and the highest temperatures in the region, Murcia is a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year. It's people are known for being friendly and welcoming, and the cities numerous bars & restaurants are always vibrant and bursting with life. You are always in danger of getting caught up in some fiesta or celebration!
Apart from the bustling nightlife in Murcia City centre, numerous restaurants are accessible in the area surrounding El Valle. The Luxurious new clubhouse is now officially open and features an Irish bar, spike bar, restaurant, bank, golf shop and a supermarket. Also, A tapas bar serving snacks and coffee/drinks is available at the first tee area. Six restaurants (at present) are open on the nearby La Torre Golf Resort and provide food ranging from Italian to Tapas and light snacks. A free shuttle bus is available to convey you. Most are open to 23:00. In addition, numerous Indian, Chinese, Italian, Spanish and Argentinian Steak (!!) restaurants are accessible within 15-30 minutes drive from El Valle.
The city of Murcia has a historical centre that offers extensive shopping facilities, culture and a diverse cuisine, in short, everything that the heart desires. In the year 825, the Moors established a settlement on the spot where Murcia is now located. The square in front of the cathedral is the heart of the city.
The entire population of Murcia seems to occupy this square in the evening, filling the pavement cafés, tapas bars, bodegas and restaurants with enjoyable hustle and bustle so typical of Spanish cities. Near the cathedral, the pedestrian street Calle de la Trapería begins. This street has hundreds of shops, ranging from hyper-modern outlets for well-known brand names to traditional top-class Spanish shops selling articles such as hand-made shoes and bags.
There are plenty of historical buildings to be admired, including the Casino, which is itself a museum. Murcia will give you such a warm welcome that you will fall in love with this special city immediately. The landscape of the province of Murcia is largely defined by the cultural heritage of the people who once occupied this region: the Phoenicians, the Cartaginians, the Romans and the Moors. Even Flamenco song and dance has its roots in Arabic culture.
In particular, the "Moros y Cristianos" celebrations generate extensive festivities in many towns and cities in the province of Murcia in the summer months. The Moorish influence of former days is still visible in this part of Spain and has merged with Catholic culture to some extent. The Spanish people definitely devote as much effort to pleasure as to work.
Murcia Casino
As the saying goes, "if walls could talk." the old and well-loved Casino could tell us many stories, tales and anecdotes, which are an important part of the history of the city, sometimes as the protagonist, at others the silent witness. That, together with the unique beauty of the building, has made the Casino one of the important parts of Murcia's identity, and one of which the Murcians feel very proud.
C/ Trapería18 30001Murcia, Spain Tel No 968 215 399 Get directions
Real Murcia
Real Murcia Club de Fútbol, S.A.D. were founded in 1908 and are based in Murcia.
The team finished third in the Segunda División in 2006 and were promoted to the Spanish First Division, La Liga. Murcia's home stadium is La Nueva Condomina which can hold 33,045 spectators. Home colors are scarlet shirt and white shorts.
After a disappointing run, Real Murcia have since been relegated back to the Segunda División. During your stay at El Valle, why not check out the fixture lists and catch a game. With the possibility of drawing one of Spains top teams in the cup competitions, this could be a match to remember for all football fans.
City Museum is set in the former Junterones Palace. It very cleverly shows 2000 years of Murcia history in an interactive way, from the first prehistoric settlements to present day.
Guided tours are available on prior request
Open Tues to Sat 10:00-14:00 and 17:00 to 20:00
Romea Theatre
The Romea theatre was built by Manuel Molina in 1862, where the Convent of Santo Domingo had been before. It was inaugurated by Isabel II, and rebuilt by Justo Millán after two fires in 1877 and 1899. It has paintings by Medina Vera, A. Latorre and A. Meseguer. Its name honours the Murcian actor Julián Romea.
Ticket office: 9683551701
Ticket office timetable: from 11:00 to 13:30 and from 17:00 to 20:30
Cartagena dates back to the times of conflict between the Carthaginians and Romans and is an ancient city with a great deal of historical and, as you might expect, archaeological interest.
Located around 20 kilometres from the resort, the ancient city of Cartagena revolves around its port, which is one of the most important in Spain. At every turn, you will find evidence of its 2200 years of history, marked by the imprint of different civilisations, battles, ruins, ancient walls, castles and churches.
You could visit its numerous Roman and Byzantine ruins and its Roman theatre, its archaeological museums, or simply stroll through the city centre and marvel at its modernist architecture.
Shopping in the busy streets of its centre and its recently opened El Corte Inglés department store are a great way to complete your visit.
At the southern end of the Costa Blanca, this ancient naval town is set in a magnificent sheltered bay. The best views can be obtained from the Castle la Concepcion in the Parque Torres. Keep an eye out for "La Linterna" an ancient lighthouse.
Other interesting sights are the Gran Hotel, the Arsenal, the Town Hall the Casa Cervantes, the City Walls, the Palace of Pedreno and also the Isaac Perals submarine. Several festivals are held here during the year. The most notable of these is a Roman vs Carthaginian re-enactment of the battles that took place here in years gone by. Several Roman antiquities survive in this city, which is well worth a visit.
Lo Pagan Mud Baths and Beach
Lo Pagan on the Mar Menor (lesser sea) is best known for its therapeutic mud baths, the mud has been renowned from early times for its healing powers. Due to the long hours of sunlight and the very high salt level in the waters a unique mud has been created in a section of the lake known as La Puntica - the mud contains high levels of potassium, calcium, magnesium, flouride, sulphur and chlorine. The mud is recommended for many skin conditions including acne, abscesses, sores and ulcers, it also has a stimulating effect on wound healing.
The mud is also recommended for its anti-imflammatory effect on rheumatism, arthritis, gout and for rehabilitation after a bone fracture. The mud is applied over the infected areas and allowed to dry in the sun before being washed off in the salt waters. The salt water itself is also known for its healing effects. Lo Pagan is in the Costa Calida region of the province of Murcia, south-eastern Spain
